The Wysman by Dorothy A. Winsor

*** I RECEIVED A FREE COPY FOR AN HONEST REVIEW

Start Date : June 12, 2020
End Date: June 24, 2020

Actual Rating : 4/5

​     Jarka walks around with a crutch but that is not what makes him different in the castle.  He is a Wind Reader.  He is one of the few who still believes on the power of the elements and harnesses.  Because of his ability, Prince Beran has taken him out of his tough life in Rin City  to the castle. 
​     Ever since then, Jarka is making sure that he remains useful to Prince Beran and King Thien so that he would not return to his old life on the streets.  But a monster from children's tale is threatening his way of life as well as the children under his protection.

Honestly, the first two sentences in Chapter 1  got me hooked.  The way the sentences were written had me feeling as if I am inside the world the book created.

To those who are familiar with Song of the Lioness series, the world that this book created evokes the same feeling as that of Tortall.  It is medieval and magical without going overboard on either of those themes. 

Also, Jarka and Alanna are quite similar.  They are both trying to prove that they are worthy of their position in the castle.  They both give it their all to show everyone that they belong which sometimes causes them more trouble then they are initially in.

However, unlike Alanna who is confident about her skills but is afraid of the power bestowed to her by the Great Mother Goddess, Jarka's sense of identity is solely reliant on his powers.  He does not believe he is worth anything more than a Wind Reader.  Jarka only sees himself as an invalid street rat whose only luck in life is having powers.  He believes no one wants him and they only tolerate him so as to have access to his powers.

With the appearance of a monster from children's tales, Jarka embarks on a quest to protect his cousin Izzy and other street children.  But the quest also opens up Jarka to other possibilities other than relying on his powers.

Just like how reading Song of the Lioness series as a grade school child helped to shape me, I believe this book would be a great help for young readers.  The Wysman can bring warmth and sense of belonging to those who believe they don't belong or that they have nothing special to give to others.