In this spectacular first installment of Nicholson’s new fantasy series, readers meet Seeker for Truth on his eventful 16th birthday: He has a religious vision, sees his brother disgraced and leaves the land of his birth. Aided by two companions, he must disarm an ancient enemy that hunts Seeker’s people, the Nomana, the barrier to the telepathic race’s ability to envelope the world. A tricky, complex plot will snare teens with its sharply rising suspense and a trick or three tucked in throughout. Enough of the story’s threads are tied up in the climax and resolution to satisfy, but there are still questions left to justify sequels. Characters are clearly defined through actions and dialogue, with an excellent balance between “show” and “tell.” Strongly defined secondary characters—including villains—support the complex plot and strengthen the surprising climax and resolution. Expert world-building, great teen characters and complex plot supply a combination with appeal to fans of Nicholson’s Wind on Fire trilogy and other fantasy worlds. Try giving this to readers of Isobelle Carmody’s Obernewtyn series and Garth Nix’s Sabriel saga. (Fiction. 12-15)
