WHEN SHADOWS GROW TALL

Unlikely heroes abound in Voss’ fantasy novel of magic and royalty.

Dactyli are elemental magicians who can access the “memories” of the Earth; as one character explains, “The earth is alive. It lives and breathes and hears and sees, just like you and me.” The group harnesses nature’s power and preserves its narrative as keepers of the sgeulachds, a compilation of objective truths. These mages have encoded and guarded living history for thousands of years, but time has eroded their strength, reducing them to relics of the very past they seek to protect. A deadly threat emerges that could seal their fate: Alev, a rogue fire mage with a thirst for power, is supporting a torturer king. Driven by the belief that a boy possessing the white flare—the ability to wield all elements—could end his reign of terror, Alev orders the murders of all male children believed to be nascent dactyli. However, a mysterious forest woman, searching for her missing father, emerges with the white flare and a calling to restore justice. United with two dactyli allies—Lovelace and Gunnar—and their brave allies, Pif and Ailwin, she’ll embark on a journey to restore peace and foster respect for the land. Readers will be swept into an unusual landscape that’s engagingly similar to our own in some ways; in this world, nature has been stripped of its resources and corruption has silenced dissent, though it’s not too late for compassion to prevail. As the story, which features vivid descriptions and intricate history, weaves in elements of mystery, readers will wonder whom the heroes can trust; along the way, they’ll enjoy scenes of fast-paced action and dangerous magic. The action is seldom graphically violent, but it’s worth noting that the villain is responsible for the slaying of children, and the discovery of one victim is described in detail that some may find disturbing. That said, the work also contains great beauty and a sense of hope, and readers will likely be excited for a sequel.

A fun adventure that will keep readers engaged.