Czerneda, Julie E

This stand-alone from Aurora Award–winning Czerneda (Spectrum) is highly recommended for SF readers looking for hopepunk in the midst of both alien and human conspiracies.

Despite the popularity of Czerneda’s earlier works, (e.g., “Trade Pact Universe” trilogy), this new series, beginning with the first book, Search Image, is not quite up to par. Still, longtime fans of the author may want to give it a try.

Known for her powerful and insightful sf novels (In the Company of Others), Czerneda brings the same exacting sensibility to her brilliant fantasy debut. Her characters are both charming and believable, and Jenn, her friend Wisp, and the soldier Bannan stand out as memorable and utterly real. While this can be read as a stand-alone, there are plenty of possibilities for more stories in the world outside Marrowdell. Fans of L.E. Modesitt Jr. and Charles de Lint will love this fantastic and magical fable.