ARLAND
An original fantasy series by Austin Parenti.
A never-ending sandstorm covers the world of Arland. The Arlish people live on mountain peaks above the sand and travel on hand-crafted airships. But the sandstorm didn’t always exist, and when a young boy named Jay learns the truth, he will journey across Arland to save his people and contend with the ever-deepening mystery of his world’s hidden past. With the fate of his people in the balance, Jay’s journey will reveal dangerous truths about the reality of his world and bring him face to face with enemies both ancient and new.
Secret of the Sandstorm Sea is a rollicking, swashbuckling debut novel from Austin Parenti. Of particular note is Parenti's skill as a narrator; I thoroughly enjoyed the humorous and direct asides to the reader, revealing details about the story world while also reminding us not to take it--or ourselves--too seriously. Parents of young readers will be delighted to know that Parenti is equally adept at ensuring that the book's themes of vice and virtue are always at the forefront of the dialogue, characterization, and locales our brave heroes visit throughout their adventure. Satisfying payoffs--both large and small--had me smiling as I read, while a couple of moments near the end of the story caught me by surprise in such a way as to leave me eager for the next installment in the Arland series.
