Unlike his predictable neighbors, fourteen-year-old Gabriel Andrews has never been content with his quiet life. But he gets more than he ever wanted when the tyrant Idan’s soldiers force him to leave his home and set out into the strange world of Adamah. Helped by his friends and other misfits he meets along the way, Gabriel must find the truth about Idan and himself. Full of complex choices and a struggles against darkness, Jana Spooner’s debut novel Gabriel’s Song is a wholesome and adventurous read. Her colorful world of Adamah is as delightful to discover as this book’s cast of quirky and vibrant characters. This first book in The Adamah Chronicles will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Best for: Middle grade and young teen fantasy readers (ages 10–15) who enjoy coming-of-age stories and complex fantasy worlds.

Discern: Threats of torture, mild romantic interest between teen characters, disturbing description of a fantasy insect bite.