The story line is interesting enough, but predictable, and most other novels have given more thought to the mythology surrounding magic.

There is a strong female lead character, but at times she seems like more of an anti-hero than a hero (she tortures enemies, is elated when killing them slowly, and early in the book, the basis for her power is described as Wrath, which is more fitting for an evil character than a hero). 'Chosen' is often poorly written, with typos or missing words and awkwardly worded phrases. I recommend any other book, but especially Tamora Pierce, who writes excellent YA (Young Adult) novels with strong female warriors which are of much higher quality than this novel. However, this is my least favorite of all books I have read in this genre. I found this book to be a decent read for relaxing and killing time, given that I just finished graduate school and needed a reprieve from the dense and complicated texts I normally read. But to trade her to Xandre, the warlord desperate to add her to his war machine, would be to give up their entire way of life. If they band with her, they will face certain death.

But when the war spreads its arms and lands on her borrowed doorstep, Shanti has no choice but to reveal her secrets, plunging her saviors into danger. Oblivious to the weapon they now have in their possession, they are content to harbor the mysterious woman until she is well enough to continue her journey. The problem is, she doesn't believe in her own divinity, and when she flounders, she nearly fails in the duty hanging so heavy on her shoulders.It seems like any other day when Sanders and his band of misfit boys find a foreign woman clinging to life in the wastelands. Carrying rare abilities and an uncanny fighting aptitude, Shanti is the only hope of salvation for her people. Since she helped her people defeat a raiding party by using a special power, she's been a hunted woman. ~~Shanti has grown up under the constant threat of war. It is said that when war threatens the world, one individual will be selected by prophecy to lead the Shadow Warriors out of the Land of Mist and reclaim the freedom which has been stolen.

Chosen by K.F. Breene