Witchlanders 
 by 
 Lena Coakley 
 Publisher: Simon & Schuster (August 30, 2011) 
 Length: 418 pages 
 Format: E-pub, PDF 
 Source: Galley Grab 
 Genre: Fantasy & Science Fiction 
 Series: Stand Alone 
 Completed: August 2011 
 Summary: 
 Two boys, two completely different backgrounds, one a Baen and one a Witchlander, are forced together by an unconventional connection. Together they must forge a path against popular beliefs and fight for what they believe in their hearts to be the truth. If they can put aside their differences they may just be able to save the people from a horrible fate. But the Baen's and the Witchlander's have always been mortal enemies. Will these two boys be able to put aside their differences and fight for a common cause? 
 Ramblings: 
 Witchlanders is set in a made-up, magical, fantasy world, though its difficult to decipher in what exact time period. I almost want to say, back in time, not set in the future. Lena Coakley's writing is moving and passionate. She uses descriptive language to build a world of fantasy, rituals, witches and odd beliefs. The story moves along at a moderate to fast clip. It's an enamoring novel which will keep the reader captivated from start to finish. It is told in a third person narrative alternating perspectives from each boy's point of view, which works well. 
 Ryder (the token white boy), the main character and narrator of this book is fair skinned and blonde. He's a strong, confident character who's not afraid to pave his own path or to figure things out for himself. A boy who just doesn't do as he's told or blindly trust in what he's told, Ryder is considered to be somewhat of an outcast. He's also one who tends to put his own desires and needs on the back burner, a very selfless character. 
 Farian (the token black boy), a Baen, is dark skinned with dark hair. His twin brother died, leaving Farian weak and unsure of himself. He's easily persuaded to do things he doesn't believe in. Farian is very soft-hearted, caring deeply about people in general, leaving him, vulnerable, unable to kill. What he desires most in life is his father's love. Since his brother's death, Farian's only friend has been his bloodhound, dog. 
 The plot centers around the Baens and the Witchlanders being mortal enemies for all of time. Farian and Ryder are unexpectedly pulled together by a magical force affording them a special connection to each other. They are forced to put aside their differences to fight a powerful evil. Coming together and fighting on a united front is the only chance they have to defeat it. 
 With a great cast of supporting characters (like loving sisters, ritual following witches, a drug crazed mom), a great mystery and magical elements this book is sure to entertain even the most finicky readers. 
 Recommendation: 
 I recommend this book to middle grade fantasy lovers on up to adults readers. Readers who enjoy prophecies, magic, spells and ancient history will be captivated. Boys and girls alike should find something to appreciate about this book, especially since it told from a male point of view. If you like magic, mystery and action packed finale's then don't waste any more time, walk don't run to go get yourself a copy and start reading Witchlanders now! 
 PERSONAL NOTE 
 I was able to get my hands on this book early, thanks to Simon and Shuster's Galley Grab program. Witchlanders is a compelling, entertaining read, different from most of the books I've been reading lately. This is a book which proves ebony and ivory can not only exist together but also flourish, given the right opportunity and chance. With a plausible, creative structure, I enjoyed the new worlds and concepts the book introduces. The author did a great job giving me a strong sense of understanding Ryder and Farian's strange world with all of its unusual rituals, customs and beliefs. It also illustrates the importance of getting along, that different doesn't necessarily mean evil or bad. Sometimes one must put aside differences and band together to fight against a common cause. 
 RATING 
 4 Rings 
 (LIKED IT A LOT - LOOKED FORWARD TO READING IT)