The Black Shard
by Victoria Simcox
Published by Two Harbors Press
ISBN 978-1-935097 17-4
At the request of the author, Victoria Simcox, I received a follow up story to "The Magic Warble", which I absolutely loved. I raved about her book to Ms. Simcox & then she told me she's doing a follow up book. Oh my Lord! I was so delighted, and sat on pins and needles until this book was done, and then the e-mail came. It's done, and it's on the way. "THE BLACK SHARD"! It came pretty much the same as the Magic Warble. A bit larger then the small paperbacks, and it was also sent to me at no charge for my honest opinion. I could feel the adrenaline running in my veins. I couldn't wait to start!!!
Synopsis:
The Black Shard, Victoria Simcox's fast-paced, intricately woven sequel to The Magic Warble, takes Kristina Kingsly, and her schoolmates back to Bernovem... and into a thrilling, often dangerous adventure.
The Magic Warble was a toss between Grimms Fairy Tales, and Mythology, which both intrigues me. As I have mentioned before I am not an avid reader. It puts me too sleep, but these two books kept me wide awake, and on the edge of my chair half the time.
This story opens with Kristina Kingsly at a summer horse-camp, and a couple of prankster girls do their worst to our Kristina, and something goes wrong, and they're back at Bernovem where the chilling adventure starts all over again to make some new and wonderful memories for our heroine, and she is reunited with her Prince Werrien, her gnome, dwarf, animals, and fairy friends. Things couldn't have been more wonderful for Kristina especially when she was back with her dearest friend Prince Werrien only to find out he was fascinated with a very unusual seeing stone, "The Black Shard", and to add to the excitement Kristina is haunted by a ghostlike old hag! This ol' gal really puts a twist to the plot!
In Bernovem, Kristina not only has a uncomfortable suspicion, guilt, illness, and ultimately the one who wants to possess her soul, Kristina will see that in her weakest moment she will encounter more strength than she has ever known or could imagine
.
The Magic Warble was a toss between Grimms Fairy Tales, and Mythology, which both intrigues me. As I have mentioned before I am not an avid reader. It puts me too sleep, but these two books kept me wide awake, and on the edge of my chair half the time.
This story opens with Kristina Kingsly at a summer horse-camp, and a couple of prankster girls do their worst to our Kristina, and something goes wrong, and they're back at Bernovem where the chilling adventure starts all over again to make some new and wonderful memories for our heroine, and she is reunited with her Prince Werrien, her gnome, dwarf, animals, and fairy friends. Things couldn't have been more wonderful for Kristina especially when she was back with her dearest friend Prince Werrien only to find out he was fascinated with a very unusual seeing stone, "The Black Shard", and to add to the excitement Kristina is haunted by a ghostlike old hag! This ol' gal really puts a twist to the plot!
In Bernovem, Kristina not only has a uncomfortable suspicion, guilt, illness, and ultimately the one who wants to possess her soul, Kristina will see that in her weakest moment she will encounter more strength than she has ever known or could imagine
.
MY THOUGHTS and OPINION
I was terribly anxious to get the sequel to the Magic Warble. I originally wanted it for my 13 yr. old granddaughter who kept bugging me are ya done yet? Are ya done yet? I finally finished Ms. Simcox's Magic Warble & gave it to her, and we talked for days and hours over this wonderful story. I haven't told her about the second book yet because I'm going to surprise her for Christmas, but she keeps asking did she finish writing the book yet? Did she finish yet? What an amazing story, and there's never a dull moment. Victoria Simcox and I became vast friends, and here I am again reviewing her next creation.
Now, my interests lie in Mythology, fiction, fantasy, and fairy tales. The who dunnit books are just not for me. While reading the brief synopsis of this book it brought back the wonderful memories of the Magic Warble. I started to read about Kristina, a child who is a bit of a loner, and many a times went off into her own world. I was the same way as a child so I started relating from the very beginning. Now, she was sent off to a horse summer camp, and when I was 12 I too was sent to a horse summer camp, "The School of Francis Recker Horsemanship". How odd I thought that this book was so similar to my own life. I couldn't wait to dive right into it, and I know... I repeat I know you will love this story too, and relate to it just as I have. Time travel of the heart in my opinion! The author has a way to pull you into her story, and hold you on the edge of your seat. There were times I would reread a page or two because I wasn't quite sure where she was leading me too, but I'm glad I did so I could get the full wonderful picture, and not lose my way. (Oh boy, this is killing me not to tell you more about this book), but I will say one thing buy it from the author or buy it from https://secure.mybookorders.com/order/victoria-simcox Stocking stuffer or just a great present for that young lady or young man that's too old for toys, and too young for boys or visa versa! I can't wait to see the look on my granddaughter's face when she gets this one!
Again, my thanks to Ms. Simcox my friend. for opening a whole new world to me. She'll be your friend too once you meet us in Bernovem. I apologize for being so late with this review, but when I sat to read this book I couldn't put it down. I too revisited Bernovem, and it was as if they welcomed me with open arms. I traveled with the fairies, and the dwarf once again, and I was glad to be back. I walked where Kristina walked and saw what she saw, and felt warmth of friendship when she felt the warmth. I highly recommend this story to adults and children of middle school age (this is only my opinion). This author has shared her talented gift once again, and I hope she keeps on sharing her world with us. Thank you Vicki may the world treat you with as much patience, joy and kindness as you have afforded us.
This book was not only entertaining, but intriguing and taught a lessons of life. Take me to Finimus Island to explore the island of its beautiful flowers, tropical birds, fruit trees galore, and have a Prince wait on me. ~sigh~ That's it I'm not saying no more. The Plot stays in my mind, and when you finish the book come back and we'll relive it together! Once again may I say it definitely has a magnetic way of holding your interest, and just when you think you're at a lull something else happens. A parallel universe that almost seems real, and experience of literature seems to go together hand in hand. Many times I was in awe at a turn in the story, and never would've thought it would lead to such a fabulous end, BUT IS IT THE END...
Now, my interests lie in Mythology, fiction, fantasy, and fairy tales. The who dunnit books are just not for me. While reading the brief synopsis of this book it brought back the wonderful memories of the Magic Warble. I started to read about Kristina, a child who is a bit of a loner, and many a times went off into her own world. I was the same way as a child so I started relating from the very beginning. Now, she was sent off to a horse summer camp, and when I was 12 I too was sent to a horse summer camp, "The School of Francis Recker Horsemanship". How odd I thought that this book was so similar to my own life. I couldn't wait to dive right into it, and I know... I repeat I know you will love this story too, and relate to it just as I have. Time travel of the heart in my opinion! The author has a way to pull you into her story, and hold you on the edge of your seat. There were times I would reread a page or two because I wasn't quite sure where she was leading me too, but I'm glad I did so I could get the full wonderful picture, and not lose my way. (Oh boy, this is killing me not to tell you more about this book), but I will say one thing buy it from the author or buy it from https://secure.mybookorders.com/order/victoria-simcox Stocking stuffer or just a great present for that young lady or young man that's too old for toys, and too young for boys or visa versa! I can't wait to see the look on my granddaughter's face when she gets this one!
Again, my thanks to Ms. Simcox my friend. for opening a whole new world to me. She'll be your friend too once you meet us in Bernovem. I apologize for being so late with this review, but when I sat to read this book I couldn't put it down. I too revisited Bernovem, and it was as if they welcomed me with open arms. I traveled with the fairies, and the dwarf once again, and I was glad to be back. I walked where Kristina walked and saw what she saw, and felt warmth of friendship when she felt the warmth. I highly recommend this story to adults and children of middle school age (this is only my opinion). This author has shared her talented gift once again, and I hope she keeps on sharing her world with us. Thank you Vicki may the world treat you with as much patience, joy and kindness as you have afforded us.
This book was not only entertaining, but intriguing and taught a lessons of life. Take me to Finimus Island to explore the island of its beautiful flowers, tropical birds, fruit trees galore, and have a Prince wait on me. ~sigh~ That's it I'm not saying no more. The Plot stays in my mind, and when you finish the book come back and we'll relive it together! Once again may I say it definitely has a magnetic way of holding your interest, and just when you think you're at a lull something else happens. A parallel universe that almost seems real, and experience of literature seems to go together hand in hand. Many times I was in awe at a turn in the story, and never would've thought it would lead to such a fabulous end, BUT IS IT THE END...
Format: Softcover
ISBN 13: 978-1-937293-14-7
LCCN: 2011935202
Publication Date: 10/1/2011
Pages: 266
Publisher: Langdon Street Press
Trim Size: 5.5 x 8.5
The Black Shard on FB http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Black-Shard/264063053622412
SOLD AT:
The Black Shard which is available now on Amazon or on Victoria's website here.
*Disclaimer: I received the product in order to write a honest review. Opinion is 100% my own, and no monetary compensation compensation was given. Others may have different opinions.
*Disclaimer: I received the product in order to write a honest review. Opinion is 100% my own, and no monetary compensation compensation was given. Others may have different opinions.
4 comments:
sounds like some adventure. she should meet up with harry potter - lol. anyway, it sounds really good and anyone would be thrilled to have it.
hugs :)
Sounds like an exciting book. I'm really glad you liked it and I can't wait to hear how your granddaughter enjoyed it.
Thanks for the review. =)
Books are awesome!
I love reading and this sounds like a great read too.
I remember playing a game of mythology constantly many years ago. It was so intriguing!
I read The Magic Warble too! I don't have time to do book reviews anymore, but I'm going to get this one so I can know what happened after the first book ended!
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