"THE SECRETS OF SOLACE," by Jaleigh Johnson, Delacorte Press, $16.99, 371 pages (f) (ages 10 and up)
She’s surrounded by people, but Lina Winterbock is a definite loner in “The Secrets of Solace.” Although she lives with archivists who, like her, are interested in the many artifacts found throughout the world of Solace, no one truly understands her, and Lina finds herself constantly being picked on. Instead of socializing with her nonexistent friends, Lina uses her time to explore every corner of the vast underground caverns she calls her home.
Everything changes when she runs into a strange boy. Ozben is in hiding and, although he has plans of his own, finds himself drawn to the quirky, adventurous Lina. As the two explore the underground caverns and confide their greatest secrets to each other, their friendship grows. Things turn deadly when it becomes apparent someone is trying to kill Ozben, but Lina is determined to keep her best friend safe.
Secreted in a cavern inaccessible to others, Lina and Ozben work to free a buried airship. At first, they think the vessel is a simple flying machine, but they soon realize it is much more. The two fight against all odds as they attempt to keep the grown-ups in the dark, run from an assassin and stop a bitter battle between two countries at war.
“The Secrets of Solace” opens the magical world of Solace to an even greater level in author Jaleigh Johnson’s wonderful fantasy. It is the second book in the Solace series, but readers do not need to read the first novel, “Mark of the Dragonfly," to understand “The Secrets of Solace.” However, after reading “The Secrets of Solace,” readers will probably want to become even more enmeshed in this fantasy world.
“The Secrets of Solace” is a book parents can feel comfortable giving to their middle grade readers; it has clean language, no romance and little violence. Full of heart-pumping scenes, adventurous thrills and mysterious secrets, this is a wonderful read for all ages.
An avid gamer, Johnson lives in the Midwest with her husband.
If you go ...
What: Jaleigh Johnson book signing
When: Monday, March 28, 7 p.m.
Where: The King’s English Bookshop, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com, jaleighjohnson.com
Note: Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of the featured book from The King’s English.
Elizabeth Reid has bachelor's degrees in economics and history. She has worked in retail, medical billing, catering, education and business fields. Her favorite occupation is that of wife and mother. She blogs at agoodreid.blogspot.com.