Customer Reviews

Banyan...Keeper of the Trees

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Reviewed by Robin Gix for Reader Views (12/06)

In "Banyan...Keeper of the Trees" by Paula "Walks Alone" Urso, the story focuses on Banyan, the keeper of the trees and fairies, dragons, and other "magical" creatures.

Banyan lives in Grashot Forest and learns that his forest is in danger of being destroyed. A human by the name of Jeremy is the one who intends to cut down the forest and sell the lumber. His only motive being financial gain.

Banyan embarks on a journey to meet Shanador, the Spell Caster who will tell him how to save his forest. Shanador informs Banyan that there is a female human by the name of Ashley who can aid him in saving his forest.

Ashley is approached by a fae (a tiny, winged, seasonal fairy) who tells her that Jeremy has been possessed by a Dybbuk, a Dybbuk being an evil spirit. The fae tells Ashley that in Jeremy's presence she must play her flute to banish the Dybbuk from Jeremy's body. Ashley does just that and Jeremy is saved. The story ends here with Ashley and Jeremy falling in love and Banyan's forest being saved.

Character development in "Banyan...Keeper of the Trees" was sorely lacking. There were numerous spelling and grammatical errors. The plot is as simple as can be and yet thoroughly confusing, because of the lack of character and story development. With "Banyan...Keeper of the Trees" I am reminded of the first book I ever wrote...back in third grade.

Received book free of charge

When Banyan learns that the forest is in danger, there is only one thing that he can do. He must travel to the thirteen ancient clans and learn from them. Meanwhile, Jeremy Landruth works for the side of evil, accelerating the destruction of the place that Banyan loves.

Will the forests be destroyed? And, if they are, will it mean the destruction of man? The ending to this story seems all too clear. If people continue on the path they travel, we are certain to lose the nature and beauty around us. Paula Urso reminds us of this in her cautionary tale, Banyan...Keeper of the Trees.

As I read this novel, I could not help but be saddened by the destruction that mankind leaves in its wake. Urso should be commended, not only for her environmental conscience, but for her ability to weave this social issue into an entertaining story without losing the moral.

What Paula Urso has created with Banyan-Keeper of the Trees, is something I will not soon forget. Not intending to read the entire book in one sitting, once I started, I could not stop.

Within the first few moments I was transported into a world full of gnomes, fairies, and moss covered creatures. I was in Grashot forest.

I was most impressed by the amount of detail the book contained. Ms. Urso has spent a lot of time creating the heart of this story. From meticulous spells, to magic dictionaries, and an in-depth language for the Keepers.

And when it was all said and done, you are left knowing that you will always protect the ones you love. And you must never underestimate the children.

Pol McShane

Author-The Magic Elevator-The Adventures of Johnny & Joey