The Turning
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Name: The
Turning |
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Author:
Shannaaya Chopra |
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Publisher: Harper
Collins |
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Genre: Fantasy |
The Turning marks an
impressive debut by Shannaaya Chopra, a 19-year-old psychology student who
ventures confidently into the realm of werewolf fantasy. Written with youthful
energy and emotional sincerity, the novel explores identity, destiny, and inner
conflict through the journey of its protagonist, Kiara Sharma. What begins as a
light, almost familiar coming-of-age story gradually transforms into a
high-stakes fantasy filled with danger, discovery, and moral dilemmas. The
Turning succeeds in capturing the reader’s attention and establishes Shannaaya
Chopra as a promising new voice in the fantasy genre.
The novel opens on a relatively
gentle note, rooted in the everyday life of Kiara Sharma, a schoolgirl
surrounded by a close-knit group of friends who love and support her deeply.
Like many teenagers on the cusp of adulthood, Kiara eagerly anticipates her
eighteenth birthday, which holds special significance for her. On that day, she
is meant to read a letter left behind by her late mother, a letter that Kiara
believes will finally bring her clarity and closure.
However, as the clock strikes
midnight, Kiara’s life takes an irreversible turn. She discovers that she is
not human but a werewolf, and not just any werewolf. She belongs to a rare and
feared kind known as the Katrol. Only one Katrol is known to have existed
before her, a being remembered for possessing immense power capable of
destroying not only humanity but the werewolf race itself. This revelation
uproots Kiara from the life she has always known and thrusts her into a hidden
world of wolves, secrets, and centuries-old fear.
Ordenia, a sanctuary created by
wolves to protect their own kind. What is meant to be a safe haven soon faces a
War. Katrols are relentlessly hunted, not just by humans, but by werewolves as
well. Kiara must come to terms with the reality that her very existence
threatens the fragile balance of this world. As the full moon approaches, so
does the terrifying possibility that she may lose control and transform into
the very monster her kind fears most. Thus begins Kiara’s journey, not just to
survive external threats, but to fight the darkness within herself in order to
protect her friends and loved ones.
One of the novel’s strengths lies
in its characters, particularly Kiara herself. She is portrayed as vulnerable
yet resilient, frightened yet determined. Her internal struggle between who she
is and who she might become forms the emotional backbone of the story. Author
does well in depicting Kiara’s fear, confusion, and gradual acceptance of her
identity, making her a relatable protagonist despite the fantastical setting.
The supporting characters,
especially Kiara’s friends, add warmth and emotional grounding to the
narrative. Their loyalty and concern for Kiara remind the reader that even in a
world of supernatural danger, human connections remain vital. As the story progresses,
new characters from the wolf world are introduced, each contributing to the
expansion of the plot and adding layers of intrigue and conflict.
At its core, The Turning
is a story about identity and self-acceptance. Kiara’s transformation into a
Katrol serves as a metaphor for the fear many people experience when
confronting parts of themselves that feel dangerous or unacceptable. The novel
also explores themes of destiny versus choice: Is Kiara doomed to become a
villain simply because of what she is, or does she have the power to define her
own path?
Another notable theme is the idea
of fear-driven hatred. The relentless hunting of Katrols by both humans and
werewolves highlights how fear can lead to violence, prejudice, and the
destruction of one’s own kind. Author subtly raises questions about moral
responsibility and whether power itself is evil, or merely the way it is used.
Ordenia, the werewolf sanctuary,
plays a central role in the story, as much of the action unfolds there. While
the concept of Ordenia is intriguing, the execution feels somewhat
underdeveloped. The author introduces the setting and its importance but does
not always provide enough descriptive detail to fully immerse the reader. A
richer depiction of the landscape, architecture, and atmosphere—or even a
map—could have enhanced the reader’s understanding and enjoyment of the wolf
world.
Similarly, the customs,
hierarchy, and everyday life of the werewolves are only briefly touched upon.
Given the significance of this hidden world to the plot, more in-depth
information about their ways and beliefs would have added depth and
authenticity to the narrative. The journey Kiara and her companions undertake,
moving through various obstacles and challenges, could also have been more
engaging with more vivid descriptions of their surroundings.
For a debut novel, The Turning
is remarkably well-paced. The opening chapters give the impression of a decent,
if modest, start, but as the story progresses, the plot widens and gains
momentum. The twists, adventures, and revelations are timed well enough to keep
the reader invested.
language is simple, clear, and
easy to read, making the book accessible to a wide audience, particularly young
adult readers. While the prose may not be highly elaborate, it effectively
conveys emotion and action, which suits the fast-paced nature of the story.
The greatest strength of The
Turning lies in its gripping plot and the author's skillful buildup of
tension. The concept of a Katrol, a werewolf so feared even by her own kind, is
both unique and captivating. Kiara's internal conflict is portrayed with depth
and sincerity, adding emotional weight to the narrative. Considering the
author's age and debut status, the novel shows impressive promise. The
illustration and cover design also deserve special mention; the cover is
striking, drawing you in from the first glance.
On the downside, the lack of
detailed world-building occasionally limits the story’s impact. More
descriptive depth and contextual information about the wolf world would have
elevated the reading experience and made the fantasy setting feel more immersive.
Overall, The Turning is an
engaging and promising debut that successfully blends fantasy, emotional
conflict, and themes of identity and choice. While it leaves room for
improvement in terms of world-building and descriptive detail, its strong
pacing, relatable protagonist, and intriguing premise make it a worthwhile
read. Shannaaya Chopra demonstrates a clear talent for storytelling, and The
Turning stands as a solid foundation for what could be an exciting literary
journey ahead.
Fans of werewolf fantasy and
young adult fiction are likely to find this novel both enjoyable and memorable.
Shannaaya chopra is a 19-Year-old
college student, currently pursuing a degree in Psychology. Born and Brought up
in Mumbai, she considers the city her forever home. She has been a voracious
reader ever since she gained the ability to read, which eventually morphed into
a great love for writing as well. She has a dog named Happy and a little sister
who she calls Tiny. They are more precious to her than anything in the world. Shannaaya
enjoys playing badminton, swimming and (though she can never learn the
choreography) dancing with her friends. She hopes that The Turning is just the
beginning of a very long line of books to come.
I would Rate the Book 3.5/5
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