Snow, Fire, Sword (review)

Fourteen-year-old Dewi is startled out of her everyday routine when she finds the bound and gagged Adi in her family's fields. Once unfettered, Adi explains that he had been on his way to see the Sultan with his master when they were overtaken by the hantumu, a vicious motorcycle gang who seem to be in league with an even more intimidating hooded man. Although Adi and Dewi both grew up on Jayangan, an alternative-world Indonesian island, their paths have only crossed because the fate of the entire land is at risk from the increasing strength of these evil forces. Dewi has been charged by her family's spirit guide with the nearly impossible task of finding Snow, Fire, and Sword, once she figures out what, or who, those words might represent; with Adi assisting her, she must solve the mystery before the demonically aided shrouded enemy solves it himself. Neither good nor evil can truly accomplish their goals without the aid of the Snow, Fire, and Sword, and the identity of the three is made clear through a tantalizingly slow unveiling of small clues and subtle hints that will keep readers guessing along with the protagonists. Masson is a skilled storyteller who establishes a measured pace that encourages immersion, not only in the characters and their complex motivations, but also in the intricate setting and intriguing background. Jayangan is a carefully constructed blend of fantasy and Indonesian mythology, resulting in a rich, well-developed world that is nearly as captivating as the characters. This unusual geographical focus and the real-world details about the language, culture, and landscape that are woven into the story add glimpses of a country with which most readers may not be familiar. A glossary is included; the bound book will include maps.