Seed of Seerling by Amy Kennedy is a wonderful, and heart-wrenching fantasy novel. We are introduced to Astril, the first-born daughter of Isilian, a woman on the way to becoming High Priestess of Seerling. Isilian's birth mother, Sallian is what we'd consider a believer. She prays over the protection of her granddaughter, Astril, who becomes known as the Seed. Isilian is trainied under her aunt to serve the Great Goddess. 

Next we're introduced to Toran, a prince of the Harkonians. They are sworn enemies of the Seerlings who are known for their witchcraft. Toran and Astril are thrown together one day by what seems like happenstance. Toran is a boy of 10 and Astril is 12. She takes care of Toran and he doesn't understand why she does since Seerlings are known to take no prisoners. 

Toran has trained in the intervening years under the Priest Augur. Astril has continually refused the training to become the High Priestess, while her sister, Gallian lives for the day when their mother will recognize the deep desire she has to please her and become the High Priestess. Astril and Toran are thrown together again and their lives of adventure and pain are truly started. 

I really liked this story. The pain caused by Isilian's lack of recognition of Gallian and her continuous praise of Astril should be a great warning to any parents who find themselves in the same position. We can do deep harm to our children by favoring one over another. Through Toran, we learn by his example of putting our wants above God's. Astril is a beautiful example of putting others ahead of ourselves and forgiving those who hurt you the most. 

I think Seed of Seerling is a great book for teenagers. It will appeal to adults, as well, but I believe teens would really get sucked into the storyline. I will be looking for more books by Amy in the future.

Publisher: VMI Fiction
Publication Date: July 2008
ISBN: 9781933204659
Price: $13.99
Genre: Fantasy