WHO IS SANDY?? KEVEN NEWSOME'S SEQUEL SEES THE LIGHT OF DAY

A review of

Keven Newsome Prophetess (Splashdown Books, 2012)

329 pp $13.98 ISBN: 978-0-9876531-6-1

Reviewer: Forrest Schultz

      This story, the second in Keven Newsome's series about a contemporary young woman prophet, is "grittier" and more complex than the first one, Winter (published in 2011), but is more difficult to read, because it is not as well polished, and the flow of the story is continually being interrupted by a series of interpolated flashbacks to Winter's pre-christian past. It would be preferable either to regard this flashback material as "backstory" to be withheld from the reader altogether or else to replace it with a very brief synopsis. There is, however, in this material a great gem that should be preserved and introduced at an appropriate point into the story, namely the indication that Winter was then within a hedge of protection God had provided to preserve her for her eventual destiny as a child of God and prophet. There is a strong parallel between that and the main thrust of the story -- insuring the safety of Sandy so that she can be preserved for her vocation. In re the other matter, perhaps grittiness and being well-polished are not compatible -- ha ha! And, as most of you know, I am somewhat of a maverick, so that I will not be dogmatic in re the backstory remarks.

      Before reading what I am about to say about the front cover, you need to take the book and orient it so that bright sunlight can shine upon Sandy's dress and bring to light the flower petals on it, which appear to be symbolizing a starburst, which is complementary to the burst of light behind her. Divine appointment in fantasy and mythology is often indicated by a starburst symbol, such as the Starburst Crown worn by the planetary ruler called the Coronal in Robert Silverberg's "Lord Valentine's Castle". AND, the villain who is seeking to assassinate her is named "Skotos", which is the Greek word for darkness. In my review of the first book I noted the symbolism in re Tishbe & Elijah, which I believe was paramount there. Here the light versus darkness motif is prominent.

      There is more I could say, but I believe this is enough. Let me conclude by encouraging you to buy this book, which is an appropriate one to read as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Light of the World.