While YA Fantasy is not typically my genre of choice, I am very glad that I stepped outside of my comfort zone to read this book! I was captivated right from the start; Owen is a sympathetic and courageous character whom I came to care for greatly . The adventures he and his companions experience (and endure) throughout the novel are vividly detailed and nail-bitingly suspenseful. The more I read, the more difficult it became to put the book down! The story builds beautifully throughout the 552 pages, and has a very satisfying, if unexpected, conclusion. I’m already looking forward to Book Two! ( )

Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. What would you do if you saw a snow leopard roaming outside of your house or sitting in your room?

This is what happens to friendless Owen McInish. Owen has been bullied since he was a young boy and, except for the relationship with his parents, he is a very lonely boy.

He discovers the snow leopard and follows it into the forest around his house. The leopard seems to understand Owen, and Owen subsequently saves it from three huge, gray dogs. The snow leopard is wearing a strange collar, which Owen takes off, and the animal turns into an elf, whose name is Orla.

She takes him to her country where many are trying to kill them. They have to take a journey across the country to find Orla's father and Owen's parents.

This is a long book but reads quickly because the characters are so well-drawn. The book is full of battles and political intrigue. Owen and Orla meet and are protected by many different and interesting characters who create a family of sorts. Owen becomes a man here and is suddenly surrounded by many friends.

This book reminds me a bit of THE LORD OF THE RINGS, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, and HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy. It is well-written and very easy to read. I can't wait to read book two in the series.

So do yourself a favor and go grab a copy of THE KINDLING OF GREENFYR. ( )