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The Iron Citadel
Mitch Reinhardt
2019 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
In Mitch Reinhardt's epic fantasy tale, The Iron Citadel, three friends find themselves compelled to make a choice they never saw coming and it seems the destiny of a nation may depend on them. Geoff, Jane, and Sawyer have a peaceful and normal life until they learn about the invading armies of Shadowlord. Alone, their friend, Ariel, stands no chance of defending the kingdom of Chalon. Now, the three teenagers are embroiled in a war they never bargained for, fighting the worst forms of creatures — ogres and barbarians and a dragon. Can they stop a deadly assassin from sinking their world, and are they truly the three of whom the prophecy spoke?
The Iron Citadel by Mitch Reinhardt is action packed, deftly plotted, and written with intricacies that make it exciting. The characters are young and readers will enjoy how they grow together. This author does a marvelous job in offering lessons in teamwork, and the exhilaration of an adventure. The prose is beautiful and it captures details of the setting and the action taking place in a cinematic way. The premise is strong — a menacing threat to a fractured kingdom. The creation of an elusive and powerful assassin adds to the conflict and enriches the plot. This author has a great sense of setting and skillfully weaves elements of it into the narrative. The Iron Citadel is pure delight, a nonstop kind of adventure that leaves no reader indifferent. I loved the characters, the unpredictable plot, and the tantalizing prose.
In Mitch Reinhardt's epic fantasy tale, The Iron Citadel, three friends find themselves compelled to make a choice they never saw coming and it seems the destiny of a nation may depend on them. Geoff, Jane, and Sawyer have a peaceful and normal life until they learn about the invading armies of Shadowlord. Alone, their friend, Ariel, stands no chance of defending the kingdom of Chalon. Now, the three teenagers are embroiled in a war they never bargained for, fighting the worst forms of creatures — ogres and barbarians and a dragon. Can they stop a deadly assassin from sinking their world, and are they truly the three of whom the prophecy spoke?
The Iron Citadel by Mitch Reinhardt is action packed, deftly plotted, and written with intricacies that make it exciting. The characters are young and readers will enjoy how they grow together. This author does a marvelous job in offering lessons in teamwork, and the exhilaration of an adventure. The prose is beautiful and it captures details of the setting and the action taking place in a cinematic way. The premise is strong — a menacing threat to a fractured kingdom. The creation of an elusive and powerful assassin adds to the conflict and enriches the plot. This author has a great sense of setting and skillfully weaves elements of it into the narrative. The Iron Citadel is pure delight, a nonstop kind of adventure that leaves no reader indifferent. I loved the characters, the unpredictable plot, and the tantalizing prose.
Recommend this book:
Oric and the Alchemist's Key
The Oric Trilogy Volume 1
Lesley Wilson
2019 Finalist
264 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Oric and the Alchemist's Key by Lesley Wilson is the first book in The Oric Trilogy. No one knows loss better than young Oric who lost his parents as an infant and was taken in by Master Deveril. One morning, he returns from forging to find his home destroyed. A band of raiders attacked the manor and the nearby village, leaving everyone dead. Oric's mentor, Master Deveril, was left for dead, living long enough to give Oric a dire warning and a mysterious key. Little did Oric know just how valuable the key would be. Esica Figg will stop at nothing to retrieve it and obtain the wealth that Master Deveril hinted at, even if it means destroying what gets in his path. Oric is saved by the mysterious stranger Ichtheus who takes him on a journey back to his home. Oric befriends new people and must fight the jealousy and torment of Master Guwain, the heir of Bayersby Manor. As Figg draws closer to obtaining the key, Oric gets closer to understanding the message his mentor wished him to possess.
Lesley Wilson breathes life into this unique setting with a variety of characters, a detailed world, and an intriguing mystery. The setting is an important element in the plot with alchemy, greed, and power creating dangers and obstacles. The plot is fast-paced, diving straight into the plot and never slowing down as Oric's journey is only just beginning. Lesley Wilson weaves other characters into the story with each taking a different role in Oric's journey and with each having a different station in society. Oric is an apothecary apprentice so you see his role healing and caring for those with sickness, which puts him in the pathway of Dian whose family has fallen ill. Dian is a character of strength and shares several commonalities with Oric as she's sick herself but still cares for everyone else. Guwain is at the opposite end of society as the heir to Bayersby Manor and balances out Dian as she's one who gives of herself. She has a compassionate attitude and he has a bad attitude towards everyone. Oric and the Alchemist's Key is a brilliant start to a series with endearing characters you'll quickly like, a plot with a rich mystery, plenty of danger, and an intriguing world.
Oric and the Alchemist's Key by Lesley Wilson is the first book in The Oric Trilogy. No one knows loss better than young Oric who lost his parents as an infant and was taken in by Master Deveril. One morning, he returns from forging to find his home destroyed. A band of raiders attacked the manor and the nearby village, leaving everyone dead. Oric's mentor, Master Deveril, was left for dead, living long enough to give Oric a dire warning and a mysterious key. Little did Oric know just how valuable the key would be. Esica Figg will stop at nothing to retrieve it and obtain the wealth that Master Deveril hinted at, even if it means destroying what gets in his path. Oric is saved by the mysterious stranger Ichtheus who takes him on a journey back to his home. Oric befriends new people and must fight the jealousy and torment of Master Guwain, the heir of Bayersby Manor. As Figg draws closer to obtaining the key, Oric gets closer to understanding the message his mentor wished him to possess.
Lesley Wilson breathes life into this unique setting with a variety of characters, a detailed world, and an intriguing mystery. The setting is an important element in the plot with alchemy, greed, and power creating dangers and obstacles. The plot is fast-paced, diving straight into the plot and never slowing down as Oric's journey is only just beginning. Lesley Wilson weaves other characters into the story with each taking a different role in Oric's journey and with each having a different station in society. Oric is an apothecary apprentice so you see his role healing and caring for those with sickness, which puts him in the pathway of Dian whose family has fallen ill. Dian is a character of strength and shares several commonalities with Oric as she's sick herself but still cares for everyone else. Guwain is at the opposite end of society as the heir to Bayersby Manor and balances out Dian as she's one who gives of herself. She has a compassionate attitude and he has a bad attitude towards everyone. Oric and the Alchemist's Key is a brilliant start to a series with endearing characters you'll quickly like, a plot with a rich mystery, plenty of danger, and an intriguing world.
Recommend this book:
The King of FU
Benjamin Davis
2019 Silver Medal
146 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
The King of FU, written by Benjamin Davis and wonderfully illustrated by Nikita Klimov, is a coming of age novel that belongs to a class all its own. This is a memoir written somewhat like a modern epic poem and is divided into three parts. Umbilical Cords, the first chapter, deals with the author's birth and early memories. The second chapter relates his 1990s childhood in the United States of America while the last chapter is on his adolescence when he "trains" to be an adult. This little boy is raised by a career oriented single mother and he certainly is not lacking in mischief and imagination. Enrolled in a Catholic school for middle school, he is introduced to pot, girls and more pot, as he tries to solve the mysteries of life.
Benjamin Davis' The King of FU is not your usual memoir and it unravels inside his mother's womb, literally and figuratively. It is absolutely a curious and highly interesting read, from beginning to end. Growing up on the threshold of a technological revolution, the King of FU journeys through life as a very confused adolescent boy at a time when even adults seem to be as confused. And here, in a magically realistic and poetic way, readers can join him on his journey, and it is definitely an exhilarating ride. Dark, creative, sarcastic, edgy and playful, Benjamin Davis' creative writing style is unique and Nikita Klimov's illustrations are a perfect fit to a story that reveals the answer to one of life's greatest mysteries.
The King of FU, written by Benjamin Davis and wonderfully illustrated by Nikita Klimov, is a coming of age novel that belongs to a class all its own. This is a memoir written somewhat like a modern epic poem and is divided into three parts. Umbilical Cords, the first chapter, deals with the author's birth and early memories. The second chapter relates his 1990s childhood in the United States of America while the last chapter is on his adolescence when he "trains" to be an adult. This little boy is raised by a career oriented single mother and he certainly is not lacking in mischief and imagination. Enrolled in a Catholic school for middle school, he is introduced to pot, girls and more pot, as he tries to solve the mysteries of life.
Benjamin Davis' The King of FU is not your usual memoir and it unravels inside his mother's womb, literally and figuratively. It is absolutely a curious and highly interesting read, from beginning to end. Growing up on the threshold of a technological revolution, the King of FU journeys through life as a very confused adolescent boy at a time when even adults seem to be as confused. And here, in a magically realistic and poetic way, readers can join him on his journey, and it is definitely an exhilarating ride. Dark, creative, sarcastic, edgy and playful, Benjamin Davis' creative writing style is unique and Nikita Klimov's illustrations are a perfect fit to a story that reveals the answer to one of life's greatest mysteries.
Recommend this book:
The Jester
The Jester King Fantasy Series
K. C. Herbel
2019 Bronze Medal
200 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Aimee Carol Dixon for Readers' Favorite
Billy can hardly believe his luck. King William and his heir, Princess Kathryn, are shining examples of what he always dreamed royals would be; kind and good and benevolent. His performance skills have won him the admiration of all, and the remainder of his visit promises to be just as wonderful. His popularity is at its height when a messenger arrives with news that shatters the joyful mood surrounding Princess Kathryn's wedding feast. Suddenly Billy must choose between accompanying his patron and friend Lady Myrredith on her grim journey home to Cyndyn Hall or accept King William and Princess Kathryn's generous invitation to stay at Orgulous for a time. In the end, Billy follows the urging of his friends and his heart and agrees to stay on as court entertainer, unaware that the unspeakable darkness lurking within one powerful man's heart is about to be unleashed.
K. C. Herbel's The Jester picks up seamlessly in feel and tone where The Innkeeper's Son left off and continues Herbel's tradition of character-driven action fueled by a fate larger than young Billy could hope to comprehend. Returning to talented, loyal, loving Billy is a breath of fresh air. In The Innkeeper's Son, he proved himself to be more resourceful than he realized. In The Jester, this is doubly true, compounded as it is with his strikingly keen intuition. Despite these boons, Billy is very much a child. And it is his childlike haste that very nearly kills him. K. C. Herbel's second installment in The Jester King series continues the trend of light-hearted, silly moments interspersed through an ever-darkening plot. The Jester is far murkier than its predecessor, driving the pace at breakneck speed to a harrowing conclusion. From start to finish, The Jester is nothing short of an emotional roller coaster ride. Chock full of returning favorites and bitter disappointments, Herbel has once again created a 'can't-miss' novel sure to be a hit. Secrets abound in The Jester. Come discover the truth.
Billy can hardly believe his luck. King William and his heir, Princess Kathryn, are shining examples of what he always dreamed royals would be; kind and good and benevolent. His performance skills have won him the admiration of all, and the remainder of his visit promises to be just as wonderful. His popularity is at its height when a messenger arrives with news that shatters the joyful mood surrounding Princess Kathryn's wedding feast. Suddenly Billy must choose between accompanying his patron and friend Lady Myrredith on her grim journey home to Cyndyn Hall or accept King William and Princess Kathryn's generous invitation to stay at Orgulous for a time. In the end, Billy follows the urging of his friends and his heart and agrees to stay on as court entertainer, unaware that the unspeakable darkness lurking within one powerful man's heart is about to be unleashed.
K. C. Herbel's The Jester picks up seamlessly in feel and tone where The Innkeeper's Son left off and continues Herbel's tradition of character-driven action fueled by a fate larger than young Billy could hope to comprehend. Returning to talented, loyal, loving Billy is a breath of fresh air. In The Innkeeper's Son, he proved himself to be more resourceful than he realized. In The Jester, this is doubly true, compounded as it is with his strikingly keen intuition. Despite these boons, Billy is very much a child. And it is his childlike haste that very nearly kills him. K. C. Herbel's second installment in The Jester King series continues the trend of light-hearted, silly moments interspersed through an ever-darkening plot. The Jester is far murkier than its predecessor, driving the pace at breakneck speed to a harrowing conclusion. From start to finish, The Jester is nothing short of an emotional roller coaster ride. Chock full of returning favorites and bitter disappointments, Herbel has once again created a 'can't-miss' novel sure to be a hit. Secrets abound in The Jester. Come discover the truth.
Recommend this book:
The Tunes of Lenore
When You Go to Boarding School Bring Your Friends
J.T. Blossom
2019 Finalist
364 Pages
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Young Adult - Coming of Age
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
The Tunes of Lenore: When You Go to Boarding School Bring Your Friends by J.T. Blossom is a gripping coming of age story that features a compelling female protagonist. Set in the future in 2026, the novel tells the story of sixteen-year-old Ella, an intelligent girl caught in the constant conflict between her parents. Her dad runs a pot business which fuels the tension between the parents, but the looming divorce makes things even worse for her as she is sent to a school far from home and to live under austere conditions. Will getting the attention of boys fill the emptiness in her heart and abate the restlessness in her soul? Follow a tale in which a grandfather's wise fiddle and a mysterious friend help bring a young character home to herself.
This is a novel of unique beauty. The protagonist has a solid background, a young girl in a home filled with tension. The author does an impeccable job with the backstory, keeping it measured and using it to add depth to the character development. The prose is crisp and filled with a unique charm that keeps the reading exciting and engaging. While J.T. Blossom develops exceptionally good characters, it's the author's gift for storytelling that captured my attention. The Tunes of Lenore: When You Go to Boarding School Bring Your Friends is an exciting read for fans of coming of age stories and tales that are transporting. This novel kept me reading through the night; it is deft and balanced.
The Tunes of Lenore: When You Go to Boarding School Bring Your Friends by J.T. Blossom is a gripping coming of age story that features a compelling female protagonist. Set in the future in 2026, the novel tells the story of sixteen-year-old Ella, an intelligent girl caught in the constant conflict between her parents. Her dad runs a pot business which fuels the tension between the parents, but the looming divorce makes things even worse for her as she is sent to a school far from home and to live under austere conditions. Will getting the attention of boys fill the emptiness in her heart and abate the restlessness in her soul? Follow a tale in which a grandfather's wise fiddle and a mysterious friend help bring a young character home to herself.
This is a novel of unique beauty. The protagonist has a solid background, a young girl in a home filled with tension. The author does an impeccable job with the backstory, keeping it measured and using it to add depth to the character development. The prose is crisp and filled with a unique charm that keeps the reading exciting and engaging. While J.T. Blossom develops exceptionally good characters, it's the author's gift for storytelling that captured my attention. The Tunes of Lenore: When You Go to Boarding School Bring Your Friends is an exciting read for fans of coming of age stories and tales that are transporting. This novel kept me reading through the night; it is deft and balanced.
Recommend this book:
The Dragon Librarian
Scrolls of Fire Volume 1
Marc Secchia
2019 Gold Medal
518 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Dragon Librarian is an epic fantasy novel written for young adults by author Marc Secchia, and it forms the first book of the Scrolls of Fire series. In a world unlike our own, where Dragons roam and live in the same realm as humans, a young girl cursed with blindness and disfigurement learns the truth about her own power and strength. Auli-Ambar is taken by sheer kindness from a world of abuse and sent to work as a cleaner of roosts in the magical Dragon library. Ignored by all who meet her, a chance encounter with a young magical scholar starts Auli on a journey that will allow her to feel courageous and powerful at last.
In an immersive story heavily committed to its world-building qualities, fans of hardcore and epic fantasy works are certain to devour every moment of this slow-burning, character-led novel. Author Marc Secchia paints a beautiful, gothic and often bittersweet portrait of Auli-Ambar’s dark world, crafting a stunning array of sensations beyond sight for us to enjoy with her. Auli’s magic is well thought out and well defined, allowing us to learn with her all the secrets of dragon lore, as well as the characters she meets along the way. Suitable for older YA readers and adults alike, Auli’s development is heartwarming, and surrounded by complex, developed lore and language for the world she inhabits, making her journey feel real from start to end. Overall, The Dragon Librarian is highly recommended for epic fantasy fans seeking a new world to fall into, and fall in love with.
The Dragon Librarian is an epic fantasy novel written for young adults by author Marc Secchia, and it forms the first book of the Scrolls of Fire series. In a world unlike our own, where Dragons roam and live in the same realm as humans, a young girl cursed with blindness and disfigurement learns the truth about her own power and strength. Auli-Ambar is taken by sheer kindness from a world of abuse and sent to work as a cleaner of roosts in the magical Dragon library. Ignored by all who meet her, a chance encounter with a young magical scholar starts Auli on a journey that will allow her to feel courageous and powerful at last.
In an immersive story heavily committed to its world-building qualities, fans of hardcore and epic fantasy works are certain to devour every moment of this slow-burning, character-led novel. Author Marc Secchia paints a beautiful, gothic and often bittersweet portrait of Auli-Ambar’s dark world, crafting a stunning array of sensations beyond sight for us to enjoy with her. Auli’s magic is well thought out and well defined, allowing us to learn with her all the secrets of dragon lore, as well as the characters she meets along the way. Suitable for older YA readers and adults alike, Auli’s development is heartwarming, and surrounded by complex, developed lore and language for the world she inhabits, making her journey feel real from start to end. Overall, The Dragon Librarian is highly recommended for epic fantasy fans seeking a new world to fall into, and fall in love with.
Recommend this book:
Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps
A.J. Massey
2019 Silver Medal
251 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is a coming of age fantasy novel for young adults and preteens written by A.J. Massey. Ben’s life was rather more complicated than that of most 13-year-olds. All he had left of his dad was a broken watch, which he was determined never to part with, and his mom’s efforts to make a living for the two of them had meant frequent moves to new neighborhoods -- and schools -- and her working double and sometimes triple shifts. He was still trying to immerse himself in the school he had been in for about six months now, and was summoning up the nerve to ask a girl he liked to go to the dance with him, when he was suddenly thrust into a totally different world. He had found himself alone in a black forest under a crimson sky and was amazed to find that the snow which lay underfoot was uncomfortably warm and burned his face as the flakes descended from above. Ben was all too aware of the white pajamas he wore, and somehow had lost any memory of why he was wearing a broken watch. Where was he? And who could he trust to help him find his way?
Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is exactly the kind of sleeper fantasy that the target audience and the larger adult audience may be inclined to overlook, and there are infinitely many reasons why fantasy lovers and even those, like myself, who are somewhat jaded by fantasy at this point, should pay attention and start reading. Massey’s characters are marvelous! Each of the three main characters has a compelling coming of age story and is someone I came to care about. And don’t let the dragonwoofs scare you away. No, it’s not a child’s tale, and the dragonwoofs are critters most of us would love to get to know in the waking world. There’s drama in this enthralling spectacle of a tale, deals struck with goblins, hidden menaces and unknown villains populating a parallel world well worth exploring. And yes, there’s a mystery as well. What’s with the yellow mailbox, and why does it figure so prominently in this well-plotted and original story? Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is one of the finer works of epic fantasy I’ve come across in some time, and it’s most highly recommended.
Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is a coming of age fantasy novel for young adults and preteens written by A.J. Massey. Ben’s life was rather more complicated than that of most 13-year-olds. All he had left of his dad was a broken watch, which he was determined never to part with, and his mom’s efforts to make a living for the two of them had meant frequent moves to new neighborhoods -- and schools -- and her working double and sometimes triple shifts. He was still trying to immerse himself in the school he had been in for about six months now, and was summoning up the nerve to ask a girl he liked to go to the dance with him, when he was suddenly thrust into a totally different world. He had found himself alone in a black forest under a crimson sky and was amazed to find that the snow which lay underfoot was uncomfortably warm and burned his face as the flakes descended from above. Ben was all too aware of the white pajamas he wore, and somehow had lost any memory of why he was wearing a broken watch. Where was he? And who could he trust to help him find his way?
Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is exactly the kind of sleeper fantasy that the target audience and the larger adult audience may be inclined to overlook, and there are infinitely many reasons why fantasy lovers and even those, like myself, who are somewhat jaded by fantasy at this point, should pay attention and start reading. Massey’s characters are marvelous! Each of the three main characters has a compelling coming of age story and is someone I came to care about. And don’t let the dragonwoofs scare you away. No, it’s not a child’s tale, and the dragonwoofs are critters most of us would love to get to know in the waking world. There’s drama in this enthralling spectacle of a tale, deals struck with goblins, hidden menaces and unknown villains populating a parallel world well worth exploring. And yes, there’s a mystery as well. What’s with the yellow mailbox, and why does it figure so prominently in this well-plotted and original story? Where Dragonwoofs Sleep and the Fading Creeps is one of the finer works of epic fantasy I’ve come across in some time, and it’s most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Onyx Crown
Alan Hurst
2019 Honorable Mention
235 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
Reviewed by Caitlin Lyle Farley for Readers' Favorite
A quest to restore the heir of the murdered King Toloron to his rightful place as ruler over the provinces of Numeria rests on the fate of three special children, the Khuselas, marked with the sign of the Onyx Crown in Alan Hurst’s intriguing debut novel - The Onyx Crown. K’Nan, an infamous warrior, finds Jorann, the first of the children, among the Win-Daji hunters and starts his training immediately. Gesemni, the second of the Khuselas, spends his days as a companion to First Prince’s spoilt and witless children, until the day they use him as a scapegoat for their crimes and he flees from East Rhydor. The third Khusela, Sania, is a ward of a brothel until she kills three warriors who attack her home.
Alan Hurst weaves an intriguing tale that is one part coming-of-age for the three destined protectors of the royal heir and one part quest for justice in The Onyx Crown. Jorann, Gesemni, and Sania all follow different paths towards their destiny but Hurst uses small details and coincidences to link them. Although Hurst includes a variety of phrases and names in a foreign language, these are translated in text. The world-building feels a bit thin at times for me, despite Hurst’s inclusion of a variety of strange creatures, peoples, and places. The skirmishes in The Onyx Crown are savage and thrilling and a deadly tangle of political intrigue permeates this epic fantasy set in ancient Africa. The Onyx Crown is an entertaining addition to the list of epic fantasy novels based on African geography and myths.
A quest to restore the heir of the murdered King Toloron to his rightful place as ruler over the provinces of Numeria rests on the fate of three special children, the Khuselas, marked with the sign of the Onyx Crown in Alan Hurst’s intriguing debut novel - The Onyx Crown. K’Nan, an infamous warrior, finds Jorann, the first of the children, among the Win-Daji hunters and starts his training immediately. Gesemni, the second of the Khuselas, spends his days as a companion to First Prince’s spoilt and witless children, until the day they use him as a scapegoat for their crimes and he flees from East Rhydor. The third Khusela, Sania, is a ward of a brothel until she kills three warriors who attack her home.
Alan Hurst weaves an intriguing tale that is one part coming-of-age for the three destined protectors of the royal heir and one part quest for justice in The Onyx Crown. Jorann, Gesemni, and Sania all follow different paths towards their destiny but Hurst uses small details and coincidences to link them. Although Hurst includes a variety of phrases and names in a foreign language, these are translated in text. The world-building feels a bit thin at times for me, despite Hurst’s inclusion of a variety of strange creatures, peoples, and places. The skirmishes in The Onyx Crown are savage and thrilling and a deadly tangle of political intrigue permeates this epic fantasy set in ancient Africa. The Onyx Crown is an entertaining addition to the list of epic fantasy novels based on African geography and myths.
Recommend this book:
The Engine Woman's Light
Laurel Anne Hill
2019 Honorable Mention
352 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
The Engine Woman's Light by Laurel Anne Hill is a coming of age story with strong characters and an adventure that is as action-packed as it is mesmerizing. It is 1894 and an alternate world in California. Fifteen-year-old Juanita gets a vision in which a long-dead captain entrusts her with the mission to protect the people. She is to prevent people from boarding the trains to an asylum — the only way to stop a sinister plot by the director of the institution. Follow her on a gritty journey as she sets out to fight evil, disrupting the railroad and tapping into her ancestry to find strength and inspiration. But can her world survive the shock of secrets she’ll learn and the moral question of having to kill in order to save the innocent? A tale of love and loss, of loyalty and redemption, filled with mature themes.
Laurel Anne Hill has a great gift for character. I enjoyed the way the protagonist is developed. She is imagined with deep layers of complexity, and this helps a lot with the internal conflict that takes place within her. The themes of love, loss, inhumanity, and many more are skillfully written into the story. The narrative leaves the reader feeling as though they were in a dream world, having an adventure with powerful characters. The story is fast paced, filled with action, and featuring the kind of suspense that gets the reader engrossed in the story, wanting to know what happens next to the characters. The Engine Woman's Light is ingeniously plotted, a gripping story with a setting that reflects the eeriness of a dreamworld.
The Engine Woman's Light by Laurel Anne Hill is a coming of age story with strong characters and an adventure that is as action-packed as it is mesmerizing. It is 1894 and an alternate world in California. Fifteen-year-old Juanita gets a vision in which a long-dead captain entrusts her with the mission to protect the people. She is to prevent people from boarding the trains to an asylum — the only way to stop a sinister plot by the director of the institution. Follow her on a gritty journey as she sets out to fight evil, disrupting the railroad and tapping into her ancestry to find strength and inspiration. But can her world survive the shock of secrets she’ll learn and the moral question of having to kill in order to save the innocent? A tale of love and loss, of loyalty and redemption, filled with mature themes.
Laurel Anne Hill has a great gift for character. I enjoyed the way the protagonist is developed. She is imagined with deep layers of complexity, and this helps a lot with the internal conflict that takes place within her. The themes of love, loss, inhumanity, and many more are skillfully written into the story. The narrative leaves the reader feeling as though they were in a dream world, having an adventure with powerful characters. The story is fast paced, filled with action, and featuring the kind of suspense that gets the reader engrossed in the story, wanting to know what happens next to the characters. The Engine Woman's Light is ingeniously plotted, a gripping story with a setting that reflects the eeriness of a dreamworld.
Recommend this book:
The Stone of Wisdom
Book 4 of the Centaur Chronicles
M.J. Evans
2019 Honorable Mention
272 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
The Stone of Wisdom begins with Carling and her friends searching for a diamond, the last jewel to complete her Silver Breastplate of Righteousness. Meanwhile, the evil wizard, Xantar, comes back to Crystonia to gather an army to defeat the little half fairy/half human girl. Crystonia is a mysterious land that holds several races of creatures that this young girl must unite in order to rule successfully. Almost two years ago her quest began and although her main objective was to find the missing stones that completed her breastplate, her kindness drew others to her. In completing her mission, Carling found she had endeared herself to the Centaurs, Ogres, Cyclops, fairies, and ice horses that lived within her realm. You will find adventure, courage and wisdom as Carling the Duente completes her quest beside her friends.
M.J. Evans's distinct writing style is very descriptive and gives the reader a vivid mental picture of the scenes within its pages. The Stone of Wisdom is the fourth book in the Centaur Chronicles, but can be read alone since past events are explained. Evans's experience as a teacher is obvious in her writing skill and organized short chapters, making this book a pleasure to read. Aside from the evident pursuit of the jewel, this novel is woven with character traits that accentuate the makings of a person who would be a good friend or leader. The main character had to make hard decisions with her friend, but she also knew when she had to stand alone. I would recommend this novel to young people, but as an adult, I also found it an excellent read.
The Stone of Wisdom begins with Carling and her friends searching for a diamond, the last jewel to complete her Silver Breastplate of Righteousness. Meanwhile, the evil wizard, Xantar, comes back to Crystonia to gather an army to defeat the little half fairy/half human girl. Crystonia is a mysterious land that holds several races of creatures that this young girl must unite in order to rule successfully. Almost two years ago her quest began and although her main objective was to find the missing stones that completed her breastplate, her kindness drew others to her. In completing her mission, Carling found she had endeared herself to the Centaurs, Ogres, Cyclops, fairies, and ice horses that lived within her realm. You will find adventure, courage and wisdom as Carling the Duente completes her quest beside her friends.
M.J. Evans's distinct writing style is very descriptive and gives the reader a vivid mental picture of the scenes within its pages. The Stone of Wisdom is the fourth book in the Centaur Chronicles, but can be read alone since past events are explained. Evans's experience as a teacher is obvious in her writing skill and organized short chapters, making this book a pleasure to read. Aside from the evident pursuit of the jewel, this novel is woven with character traits that accentuate the makings of a person who would be a good friend or leader. The main character had to make hard decisions with her friend, but she also knew when she had to stand alone. I would recommend this novel to young people, but as an adult, I also found it an excellent read.
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