Sakrosians Book 1
A chasm between intention and fulfillment.
The ethereal Sakrosians existed for millennia, relying on their collective energy to conjure a magnificent city. Not content to remain unchanged while creatures of the Gaia developed, the Secrecy Magistrate experimented with creating a new species. But the Fledglings didn’t embody Sakrosian ideals as intended. The Prophetess, Lita, convinced the Council that Fledglings had the potential to evolve, if a Directive was established to ensure their survival.
El, the Seer, conveys to the Council her visions of Fledglings as they disperse across the Gaia. What she sees makes her question why Sakrosians are discarding their form to become inferior creatures.
When the Council decides Fledglings should inhabit Terrenor, a northern land reached only by crossing treacherous terrain and a Great Divide, El wavers between thwarting the travelers—hoping Councilors will change the Directive—or helping the Fledglings when she realizes that some possess Sakrosian skills.
Until El understands why Sakrosians made the decision, which threatens their existence, she can’t fully accept the Directive. What El discovers is the secret the Council is unwilling to acknowledge.
Review
“In this fantasy debut, ethereal beings aid the progress of humanoids whose fate is entwined with theirs. …
DeLaurentis adds a fantasy flourish to a prehistoric adventure that's reminiscent of Jean M. Auel's 1980 novel The Clan of the Cave Bear. She compellingly draws a clear line between being sensitive and talented (like the Fledgling musician, Luken) and being able to perceive El's thoughts, and shows the usefulness of this when braving the Great Divide. The journey effectively highlights the Fledglings' best and worst traits, as the tough situations reveal who's trustworthy and who's unfit for Sakrosian patronage. DeLaurentis' smooth prose conveys the "transition" notion clearly, and solid worldbuilding prepares readers for higher stakes in the next volume.
A series opener that explores an intriguing creation myth in the making.” - Kirkus Reviews