Today we’re featuring Windcatcher, written by Jeff Altabef and his daughter Erynn Altabef. I was first drawn to this book because of the American Indian element in the story.
Read more about the book below. It happens to be the first in a series. Then check out my thoughts on the book!
About the book
Lies. Betrayal. Destiny. A choice that changes everything.
My name is Juliet Wildfire Stone, and I am special. I see visions and hear voices, and I have no idea what they mean.
When someone murders medicine men in my sleepy Arizona town, I can’t help but worry my crazy grandfather is involved. He’s a medicine man and more than a just a little eccentric. He likes to tell me stories about the Great Wind Spirit and Coyote, but none of it makes any sense. I thought I knew the truth, but in order to clear his name I dive into his alien world and uncover an ancient secret society formed over two hundred years ago to keep me safe—me! And I can’t help but to start to wonder whether there’s some truth to those old stories my grandfather has been telling me.
I just want to be an average sixteen-year-old girl, but apparently I’ve never been average. Could never be average. I didn’t know it before, but I’m a Chosen, and those voices I’ve been hearing… well, they’re not just “voices.” I’ve started to develop abilities, but they might not be enough. A powerful entity called a Seeker is hunting me and he’s close—really close.
I thought I knew the answers but truth is, I don’t. Betrayed by those I love, I must choose to run or risk everything in order to fulfill my destiny. I hope I make the right choice. Don’t you? (Blurb copied from Amazon)
About the bookInteresting YA novel
I thought Wind Catcher was an interesting read. It started out intriguing with all the mystery and secrets and I was drawn to the American Indian element in the story – it was what I liked about the whole thing actually and I was hoping for more of it.
I wasn’t a big fan of the main character Juliet though and it may be because I’m almost always impatient with teenaged characters. I know, I’m such an old fart, but I just couldn’t connect with her. My problem with her started when she first started suspecting her grandfather. I just found it odd that her first concern was his involvement and not his safety. She also made some weird decisions that put her in danger. Anyway, I think I’m just really impatient with teenaged characters. LOL.
I also wasn’t a big fan of the somewhat sci fi twist. I mean, I happen to love sci fi, but this one didn’t really appeal to me as much. Maybe because I was just hoping to delve more into the American Indian myths and culture. It was different though and I can appreciate the authors’ intent to mix these different elements.
Overall, this book wasn’t too bad. It still had an interesting main story. If you like YA stories about young characters coming into their destiny, you can give this one a try.
Note: I purchased my own copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed here are mine.
WIND CATCHER by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef
WINNER: Readers’ Favorite Awards — Gold Medal 2015: Young Adult Coming-of-Age
WINNER: Mom’s Choice Awards — Silver Medal: Young Adult Books
WINNER: Beverly Hills Books Awards – 2015: Best Young Adult Fiction
WINNER: Awesome Indies — Seal of Approval: “A treat to read.”
“Wind Catcher is one of the best thrillers for YA that I have read in some time…. If I hadn’t had to eat and sleep, I would have read it right through without stopping. It is just that good!” ~ Bookends
“This book was absolutely wonderful. I felt all of the emotions that Juliet felt and was so enraptured with the book.” ~ Savannah Edelen (Teen Reviewer), Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews – 5 Stars
“Wind Catcher stands out from the crowd. It’s… a powerful young adult adventure steeped in Native American legend and tradition, fueled by a feisty female protagonist who refuses to take the easy way out whether it comes to belief, truth, or love.” –Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“Wind Catcher is a suspenseful, wonderfully written story that will capture your attention and hold it prisoner. A book that you won’t want to escape from. Brava!” ~ Stephen Fisher, Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews – 5 Stars
Other Books by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef:
Wind Catcher (Chosen: Book 1)
Brink of Dawn (Chosen: Book 2)
Scorched Souls (Chosen: Book 3)
Red Death (Red Death: Book 1) (Jeff Altabef)
Shatter Point (Jeff Altabef)
Connect with Jeff Altabef on his website, Facebook, Twitter & Newsletter.