Review: Exciting YA Fantasy Adventure
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 25, 2013
Four Sigils have been fated to save humanity from the evil known as the Void that is killing everything in its path. These young people have no idea they've been chosen until the signs of the Sigil appear on their flesh. Vasserine Deloria wears her symbol around her neck. The princess has the ability to speak to animals and to sing to dragons. Pim the Knife, Reev the Wizard, and Estra the Archer round out their merry group. Opposing them is the dark lord, Draedan Sifferus, who has placed a price on their heads. When the four are summoned to the forest, they hear the voice of the first wizard who sends them on a quest. One adventure after another follows until the gang faces Sifferus himself. Have they learned enough to defend themselves and conquer evil?Billed as episodes like a TV show or movie for the YA market, the chapters read like any novel. The difference is that in many of the scenes, you view the foursome in action as though you are watching them from the outside. You are not inside a central character's head. For this reason, I did not form an emotional investment in this story. I missed having one character with whom I could identify throughout the book. I also felt frustrated by the ending, which requires you to read the sequel to get the answers to your questions. It's like a cliffhanger season finale on TV.If you understand the concept, this plays out pretty well for the YA market. For pure action and adventure and superb world building, Age of the Sigil will capture your imagination. It's appropriate for its age level and hopefully can grip young readers enough to encourage them to read more.