Book review: Magic feather by A R Sara

Books are special in so many ways. Some authors draw the readers in with their imagery and some transport the readers to faraway lands; some entice with their lyrical wordplay and others leave the readers in deep thought. Very rarely does one find all of the above in a single book.

But RajaRajeshwari Arenga\’s \”Magic feather\” is one of those rare books which ticks all of the above boxes. I was initially hesitant to pick up this book because I don\’t read in fantasy genre and therefore my review may also be biased because I have no references in this genre; but the sample chapter held me spellbound and after I got the book I just could not put it down. The story is set in a parallel reality where a bunch of animals set out to reclaim the planet that we humans have lost due to our selfishness and folly. As a dystopian shadow and destruction and death ravage the world of humans, these seemingly small animals , each one promised a gift of better world by a strange messenger, set out on a long journey across vast and diverse places and spaces to meet the savior, whose very existence is in question. Who brings them together? What is this Magic feather? What are the challenges they face? How do they hold on to hope? Do they meet the great savior? How can the havoc created in human world be stopped? The story arc answers all of the above questions one by one.
This is a great book for children above 10 years but the writing and the storytelling is so evocative, it is can keep even adults totally engrossed. Also certain sections of the plot makes one question and think deeply about our planet, it’s future and how we humans are causing senseless destruction, putting most ecological systems out of balance. Do we human beings really deserve to be on top of the food chain? What right do we have to wield our power over all other species on the planet?

This book not only makes one think about these questions but also makes for a delightful read with its lyrical language, wondrous imagery and wordplay. I confess it was the beauty of the writing that drew me to this book initially and it kept me hooked throughout this magical ride. Leaving an excerpt from the book here, dive into this wonderful book and I assure you, it will leave you enthralled…
(The book is available both as e-book and paperback on Amazon and also available on Kindle unlimited)

“Earlier in the day…not too far from where the egret had landed, stories ebbed and flowed.

The crows were gathered on the wiry twisted limbs of the ageless gnarled tree. Three bright-eyed young ones and an elder with a misty gaze. They were perched in solemn silence. The remnants of the world they had travelled to along with the storyteller, still lingered on the fringes of their consciousness”