Fans of gentler fantasy will welcome Arenson's novel. In a land divided among four people, each with their own magic-Stonesons, who control stone; Esiren, who share thoughts; Helands, who have the power of healing; and Forestfolk, who emulate beasts-the servant girl Aeolia discovers she's the Esiren Firechild, who embodies Esiren magic and alone can harm the Stoneson ruler, Sinther. Some not terribly realistic battle scenes may be too bloody for younger readers, but those who enjoy such traditional fantasy devices as love at first sight and princes raised as commoners will be rewarded.
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From Booklist
When six-year-old Aeolia was sold into slavery to an ogre, her brother vowed he would find and free her some day, and she promised to never use her unique talent for making others feel exactly what she felt. Ten years later, men from the kingdom of Stonemark search her out because she is the only one who can hurt their king, who has become stone so that no physical weapon can harm him. Their arrival gives Aeolia the opportunity to flee the ogre and launches her on a quest that will bring friendships with the Firechild of the healing Helands and the shape-shifting Forestlands Firechild while she strives to free the Esirian refugees and liberate all Firefly Island from evil King Sinther's despotic rule. The violent and gory world Arenson has created is filled with interesting details and cultures; although the characters never quite come alive, he is an author to watch. Tixier Herald, Diana
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