I liked Ash. Her willingness to trust Enat and other humans, despite deeming them all destructive and violent, speaks much to her character. Also, her awakening to the truth that human nature doesn't prescribe to clear, clean-cut lines, but may, in fact, and in many instances are blurred and murky struck a chord of empathy within me. Much like a child that leaves home and enters the "real world," Ash left the protection of her sett and lost the innocence of her previous sheltered existence. My favorite part of the story is when Ash claims her name.
"This place was old, older than any place Ash had ever been. She felt the power emanating from the stones as she stepped inside the circle and stood, her face to the sky, her arms held wide.
'I am Caymin.'
...A ripple of energy moved through the air, moved through the very earth." (79)
To me that passage signifies the power that dwells within each of us and the energy that is released in the atmosphere once we claim what is ours: be it our name, gifts, talents, or purpose. On a humorous note, the banter between Beanna and Peist gave me plenty of laughs.
Rising From the Ashes is well written and researched. Before starting this book, I knew zilch about badgers. While reading, I found myself researching them and watching badgers videos on YouTube. I definitely will continue reading the series and look forward to the second installment.
- Stephanie Tullis, https://whatstheword-saywhaaat.blogspot.com
Publisher - Corgyn Publishing
Date of Publication - February 1, 2016