Acacia by David Durham

Durham, David. Acacia.
Anchor (Random), 2008, 755p, $7.99, 978-0-385-72252-0

Four children are scattered to the corners of the earth in an attempt to keep them from harm after their father, the King, is killed by rival clans. The chancellor, a treacherous man who undercut his king, does follow the one wish of his king - to keep his children safe. Each child has a different existence, one becomes a female warrior, one lives on the water, the youngest is sheltered by a friend of the family and one lives as a captive of her father’s killer. Legend says the Giver will provide sacred information to whoever can read his book, a book kept secret by the children’s father. After nine years, the chancellor has a hand in reuniting the four siblings. A major battle ensues with ferocious beasts, magic spells and the older brother is killed. The remaining two siblings go to their older sister who is now Queen of Acacia having brought about the death of her lover and King. An uneasy trust exists between the sisters as the Queen reveals her true intent for the future of Acacia. Undoubtedly, the rivalry of the sisters will become the focus of the second in the planned trilogy. Outstanding descriptions of trees, flowers, and landscape as well as buildings and character’s personalities pull the reader into this lengthy yet taut struggle for power and superiority.
For fantasy lovers, this book will entrance and for epic war lovers, this book contains all the excitement and passion needed to keep the reader’s attention through the 700+ pages. Excellent descriptions of landscape and personalities. Grades 8 through adult. LMN