Shamra Divided, Book Two of the Shamra Chronicles by Barry Hoffman

In Shamra Divided Dara, leader of the resistance movement that overthrew her country's oppressors, learns why she looks and acts different than most other Shamra and why it was her destiny to one day save her people. While learning about her heritage she is also attacked by what will become her most powerful enemy, Chaos. Dormant for 170 years Chaos reappears intent on destroying civilizations from within and killing Dara whom he fears. An action-packed adventure full of heroics, sacrifice and betrayal. In Dara and her ancestors Shamra Divided provides strong and complex females that adolescents and teens can relate to.

Shamra Divided is the second in Mr. Hoffman's Shamra Chronicles.  I have not had the opportunity to read the first in the series, Curse of the Shamra.  However, Mr. Hoffman catches the reader up quickly, and Shamra Divided can be read as a stand alone novel.

Dara is a young teenage girl who doesn't want to spend her life as a housewife.  She thrives on danger, but she doesn't have a death wish.  She doesn't try to change herself to fit into with her people, her outspoken ways and opinions eventually garner their respect.

Chaos is determined to kill Dara and her people.  It is up to her to lead them to destroy Chaos, and in the meantime, keep everyone alive, while staying true to herself.  Full of adventure, many messages that speak true, and page turning action and complex characters, Shamra Divided is a wonderful fantasy adventure young adult read.  I look forward to going back and reading the first in the trilogy. The only complaint I have is the cover. I just wish it were more contempory.  Definitely not a book I would pick up on my own in the store by the cover alone.