Synopsis.
A gripping journey into the heart of Native American legend, "Beyond the Western Sun" follows the epic struggle of Whisper, a young female Cherokee apprentice, on a harrowing adventure into the Land of the Dead to save the captive son of Ian Diavya. Together they face insurmountable odds, conquer terrible demons, and in the process, find a strength and courage within themselves neither knew possible. What they don't know is that these early adventures are only tests, for to save Ian's son, they must also stop the evil-minded Raven-Eater from unleashing his Army of the Dead to destroy the living world. As the Army of the Dead marches closer to the Western Sun, as Whisper leads them deeper into the Land of the Dead, and as the truth behind Cole's death is slowly revealed, Ian discovers that the fate of both worlds depends on his courage, his humility, and the life of his son. An epic saga of hope, redemption, and undying love, "Beyond the Western Sun" is what all fantasy adventures must strive to be: a complex, intricate examination of human emotion set within the context of worlds known only in our imagination. And in this regard, "Beyond the Western Sun" is a stunning achievement. Melding fantasy and legend in an epic quest, the third novel of her young career signals the arrival of Kristina Circelli as a master storyteller. Creating the indelible character of Whisper, vividly portraying the worlds that she and Ian must traverse to accomplish their goal, and capturing their human frailties, hopes and fears with depth and touching sincerity, Circelli reminds us with stunning precision the greatness we are all capable of, and the heavy price our actions can rend.
SJ's Review.
This review has taken me so long to complete. I apologise now. It wasn't because the book was shit because honestly it wasn't it was because half way through I had some devastating news and this book was too close to home so I put the book down for a few weeks and returned to it when I felt strong enough. 4 stars goes to Beyond the Western Sun.
If this book taught me anything it was ' not to trust what you see' and 'too long a little deeper'.
Ian & Cole are part of the Diavya Family. They are away on vacation, married life hasnt been easy on Ian and his Wife. Ian is always working and it is taking its toll on the family, a little vacation should help surely? Little do they know, things are about to get a whole lot worse for the family!!
Ian has always been more and more distracted by work lately and his family are getting less and less attention from him. He has never actually cheated on his wife but that doesn't stop him from thinking about this secretary that has been flirting and putting the moves on him for a while now. If he has known them thoughts could be the end of his family maybe he would've spent a little more time with his family than dreaming about the tart at work.
When Ian is having some family bonding time with his son Cole at the park while they are on vacation, he slips into dream world. Cole is happy and content playing in the park while he Dad watches. That is until something catches Cole's eye. He told his Mum he has seen a little boy playing in the water the previous day but luckily his Mum was there too save him from falling in the water and injuring himself. Who is there too save him today? With Cole being the adventurous little boy he is, and Ian sitting thinking about his little bit of skirt back at the office, the worst possible thing happens. Cole goes missing.
Once Ian has scoured the surrounding area he arrives back at camp without Cole, explaining too his family what had happened, obviously, he is too blame. Who else is too blame? Ian can't see this though. He has become a selfish man.
Whisper offers Ian a way too save his son so he goes with her begrudgingly, only because this is what is expected of him, not because it is what he wants to do. Whisper & Ian set off into the Spirit World. Ian isn't aware what is ahead of him and what is involved in order too help save his son but he is not alone. Whisper is with him every step of the way.
Ian isn't sure what it is he is meant to be doing and he isn't sure how much he can trust Whisper but she is all he has. Ian is faced with lots of temptations along his way through the After Life and it is his place not too give into temptation but how easy will that be for him?
Will he be able to save his son?
Bring him home to his family where he belongs?
Or will they both be lost the the Western Sun for all eternity?
Can the Diavya family be saved?
About the Author.
Kristina Circelli is the author of adult and YA fiction novels. A descendent of the Cherokee nation, Circelli holds both a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English from the University of North Florida. Currently, she works as both a copywriter and creative writing professor, in addition to writing her own novels.
Her latest series, The Whisper Legacy, is steeped in the spoken narratives of Native American lore, and is at once a gripping story of a father's love and his search for redemption as well as a written record of a Nation's belief system. Part adventure, part myth, and altogether riveting, this series from Kristina Circelli signifies the emergence of an important voice in Native American literature.
Circelli currently resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her husband, Seth, and cat, Sir Whisky Sour.
Stalker Links
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4543325.Kristina_Circelli
Website