The Welkening: A Three Dimensional Tale

I purchased this book shortly after it was released. For a while, it sat on my shelf untouched due to the fact that I had too many text books to read through. When I finally picked it up, and dusted it off, I found an enjoyable tale. It is full of great word play and descriptions of places and people. Readers can identify with the four main characters, who call themselves "The Commiseration of Misfits". This was a great story and I hope Mr. Spencer will write a sequel or maybe write other stories. He has a good imagination. Hopefully "The Welkening" will not be the last thing we see from him.

Gregory Spencer has captured the essence of a three-dimensional tale in his new book, The Welkening. He has developed the four main characters into believable heroes who find action and mystery around every corner as they come up against forces of evil in a strange land. Spencer writes with visual richness that carries the reader into unknown worlds that are paradoxes of shadows and blinding lights. He creates the extraordinary out of the ordinary with sensitive symbolism of animals, numbers and nature and allows the characters to grow through great paradigms of self-awaness. The Welkening gives us clues in the very first chapter of the path on which we are being led, but I missed them because I was carried away with the intrigue and fast pace that each page gave. I did go back and read the novel a second time and found clever clues on each character that would prove to be important as the story grew. Readers of all ages will enjoy this novel and they will hope that Spencer has a Welkening Two on the drawing board. He certainly left the door open for us to want to know more about the life and times of our heroes. One book just whets our appetite for the adventures to continue. Gregory Spencer's The Welkening is delightful fantasy...or is it?

Gregory Spencer has woven a three-dimensional tale rich in adventure, symbolism, and humor. Four friends, who call themselves misfits, are desperate to escape their tormenters and somehow enter an alternate dimension, where a soul-sucking evil has been let loose in the land. How they learn to become in Welken and of Welken, whether in this dimension or their own, is the central story. The heroes are not perfect, but they strive for goodness and mastery over their own insecurities and limitations. Spencer weaves his symbolic lessons through a balanced blend of both action and reflection, infusing the dialogue with delightful word play and a deep appreciation for the power and possibilities of redemption. There is more than enough mystery and imagination to satisfy even the most ravenous readers of young adult fantasy. When all is said and done, this is an excellent tale, a grand adventure, and a good time.

Reading this book reminded me of why nothing can match the human imagination. The visual images conjured up in the Welkening are amazing! The author provided so many interesting characters, situations and possibilities. All 3 of these "tales" come together in the end in a very powerful climax. I could certainly relate to a number of the situations the "Misfits" had experienced in their lives, and my guess is that most readers will as well. A very enjoyable read!