Thursday, February 7, 2008

Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay


Ysabel
Guy Gavriel Kay
ROC
February 5, 2008
ISBN# 978-0-451-46190-2

Ned Marriner is a Canadian teenager on a photo-shoot with his father in France. As the team sets up outside the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral of Aix-en-Provence, Ned retreats inside where he meets an American exchange student, Kate Wenger. A self proclaimed history geek, Kate has the answers to most any question about the surrounding area. The two come across a strange man who, initially unwilling, sets off a chain of events that drags them into a recurring story that has continued through the centuries. As the story unfolds around them, they soon realize that the stranger they’ve met has a rival and each man plays a powerful role in what’s to come.

When Ned gets a phone call from the mysterious aunt he’s never met, he learns that there is more to his own family’s history than he’d ever been told. As the stakes grow ever higher, and one of the team becomes further entangled in the story, it’s clear that the men seek the favor of Ysabel, the woman they love. Neither man is able to break free of the part they play in her game. With the help of his family and friends, Ned will embark on a frightening journey to save a life and hope to learn how he fits into Ysabel’s story.

Ysabel is an intriguing fantasy that takes a piece of the past and enables it to play out in today’s time and space. Ned begins his visit to France as an average teenage boy, but quickly learns that his family’s secrets play a large role in the deep connection he finds with Ysabel’s story. Mr. Kay tells a fabulous tale with such great detail that it enables readers to experience the unfolding drama along with his characters. The beautiful scenery, the edge of your seat suspense and a soul-deep longing that has endured the tests of time are all carefully pieced together to create one incredible story.

Kimberly Swan, Darque Reviews

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sorry I haven't been commenting lately - been setting up my new blog! (Click my name to see it!) But I stopped over and saw the cover of this book and instantly fell in love. Now I'm going to read the review. LOL :D

Kimberly Swan said...

I think you'd really like this T.C. I'm a little surprised that it isn't sold as a young adult because teens would love it as well. :) I'll go take a peek at what you've been up to! lol