Review by Ronald Hore - 5/5 Stars: Spirit Sight is a tale of high adventure set in the last days of the independent Welsh Kingdom and laced with enchantments suitable for the times and setting. A young Welsh warrior, Hyw, can control the minds of animals, and his younger sister, Catrin, can, within a drop of water, see into the future. The King of England, Edward the First, also known as Longshanks, has decided to end the independence of the troublesome Welsh once and for all by leading a full-fledged invasion into their mountains. With him are his lords eager to gain land and wealth and present the heads of the Welsh for a bounty. Hyw goes to battle and witnesses the death of Llywelyn, Prince of Wales, but he discovers the spirit of his betrayed prince has somehow become bound up within him. His sister Cat witnesses the fall of their home and flees with the royal family from castle to castle pursued by the English. They eventually find temporary sanctuary with Llywelyn’s brother Dafydd at the home of Cat’s betrothed, Lord Rhys. Hyw catches up with them there. King Edward means to capture Dafydd who is the last remaining male heir to the Welsh throne and to execute him and his family. This portion of the “Last of the Gifted” duology concludes with the refugees, aided by the supernatural gifts of Hyw and Cat, escaping the fall of their besieged castle. The first of the two book series, Spirit Sight, which is based on actual historical events and players, is filled with adventure and romance and a touch of fantasy that fits in well with the folklore of the location. The book has several added features that increase the enjoyment of the tale, including an introductory two-page “Character Guide” and a one-page black and white map of the area where the action takes place. End matter consists of a four-page historical note, a six-page glossary, a page of acknowledgements, three pages of further reading, a brief one-page author biography, and nine pages of the first chapter of Water Sight, the second book. Well-written, Spirit Sight will appeal to a wide range of ages and readers, especially those who enjoy historical-based fantasy and high adventure. Highly Recommended

Review By J. Lynn Else: "Overall, a meticulously researched young adult medieval fantasy with compelling characters and high-stakes action. Recommended." Full text: Wales, 1282: Hyw and his sister, Catrin, are gifted. Hyw can control animals, and Catrin is a seer. But neither is prepared for the ambush on the Prince of Wales. Hyw touches the prince’s mind at the moment of his death and ends up drawing the prince’s soul into his own. With the guidance of Hyw’s uncle, he will learn to control this internal duology while gathering information on the English forces. But these gifts are dangerous and often feared. Without drawing suspicion, can Catrin convince the Welsh Princess of the death she’s foreseen before it’s too late for her people? Powell does a great job mixing elements of fantasy, mythology, and historical conflict. The plot develops through unexpected twists and turns. Hyw is particularly well developed. He has to contend with the Prince of Wales in his head, the loyalty to his people, in addition to loyalty for his best friend and the family he fostered under, who march with the English invaders. Through Hyw, readers are treated to both the English and Welsh sides of the war. Some of the names get a bit confusing, and I found myself flipping back and forth to clarify who was who. However, Powell makes an effort to clarify names and even includes a helpful pronunciation guide and glossary. I’m impressed with her research and ability to keep the different storylines flowing. The landscape and the castles, especially, are delightful to explore. Powell’s prose has a lyrical quality, and dialogue construction enriches the cultural flavor. Overall, a meticulously researched young adult medieval fantasy with compelling characters and high-stakes action. Recommended.