Tag: middle grade fantasy

Izzy’s Dilemma by Robert Pais Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young girl on a distant planet must decide whether to change her physical appearance to fit into her society in author Robert Pais’s “Izzy’s Dilemma.”

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The Synopsis

One courageous young girl. One impossible choice.

On the distant planet Mirron, where eye color determines social standing, Topaz are at the top, Emerald and Sapphire are in the middle, and Pearl are at the bottom. Twelve-year-old Izzy Ashford is the only Pearl in her all-Topaz town. Adopted as a baby by loving Topaz parents, she has always been treated as one of them. But just before her sixth-grade graduation, a classmate, Billy Winthrop, begins to bully her.

During a family vacation in Oceanside, Billy humiliates her again, forcing Izzy to confront her deepest fear: that once she leaves the safety of home, the world will judge her only by her color, not by who she truly is.

Then Izzy meets a mysterious man named Sam, who offers her an impossible choice: he will change her color from Pearl to Topaz the day before school starts in September, if she asks him to. If she chooses to make the change, it will be permanent. It cannot be reversed.

At first, the decision seems like a no-brainer, but as the summer unfolds, Izzy begins to realize that making this change may not bring her happiness or purpose—and may cost her more than she ever imagined.

The Review

This was a powerful and thought-provoking middle-grade read. The author did an incredible job of layering this novel with rich character development and moral societal themes that are so integral to the narrative. The fast-paced story itself and the dynamic between Izzy and her parents really stand out in this novel, as the emotional core, outside of the societal themes, is the true strength of family and what a family is. The exploration of her connection to her adoptive parents and what they’ve taught her is equal to the things she learns about her birth mother along the way.

The world-building and themes of this novel were the heart of this book. The rich world-building that brings the planet of Mirron to life is a perfect mirror image of Earth itself, highlighting the problems countries like the United States still face, with physical differences dividing people. The unique fantasy/sci-fi twist of the mysterious Sam and who he represents is a great way to bring mystery to the story, but not too much, keeping the story focused on the more grounded and emotional themes. The color of a person’s eyes mirrors the struggles of those with varying skin tones in our own world. It highlights the ridiculous nature of a society that bases wealth and social standing on these aspects instead of hard work and character. 

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The Verdict

Insightful, morally-driven, and engaging, author Robert Pais’s “Izzy’s Dilemma” is a must-read middle-grade fantasy and sci-fi novel. The essential values and lessons the story teaches younger readers are naturally infused with strong imagery and powerful writing, and the emotional depth of Izzy’s character arc and what she experiences will stay with readers long after the story ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Robert Pais is a CPA with over 13 years of hands-on experience helping individuals and small business owners navigate the complex world of taxes with clarity and confidence. Bob made it his mission to translate complicated tax rules into clear, easy-to-understand, and implement tax strategies that anyone can understand and use to keep more of what they earn.

Bob has written and published two tax guides: The Ultimate Tax Guide for Small Businesses and Individuals and Pay Less Money to Your Uncle! Both books are available on Amazon.com.

Having retired from the world of accounting and taxes in April 2025, Bob turned his attention to writing fiction. A novel for middle-grade readers incorporating magical realism and a bit of science fiction, Izzy’s Dilemma is a result of a combination of Bob’s passion for social justice and love of adult fantasy writing.

www.robertpaisauthor.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/50050208.Robert_Pais

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bob.robertpaisauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bob.robertpaisauthor/

https://amzn.to/3Xa8VSo

The Secret of Ophiuchus (Enigma Book Three) by Kim Idynne Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A group of heroes makes their final journey into the underworld to find and save a young girl who may hold the key to unlocking the mysteries of the stars in author Kim Idynnes’ “The Secret of Ophiuchus”, the third book in the Enigma series. 

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The Synopsis

In the final installment of the Enigma series, Surina and Dominic descend into the tunnels of Wupatki to rescue Hannah Hale. Their plans are tripped up by an unexpected tagalong, and Surina is uneasy about Hannah’s sympathy for Tagua, a demon sorcerer of the underworld. Hannah assures them that they can return home if they set things right in the zodiac and learn the secret of Ophiuchus—but is she willing to return alone, or will she unwittingly release Tagua into their world?

The Review

This was a brilliant end to the Enigma trilogy. The author does such a great job of building upon the character-driven narratives and world-building established in the first two books, while also bringing in new perspectives and shifting evolutions for the characters themselves. The way the author can mesh together elements of multiple mythologies and belief systems, including Greek and Sumerian mythology, was inspired and so creatively done that it felt seamless and effortless on the page. 

The imagery in the book was so cosmic and did an excellent job of showcasing the stakes of the mission Hannah and her allies find themselves on. The twists that come with Hannah and Tagua throughout the story bring into the narrative an essential theme of exploring what happens when the heroes of old legends or history itself are revealed to have caused equal or even more damage in their wake, with perspective playing an integral role in the stories we tell one another and ourselves in the end.

The Verdict

Memorable, epic, and compelling, author Kim Idynne’s “The Secret of Ophiuchus” is a must-read fantasy-driven novel and a great end to the Enigma series. The twists and turns in the narrative, the rich character development, and shocking moments that will leave readers wanting more will stay with them long after the final page ends. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab a copy on November 30th, 2025!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.

Author web site: https://idynne.com

Eridanus (Enigma: Book Two) by Kim Idynne Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The search for a young girl in another realm brings in new allies and new challenges in author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus”, the second book in the Enigma series.

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The Synopsis

In this sequel to Enigma, Dominic and Surina travel to a mountainous region of Peru in an attempt to enter the celestial realm. Their plans seem to go awry when Surina becomes trapped in the stars alone. Surina and Hannah team up to solve the puzzle of Orion, but in order to get there, they will have to travel the Eridanus: the longest and most enigma-ridden river of the underworld.

The Review

This was a grand entry in the Enigma series. The introduction of new characters and expansion upon the mythos the author built up in the first book of the series was great to see come to fruition in this narrative. The fast pace of the plot and the mysterious atmosphere the author layers throughout the story help create the necessary tension and action that drives both Surina and Hannah forward in their journey.

What stood out, though, was the character development that this narrative took forward. Surina was a great new protagonist to take the reins from Dominic for most of the plot, and the ways that the stars and this new reality begin to change Hannah slowly, and her perspective as she becomes lost in this reality, were heart-pounding and tense. The development of Wibben as a character was equally thrilling to see come to life on the page.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus” is an excellent entry in the Enigma series and a must-read fantasy-driven book. The twists and turns continue in this mystery-driven narrative, and the puzzles and enigmas themselves were thought-provoking and compelling as the story ends on another big cliffhanger that will drive readers to read book three easily. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.

Author web site: https://idynne.com

Enigma (The Enigma Trilogy Book 1) By Kim Idynne Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young man must travel to the underworld to save a young girl from untold danger in author Kim Idynne’s “Enigma”, the first book in the Enigma Trilogy.

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The Synopsis

When twenty-one-year-old Dominic is persuaded to rescue a young girl from the underground tunnels of Wupatki, the two find themselves lost in a strange realm of celestial enigmas, riddles, and otherworldly creatures. When Dominic arrives in the land of the dead, the underworld queen offers him passage home on one condition: he can’t return as the person he was; he must leave parts of himself behind as he travels the underworld road. Hannah is eager to prove herself an expert at solving the zodiac’s mysteries, but failure will lead to self-destruction, and unlocking the gate may unleash a powerful demon on her own world. Enigma is the first book in a trilogy, followed by Eridanus and The Secret of Ophiuchus.

The Review

This was such a compelling first entry into the Enigma series. The author does a masterful job of crafting a narrative that feels imaginative and visceral at the same time. The world-building was the first element of the story that came to life on the page, with the reader immediately transported from the desert ruins found in Arizona to a world where time and reality don’t exist, at least in the way humanity has come to think of them. The imagery of the author’s writing style brought this to life so vividly.

The character development and mythos of the story were the two biggest draws for this first entry in the series. The beginning of both Dominic and Hannah’s stories is chaotic, both dealing with harsh realities from their pasts, and yet Dominic is more of a reluctant hero to begin with, having trouble accepting this new reality. At the same time, Hannah finds herself stepping up into a role she feels born into in many ways. The discovery of her importance to the stars and the connection between ancient mythology from differing cultures and astrology kept the reader invested in this novel and the characters’ well-rounded arcs. 

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, entertaining, and compelling, author Kim Idynne’s “Enigma” is a grand first entry in the Enigma series and a must-read fantasy-driven middle-grade book. The twists and turns in the story, the shocking revelations, and the cliffhanger finale will keep readers on the edge of their seats and eager for the next story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.

Author web site: https://idynne.com

The Magic Maze Trilogy by Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Twins Tyler and Tess must navigate perilous worlds within 12 mazes and stop a wicked queen and a nefarious wizard before finding a way home in the novels “The Magic Maze Trilogy” by authors Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor.

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The Synopsis

THE MAGIC MAZE TRILOGY is about eleven-year old fraternal twins, Tyler and Tess Porter, who accidentally get sucked up into the bizarre world of the Magic Maze. Geared to appeal to children from seven to thirteen and older fantasy fans as well, the story propels the twins into an “Alice in Wonderland/Wizard of Oz” world. In order to return home, they must get through twelve separate parts of the maze. Each is its own world with strange rules, riddles and puzzles that the twins must solve using their wits, knowledge and athletic prowess. Tyler and Tess learn how much they mean to each other as they evade the evil QUEEN ZEBRA and her ZENTAURIAN GUARD of two-faced POLINERDS, and a duplicitous wizard, SIMON PERCIVAL. They form alliances with the rebel TRIDGETS (tiny trolls with Mohawk hairdos) led by the feisty BELKIN, and an assortment of other bizarre and funny characters. At the end, they must track down and put back together three parts of a MAGIC AMULET before they can be finally transported home, safe and sound.

The Review

What a powerful and memorable trilogy of middle-grade, fantasy-driven novels. Each novel’s pacing was superb, instantly capturing the reader’s attention with magic and action while delivering relatable, engaging character development from the two protagonists. The world-building and mythology the authors brought to life in these books were a unique blend of magical realism and sword and sorcery style fantasy storytelling, complete with magical beings such as the Tridgets and an evil queen who pits a full-blown rebellion against her nefarious ways. 

At the heart of this story is the bond and understanding each of the two protagonists holds for one another. The series starts with Tess and Tyler on opposite ends of the spectrum from one another. Yet as the series progresses, their shared bond and ability to see one another instill a sense of understanding and connection between the reader and the characters. The imagery and atmosphere of each book create a sense of wonder and awe that draws younger readers into the magic of that world, and the variety in the different mazes and worlds shows the creativity and depth of world-building that the authors brought to this series. 

The Verdict

A story of magic, adventure, and family, authors Samuel Warren Joseph and Phil Proctor’s “The Magic Maze Trilogy” is a must-read children’s and middle grade fantasy read. The twists and turns this series takes, and the open-ended nature of the final chapter of this trilogy, will stay with readers. As someone with a close bond with his sister, I find this book an excellent way of bringing siblings together and showing the importance of that bond in a magical way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Authors

Samuel Warren Joseph – is a writer whose credits include DuckTales, Batman, Beast Wars, and the film Off Your Rocker. His plays and musicals, including Window of Opportunity, Campaign, and God Help Us!, have earned critical acclaim. He co-authored Ed Asner’s autobiography and teaches college English and Creative Writing.

Phil Proctor – is a founding member of the Grammy-nominated Firesign Theatre and a veteran actor with voice credits in Rugrats, Assassin’s Creed, Dr. Dolittle, and Pixar films. He has performed on stage, screen, and in video games, earning numerous theater awards. Phil co-wrote the political comedy God Help Us! and several books, including his autobiography Where’s My Fortune Cookie?

http://www.magicmaze.com/