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Dear Author Nicholas Varner,
“Are you really going to tell this story again?” Rami whines. “How many times do we have to hear it?”
“As many as it takes to learn its lessons . . . and be truly thankful for the sacrifices made by those no longer with us,” Ho-e replies with a stern expression.
And I soon learned just how important it is to listen when Uncle Ho-e tells his stories! Thus begins Warriors of the Red Wolf, the inventive and incredible sequel to your book Seasons of the Blue Pearl. The world you created is rife with danger, warfare, and political intrigue—the vivid descriptions and character development add depth to everyone’s role in the group. I was drawn into the story as you expertly incorporated cultural elements and folklore, enriching the storytelling experience. Symbolism and metaphors also enhance the characters’ themes of resilience and unity.
Your characters place extreme value on their traditions and cultural history, passed down from generation to generation through storytelling. This practice helps Mia, the central character, and her family understand their identity while they search for a new home. Many obstacles test their strength, though. The themes of resilience and unity are introduced through Uncle Ho-e’s storytelling as he expertly shares tales that highlight how their ancestors overcame hardships together. This feels natural because it reflects Mia’s journey with her family and fellow travelers as they face the extreme challenges of the enemy when they leave the safety of village life and plunge into the unknown dangers of the wilderness. You skillfully wove the ideas of abandoning childhood innocence and embracing the occasionally harsh realities of adult responsibilities so easily that only when I finished reading the book did I understand it was also a coming-of-age novel.
Then, the story ends as it began . . . in the longhouse, with Uncle Ho-e and the children snuggled up next to a crackling fire. But it’s not exactly an ending, but the beginning of a new story. I look forward to finding out what’s next.
With kind regards,
James Davison for Dear Author Book Reviews/Speak Up Talk Radio
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