Book Review: Wind and Fire, by Cheryl Landmark

Wind and Fire, by Cheryl Landmark

Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: Asylett Press (May 1, 2010)
ISBN-10: 1934337706
Rating (1 to 5 *): ****



Wind and Fire Book Review

Tenya has lived a sheltered life, toiling away the potato fields and performing household chores for her father and stepmother—a classic Cinderella. However, rather than being whisked away to a fantastical ball, she is instead kidnapped by a horrible old hag and a dull brute of a giant. The hag informs Tenya she is taking her to Zardonne, Master of the Dark Rift. Happily, Tenya is soon rescued by an eccentric by the name of Sindril, who brings the news that Tenya’s birth mother is alive and well—and in need of her help.

Tenya and Sindril’s journey takes them toward the Plain of Naryn, where Zardonne’s abode lies, along with the tower of ice that imprisons her mother. However, this is not just a journey to save a damsel in distress. It is a journey of a 19-year-old girl who does menial chores to become a woman with powers she never dreamed of.

In Wind and Fire, Cheryl Landmark has crafted your classic fantasy novel: a quest, a damsel in distress, a super evil bad guy, fantastical creatures, and really cool good guys. As in all of my favorite novels, Landmark writes characters that you want to know—they are good to each other (well, except the bad guys), have fun interactions and have good senses of humor. They grow in the process, and the world she created is one I liked spending time in. I do have to complain that the book needs better editing, particularly in comma and adjective use—a common problem with small presses. However, that doesn’t stand in the way of a good story, delightful characters and a fun read.

Material disclaimer: the author of this book provided a free copy for the purpose of this review.