Welcome to the land of wonders, where time travel is possible, space travel a reality, and "what ifs" come to life. Join me as I explore new worlds--and old ones--filled with scientific wonders, new civilizations, and strange new mysteries to consider.
This review does not represent the opinions of the general public. It reflects my personal thoughts and opinions on the book.
That said, on to the review!
When a strange telepathic cry spread across Altair, no one knew its source but everyone who heard it knew they were witnessing the emergence of a tremendously powerful Talent, perhaps even a Prime Talent. But first they had to rescue the source of that inexorable cry from whatever disaster had befallen it. They did so, and the Rowan began her exploits as one of the galaxy's most powerful minds. Those adventures would take her from her native Altair to the moon of Jupiter, Callisto, and to the far distant Deneb system, where only her strength of will and her loving heart could save the one man who could fill the empty lonely void that had been prophesied for her, and from there into the inevitable fate that would determine the future of the human race among the stars!
The Rowan, unlike the first two Talent books, focuses almost completely upon one person. "Almost," because the first part of the book is, necessarily, told from the perspective of the Rowan's guardian or an omniscient narrator. After all, the Rowan at that time still isn't quite mature enough to provide a cohesive narrative of her traumatic origins as the sole survivor of a mudslide-devastated settlement.
Perhaps the most impacting thing about this novel is that the Rowan must endure so much pain and loneliness before she can finally find and/or recover the things that will make her whole. The author does an terrific job of keeping the Rowan from becoming a "super automaton" that no one in their right minds would find interesting. No, the Rowan has a tremendously potent personality that shapes everything she does, from arguing with her alter-ego to teleporting huge spaceships almost negligently to fighting for the life of the man she loves to appreciating the finer things in life like feeding a baby. This is one woman who can never become common or comprehensible. She will surprise you nearly every step of the way.
The Rowan marks the beginning of the main thrust of the Talent books, one that will continue through subsequent novels. And while you don't necessarily need to read this book to understand them, you'll miss out on a tremendous adventure! So read this book! Got it?
Buy this book in paperback or visit the Cosmic Tomes Bazaar for other titles.
Looking for something that's no longer there? Check in the Archive to search for it.
Comments? Suggestions? Just click here to send me e-mail. Also, if this review prompted you to read the book, then let me know. I appreciate knowing I made a difference in somebody's life.
Back Home Back to Starfire Reviews
Get your own Free Home Page