Review: Enjoyable fantasy
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 27, 2012
First, I read the two prequels to the series, The Vanishing and The Journey Begins.  Then I started reading the first book, The Raie'Chaelia.  They were nice, but I wasn't drawn into the story.  I was really worried since I had agreed to be part of the book tour!  So, I kept reading.I think it was Buney that changed everything for me.  That adorable little furry mountain-dwelling creature.  I fell in love with Bunejab the minute he fell out of that tree.  I have to say, I always love a good story, but what I love even more is a character that transcends the story.  One that is so skillfully projected, he/she can find a place in almost any tale and outshine the protagonist.  Bunejab did this for me in The Raie'Chaelia.  I was disappointed in The Firelight of Maalda as I felt he was woefully underused.Some of the language used in the book confused me.  It's a fantasy, so a certain kind of dialogue is expected.  Yet the characters use modern American slang quite often, which hit a wrong note with me.  Then I read a quote from the author, Melissa Douthit, which said there was a reason for it and to just go along with it.  I finally figured it out her reason, but I won't mention it here in case she plans on a full reveal in a third book.Overall, this is a solid, enjoyable fantasy series.  The characters are engaging and the story moves along at a nice pace after the first few chapters.  I think both young adults and adults would enjoy reading this.Thank you Premier Virtual Author Book Tours and Melissa Douthit for allowing me to read the series!