Summer is the perfect time for kids to catch up on their reading and fill those long summer days with pages of adventure and excitement. Two new releases from Shadow Mountain are the perfect choice for teens.
Journey to the Fringe, by Kelli Swofford Nielsen
In her debut novel, author, Kelli Swofford Nielsen, crafts a tale of daring and bravery, a story that explodes with delightfully imperfect characters willing to risk their lives for a noble cause, and a story that weaves danger and unexpected twists into a thrilling adventure.
From the back of the book:
Long ago, Stone Mages were revered in Lyria. They were men and women who could use powerful tradestones to harness their unique gifts of wind, rain, and earth to help those around them. But war with the Southern realm has threatened the mages with extinction. The truth about the tradestones has been lost, and the remaining magic is dwindling.
When Princess Ivy, the beloved daughter of the king, is abducted, it seems that all hope for Lyria is lost as well. But when an unlikely group of loyal subjects embarks on a dangerous journey to the far-distant Fringe, the hope of restoring crown and kingdom is renewed. Among the group is Simon, a fool with wisdom beyond his years; Gilda, a non-magical witch; Burr, a young thief; and Merrick, a jaded sea captain. Their quest will test their courage, their strength, and their friendship.
But at the Fringe, they encounter a truth that will change everything they thought they knew about themselves, and this small band of heroes must embrace the power that is their birthright and stand together as Stone Mages of Lyria.
I found this story to be a captivating read, filled with great tension and unexpected twists. Right up front the reader anticipates the journey of the four brave souls, willing to do whatever it takes to find their princess. What follows is an unbelievable journey that pulls the reader in and doesn’t disappoint! Kudos to Kelli Swofford Nielsen and her debut novel, Journey to the Fringe.
Eventide, Tales of the Dragon’s Bard by Tracy and Laura Hickman
Witty, clever and utterly enchanting, Eventide, Tales of the Dragon’s Bard, is a delightful story, a tale of whimsy that will capture the reader and hold them spellbound till the very end.
From the back of the book.
When a traveling bard stumbles into a dragon’s den, he is forced to tell stories to the giant, fire-breathing menace or end up being eaten for lunch. When he runs out of stories to tell, he makes a deal with the dragon in exchange for his freedom, he will return with dozens more of tales of adventure, romance, and bravery. Reminiscent of Scheherazade and 1001 Arabian Nights, Tales of the Dragon’s Bard is the story of a man s quest to collect the most exciting stories he possibly can, and Eventide is the first town he encounters. With Gossip Fairies, gnomes, a centaur farmer, and a blacksmith dwarf, those living in Eventide have enough going on to keep the Dragon’s Bard busy and if he feels the need to liven up those adventures a bit with his own ridiculous plots . . . well, the dragon certainly won’t mind, will he?
I adored this story along with its quirky characters and vibrant setting. Teens who enjoy a fantasy story filled with fun and humor will be thoroughly enchanted by this book. The characters will jump off the page and entertain the reader and feel like they are part of the adventure. The descriptions of people and places are as vivid and fresh as the story, and the town, Eventide, which in and of itself is an important character to the story, will become a bustling hamlet of excitement and will become as real as the reader’s own backyard.
I’m a fan of this book and can’t wait for more from these authors.
