The Sixth Power

by Carol Nicolas

Author’s Website:  http://carolnicolas.wordpress.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Dawn

*Beware of Spoilers*

Summary:

Tania Westing, a high school senior, is one of the Gifted Ones, descendants of an ancient family with seven special powers. Some of the powers are common, and some are rare.

Until her geneticist brother Tom was murdered, Tania lived an ordinary life. Now hidden in her mind is a clue that will reveal Tom’s research, including secret formulas to unlock all seven powers. During spring break, Tania meets and falls in love with handsome Dan Maclean. When Tania reveals her rare power to heal, the evil Gifted Ones who killed Tom suspect Tania has his research and formulas and come after her. Tania must learn to use her powers to help save Dan’s sister in time to keep Tom’s secrets safe.

Review:

The Sixth Power begins with Tom’s point of view. He loves his sister Tania deeply but he must say goodbye. Here comes the suspense……

Tania is 17 years old but way too mature for her age. She has been through the death of her mother and Tom. She is remarkably stoic despite what she has been through. Tania’s mother cautioned her to hide her “gift” from everyone including her own father. I imagine that was really difficult for Tania. It’s in her nature to help people especially those she loves.

While attending a chess match, Tania meets the Maclean family. She first meets their younger daughter Stacy, having no idea that their fathers are old friends. Tania and Dan, Stacy’s brother, have chemistry right away. They have a lot in common including their love of early morning running. They start jogging together. They spend a great deal of time together getting to know one another. They both have strong family ties.

Around the same time, Tania realizes a car has been following her for a while. She has noticed the car on at least 3 occasions. Later, we learn Dan’s Uncle Ray is searching for gifted ones. Ray is pure evil; there is no other way to describe it. His depravity knows no bounds.

The fear surrounding Ray is off the charts. I found myself praying that Ray never gets anywhere near the gifted ones. The story itself is constructed around this suspense. I love this style of writing as it provides action and adventure. It is rare to find a book where the balance is almost perfect.

Tania works hard to develop her gift. She does not just fall into it. She struggles to master it, to carefully consider and prepare to use it. Her Aunt Sarah begins teaching Tania about her gift, but I think Dawn Two Feather’s teaching had more of an impact.

Tania has some spunk, something I truly appreciate in a lead character.  Initially, I thought she was too nice, almost a pushover. But then she surprised me by standing up to her bigoted Aunt (her dad’s sister).

The Sixth Power is a wholesome story of love, greed, morality and family.  Lord of the Rings is incorporated into the story, which I loved. There is a great cast of supporting characters. I almost felt as if they were the “fellowship” of the ring. I journeyed with them. Roger was one of my favorites as was Dawn Two Feathers. Tania has many people in her corner even if she doesn’t know it. I look forward to the continuation of the story.

I have one minor complaint about the book. There was a scene where animals were harmed. I understand the need to explain a person’s depravity but I don’t think it was necessary. It didn’t ruin the book but it upset me quite a bit. It’s a turn-off. That said, I was tempted to DNF (Did Not Finish) the book but I’m glad I didn’t take that route.

For the most part, I enjoyed The Sixth Power. If you like suspense, mystery, action, adventure – this is a great book. I think it appeals across the board to men, women and young adults.