DARK FANTASY
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| YOUNG ADULT
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Debbie
Wiley
Book Reviews |
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A half-glazed window of the 17th century from Scotland
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"All is Vanity" by C. Allan Gilbert. Life, death, and meaning of
existence are intertwined. (Woman gazing into boudoir mirror forms
shape of skull.)
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BOOK
ILLUMINATIONS
From Debbie Wiley Book Reviews
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Meridian
by Amber Kizer
Meridian
Sozu has lived a lonely sixteen years, constantly surrounded by death.
Even as an infant, dying insects flocked towards her. Meridian knows
there is something different about her… she just doesn’t realize the
extent of it. Now, her heritage as a Fenestra has come to haunt her,
sending her to Revelation, Colorado, and an aunt she’s never seen. She
can embrace her heritage or die fighting it. What will she choose?
MERIDIAN is a
breath of fresh air in the genre. Amber Kizer has crafted a novel that
is darkly alluring and yet is appropriate for both a teenage and adult
reading audience. In fact, this is perhaps one of the best young adult
novels I’ve read in quite awhile as it doesn’t dwell on the teenage
angst but instead incorporates it into the overall ambiance of the
tale. Amber Kizer’s tale isn’t all dark, however, as she contrasts
light with dark in a very unusual and intriguing way. The deaths around
Meridian are lightened when seen in the context of her role as a
Fenestra.
World building is critical to the success of MERIDIAN. Amber Kizer does an
excellent job at crafting an unusual world. The mythology of the
Fenestra and the Aternocti is woven into the storyline as we learn
about it right along with Meridian.
Meridian herself is a fascinating heroine. Her differences have set her
apart from others and yet she has kept a soft heart through her
relationship with Sammy, her brother. Seeing the story unfold from her
perspective adds an aura of mystery to the tale. My only complaint is
that the villain is a bit of a caricature as the evil Reverend bent on
destroying everyone who doesn’t agree with him has been a bit
overplayed in novels and movies. Otherwise, the story flows smoothly
and is definitely one that deserves a sequel. Highly recommended!
Publisher: Delacorte Press (August 2009)
Reviewed
by Debbie, Debbie Wiley Book Reviews
Review Courtesy of Amazon Vine
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