The Vocella Graphic - April 11, 2024

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About Us From the Designer: This Issue

Vocella, Inc. (pronounced vō-chellä) is a multimedia company that aims to engage, excite, and empower people through compelling and entertaining products and services with a hyperlocal focus on community, business, arts, culture, and entertainment.

We are delighted to introduce the latest chapter in our journey: the Vocella Graphic. This newly designed newspaper boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic, featuring stunning artwork and informative articles. Crafting this visually captivating paper has been a labor of love, with our dedicated team painstakingly perfecting every aspect, from its appearance and tone to its expanded coverage area.

Furthermore, nestled inside, you will still find the trusted Community Shopper, complete with all the familiar content you’ve come to rely on. This includes classified ads featuring help wanted listings, rummage sales, and more, as well as business news, events, and community updates.

So, thank you for joining us as we continue to grow and do our very best to serve our communities.

Dear Valued Readers,

I once sat on a school bus filled with high school seniors and their principal, during my time as a photographer, on the way to take some senior class photos. I’m not sure how well the students were listening, but I definitely was when the principal told them, “Find the good in every day. Not every day is going to be good, but there is always something, just one good thing, in every day.”

Since then, I’ve heard the sentiment echoed many times, but as a young adult myself that day, it was something I needed to hear and has always stuck with me. Having an “attitude of gratitude” isn’t necessarily just finding something to say thank you for each day. It’s more about cultivating a whole mindset of appreciation and acknowledgement.

According to Happify, regularly practicing gratitude can lead to improved mental health, enhanced relationships and increased positive emotions. Identifying and acknowledging the things we're thankful for can bring about a sense of well-being. Whether through keeping a gratitude journal, reflecting on moments of gratitude before bedtime, expressing appreciation through heartfelt letters or adopting personal rituals of gratitude, the impact on our daily lives can be profound and uplifting.

Remember, you don't have to confine gratitude to the end of the day. Cultivating mindfulness and staying present throughout the day enables us to discover numerous reasons to be grateful in real-time. This practice of mindful gratitude allows us to cherish even the smallest joys as they unfold.

As we integrate gratitude into our daily routines, we not only transform our own perspectives and well-being, but also have the power to brighten the lives of those around us. A simple gesture of gratitude can make a world of difference to someone else, spreading positivity and kindness in our shared journey.

In the timeless words of the Bellamy Brothers, “Just let your love flow.”

With sincere appreciation,

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In this
Publishing & Sales Team J.C. & Susan LaBar Owners/Publishers Karolyn Moltzan General Manager/Lead Design McKenna Layne Design/Social Media Erica Kingston Editorial/Copy Editor Christian Marshall Community Ambassador/Sales Socials Find us on Facebook and Instagram: @thevocellagraphic and @thecommunityshopper Web Visit us online at www.vocellagraphic.com and www.communityshopper.com Office Hours Office hours are by appt. only. Reach us by phone or email: Monday - Thursday | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm & Friday | 9:00am - Noon News & Press Releases news@vocella.com Advertising sales@vocella.com Billing billing@vocella.com General Inquiries info@vocella.com Contact Us PO Box 389 1411 West Dakota Parkway, 2A Williston, ND 58801 701.572.4851 PROFILES 03 — Great Basin Dog Competition NEWS BRIEFS 04 — Williams County sales tax — ND financial literacy — Racism in HS sports OIL & AG 05 — NDPF teacher education — Sanford Health expansion LIFESTYLE 06 — Artistic hobbies HEALTH & WELLNESS — Money smarts 07 CULTURE 08 — The Bookshelf book review COMMUNITY SHOPPER Directory 10 Classifieds 11 Realty 12 Job Listings 13 Job Listings 14 Puzzles 15 Announcements & Events 16

Profiles Great Basin Dog Competition spotlights local K-9 units

MEET AND GREET, DEMONSTRATION HELD AT AGRI-SPORTS COMPLEX

SUBMITTED IMAGE

Police departments are set in place to serve and protect their community through the training and knowledge of those on the force. In the Williston P.D., there are three, possibly lesser known, members of the department that have been meticulously trained and, in many cases, are faster and more efficient than the men and women in blue. Their names are Kreed, Buster and Sisu — the dogs that make up the K-9 unit.

The Great Basin Dog Competition, a first-of-its kind event to North Dakota, will showcase what the three Williston K-9 dogs and their handlers have been trained to do, along with over a dozen other teams from around North Dakota and Montana.

In an effort to bring awareness of the capabilities and assets of K-9 units, Mondak Animal Rescue and the North Dakota Law Enforcement Canine Association have teamed up to bring this first annual event to the community starting at 5 p.m. on April 23 at the fairgrounds in the Agri-Sports Complex building.

“The demo will be the handlers showing off the hard work they have put in, the dogs athleticism and showing the community,

‘Here is what we do with our dogs and this is why we want the dogs,’” said Lyle Sinclair, president of the North Dakota Law Enforcement Canine Association based out of Bismarck.

Starting with a meet and greet at 5 p.m., the community is invited to come to the Agri-Sports Complex to get up close and talk with the handlers and their dogs before the demonstration begins. At 6 p.m. the event will kick off as the teams perform skits and act out scenarios that the K-9 units are trained in, from apprehension techniques to detection skills.

Jason Jonas is one of the three K-9 handlers within the Williston Police Department. Jonas lives and works alongside K-9 Sisu, a five-year-old Belgian Malinois who has been with Jonas for three-and-a-half years. When on duty, there is little time to meet or demonstrate Sisu’s capabilities for those interested — Jonas says the Great Basin Dog Competition is where kids can come to see what the dogs can do and to develop a trust in the dogs and handlers that serve the community.

“Every child you meet is just ecstatic to see a dog, so to see this in ac-

tion, it's going to be phenomenal,” said Tamara Rooks, executive director at Mondak Animal Rescue. “When (the dogs) come into a school, the kids are instantly kind of nervous and scared, but we don’t want that. We want you to be very comfortable and understand that this dog is here to keep you safe. At the end of the day, that’s what this is all about.”

North Dakota has had a K-9 program since 1976 — starting after a series of plane bombings, bomb dogs were wanted no more than three hours from major airports. Bismarck’s first dogs were from the Air Force and used as bomb and patrol dogs.

“It’s a force multiplier,” Sinclair said. “A tool that helps the law enforcement do their jobs so much faster and easier. Where it might take police an hour-and-a-half to search a room for illegal narcotics, K-9 units would come in and in 15 seconds be able to tell if the room was clear.”

Sinclair became a K-9 handler in Bis-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

“We want you to be very comfortable and understand that this dog is here to keep you safe. At the end of the day, that’s what this is all about.”
-Tamara Rooks of Mondak Animal Rescue

Erica is a freelance writer and copy editor. She is a wife and mother of four and loves road trips and being out on the prairies of North Dakota.

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ERICA KINGSTON ekingmediawriter@gmail.com
Buster & Sisu
Kreed,

Williams County Sales Tax Renewal vote finalized for June primary

WILLISTON — Williams County Commissioners approved the final wording for the upcoming one-percent sales tax extension vote in the June Primary election.

With the one-percent public safety sales tax set to expire next year, city and county officials are seeking a ten-year extension, this time diversifying it to go towards other projects such as more behavioral health pro-

grams, sports and recreation facilities, and quality-of-life improvements.

Figures from Williams County estimate the tax would bring in around $24 million a year.

More information on the proposal can be found by scanning the QR code.

Original article can be found at kfyrtv.com.

ND lawmaker: Racist taunts in HS sports need to stop

WILLISTON — North Dakota high schools are in spring sports mode and there is lingering tension from winter sporting events, where Native American players endured racist taunts from non-Native fans, and one lawmaker wants more follow-through with the response.

Several incidents of players being subject to discriminatory behavior from the stands have prompted apologies from districts of opposing schools. The state High School Activities Association has responded, including by implementing a zero-tolerance policy.

Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille, D-Mandaree, who represents the Fort Berthold Reservation, said the rules are not being widely enforced.

"The laws are there, they created them. It's about enforcing them," Finley-DeVille emphasized.

The Association also created a special

North Dakota makes effort to become most financially literate state

NORTH DAKOTA — Governor Doug Burgum and leaders from 11 state agencies launched Financial Literacy Month in North Dakota, introducing a new resource, SmartwithMyMoney.nd.gov, aimed at enhancing financial literacy among residents.

The website offers tools like financial personality assessments and personalized learning resources based on users' financial knowledge. Challenges completed on the site can enter users for cash prizes. The initiative's objective is to make North Dakota the most financially literate state by 2027, with benefits including improved mental health, reduced debt, and increased economic opportunities.

This effort responds to data showing only 37% of North Dakota adults felt confident in their financial knowledge in 2021. Led by Governor Burgum, State Su-

perintendent Kirsten Baesler and State Treasurer Thomas Beadle, the initiative aims to empower residents with essential financial knowledge to navigate their economic journey confidently. Bank of North Dakota spearheads the project, collaborating with state agencies and financial institutions to deliver the program across multiple channels.

By 2027, the state targets significant improvements in overall financial knowledge, emergency fund stability, reduced financial anxiety, increased retirement planning and better bill management among residents, supported by 12 committed state agencies and various officials.

For more information, scan the QR code to read the full press release from the North Dakota Governor’s Office at www.governor.nd/ gov/news.

committee to handle these matters, and Finley-DeVille noted she plans to engage with the panel over the summer. She hopes the input will lead to a better environment during games next year. The federal government already has its own civil rights investigation underway, stemming from an incident involving the Jamestown district last year.

Finley-DeVille appealed to the Department of Education Civil Rights Division last month with her own complaint. Meanwhile, she encouraged North Dakota to allow for Tribal Flag Songs to be performed before sporting events, just like the national anthem. She suggested it could help create more awareness among non-Native fans.

"The more education they (receive) about things, the better understanding they will have of Native Americans," Finley-DeVille pointed out.

DeVille acknowledged South Dakota already allows the practice. She added the department is evaluating whether her complaint against the Activities Association will lead to a separate probe. The Association did not respond to a request for comment.

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Briefs
WILLIAMS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVED THE FINAL WORDING FOR THE UPCOMING ONE-PERCENT SALES TAX EXTENSION VOTE IN THE JUNE PRIMARY ELECTION.
GOD carnage of A comedy of manners... without the manners By Yasmina
Translated by Christpher Hampton www.entertainmentinc.org APRIL 11 - 13 | 7:00 PM APRIL 14 | 2:00 PM Directed by JC LaBar Sponsored by Handy Andy’s Nursery NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18 DUE TO STRONG AND OBJECTIONABLE LANGUAGE 2008 TONY AWARD WINNER

NDPF hosts teacher education seminar

State's educators become students of oilfield

WESTERN DAKOTA ENERGY ASSOCIATION

NORTH DAKOTA — The North Dakota Petroleum Foundation is set to host its annual teacher education seminar for educators to learn about the oil industry and take projects, lessons and ideas back to the classroom. The seminar also helps educators translate to their students how geography, math, chemistry, geometry and more tie into the oil and gas industry and careers. This year's event will be held June 24-27 at Bismarck State College and will feature 35 speakers and sessions.

The seminar is open to teachers and guidance counselors who are currently practicing full time in a North Dakota public or private school. Teachers from South Dakota and Montana who are near oil and gas development may also apply. Up to 50 teachers will be accepted each year. The cost of the seminar itself is free and includes all course materials, lodging and most meals in conjunction with the seminar.

Participants will be eligible for two professional development credits from MSU, NDSU or UND. The credits may be used for general teacher license renewals. The university will charge a fee to participants wanting the optional credit. Past participants are not eligible for repeat credit.

Delve deep into the oil and gas industry from its prehistoric beginnings to the skills, technology and education it takes to recover it and the ways it is important to you. Topics include petroleum geology; drilling, producing and refining oil and gas; career exploration in the energy industry; history of oil and gas in North Dakota; paleontology of the Williston Basin; oil and the environment. Attendees will also get a rare opportunity to tour a drilling rig, production site and more.

The application deadline is May 1. Scan the QR code to register.

From the Western Dakota Energy Association newsletter, April 5, 2024.

Sanford Health expansion

SANFORD HEALTH

PRESS RELEASE

WILLISTON — Sanford Health is expanding its commitment to the Williston community with the acquisition of Great Plains Women’s Health Center in Williston effective June 1.

“We are excited to soon welcome Great Plains Women’s Health Center to the Sanford Family,” said Todd Schaffer, M.D., president & CEO of the Bismarck region of Sanford Health. “This acquisition underscores our unwavering commitment to Williston and the surrounding communities while we continue to plan for additional services and specialties in the future.”

All existing Great Plains staff will also

be offered jobs and the opportunity to continue to provide care, as part of Sanford Health. Sanford Heath plans to continue offering women’s services in the clinic with the addition of primary and specialty care in the future.

Sanford will continue to provide athletic training services to both Williston High School and Williston State College in addition to supporting health care-specific workforce development efforts at Williston State College.

The Sanford Bismarck region provides health care to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 25 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.

K-9 demonstration

Continued from page 3

marck in 2003 and then went on to become a trainer. He now works with the NDLECA, an association that advocates for police dogs before, during and after active duty. Police dogs will often come from Europe where they are bred and trained in police work in areas of accelerant, electronic, explosive, narcotic, patrol, tracking and cadaver specialties. Once trained, they are given to a handler who has undergone six weeks of training to become certified. After a dog is placed with its handler, the team goes back to serve their communities.

Jonas grew up wanting to be a cop and came to Williston with the goal of becoming a K-9 handler. He and Sisu go from work to home together each day; Jonas’s days off are Sisu’s days off. When he leaves town or goes on vacation, Mondak Animal Rescue allows Jonas a peace of mind by taking care of and boarding Sisu.

Rooks said Mondak has everything needed to care for a police dog and that they do require some special treatment such as going outside by themselves and having special-made kennels. But at the end of the day, they treat Sisu like any of their other pets and may sneak him an extra treat or two.

Working alongside Jonas and Sisu in the Williston Police Department are handler Alexis Haggerty and K-9 Kreed, a Belgian Malinois, and handler Garrett Norsten and K-9 Buster, a shorthair pointer. In Williston, at least one K-9 unit is on duty at all times.

Sisu and Kreed are dual purpose dogs trained in narcotics apprehension, article search and tracking while Buster is single purpose, trained in narcotics and tracking. Where Buster is a good tracker and would find and love on an endangered Alzheimer’s patient, Kreed and Sisu are trained in instances of tracking, say, a bank robber, and having a whole different encounter with the person tracked than Buster.

“It's interesting to see the mindset of, ‘Now we have this tool, how can we use it?’” Jonas said. “The better trained we are, we can use the tool more. And it’s neat when guys can rely on (Sisu) — if we had to find a burglar in a building, why should I go in when the dog can go in and find him way faster?”

Sinclair, Jonas and Brooks, alongside the NDLECA and Mondak Animal Rescue are excited to bring the Great Basin Dog Competition to Williston and to demonstrate the capabilities of the local K-9 unit teams and how they can be an assent to a community.

The event is free admission with concessions, swag and gear at additional fees. Sponsors are still needed to continue bringing this event back and to help with future training. Mondak Animal Rescue will have some of their adoptable animals at the event.

For more information on the Great Basin Dog Competition, information on sponsorship and to order gear, visit the Facebook event page.

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Lifestyle

Art for everyone

One of my favorite art accounts to follow is Andrea Nelson Art on Instagram. Andrea shares simple, beginner art that anyone can do. Although she does a lot with watercolor paints, she also does acrylic, tempera paint and other art projects that may involve glue, cutting and more.

If you’re not sure where to start, or what kind of art you might enjoy, Andrea’s account is a great place to get some ideas and try something new.

“Painting doesn’t have to be some tedious, like really complex thing,” Andrea comments. “It’s ok if it’s just fun.”

For more from Andrea Nelson Art, follow the QR code by scanning with your smartphone and view the original reel on Instagram.

EXPLORING ARTISTIC HOBBIES CAN BENEFIT YOUR WELL-BEING, EVEN FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT CONSIDER THEMSELVES NATURALLY ARTISTIC.

Several weeks back, I just briefly touched on the idea of incorporating some type of art into your daily life in my “From the Designer” column on page two, but I really feel it deserves a more in-depth look. In the bustling rhythm of daily life, finding time for hobbies can feel like a luxury we can't afford. But what if engaging in artistic hobbies, even without a shred of self-proclaimed talent, could unlock joy and fulfillment in your life? This article is for all the amateurs, the hobbyists and those who envy the crafty but think, “I could never do that.”

Personally, I've always had an inclination towards art — from early experiences with sketching and painting to participating in music ensembles and eventually pursuing a career in graphic design. But, I was always very self-critical. It wasn't until I was an adult that I allowed myself to experiment with quilting, crocheting, acting and joining global music collaborations during the pandemic that I rediscovered the joy I felt during the processes of creating.

The truth is, everyone has a spark of creativity waiting to be ignited. It doesn't matter if you're unable to draw a straight line or sing a note; artistic hobbies have a unique way of enriching our lives, far beyond the realms of aesthetic outcomes.

The act of creating something, from a simple crocheted pot holder to a misaligned quilt block, gives me a sense of accomplishment and has taught me many lessons in letting go of perfection. It doesn't matter if these creations never see the light of day beyond my living room. What matters is the process: the meditative repetition of stitches, the melodies echoing from my piano as I push myself to learn more and the colors on my canvas. Creating while letting go of

perfectionism has given me a sense of freedom which exponentially increases my enjoyment.

Recently, I’ve enjoyed the communal spirit of "paint and sip" classes. Here, surrounded by others, I've learned that the experience of creating art is more rewarding than the final product. The environment pulses with camaraderie, laughter, and the freedom to make "mistakes" that often transform into unplanned beauty. Artistic hobbies provide us with numerous benefits beyond simple enjoyment.

• Stress Reduction: Art can serve as a form of mindfulness, keeping us in the present moment and reducing anxiety. My brain is often like a browser with too many tabs open. While creating is one of the times I can truly focus on one thing at a time.

• Enhanced Problem-Solving: Artistic activities often require creative thinking, which can translate into being more resourceful in everyday life. Applying what you’ve learned to think outside of the box is a fantastic side effect.

• Social Connection: Many artistic hobbies provide opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests, fostering a sense of community. Whether it’s a paint class, quilting with your church or acting in a community play, connecting with others who share your interests can enrich your life.

• Improved Cognitive Function: Engaging in art can keep the brain agile and may even bolster memory. Our lives move so quickly and we can often feel like we’re in a brain fog. Artistic hobbies can help you slow down and think more clearly.

• Personal Fulfillment: There’s a unique

satisfaction in creating something with your own hands — it’s a reflection of your inner self brought to life. Whether it’s something solely for myself, or something I share with others, my artistic hobbies truly give a sense of accomplishment I can’t find anywhere else.

Thinking about picking up a paintbrush, a sewing needle, or a guitar? Remember, it’s not about being the best; it’s about enjoying the ride. Start small — a doodle a day, a craft kit from the local hobby store or an introductory pottery class. Allow yourself to be a beginner and celebrate each step in your artistic adventure. You can also use it as an opportunity to do good: help build or paint sets for your school’s drama department or join other quilters who donate blankets to those in need.

Do you need talent to start an artistic hobby? Not at all. Talent can make things easier, but it’s tenacity, the willingness to learn, try, fail and try again, that paves the way for growth and enjoyment. Who knows, you might surprise yourself with hidden talents that emerge along the way. You’ll never know what you’re capable of if you never try.

Whether you’re painting a watercolor landscape, strumming a chord or molding clay, the act of creating is rewarding in itself. Artistic hobbies are about the process, the joy of creation and the personal growth that comes with it. Never measure your endeavors by the standards of others, but by the smile they bring to your face and the peace they instill in your heart.

Remember, art is for everyone, and your hobbies should serve one ultimate purpose — to add more color, rhythm and texture to the tapestry of your life.

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Discover the joy of artistic
No artistic talent required
hobbies:

Wellness Wednesday

How money smart are you?

Overall wellness can be impacted by personal financial wellness. From chronic stress, looming debt, bad credit, access to housing and nutritious food and even impacts on life goals, these areas can also affect your physical, emotional and mental health. Is your financial wellness where you want it to be? Or is there room for improvement?

Here are some facts about personal finances:

• 34% of people said they are currently struggling or in a financial crisis.

• 48% of people wouldn’t be able to cover their expenses for 90 days if they lost their income.

• 2 out of 5 have experienced anxiety attacks due to money stress.

• 53% of people were never taught how to handle money growing up.

April is recognized as National Financial Capability Month. The goal is to improve financial wellness by highlighting the importance of having trustworthy and accessible information so that individuals can make informed financial decisions. This includes all types of personal finance decisions, such as how to manage savings, access and use credit, safe transactions, build financial security and reach goals.

Financial capability can also be thought

of as financial empowerment. To become financially empowered, a person must have knowledge of finances or “financial literacy.” This can be achieved through education, self-learning or experiences (good or bad). Fortunately, people do not have to rely on grade school education, what their parents taught them, or their own experiences as an adult. To help reach the goal of financial capability, there are many free resources made available to the public.

MyMoney.gov and ConsumerFinance. gov are two great resources that provide topic specific education, videos, links to other sites, tools and downloadable content. Financial literacy can be broken down into five categories: earn, spend, save, borrow and protect.

• Earn – Make the most of what you earn by understanding your pay and your benefits.

• Spend – Be sure you are getting a good value, especially with big purchases, by shopping around and comparing prices and products.

• Save (and invest) – It’s never too early to start saving for future goals such as a house or retirement, even by saving small amounts.

• Borrow — Borrowing money can

enable some essential purchases and builds credit, but interest costs can be expenses. And, if you borrow too much, you will have a large debt to be repaid.

• Protect — Taking precautions about your financial situation, accumulate emergency savings, and have the right insurance.

The best way to protect your hard earned dollars is to be your own advocate and become financially literate. It seems silly to work hard to try and get ahead, then simply lose it due to poorly informed decisions, especially if the knowledge to make better decisions is readily available and free.

To learn more, checkout the My Money and Consumer Finances websites at www. mymoney.gov and www.consumerfinance. gov for their free resources. If you don’t know where to start, use a budget tracking sheet to keep track of monthly bills, expenses and incomes. Find a free credit report, list all debts and start chipping away at making improvements. Or even just make a goal for the future, something your future self wants to achieve.

Until next time, continue extending knowledge and changing lives with NDSU Extension.

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Health & Wellness
JESPERSEN WILLIAMS COUNTY FAMILY & COMMUNITY WELLNESS EXTENSION AGENT
KATELYN

Culture

The Bookshelf Book review: The “Ash Princess” trilogy

Ican't quite recall how I found the “Ash Princess” trilogy by Laura Sebastian, but I'm grateful that I did. Sebastian's debut novel, the first book in this trilogy, is a gripping read that hooks you right from the beginning. Yet, my feelings about this series are a bit of a mixed bag. While "Ash Princess" shines as the best in the series, its sequels, "Lady Smoke" and "Ember Queen," don't quite live up to its charm. Nonetheless, the trilogy offers a great blend of adventure and romance that keeps readers hooked throughout.

Title: “Ash Princess” trilogy

Author:

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Summary

In "Ash Princess," we meet Theodosia, once a princess, now a captive known as the Ash Princess under the oppressive rule of the Kaiser. Enduring a decade of torment and humiliation, Theo realizes her mind is her sharpest weapon. With newfound determination, she embarks on a journey to reclaim her throne, facing betrayal and danger at every turn.

"Lady Smoke" continues Theo's quest for freedom and justice. Having reclaimed her title, she finds herself caught in a web of political intrigue and must navigate treacherous alliances to save her people. The stakes are higher than ever as she grapples with the idea of marriage for political gain, challeng-

ing traditional notions of power and identity.

In "Ember Queen," liberated from captivity but facing a new threat, Theo embraces her inner fire and leads a rebellion against a powerful and mysterious enemy. With a misfit army of rebels at her side, she confronts her past and battles a terrifying new adversary, determined to protect her people and claim her rightful place as queen.

Review

The "Ash Princess" trilogy is able to boast captivating characters and engaging storylines that keep readers hooked. However, the novels use dark and weighty themes, including slavery, violence and racism which may deter some readers. Although categorized as young adult, the mature themes explored in the trilogy may not be suitable for all young readers. The gritty content, coupled with the young adult writing style, may appeal more to older teens and adults.

Theodosia, the main character, undergoes significant changes throughout the trilogy. From a hesitant and forgotten princess in the first book, she evolves into a confident queen by the final one. Her story is marked by tough decisions and newfound responsibilities as she fights to take back her kingdom. Throughout the series, you can often admire how Theodosia puts her country before herself.

Personally, my biggest issue with the trilogy lies in its writing. While Laura Sebastian demonstrates some promise as a writer, there are also noticeable inconsistencies and flaws throughout the series. As this is her debut series, I’ll give her grace for small grammatical or spelling mistakes. However, I can’t give grace to the fact that she would repeat entire paragraphs between books. These paragraphs weren’t a prophecy or vision — something that you’d expect to be repeated — they were filler paragraphs. These repetitive paragraphs detract from the overall cohesion of the book.

In conclusion, while the "Ash Princess" trilogy offers a compelling and gripping storyline, readers who get hung up on writing issues or don’t like dark themes should approach with caution. Despite its flaws, the series remains an engaging page-turner for those willing to overlook its few shortcomings.

The romantic side of the series is a love triangle between Theo, Soren, who is the son of the evil Kaiser, and Blaise, her childhood friend. This triangle often feels unnecessary as it doesn’t add much to the overall plot. Also, while Theo's chemistry with Soren is the strongest in the first two books, the dynamics shift unexpectedly in the third book. Theo and Soren’s relationship becomes like a limp noodle as more focus is put on Theo and Blaise's relationship. Personally, I feel this shift was a way to make a certain death at the end of the trilogy more of a gut-punch for readers.

mckenna@vocella.com

McKenna is a graphic designer for Vocella, Inc. In her spare time she is an avid reader and crocheter.

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THE "ASH PRINCESS" TRILOGY BY LAURA SEBASTIAN
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