Don A. Martinez

This book had it's good points and it's bad points. It was definitely a Christian book, and waffled from preachy to not preachy any number of times. The story is of an American Indian girl who grows up in a very sheltered way on the reservation. She is extremely intelligent and religious as well. Her life leads her to the military, where the U.S. Government does things that change her life forever - literally, and so she gets recruited into a Black Ops Squad where she fights under the radar, including the end of the world battle.

The thing that I really had a problem with is the way that female characters are portrayed in this book. While they are supposed to be strong, at the drop of a hat, they seem to commit suicide, even though it is against their religion. The main character tried multiple times, and later finds out her mother did as well. When she was young, she solved harder problems by toughing things out, and yet she gets older, and goes directly for a blade to the wrists, or jumps off a building? What gives with that? I have to say, it doesn't work that way. That part of the book I found offensive - it was almost saying girls do this all the time when they can't face things. How can someone be strong and jump off a building/slit her wrists at least three times in a single book? Wouldn't you expect them to be getting therapy at least? No - she just snaps out of it, and keep on going.

The rest of the book was above average. It was rather predictable, but the action was well done, and the characters when they were happy were quite well drawn. You get weapons, magic, creatures, and action. It is an easy and fast read. If you can get around the suicide part, you'll be fine. I can't give it more than 3 stars though, as the suicide part throws the whole thing off for me, and kills credibility of the entire plot - not that the fantasy parts of the plot are believable, it's just that characters should behave like human beings. Probably more for guys than for girls, even though the protagonist is female.… (més)

I first want to thank the author for allowing me to get his books for honest reviews. I really like how he keeps you wanting to know more. The characters are believable, I fealt for Alanna through the whole story. Her trip through hell to save her fathers soul is very interesting and she learns though the whole experience that hell is not a place she wants to end up. It seems Gabe makes sure she learns what she needs to even though she gets mad that he keeps things from her because she needs to learn them on her own. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, great job Don.… (més)

I enjoyed this book, it kept me hooked until the end. I like the characters, I was able to feel for them, especially Alanna. I thought is was odd how Don inserted himself in the story as a reporter, I do not recall reading an author doing that before. It wasn't a bad thing, just odd to me. He is good at adding in politics that make the whole story feel real. I was at a loss when Alanna was at the refuge and the council wanted to talk to her, when instead of going in for what most would think would be a question answer session and gave a speech. The end left me wanting more, which is a good thing since I am going on to review the next one. Good job Don, I look forward to reading more.… (més)