Awakenings

Geller’s cluttered debut, first in the Gennebar Rising epic fantasy series, moves awkwardly from labored beginning to action-packed second half, but that action demonstrates the series’ promise in spite of derivative elements. In Drenarian-occupied Gennebar—a clear parallel to ancient Roman-occupied Israel—tensions between various opposing factions are reaching breaking points. Sixteen-year-old Arol, a menial assistant at the Sacred Temple of Gennebar, develops unexpected and surprising powers that will change the course of his life. Arol’s best friend, Zorn, is at loose ends until he meets a beautiful and mysterious fortune-teller. Meanwhile, militaristic rebel leader Zemakiel and peaceful spiritual shepherd Lemuel present competing visions for Gennebri resistance. Numerous characters are archetypes with murky motivations, and in spite of an intriguing, long-hidden system of magic, the construction of the world’s other elements is occasionally clumsy, especially when it relies too heavily on historical analogies. Readers interested in stories of uprisings against occupying regimes will appreciate Geller’s work, especially the intricately plotted battle scenes. (BookLife)