Reviews
Winner of the 2020 Pacific Northwest Writers Association Literary Contest for Young Adult Literature
Reviews for The Claiming by J.A. Nielsen
“Nielsen deftly brings the question of consent into unique focus in this YA fantasy series opener. When Spense casually asks Dewy her name and sees that revealing it causes her pain, he understands the gravity of the Claiming spell immediately and his responsibility to Dewy. The action scenes are calibrated for maximum excitement without reveling in violence, as when Dewy uses her water magic: “Spense watched, open-mouthed at the mayhem. Dewy stood…her arms raised in quiet command, as calm as a stone in a stream.” Small cultural details, including Dewy’s puzzlement at human-created art, deftly present the challenges that the heroes face. Nielsen ensures that Spense and Dirk’s relationship also evolves for the next installment while also introducing a remarkable new mission for one of the main characters.
An astute and tasteful fantasy tale with a valuable message.
“The illegitimate son of a human king accidentally binds himself to a Fae princess in J.A. Nielsen’s YA adventure, The Claiming. As war bears down on the kingdom of Telridge, can the two of them break the spell in time?
Nielsen brings her characters to full and vibrant life.
Dewy and Spense both feel that they’re different from those around them, unsure of their place in the world. Though they’re initially brought together by magic, they begin to form a genuine bond and bring out positive change in one another. They find confidence in their abilities and, as they come to understand each other, share their fears and sorrows.
Spense bears responsibility for all of his people as he becomes Telridge’s diplomat to the Fae courts.
Throughout Nielsen’s luminous, intricately-described Fae lands, Spense grapples with the guilt of what he’s done to Dewy, while Dewy herself contemplates what she feels for him, how much of her fondness can be true with the Claiming upon her. The two risk life, limb, and even more for each other as a curious, subtle mystery forms around their meetings with the Winter Fae.
The Claiming is a story of courage, connection, and the responsibility of a person to care for those around them. Fans of fantasy and faeries will love this fast-paced adventure.”
“Plainly put, this is a phenomenal story. From start to finish, I was hooked the entire way…Each character was diverse, deep and delicious. The descriptors are elegant, but not overbearing, and the entire story begs for more. More Dewy, more Spense, more, more, more. I cannot wait to read the next, hopefully many, installments. But overall, this was truly exceptional. [J.A. Nielsen has] an amazing way of painting a picture with words and filling it with lovely characters that connect with the reader instantly.”
“War, forbidden magic, and a sprinkling of innocent romance make for a fantastic debut sure to delight younger YA readers and anyone young at heart.”
“With The Claiming, J.A. Nielsen takes us on a magical journey filled with political intrigue, richly drawn characters and a beautifully imagined world. Fascinating interactions between faeries and humans, along with a brilliant lyrical style, create a gorgeous page-turning adventure–I could not put it down.”
“An enthralling debut by J.A. Nielsen! With well fleshed out and relatable characters, elegant descriptions and an engaging adventure the pages just flew by! I loved her unique take on the fae and can’t wait for the next one!”
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