In The Sentinel of the Chakra Stones by Christine Boucher, fourteen-year-old Jaden discovers her mission in the most unexpected of places. Jaden's mother abandoned her when she was a little girl, and her father does not behave as though he ever wanted her. Life at school has its own trials. The one beautiful thing in Jaden's life is her friendship with Alister. When a strange woman sells a crystal chakra set to Jaden, she doesn't think much about it. She and her friend, Alister, are transported to Mount Shasta, California, where they discover the Lemurian city of Telos. Jaden suddenly discovers that she is the sentinel of the chakra stones that maintain the balance of the Earth. Her mission to protect the Earth's chakra energies is threatened by the evil keeper of Belial. With the first of the seven stones under attack, can Jaden protect the balance of the Earth?

This is a compelling first entry into a series that promises a lot of adventure. When readers meet Jaden, she is a ''nobody,'' a girl who doesn't have the love of her parents and who can't even stand the bullying at school. But her transformation from an ordinary girl to a fighter and responsible sentinel of the seven stones is one that catches and keeps the interest of readers. The story is twisty, and it will be interesting for readers to watch as Jaden becomes part of the secret world that protects the Earth. The characters are stunningly imagined and wonderfully written. Alistar complements Jaden. Ms. Pedagogue is a lovely character to follow as well. Themes of friendship, personal growth, adventure, loyalty, and pursuing a mission are skillfully handled in this engrossing tale. She is lively and fun to be with. The witty dialogues, the engrossing writing, and the strong imagery are some of the elements that enrich this novel. Boucher deftly plots this story and crafts a setting that is immersive, richly drawn, and exciting to explore. The Sentinel of the Chakra Stones is a fast-paced YA paranormal adventure that reserves manifold surprises for fans of the genre. I read this book straight through the night.