Cross-Winds: A Seventh Cross Novel

Brian L. Stowe
PublishAmerica (2008)
ISBN 9781606105948
Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (10/08)

 

“Cross-Winds” begins during the War of Magic.  King Belak wants to rid the world of magic since he doesn’t having magical abilities of his own.  He instigates a war between wizards and witches.  The Cross-Wind family members become directly involved in this war. Young Kelab, the seventh son of the seventh son, has magical abilities that the evil Emperor Hammer wants to possess.  Kelab’s family is torn apart and his father’s mind is poisoned.  He has to go off on his own to stay safe.  As the remaining family members reconvene, and distant relatives unite, they all go in search of Kelab.

There are also those who are searching for seven ancient mythical stones.  Each stone possesses a special magical power.  They have been spread out across the land so that they won’t all fall into the hands of the wrong people.  Some of them already have, and there are others, such as Kelab and a blind wizard, who need the magic for their survival.  They must try to hold on to them as they are being sought out by the evil ones.   

“Cross-Winds” has the best elements that a fantasy can offer: magic, demons, dragons, witches, and warlocks.  Combining all of these elements into one story makes for a very powerfully written novel.  I totally enjoyed the author’s imaginative use of classic fairy tale elements in addition to his ability to develop characters.  Heroes and heroines do well with fighting this battle.  There are other characters that alternate roles.  In addition to being influenced by the black magic, they also have to deal with their own consciences and decide if they want to do what is right or what will raise their status with evil people in power. 

“Cross-Winds” by Brian L. Stowe is an excellent novel.  Even though it has over 450 pages, I wasn’t ready for it to end.  I don’t want to have to wait for a sequel to come out. Fantasy fans of all ages will definitely enjoy this book.  I highly recommend it and believe that it would make an excellent choice for a reader’s group and for a fictional class selection.

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