Midwest Book Review

D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

Young adult fantasy readers will find PNĔUMÄ – The Celestial Beings Trilogy a fine story that began as a journal and dream and evolved into this tale. 

Magical realism drives the plot which involves young readers in the lives of Jovianus (a member of a tribe of aliens who coexist secretly alongside humans) and mortal Simone, who inadvertently and unexpectedly captures his heart.   

His charge to observe rather than be involved leads to a conundrum between the races as Jovianus stumbles upon both romance and a plot that could end it. 

Jovi has long acknowledged not just his heritage, but his future role as a leader: “I hate being in this predicament, where I must do what is asked of me, otherwise I risk being labeled as unadaptable. Against my will, I have acquired certain undesirable responsibilities that one day will hold me accountable for leading all five tribes. This prophecy was delivered unto my family by the tribe’s seer the moment I became of age. And once the divination is presented, there is no getting out of it unless the chosen has perished.” 

As a blossoming romance brings with it a clash between moral human and immortal celestial beings, Eli Liszt provides a moving saga replete with satisfying revelations powered by the first-person narrator’s growing insights about his changing role and unfamiliar emotions: “Her candid response only solidifies that our friendship is no longer harmless as we are drifting onto dangerous ground. I cannot allow myself to entertain these notions because it would be disastrous for us both. She is but a human. A mortal whose life is worthless and insignificant to our kind. And I am a celestial being. An eternal creature who has and continues to live among the human population in secrecy.” 

Liszt’s focus on these emotional shifts and the visions and prophecies that evolve from dreams to change both species creates a gripping story that presents the idea of how extraordinary beings evolve from unexpected circumstances. 

Attacks on humans are on the rise, a predatory creature is loose, and Freyja, the seer of the Nahanni tribe, is charged with clarifying rumors, addressing conflicts, and helping her community find the nuggets of truth that will guide their actions and choices. Is the culprit one of their own? Are formerly-strong alliances and pacts destined to fail, requiring new rules of engagement and connection? 

As these and other moral, ethical, and political issues evolve, young readers are drawn into the interactions between two disparate beings whose changing perceptions of reality and each other seem destined to change the world. 

Strong characterization, the evolution of a threat that at first feels personal and evolves to affect social and political circles, and the intrigue of a plot that challenges two disparate species and their peaceful coexistence contributes to a story that is a powerful examination of love, loyalty, and an infatuation that affects and directs a botched mission. 

Teens interested in fantasy romance and bigger pictures of interspecies history and interactions will find PNĔUMÄ a fine adventure, replete with many satisfying and thought-provoking twists.