Synopsis
The story is about Agnieszka, a 17 year old girl who was chosen by a local wizard named Dragon(Sarkan). This selection is done every ten years and whosoever is chosen will live with the Dragon in his tower for a decade until the next selection.
The chosen ones are usually females and as for what the women do during those ten years under his roof, no one truly knows. But, since the Dragon is the only person able to keep the evil Wood and Heart-tree from expanding any further, the valley residents never deny his request.
Before the selection, everyone in the valley of Dvernik expects that Agnieszka beautiful friend named Kasia would be chosen. However, when the Dragon comes, he picks Agnieszka and not Kasia.
Agnieszka, thus became more like a mentee to the Dragon as he trains and lectures her on series of magical chants and sorcery. However, events take another turn as the evil Wood captures Agnieszka best friend, Kasia, and this leads them into fighting the mysterious and powerful Wood full of corruption.
Our Dragon doesn't eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley.
My Review
I thought I've selected a wrong book while reading the first few chapters of this book. However, as I delve deeper and deeper into the story, I felt the intriguing and captivating magical scenery and mystical fantasy in it.
I love the character of Agnieszka and her display of unwavering love for her friend, Kasia. Although, initially, she bore feelings of jealousy and resentment towards Kasia because she wasn't the chosen one. She doesn’t see herself as brave, pretty, or strong as her friend Kasia, and this poor conception of herself fueled a feeling of hurt and bitter jealousy in her. However, She loved Kasia, and the Wood taking Kasia was what gave Agnieszka the power to be that strong witch she is meant to be.
Agnieszka's display of affection for Kasia in the above page was admirable and exceptional. She thought of Kasia in the grip of the Walker, the long fingers curled around her arms and legs, knowing all the while what was happening, what would happen to her.
Moreover, the story includes a great deal of fantasy blended with a mix of magic and a great deal into the world of nature. As some point, I couldn't create an imagination of the happenings in the story which makes it more intriguing to read. An example is the scene of rescuing the Queen from the Wood. The chants and magic sorcery were just beyond imagination.
"Tulejoh Vish, " I said, whispering, coaxing "Kisara"
The spark of romantic feelings between the Dragon and Agnieszka is also quite captivating. Agnieszka falls in love with her teacher who initially proves to be the sarcastic and unkind one, and spends the first half of the novel insulting her intelligence and abilities.
I love the fact that after Agnieszka and the Dragon defeated the Wood Queen, she decides to stay, instead of going with him to the capital. She didn't allow her love for a man to becloud her sense of belonging. Also, the fact that the Dragon does not force her to go with him is quite interesting, thus signifying mutual respect and independence.
All in all, the book is a nice one which would take you into a world of magical scenery. You should also check it out.
All images are gotten from my E-book library.