Secrets of the White Lake: Wind Shadow Chronicles

‘Secrets of the White Lake’ is an exciting mix of apocalyptic, dystopian science fiction and the spiritual/ metaphysical. Indeed the very opening line makes this abundantly clear. “Long before Earth was invaded, Wanderer was haunted by a prophecy that had recurred his entire life.” The Wanderer is a Native American Shaman, a once nihilistic individual who now treads the spiritual path as a result of developing the ability to glimpse the future through dream prophesies. The first chapter, ‘The Solitary Road’ is extremely gripping and reads like an old legend or myth. It serves to introduce not only Wanderer himself whose role is that of a paternalistic guardian and spiritual teacher but also the two protagonists, the ten year old Miyawan and her fourteen year old brother Crow whose quest to find their mother provides the narrative thread to this eclectic story. There are some strong, classical, Germanic folk/ farie tale motifs in this novel. The orphaned/ lost children rescued by a magical figure and a quest that begins their maturational process. Once outside of the Shaman’s refuge the world is one of hardship and tests. Brother and sister eventually join up with “outsiders,” what is left of the human resistance who proceed to teach and train them. Miyawan (or Miya) however is no normal girl. Trained by the Shaman in the arts of pre-cognition she possesses the power of dream prophesies which hopefully can lead them to success. Overall, this is an excellent novel. I have to say that I did find Miya (a quirky, energetic chatterbox) quite irritating at times, even though it was clear the author was trying hard to make her endearing, but this was something that lessened as the story continued and the author does succeed in creating two very distinct characters with Miya and her brother Crow, the highly intelligent, more reserved bookish characters and their interpersonal relationship is very believable. I’d like to say more because there is so much in this work but I fear I would be entering into spoiler territory as much of the narrative focuses on the dual protagonists’ discovery of the outside, unknown world. But his is an excellent read and I would heartily recommend it to all fans of speculative fiction, regardless of genre.

“To be gifted with the power to shape dreams, one must also endure the prophecies.” But is it a blessing or a curse? Wanderer (An old Indian Sharman) had seen many visions before but this one was like no other. He witnesses towns and cities burning. That was the day the invaders came. This was the day Wanderer offered a promise that he would look after the woman’s children so the woman could go in search of her husband. He looks after the children like they were his own and after the seventh year passes Wanderer gives one of the children Miya a rare gift to see the prophecies ‘in the hope that it will act as a guide on their perilous journey home throughout a terrifying post apocalyptic world where their survival skills are tested against alpha-male trackers and bounty hunters. The children reluctantly join a team of men who are known as “Outsiders” Saul and Yuanjias take the children in under their wing to train them up and have them join their uprising. However, Miyas prophetic glimpses soon trigger off a number of unexpected events that temporarily change the course of all their paths and strongly challenge a number of age-old religious and scientific beliefs. This is a

A few weeks ago I downloaded a sample of this book and I got hooked instantly. I decided to download the full version and had spent the last few weeks reading this book. Well, I just finished the book and I have to say that this is one of the most fascinating books I’ve ever read. I won't highlight the spoilers, but I strongly recommend this book. The mythical realm surrounding the White Lake unveiled in glimpses. What the children discovered there held the readers in utmost suspense. With a strong cast of characters, the story continued to unfold, drawing the reader into its core till the very end. For me, Miya was the key character. She is so adorable, I love the way she talks, reminded me of my younger sister. And for the rest of the characters…well, you will just have to read the book and find out for yourself.