She’s done it again!
In praise of Jaleigh Johnson…
I wrote about Jaleigh Johnson’s debut novel Mark of the Dragonfly not that long ago, and the rest of her first trilogy (The Secrets of Solace and The Unchartered Lands.)
From her author photo, she looks like a child prodigy (this from me, a woman past 50.) I love finding such bright young talent!
So I was more than pleased to find another book by Jaleigh Johnson on the “new books” shelf in my library: The Door to the Lost.
Summary:
After a mysterious accident closes a portal to another world, magic is banned in Tallhaven. Stranded in Tallhaven, Rook and her friends still have the power to wield magic—at risk of imprisonment or worse. A stranger offers them safety, but appearances can be deceptive and Rook, Drift, and Fox soon find themselves in serious danger.
I’ve come to love the themes Ms. Johnson writes about: being extraordinary in a world that wants only ordinary, the transformative power of friendships, magic as a force that exists secretly in this world stemming initially from another.
The Door to the Lost includes a concept I especially loved: the ability to create a safe space—a “home” between worlds. It reminded me of the way I felt about my closet when I was a child. I would crawl into the back of that closet and believe it might take me somewhere else entirely. A space between worlds…
I also like the arc of the primary friendship: between girl heroes Rook and Drift—and the discoveries they make about that friendship by the end. It’s a journey of deepening trust and opening hearts. (Let’s face it, I’m a huge fan of girl heroes!)
Value of reading:
One of the things that I adore about fantasy adventure is the way fantasy worlds allow characters to claim strengths and powers beyond the scope of everyday life here on Earth. Reading this genre certainly opens one’s imagination, but more than that, it encourages belief in powers of our own, yet unclaimed or unseen.
Fantasy adventure gives readers permission to be outside of the box.
Perhaps you tried Mark of the Dragonfly after I recommended it. Whether or not you have, The Door to the Lost is a fine place to jump in. More about this world may follow, but the story is complete—no hanging by a hook for a sequel!
Your library should have The Door to the Lost—check it out or place it on hold today!
Happy Reading!