228. Wayfarer by R.J. Anderson

Wayfarer by R.J. Anderson (Canada) - (USA)
Faery Realms, #2

Pages: 296
Ages: 12+
Finished: Oct. 27, 2010
First Published: June 22, 2010
Publisher: Harper Teen
Genre: YA, fantasy, faeries

Rating: 5/5

First sentence:

The Queen is dying.

Acquired: Received a review copy from Harper Collins Canada.

Reason for Reading: Next in the series.

Wayfarer continues the story started in Spell Hunter (Knife UK). The publisher has upgraded the recommended age range to YA which I find more appropriate, though this book is tamer than the first. The story however, if very detailed and intricate.

The entire cast of book 1 returns, including Knife and Paul but this time the main characters are Linden and Paul's nephew, Timothy. Now that the Queen is on her deathbed it is time to find the other faeries and see if the Oakenfolk can get their magic restored to them so they may survive as a people. The Queen transfers half her magic to Valerian, her chosen successor as Queen, and the other half to Linden, the chosen one to undertake the journey. At 15, Linden is not expected to leave until she has matured a bit and learnt to master her new magic but when she sees that Timothy is running away she grabs her opportunity to travel quickly by hiding in his backpack. What she finds out about the rest of faerydom in England sends terror through her heart, an evil so horrific it threatens both faeries and humans. Linden and Timothy are sent on a quest to the western most tip of Wales to find a group of faeries only known to exist through ancient human folklore.

This book is even better than the first one! The plot has become much more intricate and involved with several layers to it. There is of course the main peril to contend with but there are also side stories involving a few separate characters here and there. The main plot is wonderfully entertaining, fast-paced and a unique take on the faery realm. It is also a story of personal values and beliefs. The Oakenfolk have a high code of honour and Linden is placed in a world of temptation when she enters the human domain. Her values often seem weak and small when compared with the corruption going on around her. Timothy himself is a "missionary kid" who since coming to England for schooling six months ago now questions the faith he grew up with and has become somewhat bitter toward it. He experiences a personal journey of Faith as he questions the hypocrisy he finds in some Christians and experiences the true love he finds in others as well as starting to acknowledge the work of God in his own life. Another thing I really liked was the dynamics between Linden and Timothy because they were not romantically involved at all. They became great friends and both are great characters. Linden puts on an act of bravery but is really very scared deep inside, though she is a completely honourable person. Timothy is a character who is not very likable at first, but grows and develops as a person as the book progresses. A fine story of personal Faith journey, Welsh folklore and faery magic.