Library of the Sapphire Wind

by Jane Lindskold Narrated by Elisabeth Ashby

Overview

Instead of mentors, they got monsters . . .



That's what Xerak, Vereez, and Grunwold think when three strange creatures shimmer into being within the circle of Hettua Shrine. Their conclusion is reasonable enough. After all, they've never seen humans before.



As for Margaret Blake, Peg Gallegos, and Tessa Brown-more usually known as Meg, Peg, and Teg-they're equally astonished but, oddly enough, better prepared. Age and experience have accustomed them to surprises. A widely varied course of reading material has intellectually prepared them for the idea that other worlds, even worlds where people with traits more commonly ascribed to "animals" may exist.



Then there is the mysterious verse that Teg speaks as they arrive, words that seem to indicate that the Shrine must have been at least partially responding to the request made of it.



Despite doubts on all sides, the three unlikely mentors join forces with the three young "inquisitors" and venture out into the world Peg dubs "Over Where." First they must find the Library of the Sapphire Wind, destroyed years before.



Will they find answers there, or is this only the first stage in their search?

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

12/20/2021

Lindskold (the Firekeeper Saga series) takes a cue from classic portal fantasies in this fun series launch, as retirees Peg Gallegos, Meg Blake, and Tessa “Teg” Brown are pulled from their book club meeting and transported to the world of Over Where. The women were accidentally summoned by three unusual young people seeking guidance on their individual quests: the fox-headed Vereez needs to find her missing sister, the lion-headed Xerak needs to find his missing mentor, and the stag-headed Grunwold needs to find a cure for his dying father. Despite some hesitation from both groups, Meg, Peg, and Teg agree to stay and help. Together, they head to the ruins of the eponymous library, looking for answers. But the library demands something of them before it will help: they must retrieve and reassemble an artifact, the theft of which occurred during the library’s destruction. On this new quest, Vereez, Xerak, and Grunwold confront secrets from the past, some of which are their own. Though readers may be disappointed not to see more of the library itself, the older adventurers add some freshness to the setup, while the animal-headed youngsters charm. This vivid, magical tale is sure to please. (Feb.)

Library Journal

12/10/2021

Margaret (Meg), Peg, and Tessa (Teg) are the only members of their monthly book club to show up on Valentine's Day. As they begin reading out loud from their text, the world around them shimmers and disappears. Meanwhile, three friends in a world called Over Where perform a ritual to bring "Mentors" to assist them in their different plights. Xerak, Vereez, and Grunwold are surprised and unhappy with the three odd-looking creatures that appear. For their own part, Meg, Peg, and Teg are filled with awe (and a little fear) when they see the anthropomorphic creatures surrounding them. Reluctantly, both groups join forces to help find the ruins of the Library of the Sapphire Wind in hopes of finding answers and assistance. While traveling through Over Where, Meg, Peg, and Teg each learn more about themselves, what they are capable of, and who they want to be. Solving riddles, fighting piranha toads, flying ships, and disguising their clearly human appearance are the least of their worries on this strange journey. VERDICT Lindskold (Changer) has written a very cute, clever fantasy that is part hero's journey and part coming-of-age. Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries and fantasies will enjoy this tale of friendship.—Jennifer Funk, McKendree Univ. Lib., Lebanon, IL

Product Details

BN ID:	2940160300825
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	02/13/2024
Series:	Over Where , #1
Edition description:	Unabridged

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