An epic story that boasts a classic fairy tale feel, an intellectual bite and a heaping portion of wit.
The family Sosunov are the keepers of an important legacy, protecting the residents of their small fishing village, Fortitude, from malignant witches who prey upon innocent dreamers. Generations of Sosunovs have toiled and sacrificed to keep sleep peaceful and life uninterrupted for unsuspecting people that might otherwise be taken advantage of when they’re most vulnerable. Aprosinya is among the youngest of this brave family, a warrior just beginning to hone her craft and use her family magic. An imperious instructor at her school, Mrs. Senko, challenges and belittles Aprosinya at every opportunity, leaving the ambitious young girl feeling vulnerable and alone. But alone, she is not! Another powerful Sosunov woman, Valentina, appears to Aprosinya in her dreams to fortify and strengthen the young girl. Even though Valentina has lived through her share of trials and has been the hero of many stories, she hasn’t completely avoided the pitfalls of helplessness and despair. The wild adventures of these two ladies prove to be the stuff of legends, fables, and dreams.
Is enlightenment always enlightening? Does complacency necessarily resign one to a life without further progress? Will the perception of others become our reality? These questions and many more philosophical quandaries are weighed in Jenna Katerin Moran’s sassy and smart novel, The Night-Bird’s Feather. A spirited fantasy of the highest order, this novel invites readers into a magnetic, magical world where actions have consequences and knowledge is power. With little in the way of chapter breaks, this charmingly dark fantasy novel meanders along at an unhurried pace, allowing readers time to savor the unsettling world Moran has painstakingly created. Breaking free of typical tropes and clichés, this understated fantasy tale makes use of clever dialogue and mental manipulations rather than clanging swords and power struggles, although these elements are present to a lesser degree. The experience of the reader will vary considerably based on personal experience. Some, for example, may read allegory into the sophisticated prose. Others may get biting satire or contemporary social commentary as they consider the goings-on in Fortitude and its environs. Regardless of your background, however, you’re sure to enjoy this extravagant once-upon-a-time indulgence. For an epic story that boasts a classic fairy tale feel, an intellectual bite, and a heaping portion of wit, don’t miss the Night-Bird’s Feather.
