Review of one of the nominated titles for the 2007 Cybils in Fantasy and Science Fiction.

Gift of the Unmage by Alma Alexander.

Thea was born a Double Seventh, the seventh child of two seventh children.  From birth she was expected to have great magical powers, but they never emerged.  Her father pulls some strings to get her a special Pass to learn from Cheveyo in an unknown land.  With Cheveyo’s quiet teaching, Thea begins to learn more and more of herself and why she cannot do magic.  She learns of her special powers of weaving, allowing her to visit the ancient Grandmother Spider and discover the presence of many worlds beyond her own.  This is power and knowledge that she will need to fight in an upcoming battle that might just save her own world from destruction.

This book is a fascinating blend of spirituality and fantasy.  The things that Thea learns with Cheveyo are less magical and more philosophic.  I had not anticipated the depth of these lessons, the ring of truth they have and the power that this book receives from them.  The writing is lovely as it twines through different worlds, allowing the reader to experience them.  I enjoyed the portrayal of the near-silent Cheveyo and Grandmother Spider.  Thea’s character is well-developed and serves as the perfect window into her world. 

While this book will not be for all fantasy fans, who may expect their fantasy to be more about dragons and knights, it will be welcome for readers of fantasy looking for depth and great world building.  Highly recommended for thoughtful fantasy readers.