PRASANGA

Rooted in Australian Aboriginal spirituality, this intriguing first in a trilogy describes Earth thousands of years after an apocalypse.

After he envisioned catastrophe, Prophet Kongozi gathered people from all around Earth and prepared to move far underground where he thought it would be safe. Generations later, an impatient young man, Prasanga, is increasingly drawn by an urge to leave his underground family. The people are losing strength, having already lost the ability to bear children, and their precious kijana seed, which had been indirectly created by Kongozi, is running out. Without this life-giving source, those underground will die. The tribes’ wise men believe that an ancient prophecy promising Kongozi’s reincarnation in a time of deep crisis is about to come true, but the question remains as to who it will be: Prasanga, his weak-willed best friend or perhaps his betrothed. Linden bases this unique underground world on solid mythical ground–the hero is part of a trio, must find certain sacred objects to fulfill his quest and has a wise teacher who shows him how to sense the energy in all things around him. Storytelling drives the tale, revealing that while many things have been forgotten others have not. Prasanga fights the knowledge that he may be the reincarnated prophet and the only one who can save the people living underground. Linden has created a believable, albeit fantastic world, but the tale also has its share of sadness, betrayal and longing for the innocence of youth.

A surprisingly good fantasy that should appeal to teens, especially those intrigued with reincarnation and destiny.