1. Introduction
2. Summary
3. Themes and Messages
4. Characterization
5. Overall Impression
6. Conclusion

Introduction

Today’s Myers Fiction Review will cover a Young Adult Fantasy, The Tower by E. Webb.

The Fantasy genre is a great option for Young Adult coming of age stories because so much that happens in that time already feels magical. It makes it almost completely natural to talk about the challenges one might face in those years through fantasy elements. Many people, including adults and younger readers, enjoy reading Young Adult books, even though they are typically intended for ages 12-18. Popular examples are the Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and Divergent Series. The Tower by E. Webb embodies elements from fantasy and YA genres to spin a fun and exciting tale for anyone looking for a mystical escape from reality.

The Tower won a recent contest where it achieved a 5 star review and seal. Also, the Amazon Ratings are holding strong at a 4.8 average, and those reviews are well written, so check them out!

Now, let’s get to the Myers Fiction Review of The Tower by E. Webb.

Summary

When Ena reaches the age where her choices could change her life, she wonders if the path she has been on is the one she wants to follow. In the town of Savrsen, there is an extra option for those who desire to enter the Tower. Ena faces a difficult situation with her mother and best friend, but takes a risk that leads to unexpected challenges for both her and the readers.

Follow Ena as she escapes Savrsen to explore the magical world of Azendor where you’ll meet classical and new magical creatures. Ena will have to grow up quick as she takes on the most challenging schools in Azendor. But don’t fret, because Ena makes great friends that will help her through the trials she faces. Underneath all of that, there is a hidden history connecting her to Azendor that she only finds out about as her abilities bloom.

The Tower provides a great magic system and a fantasy world. If you’re following Myers Fiction in 2024, you know that’s what we’re all about. The magic system is pretty balanced, but leans more toward the soft side, allowing for readers to enjoy the magic but know that it is only a part of the story. The world-building is fun and in depth where it needs to be.

Themes and Messages

The Tower by E. Webb explores the overarching themes of self-discovery, friendship, and courage. Ena Novak has reached a critical point in her life where there are two safe options, and one unknown. E. Webb did a great job of capturing the challenges young adults face as they reach the age of accountability. There are the safe bets, the societal expectations, and those are the options they’re expected to take. The Tower encourages risking the unknown option to fully realize the opportunities available in the world. E. Webb did a great job of controlling the choices by the way the characters enter and leave Azendor. By creating the methods of entry and exit of the magical land, it forces the character to choose each time, even if the choice seems to be made for them. I think without these opportunities, Ena wouldn’t have reached the levels of self-discovery to achieve her story goals.

Friendship is a key and instrumental part of Young Adult Fiction and what teenagers face as they grow up. Think about how few friends stay as close after high school, when we all go through a major change from childhood to adulthood. Both of Ena’s safe bets would have kept her from meeting so many amazing people that would change her life. Though we may not realize, the friends made during that true transition from teen to adult are some of the most formative relationships in life. E. Webb conveyed this perfectly by providing the array of characters that show Ena all the options in who she could decide to become in the new world. And while friends are important, they may not be as memorable as the new enemies found. E. Webb developed the enemies from the personal level to large-scale story enemies. The choice to diversify the enemies, Ena’s story becomes more than just hers and adds a greater scope to the challenges faced by the character.

Characterization

Ena follows a growth character arc common with a coming of age story, but it doesn’t feel like a tale already told. Ena’s personal, communal, and societal challenges add the depth necessary to make The Tower, for the lack of a better term, an authentic story. E. Webb used the character’s life as layers to develop the reader’s understanding of Ena and to make the growth of Ena into who she becomes at the end of the book. To keep from any spoilers, that’s about as deep as I’ll go here. But let’s look at some reasons to read about Ena and her journey through Azendor.

Ena is a strong female protagonist but also has her own weaknesses in doubt and fear common among young adults preparing for adulthood. Ena’s been so good at doing what she’s told for most of her life, but when a question arises in her mind, Ena sees things differently. The Tower is a magical place, she’s sure of it, and all she knows is that her mother went through and came back without any memories. This was a great choice by E. Webb because it’s common for young adults to wonder if the events their parents experienced are something they will need to face too. Sometimes the promise of an unknown fate is what drives us to the choice neither our parents or those who love us would choose.

Overall Impression

The Tower by E. Webb is an engaging young adult fantasy that will appeal to readers of all ages looking for an escapist adventure. Ena is a relatable protagonist who must choose between familiarity and the unknown when given the chance to enter a magical realm. Her journey of self-discovery explores universal coming-of-age themes through creative world-building and memorable characters. The Tower is an exciting story about bravery and personal growth, featuring magic, dimensional enemies, and Ena’s journey.

Conclusion

The Tower delivers a magical escape that captures the exhilaration and uncertainty of growing up. E. Webb has crafted an imaginative world and compelling lead character that will resonate with readers. While targeted for young adults, this book offers an adventurous fantasy story that readers of all ages can enjoy. If you’re looking for an engaging coming-of-age tale set in a creative magical realm, The Tower is a highly recommended pick. This book offers an enjoyable fantasy reading experience with relatable characters and a well-built world.

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