The Road To Cordia, by Jess Allison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I wanted to hate this book. I was halfway through and was convinced that nothing good would happen to the protagonist, 14 year old Ja’Nil of the Fisherfolk.
Here’s this young girl, ostracized by her people and living with horrible memories of a tragic past, who’s thrust into this unwanted journey in search of a healer. And pretty much every character she meets on her way to Cordia has ulterior motives when it comes to poor Ja’Nil. Except for the potential love interest. He’s not evil…yet.
On the other hand, the majority of the female characters are strong and smart and likeable. I wonder if the author was trying to make a point.
And yet, I liked what I read. The second half of the book focused more on the overarching storyline versus Ja’Nil’s misfortunes, and this is where the writing is at its strongest.
I just don’t think it’s enough for me to want to read part 2.