Seeker: Book One of the Noble Warriors by William Nicholson Young adult 432 pages Harcourt May 2006 Hardcover     With a well-developed plot and memorable characters, Seeker will find an interested audience. This first novel in the “Noble Warriors” series not only lays the groundwork for future books, but also offers an immediate emotional appeal. Although this book provides a complete story, readers will want to continue following the adventures of these young warriors. The plot centers on the Nomana, a revered order of warrior monks, and the religion that rules the people of Anacrea. While the inner workings of the Nomana remain mostly undefined in this novel, it seems logical that this aspect will be developed more fully in later stories. The characters are all motivated by strong religious beliefs, which layer these pages with a stirring mixture of fear and hope. Their religion appears to be an intriguing combination of pagan cults with some recognizable elements of organized religion. The people’s intense desire to serve their god blankets this book with an aching sense of captivity. The three main characters, Seeker, Morning Star, and Wildman, each have special personality traits that will endear them to readers. Their individual story lines are smoothly integrated, tying their lives together in the spirit of true friendship. Although this is a work of fiction, the emotional aspect will strike chords of authenticity. The author captured the sense of terror that binds these people to their god, while also hinting at something better. Several scenes portrayed the brutality and selfish craftiness of this religious system, yet this was comfortably contrasted with the prospect of a brighter future, as evidenced already in the lives of the main characters. Be sure to find a copy of Seeker; its haunting elements of heartache and hope make this book more than an adventure story.     web reviews   Joyce Handzo/2006 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)