Banyan.Keeper of the Trees

Paula "Walks Alone" Urso
PublishAmerica (2005)
ISBN 1413791883
Reviewed by Robin Gix for Reader Views (12/06)

In “Banyan…Keeper of the Trees” by Paula “Walks Alone” Urso, the story focuses on Banyan, the keeper of the trees and fairies, dragons, and other “magical” creatures.

Banyan lives in Grashot Forest and learns that his forest is in danger of being destroyed. A human by the name of Jeremy is the one who intends to cut down the forest and sell the lumber. His only motive being financial gain.

Banyan embarks on a journey to meet Shanador, the Spell Caster who will tell him how to save his forest. Shanador informs Banyan that there is a female human by the name of Ashley who can aid him in saving his forest.

Ashley is approached by a fae (a tiny, winged, seasonal fairy) who tells her that Jeremy has been possessed by a Dybbuk, a Dybbuk being an evil spirit. The fae tells Ashley that in Jeremy’s presence she must play her flute to banish the Dybbuk from Jeremy’s body. Ashley does just that and Jeremy is saved. The story ends here with Ashley and Jeremy falling in love and Banyan’s forest being saved.

Character development in “Banyan…Keeper of the Trees” was sorely lacking. There were numerous spelling and grammatical errors. The plot is as simple as can be and yet thoroughly confusing, because of the lack of character and story development. With “Banyan…Keeper of the Trees” I am reminded of the first book I ever wrote…back in third grade.

Make comment on weblog