I’m probably a little biased about this book, Kenton is my son (yea, I definitely claim him), and this is his first REAL novel — published at age 17.

After having spent hours going over it with him and editing his story lines, listening to him tell and retell the meanings of various portions of the book, I realized that I was editing his stories – not the book. It was with a grateful heart that I finally let go of it and handed him back his book to edit himself.

So, granted, I’m reviewing from a bit different place than most who might read this book. But, I received a copy of the book, about three days ago and started reading it the next afternoon. Four hours later, I put it down, after reading the last page.

A page turner? Definitely. Once I started reading the book, the back story I’d helped him figure out didn’t matter, the book, the pages, the characters, the hooks and the flow of the story line kept me entranced and engaged. From the oddity of a land different from any I’ve known to violence that takes backstage from characters that come to life within the story, I knew his efforts were worthy of publication. The most pragmatic portion of the book reveals an understanding of people and insight into his characters:

—Quoted—
Ocifer looked directly into my eyes. His stare dug deep into my very soul. He remained quiet as we walked. I couldn’t help but wonder at Ocifer’s strange sense of passion. We watched the people, and studied the buildings. Ocifer remained silent for much of the distance. He made it look normal. I felt a need to keep my distance. I felt as if he wanted to know things about me, but wouldn’t ask. I felt curious as to why, but asking didn’t seem right.

I felt so relieved when he finally looked at me and said, “Where do you want to be?”

The shock of his question was so strong, I had to sit down. I walked no further. I simply sat on the ground, right where he asked the question.

“I don’t mean to upset you,” he said in a soothing voice. “But you don’t want to be here, that is clear.”

I looked at him long enough to smile before returning to my previous state. Had anyone ever asked me that before? I searched through my memories. Every time I had talked to Cero, I was consoling him, the subject of me never came up. When I would talk to my master, Princess Leshia, she would tell me to be strong, look up, and never give in. But did any of them ever ask about me? What I wanted? Where I wanted to be? No…
—–End Quote—–

Characters so fully developed and intriguing that I want to know them more. I want more story. I want another book. I want to read the next book. And the next. I see the battle of good and evil, and watched the solutions come one after another through the pages, not merely action for the sake of action, but series after series of solutions from a young mind. Answers came within the powerful logic of youth, scorched by the reality of a time long past, melted into the mettle of real characters who exist in factions of greed, surreal enchantment and the universal understanding of abundance.

Inside this book, I found heart and soul.

This review of Unikra by Kenton Verhoeff was written by Jan Verhoeff on Amazon.com