The Eyes of a King
by Catherine Banner

    THE EYES OF A KING by Catherine Banner
    Category:  Fantasy
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 6+
    Release Date:  5/27/08
    Publisher:  Random House
    Reviewed by:  The Story Siren
    Rating:  4 Stars


    Fifteen-year-old Leo North lived in Malonia with his younger brother, Stirling, and his grandmother. When Leo was
    five years old the monarchy was overthrown by the tyrant Lucien, and his parents fled to save their lives.

    One night on his way home, Leo finds a mysterious book. The pages of the book are blank. But t soon the pages
    begin to fill, telling the story of two people in England, which is thought to be a fairy tale world. The pages only
    appear a few at a time, but Leo feels as though he already knows the story.

    Leo, however, has no idea how much the story will come to play in his own country of Malonia.

    THE EYES OF A KING is a book filled with fantasy, mystery, heartache, and love. Catherine Banner realistically
    depicts the thoughts and emotions of her teenage character, being as she is one herself. Leos' story seems to consist
    of one main theme -- loss. He is overcome with grief in much of the second half of the book, and it seemed as if
    empathy will continue to elude him.

    Banner cleverly intertwines the stories of Malonia and England, and readers will revel in delight as the two stories
    come together. THE EYES OF A KING looks to be the beginning of an enchanting trilogy!