Wind Catcher, a Fantasy Teen Crime Novel

About the Book

Title: Wind Catcher (Chosen, Book 1) | Authors: Jeff Altabef & Erynn Altabef | Publication Date: March 21, 2015 | Publisher: Evolved Publishing | Pages: 324 | Recommended Ages: 10+

Book Description:

Winner: Mom’s Choice Award — Silver Medal

Winner: 2015 Beverly Hills Book Award – Best YA Fiction

Winner: Awesome Indies — Seal of Approval

Recipient: Readers’ Favorite — 5 Star Review

Evolved Publishing presents the first thrilling installment in “Chosen” by award-winning author Jeff Altabef, and his daughter Erynn Altabef. This fantasy adventure series is steeped in American Indian culture and so much more.

Juliet Wildfire Stone hears voices and sees visions, but she can’t make out what they mean. Her eccentric grandfather tells her stories about the Great Wind Spirit and Coyote, but he might as well be speaking another language. None of it makes any sense.

When she stumbles upon a series of murders, she can’t help but worry her grandfather might be involved. To discover the truth, Juliet must choose between her new life at an elite private school and her Native American heritage. Once she uncovers an ancient secret society formed over two hundred years ago to keep her safe, she starts to wonder whether there’s some truth to those old stories her grandfather has been telling her.

All she wants is to be an average sixteen-year-old girl, but she has never been average-could never be average. Betrayed by those she loves, she must decide whether to run or risk everything by fulfilling her destiny as the Chosen.

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My Review

Wind Catcher should be in a new niche of its own. It is a mystery-crime novel, it is a coming of age novel… but it is also a Fantasy novel. The prose caught me from the get-go, the book is beautifully written, and I dove deep into the story. Juliet lives with a foot in two worlds at all times: between the Native American tribe and the Upper-class, white population of Arizona; between being a child and an adult; between fantasy and reality. I am not familiar with the Native American Culture, so I don’t know how much of what is being described, as well as the rites and traditions are factual or not… but I bought into the world created by the authors, and what is written works beautifully and organically with the story being told. My only complain about this book was that the ending felt a bit rushed, as the buildup for the showdown was much better than the actual final battle.

Juliet, the main character, is very complex and closely portrays how it feels to be a teenager who doesn’t belong. In a less fantasy-world way, this novel reminded me a bit of Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy, which I love. But Wind Catcher has stronger roots to our reality. And I particularly love the crime novel aspect of the story, as I’m a big fan of that genre. However, I think that the violence and graphic descriptions of the crimes makes this a book suitable for older teens and young adults.I wouldn’t recommend it for a younger audience.

I enjoyed this read a lot, and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series penned by this father-daughter team.

NOTE: I received a free copy of this book to facilitate my review in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Buzz About the Book

“Overall I thought the book was really entertaining and cool. I would give it 4 1/2 stars. I think boys and girls 13 and older would like this book.” ~ Mother Daughter Book Reviews, Daughter’s Review

“This is an enjoyable read for all ages that goes by as fast as the authors can unspool it. ” ~ Kirkus Reviews

“This very unique and refreshingly original contemporary fantasy has elements of high epic fantasy woven throughout it, and it will surprise and delight even the most jaded fantasy readers.” ~ Jack Magnus, Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews

“Wind Catcher stands out from the crowd. It’s… a powerful young adult adventure steeped in Native American legend and tradition.” ~ Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

“A treat to read.” ~ Awesome Indies

About the Authors: Jeff Altabef & Erynn Altabef

Wind Catcher is a joint project between the father/daughter team of Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef. Jeff is an award-winning author with two published thrillers. He has a column on The Examiner focused on writing, and volunteers at the local community college. Erynn is an avid reader, dancer, and community activist who has just earned her Girl Scout Gold Award. When she’s not in high school, she loves reading performing in school musicals, baking, and watching movies with her friends.

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