Review of The Stylite

[Amit Kumar Sharma 1]

**Book Review: The Stylite by Shane Hallawa**

**Rating: 5/5 stars**

**The Stylite** by Shane Hallawa is a captivating blend of action, adventure, and fantasy aimed at adult and young adult readers. The story centers around Teresa Amadei, who is grappling with the loss of her mother and unresolved family conflicts. Under the guidance of Father Simon, Teresa embarks on a perilous journey to reach the city of refuge, Alexantine, in the Midwest. Alongside her cousin Matthew and the enigmatic Saracen, Teresa faces both external battles and internal struggles.

Hallawa masterfully intertwines elements of martial arts and mysticism, drawing from Christian, Zoroastrian, and Islamic concepts. This rich tapestry of themes invites readers to immerse themselves fully in the unfolding adventures and complex character arcs. Despite its depth, the book avoids preaching, instead encouraging readers to explore and interpret the diverse spiritual elements woven throughout the narrative.

The author’s approach of laying out the intricate themes and concepts before diving into the story is particularly commendable. This method helps readers, especially those unfamiliar with some of the terms, to grasp the story better. The inclusion of illustrations adds a visual dimension, enhancing the reader's connection to the historical and cultural settings of the stylites.

While the book's detailed explanations and comprehensive world-building are impressive, a minor critique would be the use of the Daemoklos language. Translating these parts into English could have made the book more accessible without losing its richness. Nonetheless, the book is impeccably edited, with no grammatical errors disrupting the flow.

Overall, **The Stylite** is a thoroughly engaging read. Hallawa’s meticulous attention to detail, from the descriptions of weapons and armor to the depth of character development, makes this book stand out. Fans of fantasy novels that combine action, adventure, and spiritual exploration will find **The Stylite** an exhilarating read.

[Sarah Vinchu]

It looks like a really interesting book. It brings us to Teresa's journey of transformation, where she encounters extreme hardship. Her destiny forces her to confront obstacles on the inside as well as the outside. Intriguing topics such as good vs evil, family and relationships, and spirituality and faith are all masterfully emphasized in this book.The story skillfully combines action, paranormal experiences, and mystery as Teresa makes her way through her part in the fight against evil powers

[mrlefty0706]

Hi @Sarah Vinchu, I just read your comments on the official review of "The Stylite" and I really enjoyed the way you summarized this book. I found it a wonderful read and totally agree with your highlights. @Mrlefty0706