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World Whisperer #1
World Whisperer
Rich with adventure and magic, Rachel Devenish Ford's debut fantasy is the tale of a girl stepping out of an oppressive life and into her true destiny.
As a fifteen-year-old outsider girl in the Worker village, Isika is destined for endless drudgery, serving her priest stepfather and worshiping the four goddesses of the Worker people. She doesn't fit in and she hates the goddesses, but her mother is dead, and her three remaining siblings need her to be good and keep them safe. She can't think of anything beyond surviving each day and trying to avoid her stepfather's wrath.
Until he decides to sacrifice her youngest brother to the goddesses. And Isika decides that enough is enough.
She sets out on a journey to save her brother, facing an unknown world outside the walls of the Worker village. In the new world, ancient gifts awaken within her as she finds more beauty and more trouble than she could have imagined. To save her brother, she will have to trust the magical creatures and mysterious new friends who have come to guide her.
What's more, as she learns to love her new place in the world, she will have to learn to control magic that could be the key to her destiny and the fate of everyone around her.
Perfect for fans of Madeleine L'Engle, the Chronicles of Narnia, and Robin McKinley. Buy your copy to begin the adventure today!
As a fifteen-year-old outsider girl in the Worker village, Isika is destined for endless drudgery, serving her priest stepfather and worshiping the four goddesses of the Worker people. She doesn't fit in and she hates the goddesses, but her mother is dead, and her three remaining siblings need her to be good and keep them safe. She can't think of anything beyond surviving each day and trying to avoid her stepfather's wrath.
Until he decides to sacrifice her youngest brother to the goddesses. And Isika decides that enough is enough.
She sets out on a journey to save her brother, facing an unknown world outside the walls of the Worker village. In the new world, ancient gifts awaken within her as she finds more beauty and more trouble than she could have imagined. To save her brother, she will have to trust the magical creatures and mysterious new friends who have come to guide her.
What's more, as she learns to love her new place in the world, she will have to learn to control magic that could be the key to her destiny and the fate of everyone around her.
Perfect for fans of Madeleine L'Engle, the Chronicles of Narnia, and Robin McKinley. Buy your copy to begin the adventure today!
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2016
825 people are currently reading
1576 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Devenish Ford
18 books113 followersRachel Devenish Ford is the wife of one Superstar Husband and the mother of five incredible children. Originally from British Columbia, Canada, she spent six years working with street youth in California before moving to India to help start a meditation center in the Christian tradition. She can be found eating street food or smelling flowers in many cities in Asia. She currently lives in Northern Thailand, inhaling books, morning air, and seasonal fruit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
June 7, 2017
(Edited)
Searching through my kindle for good books is like trying to find a good rock for my rock collection when I was a kid.
You have the one's that you know aren't going to be in your rock collection (particularly the ones without some glam on the outside, *cough*all these paranormal romance books*cough*), the ones that fool you into being in your rock collection (fools gold! Oh! The humanity! I thought you were going to be unique!), and the ones that catch your eye immediately (the shiny, glittery, smooth, or interestingly colored ones... AKA the really awesome books). First glance at the cover, I hesitated. My curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to see what it was about.
A short summary is that Isika's family are immigrants to this village and her mother manages to marry a priest. The beginning of the book is Isika dealing with conforming to this harsh religion, her responsibilities, and dealing with a broken home. When her stepfather offers her brother as a human sacrifice, Isika concocts a plan to escape before it can be done.
The story was truly well done, and I think that Ford delivered on her promises. This included a strong sibling vibe (which many MG/YA fall short in), strong characters (flawed, multi-dimensional), twists, and realism (not too many 'dues ex machina' moments). There is a hint of romance (or what would I would refer to as attraction), but it wasn't the focus of the novel (no triangles, squares, octagons-what-have-you, "instalust"). I would be comfortable giving this to my younger brothers and sisters.
My only complaint was that it ended so soon, but I look forward to returning to this universe as soon as the sequel hits my kindle shelves!
Searching through my kindle for good books is like trying to find a good rock for my rock collection when I was a kid.
You have the one's that you know aren't going to be in your rock collection (particularly the ones without some glam on the outside, *cough*all these paranormal romance books*cough*), the ones that fool you into being in your rock collection (fools gold! Oh! The humanity! I thought you were going to be unique!), and the ones that catch your eye immediately (the shiny, glittery, smooth, or interestingly colored ones... AKA the really awesome books). First glance at the cover, I hesitated. My curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to see what it was about.
A short summary is that Isika's family are immigrants to this village and her mother manages to marry a priest. The beginning of the book is Isika dealing with conforming to this harsh religion, her responsibilities, and dealing with a broken home. When her stepfather offers her brother as a human sacrifice, Isika concocts a plan to escape before it can be done.
The story was truly well done, and I think that Ford delivered on her promises. This included a strong sibling vibe (which many MG/YA fall short in), strong characters (flawed, multi-dimensional), twists, and realism (not too many 'dues ex machina' moments). There is a hint of romance (or what would I would refer to as attraction), but it wasn't the focus of the novel (no triangles, squares, octagons-what-have-you, "instalust"). I would be comfortable giving this to my younger brothers and sisters.
My only complaint was that it ended so soon, but I look forward to returning to this universe as soon as the sequel hits my kindle shelves!
November 27, 2019
Interesting, but...
The world Rachel created was heartbreaking and beautiful. I really enjoyed reading this at first, the concept was interesting and the characters were lovely, but the Christian tones were just way too obvious and way too heavy handed for me. I won't be reading the rest of the series, but I highly recommend it if you are Christian though. I was also disappointed to see the author is white with dreds. She may not know this is cultural appropriation, but it's a turn off for me all the same.
The world Rachel created was heartbreaking and beautiful. I really enjoyed reading this at first, the concept was interesting and the characters were lovely, but the Christian tones were just way too obvious and way too heavy handed for me. I won't be reading the rest of the series, but I highly recommend it if you are Christian though. I was also disappointed to see the author is white with dreds. She may not know this is cultural appropriation, but it's a turn off for me all the same.
July 6, 2021
4ish stars // finished July 2021
-Fantastic worldbuilding. It was fun to see the different cultures. The Worker's city reminded me somewhat of the world of The Giver by Lois Lowry.
-There's some action but for the most part it goes at a leisurely pace. Certain plot points were rather predictable, especially concerning Izika's ancestry.
-The belief system was pretty interesting. The concept of the "walls" in particular was really good and had a lot of truth to it. The Workers believe in false goddesses. This world's version of God- the Shaper- is genderless and is referred to as both "he" and "she." So like any good mythology, it has glimmers of the truth, but isn't close enough to true theology to call it an allegory. One reviewer said that the Christian overtones were too "heavy-handed" for them, and while I could see how they might feel that way, the belief system wasn't true Christianity.
-Appreciated the strong family (both biological and adopted) element.
-There's some hints at future conflicts and events but it wraps up pretty well as a self-contained story.
Content: None/Mild. No language; no romance; some mild violence that is relatively bloodless. Mentions of a father figure abusing his children.
-Fantastic worldbuilding. It was fun to see the different cultures. The Worker's city reminded me somewhat of the world of The Giver by Lois Lowry.
-There's some action but for the most part it goes at a leisurely pace. Certain plot points were rather predictable, especially concerning Izika's ancestry.
-The belief system was pretty interesting. The concept of the "walls" in particular was really good and had a lot of truth to it. The Workers believe in false goddesses. This world's version of God- the Shaper- is genderless and is referred to as both "he" and "she." So like any good mythology, it has glimmers of the truth, but isn't close enough to true theology to call it an allegory. One reviewer said that the Christian overtones were too "heavy-handed" for them, and while I could see how they might feel that way, the belief system wasn't true Christianity.
-Appreciated the strong family (both biological and adopted) element.
-There's some hints at future conflicts and events but it wraps up pretty well as a self-contained story.
Content: None/Mild. No language; no romance; some mild violence that is relatively bloodless. Mentions of a father figure abusing his children.
January 20, 2018
I loved, loved, loved this book. (And the entire series so far.) The plot moved at a good pace, but there wasn't a point where I felt like it was artificially advanced. The characters and their development were also fantastic, although I'll admit there were times I questioned how quickly the relationships developed. (The kids are pretty damn trusting given their history.)
When I got to the end, I was delighted to see there were more books in the series, and they were available on Kindle Unlimited. This series alone justifies my decision to keep paying for that service. LOVED IT.
When I got to the end, I was delighted to see there were more books in the series, and they were available on Kindle Unlimited. This series alone justifies my decision to keep paying for that service. LOVED IT.
May 19, 2021
Very good first novel
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. It's a very nice first volume that promises many development later on. I thought some of the progress of the main characters was a bit too easy maybe, but the characters development balances out the paces nicely. Will most certainly grab the next volumes as soon as possible :-)
I enjoyed this story quite a bit. It's a very nice first volume that promises many development later on. I thought some of the progress of the main characters was a bit too easy maybe, but the characters development balances out the paces nicely. Will most certainly grab the next volumes as soon as possible :-)
December 3, 2020
The potential
This novel is a gift with so much potential, as I read this story I envisioned what could have been, a superior tale, an award winning one.
The story itself is outstanding, but the author has written these novels for a child, written at their level. If only she had written for the adult market, if only...
The main plot is a very new look at some old storylines. Yes, I've read about Gods doing bad things, I've read about children being kidnapped, I've read about lost Kings and Queens, and I've read stories where children have hidden gifts. But this author brought those stories into one of her very own. I thought it wonderful, but not living up to its potential. Yes, it could've been an award winning adult fantasy, but it's not, and could never be without a complete rewrite.
And oh, I do hope the author takes a shot at it, rewriting this story for the adult market. It is a good story for young kids but it could've been a great story if written for adults.
Will I read more of this series? Undecided right now - I do want to know the next chapter in this family's life, but I don't want to be reminded of the potential, of what this story could've been.
Note: I'm a Senior Citizen and have read SF&F since I was a young teen. In College I took literature classes in both genres. I know good stories from bad, and I know good plots from bad.
This novel is a gift with so much potential, as I read this story I envisioned what could have been, a superior tale, an award winning one.
The story itself is outstanding, but the author has written these novels for a child, written at their level. If only she had written for the adult market, if only...
The main plot is a very new look at some old storylines. Yes, I've read about Gods doing bad things, I've read about children being kidnapped, I've read about lost Kings and Queens, and I've read stories where children have hidden gifts. But this author brought those stories into one of her very own. I thought it wonderful, but not living up to its potential. Yes, it could've been an award winning adult fantasy, but it's not, and could never be without a complete rewrite.
And oh, I do hope the author takes a shot at it, rewriting this story for the adult market. It is a good story for young kids but it could've been a great story if written for adults.
Will I read more of this series? Undecided right now - I do want to know the next chapter in this family's life, but I don't want to be reminded of the potential, of what this story could've been.
Note: I'm a Senior Citizen and have read SF&F since I was a young teen. In College I took literature classes in both genres. I know good stories from bad, and I know good plots from bad.
May 13, 2021
Great book
Great book. Could not put the book down. Kept me interested all the way till the end. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Great book. Could not put the book down. Kept me interested all the way till the end. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
June 1, 2021
this was a really interesting book. i couldn’t put it down. i loved the christian vibe and the Narnia feel. i definitely will continue the series!
January 28, 2021
Closer to 3.75 stars, and I may boost it up to 4 stars upon reflection.
I really like this book. Since the start of the year I have been in a real reading slump - the only thing I liked was the most recent book by Ilona Andrews, and I knew that one would be great before it came out. The other books that I read were free Kindle Unlimited books that were advertised on Facebook, and they have been consistently so bad that I couldn't finish them. In fact, I was so disappointed that I considered canceling my KU subscription.
This book was advertised on Facebook like the others, but despite my disappointment I decided to give it a try for a few reasons. First, it is a children's fantasy novel, which means there is basically no romance, and the last book that I hated was a romance so I needed to give the genre a rest. Second, it advertised itself as something for fans of Narnia, Madeline L'Engal, and Robin McKinley, and I am pretty fond of the first two and consider McKinley my all time favourite author, so I thought it would probably work for me. Third, it seemed like the main character had some variant of nature magic, and that trope appeals to me as an environmentalist.
Generally, my expectations about the novel were very accurate. Like many of McKinley books, it has an extremely soft magic system that alters the perception of the character, which I really enjoy because it gives a feeling of a trance or dreamy unreality in a way that increases immersion. The magic in the book is divine in origin, and honestly the author goes so far with the good god/bad demon mythology that it almost feels like one of those christian books for children, like The Tenth City or The Last Battle. That of course reduces the tension: if the god is all powerful and good, then the heroine just has to reach out to them and every problem will be resolved. However, the description references Narnia and its a children's book, so that the good guys win through magical intervention is hardly a surprise. Don't read it if you are looking for gritty realism, but if you want an escape full of beautiful settings and soft edges, I suspect you will enjoy it.
It was different from the books it compares itself to in that it represents a lot more diversity. The main character is black (unlike the good guys in L'Engal's series and Narnia), and the issue of race is frequently brought up. In universe black and white don't have the context that they do in North America, but the heroine is actually bullied for her dark skin before being told it is beautiful by some good characters, which I am sure would be super affirming for POC readers facing discrimination. The point of view shifts between characters, which further reduces tension, but is also interesting because it lets the reader see through the heroine's brother's eyes, and his magic seems somewhat like a mental health issue or neuro-atypical perspective. I find it a bit problematic that the brother no longer experiences the challenges of that perspective by the end of the novel, but I think the author deserves points for at least trying to include that diversity of perspective.
Generally I found the plot and characters fairly enjoyable if unsurprising, and the location descriptions lovely. It was free off kindle so if you are looking for something pleasant to fill an afternoon, I would definitely check it out. I think I will read the sequel from the library when I can get it
I really like this book. Since the start of the year I have been in a real reading slump - the only thing I liked was the most recent book by Ilona Andrews, and I knew that one would be great before it came out. The other books that I read were free Kindle Unlimited books that were advertised on Facebook, and they have been consistently so bad that I couldn't finish them. In fact, I was so disappointed that I considered canceling my KU subscription.
This book was advertised on Facebook like the others, but despite my disappointment I decided to give it a try for a few reasons. First, it is a children's fantasy novel, which means there is basically no romance, and the last book that I hated was a romance so I needed to give the genre a rest. Second, it advertised itself as something for fans of Narnia, Madeline L'Engal, and Robin McKinley, and I am pretty fond of the first two and consider McKinley my all time favourite author, so I thought it would probably work for me. Third, it seemed like the main character had some variant of nature magic, and that trope appeals to me as an environmentalist.
Generally, my expectations about the novel were very accurate. Like many of McKinley books, it has an extremely soft magic system that alters the perception of the character, which I really enjoy because it gives a feeling of a trance or dreamy unreality in a way that increases immersion. The magic in the book is divine in origin, and honestly the author goes so far with the good god/bad demon mythology that it almost feels like one of those christian books for children, like The Tenth City or The Last Battle. That of course reduces the tension: if the god is all powerful and good, then the heroine just has to reach out to them and every problem will be resolved. However, the description references Narnia and its a children's book, so that the good guys win through magical intervention is hardly a surprise. Don't read it if you are looking for gritty realism, but if you want an escape full of beautiful settings and soft edges, I suspect you will enjoy it.
It was different from the books it compares itself to in that it represents a lot more diversity. The main character is black (unlike the good guys in L'Engal's series and Narnia), and the issue of race is frequently brought up. In universe black and white don't have the context that they do in North America, but the heroine is actually bullied for her dark skin before being told it is beautiful by some good characters, which I am sure would be super affirming for POC readers facing discrimination. The point of view shifts between characters, which further reduces tension, but is also interesting because it lets the reader see through the heroine's brother's eyes, and his magic seems somewhat like a mental health issue or neuro-atypical perspective. I find it a bit problematic that the brother no longer experiences the challenges of that perspective by the end of the novel, but I think the author deserves points for at least trying to include that diversity of perspective.
Generally I found the plot and characters fairly enjoyable if unsurprising, and the location descriptions lovely. It was free off kindle so if you are looking for something pleasant to fill an afternoon, I would definitely check it out. I think I will read the sequel from the library when I can get it
October 19, 2016
In my opinion, the strength in this book is in its characters. They are well formed and well rounded. The younger children in the story are less so, but I believe this is precisely because they are young children. Young children are notoriously similar, so they can be more difficult to make distinct. Even so, I was drawn in by all the characters and stayed for the characters. I absolutely love Isika and Ben and the cast of characters around them enhance their story. I felt Ford captured reality in her novel as regards people and how they think and feel.
Often when I read a book intended primarily for a youth audience, I remind myself that I see it through adult eyes and therefore will catch plot foreshadowing easier. Early on I realized what was going on and where the book was headed. That wasn't a bad thing, it's just as an adult I saw the plot fairly quickly. I write this also as a caveat to what I write next, noting I am an adult and so what might be fine for a youth reader sometimes didn't come off as strongly for me.
The beginning of the novel was intriguing. The whole time in the worker village I was hooked to the book. When they left the worker village, I was less interested. The weakest part of the plot was the middle journey. I understand it's purpose was to let the main characters gain a growing understanding of the world outside and I did not dislike this part, but I wasn't hooked anymore. I felt things came a bit too easily for the main character. I am not a fan of "they just knew what to do" and the main character falls into this throughout this section. The plot picked back up after the journey and I was once again hooked. More well created characters appeared that drew me in.
I felt a few times that ideas were introduced, then promptly discarded. Characters would realize things and not talk about them until pages later. That was a little odd at times. *Possible Spoiler* I also thought the main character was way too powerful. I am curious where the next novel will go because the main character seems pretty much invincible. I would have liked to see more struggle rather than "she just knew what to do and she can do anything." However, I think the next book might reveal struggle and I am curious how.
I would recommend this book. I enjoyed it and I cared about the characters. I also liked the deeper meaning that can be read, the symbols of isolation and destruction and how removing these is so freeing and life-giving.
Often when I read a book intended primarily for a youth audience, I remind myself that I see it through adult eyes and therefore will catch plot foreshadowing easier. Early on I realized what was going on and where the book was headed. That wasn't a bad thing, it's just as an adult I saw the plot fairly quickly. I write this also as a caveat to what I write next, noting I am an adult and so what might be fine for a youth reader sometimes didn't come off as strongly for me.
The beginning of the novel was intriguing. The whole time in the worker village I was hooked to the book. When they left the worker village, I was less interested. The weakest part of the plot was the middle journey. I understand it's purpose was to let the main characters gain a growing understanding of the world outside and I did not dislike this part, but I wasn't hooked anymore. I felt things came a bit too easily for the main character. I am not a fan of "they just knew what to do" and the main character falls into this throughout this section. The plot picked back up after the journey and I was once again hooked. More well created characters appeared that drew me in.
I felt a few times that ideas were introduced, then promptly discarded. Characters would realize things and not talk about them until pages later. That was a little odd at times. *Possible Spoiler* I also thought the main character was way too powerful. I am curious where the next novel will go because the main character seems pretty much invincible. I would have liked to see more struggle rather than "she just knew what to do and she can do anything." However, I think the next book might reveal struggle and I am curious how.
I would recommend this book. I enjoyed it and I cared about the characters. I also liked the deeper meaning that can be read, the symbols of isolation and destruction and how removing these is so freeing and life-giving.
November 21, 2022
A new Oz
I'm bad about writing reviews despite always telling others the importance of them, but I felt extra compelled to try to write INE for World Whisperer. It is a story that brings to mind the Wizard of Oz books series with it's take on stranger in a strange land story type.
A basic summary, the main character is 14, her siblings are secondary characters and younger than her. The prologue starts with their mother traveling through a desert with them in tow, with no explanation given why, they come across a city with the impression of uneasiness given, but again, no reason beyond just impression. 8 years later, they live with their step father (the priest of the city) and step mother, their mother died of grief after their sister was sacrificed to the goddesses (they cast children out to sea and assume the goddesses take them), and their 4 year old brother who was born only shortly before their mother died is being sacrificed next so the priest can attempt to prolong his own life, but her and her siblings plot to save their brother, which reveals a strange land, and then the rest is a journey to find him, and reveal more about themselves and their mother, with strange abilities they never knew they had (but details were revealed earlier that you have to think back to, and say "oh, that's what that was about").
I honestly don't even remember buying this book, or remember how I came across it, my schedule lately makes it hard to find time to read full novels, so I try to avoid adding any new ones to my unending reading list, but despite that, I squeezed it in anyway because it was staring at me, begging to be read til I gave in, and I'm glad I did. After looking into it, it was a free one-click purchase, a bait I'm a sucker for, but now that I've been given my free taste to get me hooked, I now know I must buy the rest in the series to satisfy my need to know what happens next.
I'm bad about writing reviews despite always telling others the importance of them, but I felt extra compelled to try to write INE for World Whisperer. It is a story that brings to mind the Wizard of Oz books series with it's take on stranger in a strange land story type.
A basic summary, the main character is 14, her siblings are secondary characters and younger than her. The prologue starts with their mother traveling through a desert with them in tow, with no explanation given why, they come across a city with the impression of uneasiness given, but again, no reason beyond just impression. 8 years later, they live with their step father (the priest of the city) and step mother, their mother died of grief after their sister was sacrificed to the goddesses (they cast children out to sea and assume the goddesses take them), and their 4 year old brother who was born only shortly before their mother died is being sacrificed next so the priest can attempt to prolong his own life, but her and her siblings plot to save their brother, which reveals a strange land, and then the rest is a journey to find him, and reveal more about themselves and their mother, with strange abilities they never knew they had (but details were revealed earlier that you have to think back to, and say "oh, that's what that was about").
I honestly don't even remember buying this book, or remember how I came across it, my schedule lately makes it hard to find time to read full novels, so I try to avoid adding any new ones to my unending reading list, but despite that, I squeezed it in anyway because it was staring at me, begging to be read til I gave in, and I'm glad I did. After looking into it, it was a free one-click purchase, a bait I'm a sucker for, but now that I've been given my free taste to get me hooked, I now know I must buy the rest in the series to satisfy my need to know what happens next.
May 25, 2021
I got this book for free on Google Playstore. Not a good sign, I thought, as I'd just read another free book which was NOT a good one.
When I started reading it, I prepared myself to feel bored. The epilogue was interesting enough, I thought, but I wasn't enamored by the writing style. I thought, well, this will probably take months to finish.
I'm glad I kept reading because it turned out to be quite an enchanting story. even before I got interested, I had to admit to myself that while the writing style was not one I usually preferred, it was honest and earnest. I could feel that as I kept reading. Ms Ford really wanted to share the story in the best way she could.
Just like the story itself, the characters too were earnest and honest. I wasn't completely a fan of Isika at first but just like a real person, she great as a character, making mistakes and decisions and saying things any normal person would have in her situation.
One of my favourite parts of the book was how beautifully written the relationship between Isika and her siblings was. They truly cared about each other and I loved how the focus was more on this rather than the hinted romantic one between Isika and Jabari.
Personally, this is not the sort of book I devoured word-by-word, but the plotline and development of the characters won it over for me.
The ending was a sort of a cliffhanger but not in an annoying way. I actually look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series and finding out what happens next. Books are just like people sometimes in that they catch you by surprise.
Rating - 3.5 stars, in fact. The only reason it did not earn 4 stars was due my personal preference in terms of writing style and its inability to immediately catch my attention through the first few sentences.
When I started reading it, I prepared myself to feel bored. The epilogue was interesting enough, I thought, but I wasn't enamored by the writing style. I thought, well, this will probably take months to finish.
I'm glad I kept reading because it turned out to be quite an enchanting story. even before I got interested, I had to admit to myself that while the writing style was not one I usually preferred, it was honest and earnest. I could feel that as I kept reading. Ms Ford really wanted to share the story in the best way she could.
Just like the story itself, the characters too were earnest and honest. I wasn't completely a fan of Isika at first but just like a real person, she great as a character, making mistakes and decisions and saying things any normal person would have in her situation.
One of my favourite parts of the book was how beautifully written the relationship between Isika and her siblings was. They truly cared about each other and I loved how the focus was more on this rather than the hinted romantic one between Isika and Jabari.
Personally, this is not the sort of book I devoured word-by-word, but the plotline and development of the characters won it over for me.
The ending was a sort of a cliffhanger but not in an annoying way. I actually look forward to reading the rest of the books in the series and finding out what happens next. Books are just like people sometimes in that they catch you by surprise.
Rating - 3.5 stars, in fact. The only reason it did not earn 4 stars was due my personal preference in terms of writing style and its inability to immediately catch my attention through the first few sentences.
February 5, 2021
*PARTIAL SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW*
I really enjoyed this title, although it took me a few attempts to get past the first couple of chapters. Once the children were on the battered fishing boat things picked up the pace and started to get far more interesting, though. I think the best way I can describe it is a bit like The Wizard of Oz. The same elements are there, beginning with a colourless and dismal backdrop, a shocking event which removes the characters to a different location, a journey to a city for help with new, imperfect friends, and a veil which hides the imperfections of said city. The latter element had me breathing a sigh of relief because I'd been starting to wonder what else could be achieved in the series, once the search for Kital was resolved. I'd like to have been presented with a bit more depth to hook me into the second in the series, as some of the seeds were planted a little too subtly, I think. But I'd like to go on to the next book all the same.
An interesting read which reflects issues blighting our own world. Recommending and advising readers to keep going - the Worker village isn't the setting for the real story.
I really enjoyed this title, although it took me a few attempts to get past the first couple of chapters. Once the children were on the battered fishing boat things picked up the pace and started to get far more interesting, though. I think the best way I can describe it is a bit like The Wizard of Oz. The same elements are there, beginning with a colourless and dismal backdrop, a shocking event which removes the characters to a different location, a journey to a city for help with new, imperfect friends, and a veil which hides the imperfections of said city. The latter element had me breathing a sigh of relief because I'd been starting to wonder what else could be achieved in the series, once the search for Kital was resolved. I'd like to have been presented with a bit more depth to hook me into the second in the series, as some of the seeds were planted a little too subtly, I think. But I'd like to go on to the next book all the same.
An interesting read which reflects issues blighting our own world. Recommending and advising readers to keep going - the Worker village isn't the setting for the real story.
December 9, 2018
A book that draws you in
A book that draws you in and keeps you there, with the beautiful, almost lyrical writing style. Very descriptive world and settings. The characters were so fully developed, that I could (almost)tell who was speaking, without the author noting it! I was not amused to find out that this was a series and the story ended in the middle. I was also annoyed by the weird names that the author gave to the characters. I felt that it distracted from the storyline. I realize that it's a different world and all,but it really ended up annoying me. Kizerma,Kibba,Litka......etc
All in all, the author did a wonderful job of world building and made the weirdly named characters almost leap from the page!
I've looked at the other 3 books in the series and even though I really liked the story, I just can't afford to purchase the remainder of the series. Best of luck Lityka and Benthaniumos and all the other great characters. (I may have misspelled the characters names)
A book that draws you in and keeps you there, with the beautiful, almost lyrical writing style. Very descriptive world and settings. The characters were so fully developed, that I could (almost)tell who was speaking, without the author noting it! I was not amused to find out that this was a series and the story ended in the middle. I was also annoyed by the weird names that the author gave to the characters. I felt that it distracted from the storyline. I realize that it's a different world and all,but it really ended up annoying me. Kizerma,Kibba,Litka......etc
All in all, the author did a wonderful job of world building and made the weirdly named characters almost leap from the page!
I've looked at the other 3 books in the series and even though I really liked the story, I just can't afford to purchase the remainder of the series. Best of luck Lityka and Benthaniumos and all the other great characters. (I may have misspelled the characters names)
July 3, 2023
Take my family, take me, I'm World Whisperer
This book had me in doubts in the beginning. I was scared for the mother and children. Then learning the ways of the land they came up on I was angry. How could you sacrifice children to the sea in a boat under medicated dreamland and just walk away? I couldn't do it. However, the change of events when they went out to seek a relative showed bravery and courage against things unknown to them and love to sacrifice in saving their beloved little brother. I grew to love this book more as I kept reading and was introduced to new characters and their skills and abilities. It was very catchy and showed a woman's power to overcome any obstacle. The ending had me a little shaky and left me wide eyed and unsure if Isika made the right decision...at the same time I'm proud of her and everything she has been through and learned about herself. She did great! I would recommend this book to those adventurers of new lands, possibilities and self reflection on a young adult. This is a great read.
This book had me in doubts in the beginning. I was scared for the mother and children. Then learning the ways of the land they came up on I was angry. How could you sacrifice children to the sea in a boat under medicated dreamland and just walk away? I couldn't do it. However, the change of events when they went out to seek a relative showed bravery and courage against things unknown to them and love to sacrifice in saving their beloved little brother. I grew to love this book more as I kept reading and was introduced to new characters and their skills and abilities. It was very catchy and showed a woman's power to overcome any obstacle. The ending had me a little shaky and left me wide eyed and unsure if Isika made the right decision...at the same time I'm proud of her and everything she has been through and learned about herself. She did great! I would recommend this book to those adventurers of new lands, possibilities and self reflection on a young adult. This is a great read.
November 12, 2020
I really loved this YA fantasy, about Isika and her siblings who are raised in an oppressive Worker Village. When their little brother is chosen to be sacrificed to the sea, they escape the Village and start a long journey to get him back. It's an exciting adventure story, a "one true chosen" kind of story, and a chosen family story - I love all these things, and World Whisperer does the found family thing so well.
The whole vibe of World Whisperer (and the following books) are very Christian - there is a benevolent loving world creator, and an evil force fighting against that world creator - but it really appealed to me because of the way Isika connects with that world creator force through connecting with the earth, listening to the trees. It's very lyrical and lovely. In general - loved it, I'm going to read all the other books.
The whole vibe of World Whisperer (and the following books) are very Christian - there is a benevolent loving world creator, and an evil force fighting against that world creator - but it really appealed to me because of the way Isika connects with that world creator force through connecting with the earth, listening to the trees. It's very lyrical and lovely. In general - loved it, I'm going to read all the other books.
August 31, 2023
This book seems to be for a much younger crowd. I'm in my thirties and feel like this book is geared for those closer to 12. I felt the world building, characters, background, and storyline were all a little flat. I kept waiting for tense moments, which there were plenty of opportunities for, but they never came. I wanted to feel emerged in the beautiful world they live in, but couldn't imagine it from the lack of description throughout the book. When faced with the evil taken over the world, she just touches it and then sleeps to shake off the effects? What!? I just wanted...more. Current me would give this book 2 stars. To be fair to the author and her hard work in creating this world and putting these books out, I do think my 12 year old self would have been all in and would dive into books 2 and 3 happily. This is why I gave this 3 stars, for my 12 year old booking loving heart.
December 11, 2024
Decent Read
The novel excels in creating a strong and engaging setting that immediately draws readers into Isika's world, where she must navigate the challenges of living in a village that does not accept her and her siblings due to their race. The themes of survival and family dynamics are compellingly portrayed, particularly through the protective relationship between Isika and literally everyone else in her family. The author’s lyrical writing style enhances the reading experience, making it immersive and enjoyable. Additionally, Ben's character is well-developed with clear flaws, adding depth to the sibling dynamic. I would have loved to have seen more of Ben as he was actually my favorite character! I did feel that Isika’s rapid development of her powers without sufficient training can come across as unrealistic, but this was overall a decent read!
The novel excels in creating a strong and engaging setting that immediately draws readers into Isika's world, where she must navigate the challenges of living in a village that does not accept her and her siblings due to their race. The themes of survival and family dynamics are compellingly portrayed, particularly through the protective relationship between Isika and literally everyone else in her family. The author’s lyrical writing style enhances the reading experience, making it immersive and enjoyable. Additionally, Ben's character is well-developed with clear flaws, adding depth to the sibling dynamic. I would have loved to have seen more of Ben as he was actually my favorite character! I did feel that Isika’s rapid development of her powers without sufficient training can come across as unrealistic, but this was overall a decent read!
November 9, 2017
World Whisperer is the first book in the World Whisperer series by Rachel Devenish Ford. I quickly got whisked away in this new fantasy adventure series that reads like an allegory. It's a coming-of-age story and young adult appropriate, ages 12 and up.
Dark-skinned Isika and her siblings don't belong in the evil Worker Village, but they don't know how to escape the poison walls or where to go with the sea on one side and the desert on the other. Isika, the eldest child, is strong and brave. With fierce love for her siblings, she stands up to her abusive step-father and finds a way to save them. Some of the themes in this story include forgiveness, humility, and friendship.
Posted on Amanda's Books and More
Dark-skinned Isika and her siblings don't belong in the evil Worker Village, but they don't know how to escape the poison walls or where to go with the sea on one side and the desert on the other. Isika, the eldest child, is strong and brave. With fierce love for her siblings, she stands up to her abusive step-father and finds a way to save them. Some of the themes in this story include forgiveness, humility, and friendship.
Posted on Amanda's Books and More
December 29, 2019
I always try to be constructive with reviews even if I dislike a book as I feel it’s important for an author who is brave enough to put their work ‘out there’ to be credited.
It seems I am in the minority with my opinion of this book but I found the prose very amateur and I struggled to visual the author’s world through a lack of description. Although I enjoyed the concept of the book, the execution was ineffective. The book lacked pace or any suspense. In the odd scene that I would have expected action, the scene was rushed and flat. The whole book lacked depth and the world building I found unimaginative. The character development was enjoyable but not to the extent that it saved the book in my opinion.
It seems I am in the minority with my opinion of this book but I found the prose very amateur and I struggled to visual the author’s world through a lack of description. Although I enjoyed the concept of the book, the execution was ineffective. The book lacked pace or any suspense. In the odd scene that I would have expected action, the scene was rushed and flat. The whole book lacked depth and the world building I found unimaginative. The character development was enjoyable but not to the extent that it saved the book in my opinion.
January 22, 2021
Beauty and love defeat the ugliness of doubt and despair
I loved this book's graphic portrayal of two very different worlds. One is dreary and colorless, and it's people are hungry and hopeless, not allowed to look at or touch each other. They sacrifice their children and distrust strangers. Yet some are caring and selfless.
The other world is bright and beautiful, its people rescue and protect strangers, and the air is full of singing. Yet some are treacherous and selfish.
Rachel Devenish Ford's marvelous imagination and insightful characterisation realistically portray how your background and fears shape you but love and acceptance can reshape you. Kindness and companionship can overcome doubt and despair.
I found this book deeply satisfying.
I loved this book's graphic portrayal of two very different worlds. One is dreary and colorless, and it's people are hungry and hopeless, not allowed to look at or touch each other. They sacrifice their children and distrust strangers. Yet some are caring and selfless.
The other world is bright and beautiful, its people rescue and protect strangers, and the air is full of singing. Yet some are treacherous and selfish.
Rachel Devenish Ford's marvelous imagination and insightful characterisation realistically portray how your background and fears shape you but love and acceptance can reshape you. Kindness and companionship can overcome doubt and despair.
I found this book deeply satisfying.
January 18, 2025
I liked the uniqueness of the story, and the world building. The beginning with the giving over the children made me tear up with sadness.
When they showed up to the walled village filled with white people whom have never seen a colored person before, I thought that was interesting.
This is on the younger side of YA, and it definitely felt like it. Isika is only 14 (I think) after all, so it makes sense that there would be a bit of immaturity and arrogance coming from one so young.
I couldn't connect with any of the characters, and it didn't really have an emotional impact beyond slight irritation at the children's thought processes.
I did have a good time with it though, but I'm probably not going to continue with the series.
When they showed up to the walled village filled with white people whom have never seen a colored person before, I thought that was interesting.
This is on the younger side of YA, and it definitely felt like it. Isika is only 14 (I think) after all, so it makes sense that there would be a bit of immaturity and arrogance coming from one so young.
I couldn't connect with any of the characters, and it didn't really have an emotional impact beyond slight irritation at the children's thought processes.
I did have a good time with it though, but I'm probably not going to continue with the series.
February 8, 2021
I was intrigued for the first bit until we left the village, from there it just went downhill. The writing became overly concerned with exposition, the dialogue felt unnatural and the internal logic of the world and characters seemed to break and contradict. You had random events to delay the journey, which never really gave a sense of danger and was more a tool to provide even more world building.
Many characters became very out of character and illogical in their behaviour, and they stopped being enjoyable along the way. The "quirk" that Ben had even lost my interest in the end.
Although there were good ideas scattered around, I felt it was poorly executed.
Many characters became very out of character and illogical in their behaviour, and they stopped being enjoyable along the way. The "quirk" that Ben had even lost my interest in the end.
Although there were good ideas scattered around, I felt it was poorly executed.
March 5, 2023
This is not the kind of book that I usually read. Liked it. A story with characters that will get into you head and stay there.Another world from ours with a rotten city and a good one. Who will win. This story in about children and what happens to people in the walled city that is ruled by an evil Goddess. To appease her they set babies adrift into the ocean. A 14 year old girl her 13 year old brother and a 7 year old sister break out of the city and try to regain the tiny brother set a drift in the sea. A long trip, meeting new people so different from what they know and what happens to them. The stubborn 14 year old sets this part of the world free from the evil Goddess.
April 24, 2019
World Whisperer
Isika and Ben had a rough life for as long as they could remember. As children, they walked thru the desert with their mom trying to find a place to live. Unfortunately she ends up in a bad place for her kids. Her youngest daughter is sacrificed to the Godesses and her mother loosened will to live so Isika takes over. When her stepfather goes to sacrifice her youngest brother, her stepmother helps her and her siblings leave trying to save the youngest brother. Their adventure starts here.
Isika and Ben had a rough life for as long as they could remember. As children, they walked thru the desert with their mom trying to find a place to live. Unfortunately she ends up in a bad place for her kids. Her youngest daughter is sacrificed to the Godesses and her mother loosened will to live so Isika takes over. When her stepfather goes to sacrifice her youngest brother, her stepmother helps her and her siblings leave trying to save the youngest brother. Their adventure starts here.
January 1, 2021
Great Book!
This was one of my Kindle Early Read book selection and I was hesitant to read it at first, but once I started it, I couldn’t put it down! I had to discover what happened to Ishika and her brother Benyeem and Ibba her little sister. Discovering that the Worker’s village isn’t all she’s be lead to believe. Once I finished and looked for the next book, I was unaware it was a series of books and that the initial book came out 4 years ago and the newest appeared November this year. What a pleasant surprise! If you enjoyed the Ash Princess series you’ll love this!
This was one of my Kindle Early Read book selection and I was hesitant to read it at first, but once I started it, I couldn’t put it down! I had to discover what happened to Ishika and her brother Benyeem and Ibba her little sister. Discovering that the Worker’s village isn’t all she’s be lead to believe. Once I finished and looked for the next book, I was unaware it was a series of books and that the initial book came out 4 years ago and the newest appeared November this year. What a pleasant surprise! If you enjoyed the Ash Princess series you’ll love this!
August 15, 2017
A rich, spellbinding book
A beautiful, soul-warming story of the complexities of love and fear, the challenges and rewards of being of two cultures, and the power of healing and love. The characters are captivating and drew me in, turning digital page after digital page long into the night. It has been a long time since a book has kept my attention so wrapt that I longed to be reading it even when I should be sleeping!
A beautiful, soul-warming story of the complexities of love and fear, the challenges and rewards of being of two cultures, and the power of healing and love. The characters are captivating and drew me in, turning digital page after digital page long into the night. It has been a long time since a book has kept my attention so wrapt that I longed to be reading it even when I should be sleeping!
September 23, 2018
So glad I read this book. It was free on iBooks. It’s not my usual type, though it had elements of my favorite styles. Such a nice change in pace though. An excellent quick read. I found myself intrigued by the new world and rooting for Isika and her siblings from the start. A teensy bit predictable, but that just means it didn’t let me down. I am looking forward to read more of everyone’s journey and like that there is more than one character’s journey to enjoy. Especially the youngest ones.
December 13, 2020
Interesting story in a unique World
I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. There were some interesting twists and turns. I Liked the concept of good and evil in that evil created poison in the people and made them behave in undesirable ways. Sitka's powers were interesting, but I never understood where or how she got them. There really wasn't an explanation as to who or what the Goddess was. Perhaps subsequent books will address these questions.
I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. There were some interesting twists and turns. I Liked the concept of good and evil in that evil created poison in the people and made them behave in undesirable ways. Sitka's powers were interesting, but I never understood where or how she got them. There really wasn't an explanation as to who or what the Goddess was. Perhaps subsequent books will address these questions.
December 19, 2020
I great story, that engages the spirit
This is a story of hardships and new beginnings. The good in this world and the beauty of nature. It is also a story of the darkness that we can leach into us with anger and pride and jealousy. There is love, friendship and the strength of family bonds in this tale woven into a story that holds onto you and makes you want to know what happens next to these characters because you come to care for them from the very beginning.
This is a story of hardships and new beginnings. The good in this world and the beauty of nature. It is also a story of the darkness that we can leach into us with anger and pride and jealousy. There is love, friendship and the strength of family bonds in this tale woven into a story that holds onto you and makes you want to know what happens next to these characters because you come to care for them from the very beginning.
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