Feathered Quill Book Reviews

 #Bookreview of Andersen Light: A Meta-Normal Novel

By: Tanya D. Dawson

Publisher: Empower Press

Publication Date: October 7, 2021

ISBN: 978-1951694760

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: August 22, 2025

In Andersen Light: A Meta-Normal Novel by Tanya D. Dawson, Georgie Jones finds herself caught between two fractured worlds after her parent’s divorce. Living in Starkton with her mother, siblings, and new stepfather, Jack, whom Georgie calls “Jackass,” life is anything but magical. Starkton inspires no sense of magic, and the household holds a dark secret. Georgie’s stepfather has inappropriate tendencies, and she knows she needs to keep a close eye on her younger sister. Georgie assumes the formidable responsibility of protecting her younger siblings, often prioritizing their needs over her own. Despite the weight on her shoulders, her resilience keeps her moving forward, though the cracks in her spirit begin to show.

After Georgie finds Jack nearly hurting her sister, the already fragile family falls apart even more. As a result, Georgie goes to live with her father, Professor William Samuel Jones, in Mystic Creek, Oregon. Georgie is unaware that Luther Andersen, a gifted mentor, is closely monitoring her life. Born with extraordinary potential, Georgie is destined to become an inestimable force of good. Luther plants dreams and insights into her mind, teaching her ways to protect herself and accelerate her awakening abilities.

As Georgie begins to adjust to life in Mystic Creek, she forms friendships with Shawn and Josefina while navigating the usual hurdles of a new school, strange faces, and the feeling of being an outsider. Nevertheless, there is something about the town, particularly the old lighthouse on the rocky shore, that seems to beckon her. When she steps in during a bullying episode at school, her abilities unexpectedly surge, hurling a classmate across the playground and revealing a speed she had never realized she had. Questions mount until Luther explains that Georgie is a “meta-normal,” part of a hidden group with paranormal gifts.

Before long, Georgie finds others who share her experiences and embarks on a journey woven with trauma, healing, friendship, and a destiny beyond her wildest dreams. Her actions would send ripples through time, remaining etched in the memories of future generations. During her journey, Georgie uncovers not only the secrets of the lighthouse but also the bravery to face her past and forge a new path ahead, one brimming with hope, purpose, and the realization of her true potential. It would take years, if ever, for Georgie to grasp the profound influence her actions had on individuals and families.

Tanya D. Dawson expertly blends fantasy with genuine emotional truths in Andersen Light: A Meta-Normal Novel. Georgie’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery, where she confronts profound trauma with honesty and a lack of embellishment. Dawson’s prose immerses readers in Georgie’s thoughts, skillfully balancing the intensity of her experiences with the solace found in her father and Luther, who provide stability during chaos. The narrative artfully connects the fantastical aspects of Georgie’s awakening to her emotional recovery, intertwining themes of hope, bravery, and transformation. The storyline is both sincere and unique, catering to readers who appreciate emotional depth in their narratives. It will resonate with anyone who has overcome hardships and enjoys tales of young individuals discovering their inner strength.

Quill says: A moving and magical tale of resilience, healing, and self-discovery, Andersen Light: A Meta-Normal Novel shines with both emotional honesty and fantastical wonder—a story that lingers in the heart.

For more information about Andersen Light: A Meta-Normal Novel, please visit the author's website at: tanyaddawson.com