Farworld: Water Keep

What if there existed a world parallel to ours, where similar natural landmarks exist in the same places? What if magic in this parallel world was as natural as breathing and everybody was capable of it? What if this world's life depended on your own? What if someone sent an assassin to kill you? Sound intriguing? Then you had better grab Farworld: Water Keep by J. Scott Savage and be ready for a wonderful adventure! Farworld is one of the best books published by Shadow Mountain for young readers. In fact, I might only place Fablehaven higher. The story is told very well, the idea behind the story is brilliant, and the action and anticipation make the book very compelling. I first read Farworld while riding in a car down to California. I loved it immediately!

One of the great things about Farworld is that it appeals just as much to boys as it does to girls. It has two main characters, Marcus and Kyja. Both of them have very different capabilities, but they need to combine their efforts in order to survive. Unfortunately, neither of them can stay in the same world as the other for very long without becoming sick and dying. In order to stay together and fight the dark forces, they need to form a bridge between our world and Farworld. In order to create such a bridge, they need to get the help of the Elementals: Water, Fire, Earth, and Air. Unfortunately, these Elementals do not work together and nobody has ever seen them. In fact, they almost seem to be little more than legend. But Marcus and Kyja do not have much time before everyone they love is killed and the world destroyed.

One of the things I love the most about this book is how it describes the magic inside each of us. Both Marcus and Kyja are outcasts in their own communities because they are not like the rest. Yet both of them possess something that makes them capable of wonderful things. At times, this could be actualy magic. Other times, it could be the power of love and compassion, which sometimes can prove to be more powerful and more useful than any other force in the universe. The book deals with pride and trust. It deals with the critical importance of striving for success in the midst of fear of failure. If you like fantasy for young readers, I recommend you read this book very soon.