Far World – water keep By J. Scott Savage
In the real world, it is pretty hard to be a hero, especially if you are a little kid. Now imagine yourself as a kid who has to get around in a wheelchair because of physical disabilities. Okay, go ahead and try to intimidate the bad guys. Impossible? Not if you are Marcus Kanenas, the hero in Far World – Water Keep, by J. Scott Savage. From the cover blurb:
Other people may see thirteen-year-old Marcus Kanenas as an outcast and a nobody, but he sees himself as a survivor and a dreamer. In fact, his favorite dream is of a world far away, a world where magic is as common as air, where animals tell jokes and trees beg people to pick their fruit. He even has a name for this place-Farworld.
When Marcus magically travels to Farworld, he meets Kyja, a girl without magic in a world where spells, charms, and potions are everywhere, and Master Therapass, a master wizard who has kept a secret hidden for thirteen years, a secret that could change the fate of two worlds.
But the Dark Circle has learned of Master Therapass’s secret and their evil influence and power are growing. Farworld’s only hope is for Marcus and Kyja to find the mythical Elementals-water, land, air, and fire-and convince them to open a drift between the worlds.
As Kyja and Marcus travel to Water Keep, they must face the worst evil the Dark Circle can throw at them-Summoners, who can command the living and the dead. Unmakers, invisible creatures that can destroy both body and soul; and dark images known as Thrathkin S’Bae.
Along the way, Marcus and Kyja will discover the truth about their own heritage, the strength of their friendship, and the depths of their unique powers.
I really enjoy well-written fantasy. To find a great fantasy that also has a positive message (that doesn’t hit you over the head) is a double bonus. J. Scott Savage has done that, along with creating realistic and love e‘m or hate ‘em characters. He has also introduced a fabulous fantasy world I can picture clearly. And if that isn’t enough coolness, there is a map! I love maps in books. The first in a five book series, this is a great read for young adults, and adults too!
Published by Shadow Mountain, fabulous illustrations by Brandon Dorman.
Read the J. Scott Savage interview in the Coffee House Writing Series, coming up on July 25, 2008
...A Mental Squint 
I am so far behind/overwhelmed in my reading desires and obligations. I feel bad because I too have a copy of this book to review and by all accounts I have a fun story ahead of me…just got to get to it! 🙂
You sure do take on a lot, Carl! This will be a quick read for you, since it is young adult. I can’t wait until the book comes out in September so I can see all of the illustrations. I really like Dorman’s work, and he seems a perfect match for Far World.
The illustrations that you put up look fantastic! I love well-illustrated stories.
Finally, finally a young adult fantasy of a hero in a wheelchair. What has taken so long? This is wonderful, both for disabled kids, and for those who need to better appreciate their abilities.
I always love to hear about new books! This one sounds very intriquing and the illustrations are wonderful! Thanks for the suggestion!
I agree Carl. I still buy children’s books because I so enjoy the art.
WR, wheelhairs in general are few and far between in literature. Scott did a great job of depicting this, without being smarmy or condescending.
Hi Pamela. Yes, the illustrations are great. I really like the one of the trees – with great faces! and how majestic they look next to the small humans.
This sounds like a book I would really like. Put my name in for the drawing!! The illustrations are so cool, and I like the heros of the story.
Thanks for visiting, Bonez. I bet you’ll enyoy this book. The heros are very real, likable characters. I will definitely have your name in the drawing next week.
Dear Scott Savage,
You came to my school tooday,Ryan Elemantary.
i waz wonderin when yr comin to barnz n nobl
wanna read yr book
paxton