Shikaree

The Arnstead Chronicles, Book 2

De: M.J. Oelkers

Narrado por: M.J. Oelkers

The eldest child of four, Chandra Pattal has no shortage of work on her plate.

Her time under the sun is stretched between working the family orchards, selling produce in the markets of Arnstead, and caring for her siblings in place of her dearly departed mother. Looming over Chandra’s hectic life is her father’s debt to the Orland Bank. The family stands one poor harvest from a life in the streets, and interest rates only ever seem to climb.

To balance her family’s precarious situation, Chandra moonlights as a Shikaree. A treasure hunter who delves into the dark places of the World Below. Ancient bits and baubles call to Chandra with promises of comfort and stability. Small offerings to throw atop the debt that crushes her family.

When Chandra finds a map to greater riches, she bets her life on one great expedition to secure her family’s future. A journey through darkness and horror that guarantees danger. The World Below teems with ravenous varmints eager to prey on lone adventurers. Otherworldly terrors conceal themselves in crevices and around corners. Perhaps the most terrifying threats of all are the fellow Shikaree who would kill to stake their claim.

Shikaree is a dark fantasy tale of trust and determination, where Chandra Pattal risks all that she has to find what she truly desires. Just how far will Chandra go to protect her family from an uncaring world?

©2024 M.J. Oelkers (P)2024 M.J. Oelkers

Engaging Story With a Nice Voice

This was a interesting delve into Chandras world, where she struggles to help provide for her family despite her father's overspending. I particularly enjoyed the world building aspect of the book, where there is a secret bygone part of a sprawling metropolis that is now infested with varmints. I'd love to learn more about Those That Came Before in followup books. It's a great YA read, though can get rather tense and/or violent in some spots. Definitely worth a listen.