The Lost Saint

Ana thought she was having difficulties with her university course and her ex-boyfriend. When forces collide to send a small group back in time, Ana starts to realise just how bad things can become. Life in the 14th century is far more difficult - especially when she is separated from her friends. Her hair, clothing, knowledge and phone all set her apart and add to her problems.

Rachael Craw engages readers through her beautiful descriptions of place and character development. The leads face culture clashes, yet understand each others language through a clever plot device. There is an interesting point raised between religion and faith which readers of religious and agnostic backgrounds will easily follow.

As for many fantasy books, there is a map at the beginning. The paperback is a larger size with a warm, enchanting cover. The chapters are quite brief, so easy if you need a book you can put down after a short time.

As a teacher, I cannot see themes I would use in a classroom, however I would happily encourage students to read this text if this was a genre they enjoyed as the descriptive language is enticing and the story is captivating - and ends on a cliffhanger which left me hoping for a sequel.