Coakley, Lena.

WITCHLANDERS

New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011

IL YA

ISBN 1442420049

Ryder is the responsible eldest child of his Witchlander family, trying to maintain all his father once did, especially bringing in the all important hicca harvest.  His mother.... has issues.  She was a witch, one of the important magical folk who keep the country/area safe, but since her husband’s death has fallen victim to an addictive herb, which gives her disturbing visions.  One of her visions shows the town falling victim to an assassin on the march - Ryder brushes off her concerns.  Across the border, another boy, Falpian - the son of the king, hopes and dreams of a way in which to please his father after the death of his twin.  The 2 young men encounter each other as Ryder runs from monsters attacking his village and they discover they may have a spiritual connection to each other.  Why would 2 young adults from such differing backgrounds be able to communicate through dreams and song?

Lena Coakley writes an adventure packed book which aches for a sequel - I did not see any mentioned on her Web site.  The story moves quickly, but Coakley does an admirable job creating a complete world with differing cultures and religions.  I found the term “witch” to be used very broadly, as well as for both men and women.  However, I did enjoy having male protagonists be magical, feel responsibility for their families and cultures, and also, to SING.  (New Hampshire Isinglass Teen Book Award, 2014)

                        Witches -- Fiction.

                        War -- Fiction.

                        Fantasy.

                        Fantasy fiction.