SUMMARY REVIEW OF CHANGING THE PROPHECY

The four Goodacre children return to Faracadar in this sequel to The Call to Shakabaz.

Adventuring in a Fantasy Land While

Coming to Grips with Real-World Environmental Issues

Changing the Prophecy, by Amy Wachspress, is a delightful, oftentimes hilarious, children’s fantasy adventure that features Black characters and is set in an African American cultural context. The book does not depend on the typical Anglo-Saxon imagery to make it magical and it does not describe violent battle scenes. The protagonists must use their talents and ingenuity to solve problems, and must engage in cooperation to succeed.

Changing the Prophecy charts the further adventures of Doshmisi, Denzel, Maia, and Sonjay from The Call to Shakabaz through a siege of Big House City, the dungeons of the Final Fortress, Compost’s garbage labyrinth, an alien-run prison camp, an attack of flying tacos, a voyage to the bottom of a dying ocean, and more. They and their friends must apply themselves to the task of overturning an ancient prophecy and preventing the environmental destruction of the land by mysterious alien creatures in cahoots with the malevolent enchanter Sissrath. Introducing the Prophet of the Khoum, a reformed geebaching who tries hard not to laugh, and a resourceful Latina friend, this year’s return to Faracadar finds the Four taking action rather than accepting defeat as a foregone conclusion. While the danger of environmental destruction in Faracadar threatens to undermine hope, the heroes and heroines of Changing the Prophecy refuse to allow the doomsayers the last word.

Cheshire Bookshop owner Linda Rosengarten wrote in a review that “The Call to Shakabaz is one of those rare books with cross-generational appeal. Readers of all ages will not be able to put this novel down, right through to the unexpected, magical climax. The book provides a completely satisfying read, with a refreshing approach to the fantasy genre.” The sequel, Changing the Prophecy, is made in this same mold and does not disappoint. Designed to sustain hope for children and youth facing the realities of climate change, this book will inspire readers to rethink and perhaps act. It is an antidote to despair.

Title: Changing the Prophecy

Author: Amy Wachspress

Publisher: Woza Books

ISBN: 978-0-9788350-0-2

Trade Paperback; 6 x 9; 318 pages; $15.50

Distributed by IngramSpark

Publication Date: November 27, 2023

Voice message: (707) 468-4118

Email: amy@wozabooks.com

Website: www.wozabooks.com