Tag: middle grade scifi

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

Interview with Author Dana Robertson

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

Writing is something I’ve done for as long as I can remember, jotting down ideas and random thoughts. I studied literature at university, completing a degree in English and psychology.

However, I pursued a career in psychology, working in counseling, vocational rehabilitation and psychometry. But my love of literature and passion for writing always remained, which I’m now focused on. And I’m excited and nervous to share my debut novel.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My fascination with abandoned buildings and old theaters inspired The Abandoned Theater. I’m intrigued by the buildings themselves, the grand lobbies, ornate ceilings and rich tapestries throughout. And the shared experience as an audience reacts to the actors in unison, holding their breath, gasping, and laughing.

I pictured a theater standing in eerie silence and imagined what could have happened, causing it to be abandoned. I envisioned the audience settling into their seats, the anticipation building, then silence as the last performance begins. Their eyes widening, and gasps echoing as fear took hold. I imagined them scrambling over the seats, spilling into the aisles, desperate to escape.

Then I built the story around the mystery of that theater.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

The Abandoned Theater while, intended as a fun escape and easy read, touches on deeper themes middle graders could encounter. Hopefully, the reader can relate to some of what the characters are experiencing, and their friendships while highlighting discovery and resilience.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I write mystery, science fiction and fantasy. I particularly enjoy writing middle grade fantasy because it frees your imagination to explore fantastical worlds and to go on magical adventures.

Middle schoolers are full of wonder and curiosity. And it’s fun to reflect how it felt at that age.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would sit down with Darthius and ask if he regrets any of his choices, knowing now where they led.

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m not very savvy with social media, although I’m currently exploring Instagram and finding some wonderful connections.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

The best advice I ever received is after you write your first novel, put it away. Then write at least a couple more and read. When you go back to the original one, you’ll realize how much can be improved after honing your skills, practicing, reading and learning.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

The Abandoned Theater is book one of the Alderland Series, soon to be followed by book two, Return to Gatland. I’m also completing the final rewrites of an adult mystery novel, Murder in Rockwell Estates.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dana Robertson lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. She completed a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Psychology with Trent University in Peterborough Ontario, followed by a graduate creative writing program with the Humber School for Writers in Toronto, Ontario.

Formerly, a vocational rehabilitation consultant, psychometrist, youth counselor, and a small business operator.

She writes fantasy, mystery, science fiction and middle grade fiction. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, nature, hiking and reading.The Abandoned Theater is her debut novel and book one of the Alderland Series.

Links to sites:

Author website: www.danarobertsonbooks.com

Publisher website: Abandoned Theater, The from Our Street

Instagram: Instagram

Facebook: Facebook

Purchase links: 

Amazon: The Abandoned Theater: Alderland Series – Book One (A Novel): Robertson, Dana: 9781803417509: Amazon.com: Books

Barnes and Noble: The Abandoned Theater by Dana Robertson, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

Indigo: The Abandoned Theater: Alderland Series – Book One (a Novel) Book By Dana Robertson, (Paperback) | Indigo

Walmart: Alderland The Abandoned Theater, (Paperback) – Walmart.com

Invasion of the I.Q. Snatchers (Canadian Chills Book Three) by Arthur Slade 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. 

Two kids, a helpful Sasquatch and a technological wizrd must track down the creature responsible for the attempt to take a small town’s brain power in author Arthur Slade’s “Invasion of the I.Q. Snatchers”, the third book in the Canadian Chills series.

The Synopsis

Can Gordon Whillickers and his friend Sophia stop a sinister plot to steal the brain power of the people of Nanaimo?

Someone is delivering plates of scrumptious Nanaimo bars to every household in Nanaimo, and the people who eat them are behaving very strangely. Gordon Whillickers doesn’t get to eat his because, at the last minute, a hairy arm reaches through his window and steals them. He and Sophia chase after the thief and meet an amazing Sasquatch named Cheryl, who is also puzzled by the sudden appearance of the mouth-watering delicacies.

With the help of Cheryl and the technological wizardry of a local librarian, the two kids move ever closer to the alien creature at the centre of the plot. They must stop him before the Nanaimoites’ IQs are lost forever!

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The Review

Another gripping and fun middle-grade paranormal read, the author continues to strike the right balance between a small-town spooky atmosphere and out-of-this-world adventures. The imagery in the author’s writing style not only does a great job of bringing this small town and its inhabitants to life but also captures the rich development of the paranormal elements found in this story.

The heart of this story resides in the relatable characters and new directions into the paranormal that the author explored. The use of cryptids and aliens in this book, including a Sasquatch named Cheryl, gave much more depth and world-building to the growing narrative of the series. The humor and wit the protagonists and their allies had in their dialogue will enthrall and entertain young readers. 

The Verdict

Author Arthur Slade’s “Invasion of the I.Q. Snatchers” is a fast-paced, thrilling, and adventurous middle-grade sci-fi and fantasy book. The story’s vibe reminded me of a season 3 episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer titled “Band Candy.” The twists and turns and the fun nature of the story will keep readers invested in the story’s progress. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Arthur Slade was raised in the Cypress Hills of southwest Saskatchewan (on a ranch). He wasn’t raised by wolves. It was elves. And one grumpy dwarf. He began writing at an early age. It took a few years but he is now the author of more than thirty novels, including Dust (which won the Governor General’s award), Dragon Assassin, and The Hunchback Assignments. He currently lives in the mythical city of Saskatoon and does all of his writing on a treadmill desk while he listens to heavy metal. Really. It’s true.

https://www.arthurslade.com/bio