The Mask of Tamirella Author:  Dana Davis Publisher:  iUniverse.com Softcover, 154 pages, $12.95 ISBN: 9780595405053

In order for fantasy literature to work, the reader must be able to suspend belief.  We know that, scientifically speaking, there are no dragons or vampires or other supernatural creatures, yet as readers we accept the reality created by fantasy writers because it is presented in such a way that we can suspend belief and involve ourselves in the story.  Unfortunately, it is difficult as an adult reader to suspend belief long enough to enjoy the young adult novel The Mask of Tamirella as it was intended.  Make no mistake, author Dana Davis is an incredibly talented writer.  Davis does exceptionally well creating a strong sense of place for her novel.  Her post-apocalyptic world is full of both the sense of dread and raw wonder that would be expected.  She also excels in the use of dialogue to add depth and relevance to her characters.  The problem, however, is at the end of the day The Mask of Tamirella is yet another spunky-teenage-girl-thrown-into-impossible-situations-but-comes-out-on-top book.  After stealing an ancient artifact, the protagonist Caitlanna is punished by the Elders to go on a dangerous dig to retrieve a rare relic.  The justification for assigning a sixteen year old girl to such a task as "punishment" is merely one of several contrived points in the book that make it difficult to suspend belief.  Coupled with the Caitlanna's Antigone syndrome involving an older man on her team to whom she is attracted, the book at times feels like the author was obligated to hit all the stock archetypes of teen fantasy books without actually challenging those archetypes.  At around 150 pages, the book is a quick read that packs a great deal of action and excitement for young adult readers.  Adult fantasy fans looking for a light read may enjoy The Mask of Tamirella as well, but those readers looking for more meaty fantasy fiction will want to look elsewhere.