I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A family must face a growing darkness on Earth as some seek to shatter the peace achieved there in author A-M Mawhiney’s “Spelldrifts.”

The Synopsis

Life has changed at Life of Hope in the decades since Earth tipped back to a flourishing biome. People work together, connected through a telepathic network, to keep their planet healthy. Each person develops additional magical powers in their teen years that help them find their place in the community. However, Fania’s seventeen-year-old, Saki, is adrift—they don’t yet know what their unique abilities are nor how they’ll contribute meaningfully to the world.

Everything changes when Saki discovers a long-buried secret and finds themself raising a precocious young dragon named Chiyo. As Saki begins to tap into new powers, some family members foresee an uncertain future for their lands. Darkness creeps into the lands and hearts of their community in the form of strangers who join with a villager intent on destroying everything that is precious, creating conflict among community members. The stakes are high, for those who prevail will determine whether Earth survives.

Sensitively told, richly imagined, and filled with unforgettable characters, Spelldrifts follows the next generation of young people after Fania and Nuna’s adventures in Spindrifts.

The Review 

This was a compelling and gripping blend of sci-fi and fantasy. The concept of a society that has achieved great strides towards peace and a near-utopian existence was fascinating to see come to life, as it not only showed what could happen if people came together collectively to build a better future, but exemplified the need for vigilance as the universe often demands balance and brings challenges and struggles to seemingly peaceful moments. The world-building in this novel was next-level, allowing the story to shine.

The perfect balance of dynamic character development and detailed mythology being brought to life was the reason this novel worked so well. The connection between Saki and their twin, Ali, was a great relationship to see brought to life on the page, and the emotional connection Saki formed with creatures like Moona and Chiyo made the reader connect to these protagonists greatly. The evolution of how the characters gained and used their abilities, and their connection to the universe as a whole, is the hook that kept readers invested in this incredible story.

The Verdict 

Entertaining, harrowing, and an inviting story, author A-M Mawhiney’s “Spelldrifts” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy novel. The sheer epic nature of the narrative, in terms of scope and the larger-than-life threats that bring these characters together in the face of unparalleled odds, elevates the shocking twists and turns and compelling finale, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, eager for more from this incredible author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to garb your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

A-M Mawhiney was deeply moved by the events of 2020 and the cries from advocates fighting for equity and justice for people living precarious lives because of structural barriers and discrimination. As a former social worker and academic she has spent her career seeking ways to improve lives of marginalized learners through inclusive education for all students. Mawhiney has hope for a better future for us all. Her vision of what this might look like inspired her to write Spindrifts.

Anne-Marie lives in Sudbury, Ontario, in the territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek in the Robinson-Huron Treaty Area, with Dave McGill and their canine companion, Charlie.

For more information, please visit www.ammawhiney.ca

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