Anyone who knows me knows I adore reading young adult fantasy fiction; they are usually better written and are generally devoid of worldly undertones.
But if they also speak to my Christian values, I feel like I’ve hit the trifecta of literary joy.
This is what I experienced when I picked up Aeden Buchanan’s debut novel, “Cardiatery Chronicles: Through the Window” — Amazon Publishing. Buchanan resides nearby in the Mustang area.
When I first received my copy, I poured through it in just more than 10 hours. Several weeks later, I read it again — much slower — so I could savor this world filled with everything I love about fantasy fiction: fairies, fantastical creatures, monsters, pocket dimensions, and, something new, period writing.
The story begins with 13-year-old Sarah Parkington riding in her grandmother’s horse-drawn carriage. It also begins with her friend, Lyda, asking, “Do you believe in monsters?”
To say I was hooked, was an understatement.
Buchanan, 19, started her journey into writing when she wasjust12yearsold.“Through the Window” took her seven years to complete and publish, and it was well worth the wait.
She takes her characters through moments of loss, betrayal, deception, fear, heartache and joy, all the while weaving a story of faith and the reliance on God to see them through this adventure.
Within its pages, “Through the Window” had familiar fantasy elements, but it also introduced things I had never before encountered.
One of the things I loved about this book was the map of Corlocorum — the world in which Cardiatery resides. I have always loved following characters through their journey, and although this book takes place in a small portion of the map called Verdantia, the vastness of the map suggests many more adventures to come.
Another section I need in my fantasy books is a well written glossary, filled with information and pronunciations to enhance my reading. Buchanan excelled in this area, as well.
The characters, cover art and map were created by Buchanan, and if, like me, you crave more artwork, these can be found on her pages on both Facebook and Instagram (aedenmaed).
If you are craving a new type of YA fantasy fiction, check out “Cardiatery Chronicles: Through the Window” — found in soft cover for $14.99 at amazon.com.
( EDITOR’S NOTE: The writer of this book review, Darla Welchel of Newcastle, is author Aeden Buchanan’s grandmother.)
Author Aeden Buchanan created a world of fairies, creatures, monsters and pocket dimensions in her first book, now at Amazon. • photo provided
