Joni Sensel

Reviewed by Joan Stradling for TeensReadToo.com

The moon calls to Ariel Farwalker and urges her to embark on a quest.

Leaving her best friend, Zeke, behind, Ariel and her guardian journey to new friends and distant lands. Ariel hopes to find the sender of the telling darts, if she lives long enough.

I fell in love with this world and characters in THE FARWALKER'S QUEST. I thrilled at the prospect of reading the sequel, but I did have some nagging concerns. Because the first one blew me away, I show more feared nothing could compare. THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON not only compared, but managed to thrill me even more than the first one. Adventure, excitement, and wonderful new characters greeted me with each page turn.

THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON pulled me in and kept me moonstruck through the entire novel. When I had to put the book down, I felt the story tugging at my mind and urging me to return. I couldn't get back to it fast enough!

Like THE FARWALKER'S QUEST before it, Sensel has a way of bringing her characters and world to brilliant life, making me wish I could stay immersed in Ariel's story forever. The only disappointment I had was the ending, but only because it was over.

Whenever I look at the moon, I'll think of Ariel Farwalker and wonder what adventures her feet will lead her to next. show less

This novel had a couple of interesting concepts that I liked. As far as being a full and truly engaging story, it never really got off the ground, but it was decent.

Aiden is a monk in Celtic Ireland around the turn of the nineteenth century, working hard to be allowed to illuminate the books and manuscripts he loves. But he also has a strange talent; the ability to hear numbers in people and things around him, each revealing aspects of character through its sound, pitch, and volume. And show more when a fiery and proud girl named Lana comes to the abbey, humming of the very rare number eleven, Aiden is immediately caught.

Viking raids, herbal and druidic nature lore, religion, lust, and love all collide in this story, which feels like it could have been a lot more. I identified with Lana's strength of character and love for nature and her special magic, as well as Aiden's fascination with books and learning. An okay book to pass the time, but don't expect too much of it. show less

Ariel Farwalker has been hearing the moon talk to her at night and its telling her to do different things. To keep from going crazy, she listens to the moon and that leads her on a journey to unlocking some hidden lands and secrets. She gets this mysterious map marked with unrecognizable symbols. Her best friend, Zeke, can speak to the rocks and they tell her that if she doesn't go on this journey, than the rest of the world may not survive. So, Ariel and her companion Scarl head out and show more follow the map. On the journey, Ariel learns some things about her past and her present.She learns what it means to be a Farwalker.
The book is geared for young adult readers, but I enjoyed it as an adult. The author builds dynamic mystical characters with human characteristics: desire to be needed, jealous of others and selfish desires. These qualities make the characters easy to relate to. The story pulls you in and captures your attention with the action and adventure throughout the story.
Recommended grades: 4-5 show less

It was a quick, easy and pleasant read. Given the premise of a cemetery and a mystery I expected something more spooky but it is all really low angst.

Geth has been left at the altar and in her anger she casts a curse on the Wind to punish her former fiancé. To her surprise the Wind obeys but demands her hand in marriage in return. Now Geth will need help of her bff, a town witch and an old friend to get out of that mess.

What I loved the most about this book was the writing. The story went show more seamlessly and it was easy to follow. I enjoyed the historical setting and the touch of magic. The idea of the Wind as a sentient being is unique and the Wind ended up being my favorite character in the book; moody and self centered but not entirely evil.

Geth’s love life was quite a whirlwind; three fiancés within a week! Phew! Aaron was an amazing and dedicated friend but the romance felt rushed. I would have loved to see some backstory to understand their relationship better.

I would recommend this book to readers as young as twelve, maybe fourteen. For me it was unfortunately too tame in both magical and romance departments and maybe too short so some parts felt underdeveloped.

3.5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Backlit PR for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. show less