Living with Your Past Selves

Spell Weaver, Book 1

Young Adult - Fantasy - General
266 Pages
Reviewed on 02/22/2013
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Author Biography

As far back as he can remember, Bill Hiatt had a love for reading so intense that he eventually ended up owning over eight thousand books--not counting e-books! He has also loved to write for almost that long. As an English teacher, he had little time to write, though he always felt there were stories within him that longed to get out, and he did manage to publish a few books near the end of his teaching career. Now that he is retired from teaching, the stories are even more anxious to get out into the world, and they will not be denied!

Since fantasy has always been Bill's favorite genre, and since he spent thirty-six years in teaching, mostly at the high school level, it's not surprising that his first published work would be young adult fantasy, though he plans to explore other genres in the future, including science-fiction, horror, and nonfiction related to education.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Taliesin Weaver was twelve years old when the memories of his past lives came flooding back. Taliesin 1 knew and fought with King Arthur. However, that wasn’t the only life he lived. When the memories filled his mind he became unhinged but eventually he came to terms with his past lives and drew on their knowledge and powers. Tal found he could cast spells through music. With little effort he learned to play the harp as well as the guitar and he could sing like an angel. Stan was the first to discover Tal’s secret. Strange things began to happen around that time. Dan suddenly became Tal’s protector and a voice spoke through him with messages for Tal. Tal knew an evil was after him but who was behind it and why? Could he protect his friends? Who could he trust?

“Living with Your Past Selves” cast a spell of enchantment on me from the first page and held me within its grips to the very last page. Bill Hiatt weaves an alluring tale filled with magic, spells, good versus evil, fairies, reincarnation and friendship. I’d classify this book as young adult fantasy with a mix of action and adventure and a drop of romance. I have always been a push over for a good tale that has hints of the Arthurian Legend. Hiatt combines contemporary atmosphere with ancient myths. Tal makes a delightful hero; he truly cares about those around him. Stan reminded me of the Cowardly Lion; he had more courage than he or his friends could ever imagine. The characters in this story dance right off the pages swinging their swords, fighting their battles, and singing their magic as though they truly existed. The author left just enough room for a sequel or perhaps a whole series of tales concerning Tal and his band of friends. I can see where Carla could certainly be a lead in the next installment. Thank you Bill Hiatt for an exciting adventure. Please don’t keep me waiting too long for the next chapter in the lives of Tal and friends.