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Luza #1
Luza
Given an insurmountable task, an Arctic fox named Luza must travel the countryside until she finds the missing princess. Hunted by a master hunter and his Croatian sheepdog, both focused on killing her before she accomplishes her mission, Luza must find a way to persevere. She brings hope for those who live in fear of the new King and his lofty ambitions.
Unknown to Luza and the majority of events outside the village of Gilmanton, Keira plans a visit to her mother’s grave as her uncle departs for the beginning of hunting season. Life hasn’t always been easy for the young teen, and today’s chance encounter with the Arctic fox will only force her to reflect on the past and how it defines her going forward.
Keira will immediately be forced out of her comfort zone, but will do so willingly to help Luza accomplish her mission, regardless of whether it means sacrificing herself or putting herself in harm’s way to do so.
Luza is the first book in the Luza series and the first of many adventures for Luza and Keira.
Unknown to Luza and the majority of events outside the village of Gilmanton, Keira plans a visit to her mother’s grave as her uncle departs for the beginning of hunting season. Life hasn’t always been easy for the young teen, and today’s chance encounter with the Arctic fox will only force her to reflect on the past and how it defines her going forward.
Keira will immediately be forced out of her comfort zone, but will do so willingly to help Luza accomplish her mission, regardless of whether it means sacrificing herself or putting herself in harm’s way to do so.
Luza is the first book in the Luza series and the first of many adventures for Luza and Keira.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2020
51 people are currently reading
310 people want to read
About the author
Frankie Yandow
2 books12 followersFrankie Yandow (pen name for Jonathan Kuiper) is a proud native of New Hampshire. If you ask him whether his home experiences all four seasons, he'll be quick to add there are five. Kuiper and his family consider mud season a fun time of year that is between the end of winter and the one day of spring, before summer.
Active throughout the year; running and ice skating are two activities he uses to brainstorm new ideas. A teacher by trade, Jonathan uses his students as inspiration and for feedback on his latest projects. His writing influences are C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jane Austen, Mike Jefferies, and Robert Crane.
Active throughout the year; running and ice skating are two activities he uses to brainstorm new ideas. A teacher by trade, Jonathan uses his students as inspiration and for feedback on his latest projects. His writing influences are C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jane Austen, Mike Jefferies, and Robert Crane.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 28, 2016
The characters in "Luza" are extraordinarily well developed. It is really easy to relate to Keira even though the book is fantasy/fiction. She realistically deals with many issues that most readers will be able to relate to on some level. The villain, Bilal, is quite creepy and reminds me of the villain in another book I read a couple weeks back (I believe it is due to his physical description).
I may be a bit partial to this book since I love dogs and I think arctic foxes are just adorable. I hope the sequel, "Riley" is just as good as this installment.
I may be a bit partial to this book since I love dogs and I think arctic foxes are just adorable. I hope the sequel, "Riley" is just as good as this installment.
December 16, 2016
When I read the blurb for this story, I really, really wanted to like it. There were moments that I found myself sailing through the story. The first third was exceptionally well written.
However, in the second act the story began to drag. The near-constant bickering between Keira and Luza became quite annoying after a while, and there were many conversations and stretches of narrative that felt more like filler than something to move the plot forward. That, plus the constant POV shifts were a bit jarring.
There was obviously a mystery, something hidden that we weren't meant to find out until the end (I mean, a talking fox??), but it wasn't until the 97% mark that said mystery was revealed, and even then there were questions left unanswered. Perhaps in Book Two...
I'm not entirely sure what age group this is targeted as. Mid-teens, maybe? Young children will find the bullying scenes (which are violent) and the animal cruelty scenes disturbing, while older teens might find the premise a little juvenile.
On a happier note, the author's writing style was quite easy to follow, and his descriptions of the New Hampshire countryside were marvelous. For that reason I am rounding up rather than down.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
However, in the second act the story began to drag. The near-constant bickering between Keira and Luza became quite annoying after a while, and there were many conversations and stretches of narrative that felt more like filler than something to move the plot forward. That, plus the constant POV shifts were a bit jarring.
There was obviously a mystery, something hidden that we weren't meant to find out until the end (I mean, a talking fox??), but it wasn't until the 97% mark that said mystery was revealed, and even then there were questions left unanswered. Perhaps in Book Two...
I'm not entirely sure what age group this is targeted as. Mid-teens, maybe? Young children will find the bullying scenes (which are violent) and the animal cruelty scenes disturbing, while older teens might find the premise a little juvenile.
On a happier note, the author's writing style was quite easy to follow, and his descriptions of the New Hampshire countryside were marvelous. For that reason I am rounding up rather than down.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
May 16, 2019
Keira lives with her Uncle Lane since her mother passed. She feeds the dog, takes care of the land which they live on, and is homeschooled. She doesn't think too highly of herself, nor wishes to be around people. She prefers animals, and when she stumbles upon a hurt Arctic Fox, her life begins to change.
March 6, 2020
Excellent
This is an amazing start to a new series. I was so engrossed in reading that I did not realize the book was over until I saw the dedication at the bottom of the page. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
This is an amazing start to a new series. I was so engrossed in reading that I did not realize the book was over until I saw the dedication at the bottom of the page. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
June 22, 2017
Too much bickering... get on with the story.
September 5, 2017
I read "Luza" in two nights. The book grabbed my interest within a few pages, then I was hooked and had a hard time putting it down. It kept me guessing the whole entire time, right down to the final pages. The characters were all explained with great detail and the way Keira was so gentle and loving towards animals really drew me in. The fact that the animals loved her and were so protective of her was also a positive. Luza, the arctic fox, had a great introduction and description. From the way she viewed the world as a animal running and surviving in the wilderness. Then while she was around Keira in the human world. I highly recommend this book!
March 6, 2017
Oh my gosh! I love this!
A girl who speaks to animals, knowing they most likely cannot speak back. But they do! I was intrigued by the fact that this story follows a fox princess. Foxes are one of my favorite animals and they usually have a bad rep, but I love how this story totally turns your favor towards them. The characters are well created; I love Keira. Luza the fox had me smiling and a bit panicked, but its all good. The story ends on a cliffhanger, so now I am completely out of sorts. For a middle grade/YA/coming of age, this is a great books.
A girl who speaks to animals, knowing they most likely cannot speak back. But they do! I was intrigued by the fact that this story follows a fox princess. Foxes are one of my favorite animals and they usually have a bad rep, but I love how this story totally turns your favor towards them. The characters are well created; I love Keira. Luza the fox had me smiling and a bit panicked, but its all good. The story ends on a cliffhanger, so now I am completely out of sorts. For a middle grade/YA/coming of age, this is a great books.
September 18, 2016
A great read and a lovely coming of age story wrapped up in fantasy. You really feel for the characters and they feel even realistic (yes, even the talking fox). There is laughs, peril, and growing up. I highly recommend this story for the young and young-at-heart.
(Full disclosure: I'm a former student of the author)
(Full disclosure: I'm a former student of the author)
October 18, 2016
This book was so different from others that I read. That being said, it was a wonderful incorporation of fantasy and adventure, along with young adult themes. For an author to depict a teenager's desire to understand the "why" before they can move to "how"...that is huge. In any context. Keira and Luza work together to capture that at the foundation of their "intertwined fates".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2018
Fabulous Fantasy
Jonathon has written a great Y/A novel. Very little love interests and very well paced plot. I look forward to the next novel!
Jonathon has written a great Y/A novel. Very little love interests and very well paced plot. I look forward to the next novel!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews