Jolene
Elemental Masters Series #15
24 Jun 2021 - Mercedes Lackey
Book Cover Summary
The beloved Elemental Masters series moves to America for the first time in a rich retelling of The Queen of the Copper Mountain, set against the backdrop of Tennessee coal country.
Anna May Jones is the daughter of a coal miner. When her father succumbs to Black Lung, the coal company wastes no time in turning the family out of their home. In desperation, Anna May’s mother sends her to live with her Aunt Jinny, a witchy-woman and an Elemental Master, in a holler outside of Ducktown.
As she settles into her new life, Anna May finds herself falling for a stonemason with such a talent for stonecarving that people come all the way from Memphis to commission statues and tombstones from him. But he’s not content with his current skill—he wants to learn to carve stone so well it looks real.
When the stonemason disappears on a quest to fulfill his ambition, it is up to Anna May to follow and find him, armed with the new abilities Aunt Jinny has taught her. To save the man she loves, Anna May must journey into the mountain—and confront the horrors that lurk in the darkness of the mine.
Another great book by Mercedes Lackey. I so enjoy a good story by a great storyteller. This is the 15th book in her Elemental Masters series.
It starts out a little slow but the back story is important to this tale. The story’s pace does pick up and the reader may want to pay attention to the 19th century mountain dialogue.
The central character Anna is endearing and grows up in a matter of months as the story progresses. Her view of her world and the people around her is a bit innocent, without guile. But she does grow in confidence, ability, and power.
I do not like to give away story lines. No spoilers here. As always though, if I am writing about it, it is a good read.
There are magical influences, characters and creatures from the old world and the new world, as well as a character introduced from Russian folklore. The Queen of Copper Mountain, also known as the titular Jolene, has a duality of character that bodes ill, or well, for humans who encounter her. Get the book and read it to get the full story.