Wednesday 21 May 2014

Book Review: Rebecca Newton and the Sacred Flame by Mario Routi

Name: Rebecca Newton and the Sacred Flame
Author: Mario Routi
Publisher: Oak Tree Press
Summary: Rebecca’s life is about to change!
In the beginning, the ancient Gods created not just the earth. They also created three other worlds: the Elysian Fields, a paradise where they themselves live; Tartarus, the dark world of demons and Titans, ruled over by the ancient deity Cronus; and finally the Land of the White Sun, where all the heroes and creatures of myth dwell – Centaurs and Minotaurs, Cyclopes and Gorgons, Amazons and flying horses! In this land the Creator planted the Sacred Flame, the Cosmic Source that keeps the universe in balance and must be protected from the Dark monsters and Evil Gods who desire to seize it, in order to destroy all the worlds.

Review: Set mainly in the Land of the White Sun, another dimension where centaurs and Amazons live alongside special immortal humans called Orizons, this original story is infused with Greek mythology, battles of Good versus Evil as well as romance. Rebecca is destined to be an Orizon, so when she leaves earth for this other dimension to start her training trouble seems to follow her starting with her abduction. Being brave, selfless and a natural fighter she takes it all in her stride and never loses faith or her positive attitude. I respected her ability to remain calm and focused, although she was a little too perfect for me.

With centaurs, Amazons, demi gods, and Pegasus there were plenty of surprises and elements of interest – and you can imagine the battles they had to protect the Sacred flame from Evil. This fight of Good against Evil was key to the plot, starting with King Turgoth trying to steal the flame by abducting Rebecca. This wouldn’t usually enamour me to someone, but where everything is black/white, good/evil, I liked the fact that Turgoth saw things differently to everyone and was a mixture of vulnerable, strong, rash and kind.

The story was filled with plenty of action and fighting, giving the plot good pace and tension. Whilst I enjoyed this aspect of the story I felt it was stronger than the character development and I didn’t feel invested in all of the characters. I didn’t know them inside out and when something major happened to them, even Rebecca, I wasn’t as upset or sad as I could have been.

An original, striking story of Greek proportions!




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