Sleepers

by Megg Jensen

[Kim Deister]

Sleepers is the latest novel from the author of The Cloud Trilogy, and the first in the new Swarm trilogy. Megg Jensen has the ability to create worlds and characters that, while fantasy, are so incredibly believable and real to the reader. Even the imagery of the tiniest details brings you in. There was a short passage in which Lianne is running barefoot outside and dust settles over her feet. Such a tiny detail, but I was so into the story that I swear I could feel the dust on my own feet. To me, that is the mark of a truly wonderful writer, one that can make you feel a story.

Lianne is one of three Dalagan children given to the Fithians as a symbol of peace between the two formerly warring kingdoms. Lianne is the queen's favorite handmaiden, who is Lianne's only real friend among the Fithians. Kellan has been fostered by the armsman and is the boy who Lianne has always dreamed of. The third Dalagan is Bryden, once Lianne's closest friend, now holding himself apart from his fellow countrymen. I absolutely loved Lianne from the start. She is a strong girl, but one that had all of the normal doubts of any woman. I loved the fact that she was a warrior, one that was even stronger than almost anyone in the kingdom!

The twists and turns in this book were unbelievable! Just as soon as I thought I knew where the story was going, something huge would happen and change everything. It is almost impossible to talk about all of those twists and turns without giving away the story line and taking away from the sheer joy of reading this book. Those twists and turns and never knowing what was going to happen made Sleepers so fabulous that I didn't want it to end. And the ending,...? Totally NOT what I expected!

Magic, intrigue, suspense, mystery, friendship, love, betrayal,... this book has everything! Run, don't walk, and buy this amazing book! As much as I love Anathema and Oubliette, I think Sleepers just may be my new favorite!