Book Reviews

Far World: Water Keep- J. Scott Savage

Alright! Time for another book review! As previously posted, I'm doing a Far World marathon due to the release of the last book in the series. So of course, I started with the first book in J. Scott Savage's series, Far World: Water Keep. Just like Paper Towns, I'm taking book review questions from the back of the book as well as resources online and everyone is welcome to comment with their own answers and have discussions.

In chapter 8, Master Therapass tells Kyja, "The real power of magic lies within you. Who you are, what you do, and most importantly of all, what you may become." What do you think he means? Do you think Kyja found any of her magic by the end of the book?

I think that this quote is such an important lesson for everyone, especially the target audience of this book. This book is meant for elementary-junoir high aged people and if people learn this at that age, it'll really help them have a sense of identity in high school. It means that even though we can't levitate a feather or create an air shield, we all have a kind of magic within us. We don't use wands or incantations to access this magic, it manifests itself through our actions and our words. When we are kind to others in both word and deed, it puts us a step closer to what we may become. We are all striving to become the best person we can be and magic like Kyja's is what'll get you there. Speaking of Kyja's magic, I don't think she recognized it as magic but Marcus does think to himself "Did her ability to help people and to show them how to help each other have something to do with her magic? What good was the ability to stop a stick hitting you in the head compared to that?" (pg. 409). I have to agree with Marcus. By the end of the book, Kyja shows her magic of compassion and a deep sense of care for those around her. She also showcases her innate sense of when people are not being truthful as shown in the pawn shop scene. Like, I said, I don't think Kyja recognizes these abilities as magic when in reality, this is the kind of magic the world needs most.

2. In Water Keep, Cascade is confused about why humans would help each other without expecting something in return. Sometimes when we help others, we do get something in return; sometimes we don't. How many times can you remember where Kyja helped others? Why do you think she helped each of them? What did she get back in each case?

I can remember 5 times Kyja helped others right off my head. The first is when Master Therapass mentions her tending Char's children while she looks for a job after Rhaidnan went missing. I think the most she gained from that experience was the friendship of Char and her children. Second, she helped Kathleen and Jerrick find a sense of security, someone on their side, when they were in a tough place. In return, Kathleen bought their bus tickets and helped them escape the Dark Circle on the Bus. Third was helping Rhaidnan find his resolve to escape and get back to his family. Because of this, they were all able to escape the caves together. The fourth was in Chicago when she dumped the money and cloak in the car of a homeless lady and her baby. She gained absolutely nothing from this but it was a pivotal point for Marcus and the readers to realize that that is Kyja's power. The last is when she helped Morning Dew escape the Dark Circle even though it could cost her life. Because of her unwavering decision to help Dew, the Fontasians took care of the Dark Circle's army and Cascade switched sides and decided to come with them.

3. When Kyja and Marcus travel to each other's worlds, they are filled with conflicting emotions- excitement, fear, confusion, wonder, nervousness. They each make mistakes because of things they are unfamiliar with, but ultimately, with help from each other, they come to love the new place. Have you ever been to a new place? How did you feel? If you were scared, how did you get over it? How could you help someone new to your town or school get over their fear?

I've traveled a lot every summer the past four years with my choir while we were on tour. Three trips that were 8 days long, one to Oregon/Northern California, one to Arizona/New Mexico, and one to Southwestern Canada. We also did a 16 day trip through the Eastern United States one year. I've been going to comic con in Salt Lake City for the past few years and have had to go by myself sometimes. Funnily enough, going to the 'big city' alone, being on the other side of the country for two weeks, and leaving the country altogether were not as scary as switching from a charter school to a public school. When I first started high school, I went to a charter school that was famed for its fine arts programs. After a year in their high school, my mom decided that their academics weren't good enough and switched me to public high school. My first semester was awful. It was so much bigger than what I was used to and I didn't like the choir program. However, I managed to make a few friends and they helped me through it and eventually, I was helping new students find their way around. Clubs were another big help. I joined quite a few clubs, mostly service ones like National Honors Society and Kiwanis Key Club. These helped me make new friends while serving the school and local comunities. They were a constant that I kept through all the years I was in public school and I'm glad I joined them.

Overall, the story started kind of slow but I expected that, being the first book of the series and needing to lay down a few things. Once you hit the adventure though, it doesn't stop. I can't wait to re-read Land Keep and Air Keep and to eventually read Fire Keep.