"THE ECHOING," by Jessica Blackburn, Bonneville Books, $14.99, 224 pages (f) (ages 12 and up)
When high schooler Rylee stumbles on an elderly woman in the woods at the beginning of "The Echoing," she chooses to change her life forever and gain a power as old as mortality. As a balancer, those who do good to her receive good in return. Anyone who causes her pain is hurt in equal measure.
As Rylee explores her new ability, she will learn about her true identity and the nature of good, evil and balance as she struggles to protect those she loves most.
A first-time author, Jessica Blackburn shows great promise in the fantasy genre. "The Echoing" has a few flaws — the writing is unnecessarily flowery and verbose, and a few words are used incorrectly. With the exception of Esther, who gives Rylee her powers, and Rylee's brother Nathaniel, the story's antagonist, the characters are largely forgettable.
But the story is creative and lyrical, and Blackburn has the gift of endowing a novel with the mystical elements of magic and wonder so essential to good fantasy.
"The Echoing" draws on biblical and Book of Mormon themes and a supporting character is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This novel contains some mildly violent content and a couple of suspenseful situations but no profanity. The romance does not progress beyond kissing. It includes themes such as teenage romance, loss of a parent, infertility and karma.
Blackburn studied at Brigham Young University-Idaho and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She lives in the Columbia Gorge area with her husband and son.
Rachel Chipman has a bachelor's degree in family life and human development. She loves reading and writing about books, families, and internet safety. Her email is racheldchipman@gmail.com.