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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
terrific coming of age young adult fantasy, July 4, 2007
The Shinali survivors are on the run from the Navoran Empire who annexed their neighbors in a brutal campaign. The Navoran Emperor Jaganath orders his soldiers to finish the mission by exterminating the few remaining surviving Shinali. Those remaining Shinali flee through treacherous mountains and even the deadlier Desert seeking safety, but the enemy keeps hunting them. Shinali healer Ashila gives birth to the first child born since they took flight. Over the years, Avala remembers hunger and thirst, but vividly recalls her mother carrying her through hostile environs.
When Ayala is old enough to understand Ashila tells her about her deceased father, Gabriel (see SECRET SACRAMENT) of Navoran, which provides some solace to the child, as times at best were tough. Avala dreamed of following her mother's footsteps by becoming a healer, but tribal seer Zalidas thinks otherwise. He believes Ayala will herald the TIME OF THE EAGLE that will prove the salvation of the Shinali, but the chosen one has doubts as she fears she lacks the courage of the warrior hunter as she is just a novice healer who detests hurting anything living.
Although reading SECRET SACRAMENT will enhance this tale because it provides more detailed background that led to the predicament that the Shinali face, TIME OF THE EAGLE can stand alone as a terrific coming of age young adult fantasy. The story line is told predominantly from Ayala's perspective as she turns from frightened healer apprentice to even more frightened destiny's savior. She keeps the tale focused as she relates the events that must turn a hunted healer's heart into a hunting warrior with a healer's heart if the Shinali are to survive their ordeal. Fans of all ages will appreciate Sherryl Jordan's next generation sequel.
Harriet Klausner
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Time of the Eagle, July 25, 2007
Sherryl Jordan is my favorite author of all time. She has a beautiful talent, one of weaving intricate characters and sweeping stories that make the reader sure he is a part of the adventure in the book.
I've actually written to Ms. Jordan and we have corresponded for about three years now. Recently she sent me an advanced copy of the Time of the Eagle, and signed the front of it for me! I read the book - I could not put it down. It was beautiful being reunited with the characters from the prequel, Secret Sacrament. I was sad when the book was finished, but I am happy that all of my friends - Avala, Ashila, Sheel Chandra, Salverion, Embry, Ishtok, and many more - are well and loved and will live forever in my heart.
I highly recommend any and all of Sherryl Jordan's novels.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
A FANTASY FOR ALL AGES, July 13, 2008
Reviewed by Vicky Burkholder
on 07/13/2008
"Avala's fate is might, for she is the chosen one-the one who will bring the Time of the Eagle, when the hunted will become the hunters and win back their freedom. It is a destiny that requires the spirit of a warrior and the heart of a healer."
Although this is technically a sequel to "Secret Sacrament," there is no need to read that book to know and understand what is happening in this one. However, if it is anywhere close to being as good as this one, I recommend it. In this book, Avala, daughter of the Navoran Gabriel and the Shinali healer Ashila, is the Chosen One - the one who will unite all the tribes and overthrow the despotic ruler of Navora. It is a difficult path for a sixteen year old, but one she accepts. Through the epic tale, she is captured by an enemy warrior, enslaved, escapes, nearly dies in a blizzard, is found by the people who will teach her about her destiny, then leads an army in rebellion. That's a lot for a young woman to accomplish, but she does.
This is a coming of age tale that draws heavily on Native American and Maori tribal traditions. The background is rich and helps the reader understand Avala's world. The characters are well developed and believable. Though at times, the story was a bit slow - like any epic book is bound to be - it was so well written that those few places didn't detract from the story. When faced with a slow book, I often skip whole passages - even chapters - just to get to something interesting. I didn't do that with this book. I couldn't. Skipping even one page would have taken away from the overall story, and this is so good I didn't want to do that.
If you're into epic stories, or if you've read any of Ms. Jordan's other works, especially the prequel to this one, then I highly recommend you pick this one up. You won't be disappointed. Please note that this is specifically aimed at the teen or YA market. There is no swearing and no sex - and yet the book is still incredibly good. A recommended read for all.
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