After leaving two of his comrades as decoys on the shore of Bandene Forest, and the third grappling for his life in an attempt to rescue him, Meneka sets to sea for the Northern Lands. When hostile natives in a sea port village run for their lives after his elementary display of magic, Meneka devises a plan that will guarantee his safety, and raise him to a place of importance equal to the sorceress Queen Hacatine's.
With a passion for a good wholesome story, Gardner dives into the adult and young adult fantasy genres. She is both a best selling author and an award winning illustrator who lives in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Dabbling in screenwriting, she's won screenings and a trophy for some of her film projects.
She loves a tale that ignites imaginations, strengthens friendships, spurs courage and applauds honor. Though she targets her stories for young adults, her books are enjoyed by all ages.
Dianne Gardner really has a knack for creating characters that are vivid, colourful, and feel very much alive. The main character - Meneka, isn't the most sympathetic kid, he's a bit arrogant and full of himself - but rather than annoy, reading his thoughts made me laugh. The short-story is a small glimpse into what looks like a bigger, interesting and well crafted world. Thoroughly enjoyed the quick read.
Meneka, though part of a series, stands alone as the tale of two wizards adrift in world of water and temptation. One will fall and one rise, but which will be the stronger? Young Meneka, wounded in the past, determined to survive, practical, quick and imaginative, tries to plan the next move. Meanwhile studious Kaempie advises caution. And a wild wind blows. The world of these wizards is a place of strange powers and breezes. Threatened by the evil queen who drains sorcerers of their powers as soon as they ripen, stretching from port to ocean to curious shore, peopled with wizards and men and maybe more, it comes to life in author Dianne Lynn Gardner’s four wizards short stories. This second wizard is destined for great things as he chooses his hiding place and his defenders, but there’s a sadness in seeing temptation calling him. Readers of the author’s longer novel, Deception Peak, will delight at these insights into the history behind two groups of people ever at odds. New readers will enjoy the realistic interactions between teenagers and the twisted determination of young Meneka. And those like me, already hooked on Ian’s realm, will simply long for more. This series and these books are highly recommended for middle grade and up, and particularly for those hard-to-hook boys in the age group.
Disclosure: I won an ecopy of this book. Lucky me. I was quickly hooked.
If you have read Deception Peak, you probably would like to know how such people could be so cowed and continue to live in such conditions. To know more about the Meneks, read Meneka and discover their origins!
In the short story Silvio, you get your first glance of Meneka. In his own story, follow him as he attempts to brave the sea in order to escape the dreaded queen of Taikus. On shore, he meets a colony of men and unwittingly brings them yet again to the attention of his black-hearted queen.
Read about how he confronts the queen and directs the people of the shore. Understand how this action leads to the conditions of future generations.
This reader's personal view of Meneka does not improve, in fact it worsens. He is a bitter young man, and lacks humility. This becomes even more evident when he runs away from Kaempie and swims toward the shore. His treatment of people there is rude, and his reasons selfish. It is interesting how his actions save them from one evil and enslave them to another.
Despite personal opinion of the main character, the story is well told and solid with a beginning and ending. 4 stars - a recommended read!
The story of survival continues. Would Meneka's powers be enough to save him? Would the other three men also survive? So many questions with no end in sight. Meneka is the most arrogant of the four men and has a lot to learn even with his powers. Maybe things are not exactly as they seem? Will Meneka make it out alive?
I am really enjoying this four part series. The writing is rich, smooth, and easy to comprehend. As I follow these men I see them in front of me...crystal clear!
"They glared at each other. A gust of salty air blew Meneka's hair into his eyes and he squinted, wiping the strands that stuck to the corners of his chapped lips. He tossed the wet bread into the sea. Life had been rough for the sixteen year old. The older boy could have offered him hope, but Meneka knew there wasn't any. Hope had disappeared with the rebellion."
This short story continues where[[ASIN:B00A3WAA9G Silvio (The Tale of the Four Wizards)]] left of. The boy wizards all split up and two of them end up out on the sea in a little paddle boat. A struggle ensues and Meneka falls overboard and ends up swimming ashore and meets a local tribe there.I enjoyed the short stories; they were a fun quick read! This short tells the lore that details how the Meneks started living in yurts and why they have a reverence for the dragon in the mountain. These short stories make a great introduction to the 'Ian's Realm' Series:[[ASIN:0615679706 Deception Peak]], [[ASIN:0615760457 The Dragon Shield]].
Reviewed by: Virginia Lori Jennings Author of The Alien Mind This reviewer received a free copy for an honest review