Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Rogue Scorpion by Lynda Faye Schmidt is a coming-of-age novel that revolves around a young artist named Isabella who sets out on a journey to pursue her dreams, despite societal pressure. She travels to Thailand and immerses herself in the culture, takes on various jobs, and becomes a teacher. After experiencing horrible trauma, she returns to Canada to help with her father's illness, who in turn supports her move to Vancouver Island where she begins her yoga certification. On a road trip with her friend Anita, she finds love with a writer named Alex. As their relationship turns toxic, Isabella meets Brian, who inspires her to plan a trip to Panama. In Panama, she returns to teaching English and forms a close bond with Catalina. The bond blossoms and Isabella finds herself faced with hostility aimed at herself and Catalina. She finds solace in her art and spirituality, but whether or not she will find it at home, or when confronted with health issues and loss, may just require the strength of a scorpion to find out.

Part coming-of-age and part travelogue, The Rogue Scorpion by Lynda Faye Schmidt takes readers on a cinematic adventure through Thailand, Panama, and little jaunts in Canada, allowing us to immerse ourselves in three very diverse cultures and landscapes. I read prose like, “...the sun shining through the windows after a morning of thunderstorms,” and the scent of petrichor practically wafts off the page. Schmidt uses a soft touch in her portrayal of Isabella, balancing a young woman's navigation of unexplored physical and emotional territory, and not forcing her to do it all on her own. I love Catalina and the twin flame connection they share. That flame fuels courage and resilience, and it's beautiful. I wasn't entirely certain about the origin of the title until Schmidt takes us to a windowsill where Isabella sees a scorpion, which initially unsettles her until she learns that scorpions symbolize self-protection and the need to eliminate negative influences. The Rogue Scorpion is a comfortably written and easy-to-digest story. It certainly has its heartbreaking moments and one in particular that was like a punch to the gut, but Isabella's hope and optimism are the very things that make me want to put this book into the hands of my daughter. Very highly recommended.