~ THE CHOSEN OF AZAR ~
Carol Kluz

Review by: C. N. Rivera
Reviewed for: Allbook Reviews

The lives of five young people change dramatically when they learn that their destinies lie in the service of Azar. They travel to Haven's Hold to learn the prophecy of Azar and Condragon, two powerful brothers whose rivalry has become a war between good and evil. Condragon's forces have already begun to move, but the Chosen of Azar are not yet prepared. They must still hone their magic and retrieve their talismans before they can go into battle.

But they need not worry, for not only are the Barrand Commanders watching over them, but so is Mo Demz, a wizard and servant of Azar. It is he who helps the most powerful of the five control his magic, and it he who knows how to find the talismans. Together the Chosen and Mo Demz travel with the elite Barrand Commanders to search for them, facing dangers conjured by Condragon and his disciple Zorad, and well aware that time is a precious commodity.

Not only is The Chosen of a Azar a fantasy novel, complete with wizards, magic, and strange beasts, but it is also a coming of age novel, most specifically for Beni, on whom much of the story focuses. However, each of the Chosen have trials to overcome, and it is with the help of the others, as well as Mo Demz and the Commanders, that they are able to find the courage to keep going.

There are a number of themes present in this novel, among them respect for family, respect for life in all its forms, overcoming one's flaws, and retaining an open-minded outlook. In a way, with these themes and the youth of the five chosen, The Chosen of Azar might be considered a fantasy novel best marketed toward young adult readers. But not only the young people in this book learn lessons and overcome difficulties. Even the Barrand Commanders, especially Drai and Raza who must deal with their wards each day, must be ready to take on any situation and to keep themselves open to the children under their care.

It's good that the author chose to focus on a particular portion of the story rather than attempt to squeeze more into the novel. The search for the talismans certainly takes its fair share of time, leaving the next installment free to focus on those new enterprises foreshadowed in the last few chapters. Readers who enjoyed following Beni, Drai, and the others will look forward to the second installment in which they face Condragon's forces more directly.

Carol Kluz has published a number of poems, short stories, and novels. She has also taken part in the production of two award winning websites on book publishing and marketing, www.publishingquestions.com and www.carolkluz.homestead.com.

ISBN-13: 978-0-9789840-0-7
Edition: Paperback