Title: Tama u meni
Author: Sally Green
First published March 4, 2014
370 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9789531416092
Rating: 3.78
Overview
Magic does exist… The world is divided into good and evil, friends and enemies…
Nathan is torn between two worlds: the son of a white witch and the most dangerous black witch. He grows up in his mother’s family, but almost everyone avoids, ignores, or mistreats him…
The only bright spots in his life are his brother Arran, his grandmother, and Annalisa, the white witch he is hopelessly in love with. Their love is very dangerous but irresistible…
You can’t read or write, but you can heal wounds very quickly, even for witches… It’s bad for you if you stay in a closed space at night.
You hate white witches but love Annalisa, who is unfortunately one of them. They kept you imprisoned in a cage since you were fourteen.
All you have to do is escape and find Mercury, the evil black witch. But you have to do it before your seventeenth birthday, or it will be too late…
Simply put…
About the Author
Hello, I’m Sally Green, and I’m thrilled to be the author of the Half Bad Trilogy. It’s a unique blend of real-world and fantasy, containing three books: Half Bad, Half Wild, and Half Lost.
Most readers prefer to read them in that order, but there are always a few who like to mix things up. While many teenagers enjoy my books, I’m happy to say that people of all ages have found them entertaining.
Currently, I’m working on a new series called The Smoke Thieves, set to be published in spring 2018. It’s a fantasy series that includes a map, which I’m sure will excite many readers.
I once claimed that I would never write another trilogy after Half Bad, but here I am, doing it again.
When I’m not writing, I live in a charming village in north-west England. If you’re curious about my Half Bad trilogy, you can find more information on my website.
And don’t forget to follow me on Twitter at @sa11eGreen.
Editoral Review
Tama u Meni by Sally Green is a gripping coming-of-age story set in modern-day Bosnia. Green, known for her popular fantasy series Half Bad, takes a break from her usual genre to explore the raw realities of war, displacement, and family turmoil.
The story follows the protagonist, Dara, a teenage girl struggling to make sense of her identity in the midst of chaos. Dara’s family was forced to flee their home during the Bosnian war, leaving Dara feeling adrift and disconnected from her roots.
When Dara’s father unexpectedly returns after years of absence, she must confront long-buried secrets and a painful past. Green’s writing is gripping and visceral, painting a vivid picture of the war-torn landscape through Dara’s eyes.
She expertly weaves in the cultural and historical significance of Bosnia and its people, giving readers a nuanced understanding of the ongoing tensions and complexities of the region. One of the strengths of Tama u Meni is its focus on character development.
Dara is a complex and relatable protagonist, grappling with issues of family, love, and self-discovery in a world that feels constantly in flux. Secondary characters, such as Dara’s father and her enigmatic love interest, are equally well-crafted and add depth to the story.
The pacing of the novel is steady, keeping the reader engaged without rushing through important moments. Green also utilizes flashbacks to great effect, revealing key information about the characters and their pasts at just the right moments.
However, the novel does suffer from some pacing issues in the latter half, as Dara’s journey becomes increasingly intense and the action ramps up. Additionally, at times the prose can feel heavy-handed and overly descriptive, detracting from the momentum of the story.
Overall, Tama u Meni is a powerful and deeply emotional novel that explores the complexities of identity and familial bonds in the midst of war. Green’s nuanced storytelling and expert character development make this a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction, particularly those interested in narratives that explore current events and issues.
Rating: 4/5
Recommended for: Fans of contemporary fiction, readers interested in narratives set in regions affected by war and conflict, and those seeking complex and relatable characters.
