Secrets of the Sands by Leona Wisoker

Ah...where do I even start? I met Leona Wisoker at a writers conference in march, where I learned that she would have her first first book published and distributed by the end of the month. I was very, very happy for her. She was a nice person, a wonderful conversationalist and a wealth of knowledge all rolled up in a person who knew their way around the English vocabulary. Leona was never afraid to give her opinion and share her wisdom. At the same time, she never--ever--made me feel bad for being wrong or of a differing point of view. That's hard to do. I'm a bit too sensitive for my own good. Meeting Leona was a wonderful experience. I have to say, however, that reading her book, Secrets of the Sands, was even better.

World-building. I was stunned by the end of the book at the details in dress and speech and culture and language and history and myths and legends and misnomers of the world wrapped up in that book. I have read few books that compare in the sheer effort involved in creating a world that lives and dances off the page. Unbounded imagination only could have created something so spectacular. The best part, though, is that you didn't have to sit through paragraphs and chapters and pages of explanation for everything that was going on. Leona managed the show the reader her world through the telling of the story, and she never leaves them behind or bewildered. That is true skill.

Plot. Epic. I can't really tell you what it is besides that. Two parts grand quest to three parts mystery, one part romance and fifty parts can't-wait-for-the-next-book-so-you-can-get-more-of-the-picture. It resolves well, but there is so much more to find out about everything in the world, as well as the journeys of all the characters. Regardless of all other adjectives, this was one of the most unique stories I've read in a very long time.

Characters. I knew by the end of the third chapter that Leona put her self into and delved deep into the minds, emotions, and histories of all her characters, big and small, so that there was no flat, stereotypical one among them. There are genuine surprises, irrational behaviors that all people display, and a real connection every one of them that you don't find in many stories these days. I absolutely loved the main male, Idisio, and his oddly developed friendship with a Desert Lord named Scratha.

Anything else? Well, if I told you everything I wanted to say I'd still be sitting here typing three days from now. Needless to say, I am eternally thankful that we met Leona at the conference. Not only because of her book--although that is a big part of it--but because of the honor of a friendship with a person who so devotes themselves to and excels in her work. And I want you, my reader, to go find Secrets of the Sands right now and read it, because you'll love it instantly. Someone this talented deserves appreciation.