Looking for Dei by David A. Willson – a Review

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Description:
Fifteen-year-old Nara Dall has never liked secrets. Yet it seems that her life has been filled with them, from the ugly scar on her back to the strange powers she possesses. Her mysterious father refuses to say anything about her origins, and soon, she and her best friend must attend the announcement ceremony, in which youths are tested for a magical gift.

A gifted youth has not been announced in the poor village of Dimmitt for decades. When Nara uncovers the reason, she uses her own powers to make things right. The decision sets her on a path of danger, discovery, and a search for the divine. In the process, she learns the truth about herself and uncovers the biggest secret of all: the power of broken people.

Review:

Looking for Dei is the debut novel by David A. Willson.  The story takes place in the Great Land.  Fifteen year old Nara Dall lives in the small town of Dimmit, on the Southeastern corner of the Great Land.  She was raised by Bylo, the only man she has known as a father.   Nara knows she is different from other girls; the scars on her back prove that.  And she has special powers, magic.   She can do things others can not.  And because of that,  Bylo has instructed her to keep her gifts hidden from everyone -that includes her best friend Mykel.  The Great Land consists of the gifted people (those with magical powers), regular people and the cursed.  The gifted consists of a bear – which has magical strength, a knitter – which is a magical healer, a watcher – a great hunter that with vision would detect animals far away and help feed others, and a harvester – a collector of magic for others to use. You are considered blessed if you held two or more of the gifted powers.   Then there was the cursed – the cursed would be put to death right away as they were an affront to the church.  Every few years an announcement ceremony is performed.  Children who recently entered adolescence would partake in the ceremony.  During this ceremony they would find out their destiny.  This year’s ceremony would turn out quite different than expected and have traumatic and life changing results.  The results would mean that Bylo, Nara and Mykell would need to leave Dimmit in a hurry.   Once on the run Mykel finds out about Nara’s magical powers – of which he has always known her to be special.  And Mykel has come into some magical powers all of his own.  But neither of them knows if they are the good or bad kind of power.  From here they encounter an old woman named Anne, who claims to want to help them on their journey and Gwyn, a watcher who has tracked and found the scarred girl she has been looking for.  Gwyn was hired to find Nara and bring her to Minister Vorick, a blessed and powerful man.  But he has his own reasons for seeking her out.  He knows she is not like any other.  And he must have her for his own selfish reasons.  But will Nara willing help him?  Or will she use all of her powers to defeat the minister? 

Nara isn’t a typical teenager.  She knows she is different.  She has a horrific scar on her back to prove it.  And her bright red hair makes her stand out in a crowd.  She knows she harbors magic powers and has always had to keep them hidden from everyone.  But she is strong.  And all she wants is  to help others and to take care of those in need.  I truly enjoyed her character.  She is stubborn, but with such a goodness in her heart that her intentions are always for the good.  She embraces her magic and as we watch her grow and come into her own it is truly brilliant.

Mykel is also scarred with a birth defect, which I believe is why he is such a good friend to Nara. He truly loves her and would do anything for her.  But when Nara saves his life it has earth shattering results.  The consequences is that it will change both of their lives dramatically.  I loved how he cared about his little brother, took care of him, and watched out for him even though his brother could take care of himself for the most part.  He stood beside Nara and care for her with true love and kindness. They both make is very easy to fall for them and want only the best for them.

The story is written in magic.  Magic, runes, ancient manuscripts, and hereos are just a few of the wonders awaiting.  The author immerses you within the Great Land and he paints a portrait of the world around you.  I have sometimes struggled with books that portray other lands as I sometimes can not grasp the world being painted.  But this was not the case. This story is beautifully written and the landscape painted before you like a portrait that you want to step into. As the story unfolds you realize that we have only started on this journey.  I look forward to continuing with this series and with this author.

Beautifully written and magic abounds.  If you are a fan of fantasy and magic this book, this series will pull you in and take you on a magical ride.  Highly recommend.

Reviewed by Erin

Copy supplied for review