Jayden’s New People

Jayden does not care for the way the young girls have to be sacrificed to the god, The Sun. It pains him to see young virgins just turned over and families split and made to suffer because of this tradition. When his sister, Javion, is taken and tied to the post to be sacrificed, it is unbearable. He tries to use physic connection with her that only she can hear. In his mind he prays that someone higher will come to set her free. When she comes up missing, the priests are very upset and seek to destroy him and his family unless she is returned, but he is innocent. No one knows how Javion disappeared. Just when Jayden feels like he is destined to die, something strange happens to him as his body transcends to another time and place. He wakes to find himself befriended by the same people who have his sister. Not only has his life been spared, but also Spotted Pony, his mentor in the past that he has been transferred to, has a very young daughter who has become most important to him.

Shining Star is smitten with the handsome man that is a friend of her father. She realizes that she is much younger than him but the love and attraction she feels for him is extremely strong. When Jayden has to leave she begins to wonder if he will wait for her. Her heart would break in pieces if this separation were to allow him to find another maiden more suited for him. Can their love endure the test of time?

Jayden’s New People is a book that delivers. It takes you to a land where young girls are used as sacrifice, to families who suffer heartache to see a loved one torn from their siblings, and mothers pulled away from their husbands so a tradition can be kept. I could feel Jayden’s pain reflected in the pages, as well as his sisters. The character of Shining Star was also believable. A young girl so afraid that because of her age, she might not ever have the one man she loves gave such in depth emotion throughout the pages. I enjoyed how Jayden had to learn new customs when he was transported to another time and new people. Ms. Derr-Wille has once again written a masterpiece that will touch your heart and make you shout for joy, while you cheer on the characters. Ms. Derr-Wille made these characters reflect actual pain, joy and heartache. Her story was like a beautiful painting that brought them to life on the pages. She is truly a gifted writer with so much sheer talent that her books make reading an absolute joy. Jayden and Shining Star will always be remembered. This is another superb book by a gem of a writer.

Reviewed by: Linda