Title: Telesa – The Covenant Keeper
Author: Lani Wendt Young
First published August 18, 2011
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.15
Overview
Leila Folger is on a mission to uncover the truth about her mother’s past in Samoa. However, her search for answers is met with hostility, and the mention of the word “telesa” strikes fear in everyone she meets.
When Leila meets the irresistible Daniel Tahi, she discovers that he holds the key to her mysterious past. But as she delves deeper into her heritage, Leila discovers that she has a fiery birthright and must choose between the Sisterhood and the boy she loves.
Can their love overcome the elements? Inspired by Pacific mythology, Telesa – The Covenant Keeper is a thrilling love story that will leave you breathless.
About the Author
Lani Young writes bestselling books in the young adult fantasy, contemporary romance, and literary fiction genres. As the 2018 Pacific Laureate, her writing is influenced by the varied mythology of Oceania and her own cultural heritage as a Samoan and Maori woman.
When Lani isn’t writing or reading, she enjoys baking cookies, chatting with dogs, and attempting triathlons. She resides in Samoa and New Zealand with her husband, who is an Ironman, and their four children.
Editoral Review
Telesa – The Covenant Keeper by Lani Wendt Young is a captivating novel that takes readers on a journey through the island nation of Samoa, blending traditional folklore with modern storytelling to create a unique and captivating reading experience. The first book in the Telesa trilogy follows the story of sixteen-year-old Leila, a talented dancer who has just moved to Samoa from New Zealand.
As she begins to adjust to her new life, she discovers that she has inherited a powerful gift from her Samoan ancestors – the ability to control fire. As she learns more about the history and mythology of Samoa, Leila also discovers that she is part of a long line of Telesa – female guardians who protect their people from supernatural threats.
Young’s writing style is rich and evocative, bringing the lush landscape and vibrant culture of Samoa to life. The novel is also filled with complex characters, from the charming and mysterious Daniel Tahi to the defiant and headstrong Leila.
The interactions between the characters are both realistic and compelling, and the tension between the different factions in Samoan society adds an extra layer of intrigue and depth to the story. One of the strengths of Telesa – The Covenant Keeper is its exploration of themes such as identity, family, and tradition.
Young does an excellent job of highlighting the importance of cultural heritage and the need to preserve traditional knowledge in a rapidly changing world. However, while the novel is steeped in Samoan history and culture, it also has universal appeal, with its universal themes and relatable characters.
Despite its many strengths, Telesa – The Covenant Keeper is not without its flaws. The pacing of the novel can be slow at times, and some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped.
Additionally, while the incorporation of mythology and supernatural elements adds to the novel’s appeal, at times it can feel like there is too much going on. However, these criticisms do not detract from the overall quality of the book.
Overall, Telesa – The Covenant Keeper is a beautifully crafted novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Its exploration of Samoan culture and mythology is both informative and engaging, making it well worth a read for those interested in Pacific literature.
However, the novel’s themes of identity, family, and tradition also have universal appeal, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys compelling storytelling and complex characters. Based on these factors, we would give Telesa – The Covenant Keeper a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
While it has its flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and it is sure to be enjoyed by a wide range of readers. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a beautifully written and engaging novel.
