By Shawn Smucker
Let me start off by saying that this book wasn't quite what I was expecting when I first picked it up. It has layers and nuances that make this a captivating read. This book is a reminiscing of the main character Samuel Chambers. Sam's thoughts turn to the past following the death of a close friend from his childhood. Abra was there for Sam the summer that everything changed - the year his mother died.
If the possibility to restore a life that was lost was given what would you choose? This impossibility is before Sam. When he sees something that he shouldn't he embarks on a quest to undo his mother's death. But how can Sam find the Tree of Life - the very tree that humanity has been denied since the moment that disobedience was chosen?
This is a story of good versus evil, one where hope in the impossible could be the draw that evil needs to succeed. But can a twelve-year-old boy make a choice that will not cost him his very soul?
This book has an underlying current that leaves the reader slightly uneasy as the story progresses but there are moments when the unease lifts. If given the chance to thwart death would you take the chance - the risk no matter the cost to your soul or the soul of the one you cannot let go?
Something about Shawn Smucker's writing reminds me a little of Billy Coffey's writing and yet there is a unique quality to it that makes it stand apart. One scene, in particular, involving Sam and Mr. Tennin brings to mind Pippen and Gandalf (Lord of the Rings) talking about what comes after this life. This an especially moving scene that discusses death and how it is a transition and not a destination.
I think many teens would be intrigued by the plot. Younger readers would be a more individual call based on the emotional maturity of the reader as there are some difficult and scary scenes in this book.
Evidently, this book will enjoy a sequel if the excerpt included is any indication. But this story seems complete in and of itself so that the reader is not left in suspense as to is to come. And if you have trouble getting into the book keep at it - this one is worth the effort. I feel that this is a book to be recommended to teens and up.
I was provided a complimentary review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.
About the Book:
It was the summer of storms and strays and strangers. The summer that lightning struck the big oak tree in the front yard. The summer his mother died in a tragic accident--and young Samuel Chambers would have done anything to turn back time. Even today, he can hardly believe it all happened . . .
Prompted by three strange carnival fortune-tellers and the surfacing of his mysterious and reclusive neighbor, Sam begins his search for the Tree of Life--the only thing that could possibly bring his mother back.
His quest to defeat death will entangle him and his best friend Abra in an ancient conflict, forcing Sam to grapple with an unwelcome question.
Could it be possible that death is a gift?
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