K.S. Nikakis

Review by Carissa Thorp

The Whisper of Leaves is a novel that succeeds largely due to the beautifully, and lovingly, described setting of Allogrenia. In fact, it reminded me just how much I love this kind of novel, where the world is made real by telling detail and a feeling of substance. I've read some wonderful novels lately, but too many authors neglect their world; the characters may shine, but the world feels like a stage set.

The author's background in Geography was obviously a help here, but it is bolstered by an obvious passion for the natural world; a passion shared by her main character. Kira is young, gifted in healing, and oppressed by a cold father. The story begins when she's identified as the prophesied threat to the Shargh, bringing desparate and determined Shargh warriors into the trackless forest of her home in search of her.

Nikakis' storytelling instinct is focused on the small, the personal, and the local. Only much further into the story is there the hint that we might see parts of the world beyond Allogrenia and the neighbouring Grounds of the Shargh. She is good enough to avoid a lot of cliches and provides compelling, and flawed, characters to bring a unique world alive.… (plus d'informations)