Review: Beautiful Collection
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 3, 2014
“Dwellers of Ahwahnee (The Beyond Collection)” by Sheryl Seal consists of three wonderful and unique novels.“Beyond Bridalveil Falls” is a beautiful fantasy and coming-of-age story about 18 year old Oria who in modern day Yosemite National Park enters a new world of shapeshifters, fairies and an ancient tribe – all of which fight evil together.Oria herself has special powers and as she and her companions learn to use these powers she learns other lessons about life and love, too.Seal has created a wonderful world which she describes with a great talent for amazing detail. In Oria she has chosen a reluctant heroine who is charming in her often helpless and humane and likeable ways, supported by a colourful supporting cast.Combining tribal concepts of the Great Spirit, magic and fantasy this book makes for an entertaining read that distinguishes itself pleasantly from many of its peers in the genre by a more thoughtful and lower key - which makes it a good read for a younger audience as well.In "Beyond Oria Falls" the story follows Oria, the Golden Queen of the Ahwahneechees, and their battle with the Ala, who recently have been driven back to their realm by Oria and her helpers.Despite the looming threat from the Ala the feel of this book is much more peaceful and it has less suspense than its predecessor. Much time is spent with wonderful descriptions of the magic of nature, animals and the culture of the Native Indian tribes. Who doesn't love an ever blooming flower meadow?Full with fantastic creatures, such as shapeshifter and a male woodland spirit, the setting for the novel is beautifully put together.The storyline follows the discovery of runes and drawings which leads to an excursion into the past. Heritage and tribe culture are important themes in the book, introduced by the snippets of wisdom coming from Oriah's grandmother and grandfather and by the Great Spirit. Oriah also has visions and premonitions that tell her the future.This is a very enjoyable read for young and old. Besides the fantasy aspects of the book there is a lot to appreciate: the tribal wisdom, the idea of living in unison with nature and the innocence of the main character. There is an ongoing love story here but it is only part of the big picture and never takes over the story of the tribe.In "Beyond the World of Man” - every bit as beautiful as its predecessors - once again Oria takes centre stage in her wonderful and magical world.This story begins with Spirit Walker listening to her grandmother about her legacy. She also receives her mother's journal to read. She learns to see things from her mother's point of view, a little more about the history of her tribe and also about the destruction of the world of man.Oria is a beautiful main character with her goodness and the wonderful fantasy world that Seal has created is simply adorable.Highly recommended.