Feathers is the second book in the Tales Trilogy by Rose Mannering. For those looking for an obvious sequel to Roses, you won’t find it here. However, the discerning reader will find bits and pieces that tie the stories together in the chapters that separate the five parts of the book. Additionally, in Part Five, you start to see the crossover between characters in book one and characters in book two, but you have to look closely or you will miss it.
Overall, I found this an interesting read. The book is based around the character of Ode, a misunderstood and largely unwanted child of a tribal chief. There is a great deal of tribal imagery in this book with nomadic lifestyles, hunter/gatherer imagery, and rites/rituals of growth and adulthood. The magic woven throughout the book is basic. Future visions, transformation into animals, and mention of sorcery aren’t overwhelming for those who enjoy fantasy, but aren’t into following complex abilities and magic.
Because the book is tribal in nature, some of the language and patterns of speech of the native speakers can be difficult to follow at first. Once you get the hang of the sentence structure and the placement of specific words it flows pretty easily, but don’t be frustrated with the first few chapters where the native language is different. The story itself is effortless to read. It has a one-directional timeline, and the characters are quite easy to follow.
Feathers is a great read, especially for younger readers just beginning to enter the young adult fantasy genre. The story is straightforward and easier to follow then some of the more complex YA fantasy novels. While there is some violence, it is more in passing then being a pivotal part of the story (see content review below).
I am looking forward to the third installment to see where the interplay of Roses and Feathers comes to its conclusion.
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Sky Pony Press
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: None
Violence/Gore: Adult grips child’s hand too tightly causing pain; child caught in dust storm causing scratches and cuts; boys wrestle and play swords; adult cuffs teen upside the head; character seizes and limbs contort due to magic; blood on snow from wolves fighting; dead bodies with dripping blood are strewn over horses for carrying; dream of blood and injuries from a beast attack; punch to nose causing nose to bleed and drip; extended scene (2 pages) of war between tribes with bloody injuries, arrows piercing bodies and death; character threatens to kill another; boys throw pebbles at another boy; animals fight each other (twice); carcasses of animals are lying across field; man chops off wolf’s nose; guards push and shove priests; guard is thrown off cliff.
Sex/Nudity: Adults hold hands (twice); adults kiss.
Mature Subject Matter:
Parental abandonment, miscarriage, war, death of family members, mention of gambling and stealing.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
Adults drink wine (once); mention of people drinking on corners.
