The Book: The Bones of the Earth

The Author: Scott Bury

The Story: The Dark Age, eastern Europe: the earth has decided to rid itself of humanity with earthquakes, volcanoes and new plagues. Civilizations, even the mighty Roman Empire, crumble under the pressure of barbarian waves that are fleeing worse terrors.

Rejected by his own people, pursued by a dragon, young Javor heads for Constantinople, the centre of civilization, looking for answers to the puzzle of his great-grandfather’s dagger and the murder of his family.

On the ancient, crumbling Roman highway across haunted, deserted Dacia, Javor rescues the beautiful Danisa from a human sacrifice. He cannot help falling in love with her. But Danisa has her own plans, and when she is kidnapped again, Javor has to wonder: what is the connection between his dagger, his lover and his enemies?

Review by Marilou George, The Kindle Book Review: Scott Bury has defined this book as “historical magic realism” and after reading The Bones Of The Earth (The Dark Age) I totally agree. This genre of book is quite a departure for me but I found this story to be amazingly detailed, thought provoking and captivating on many levels. It is very apparent that a tremendous amount of research went into the writing of this book and coupled with the amazing characters and plot twists I could not put this book down.

Javor has just turned 14 years of age when his story begins. His village is violently attacked by horsemen and then by a horrible monster that attacks and kills his parent. He avenges their deaths using the dagger passed on to him from his Great Grandfather and an amulet that he wears around his neck. Upon his return the leaders in his village ask him to leave to alleviate the threat to their people. Javor then begins his long, treacherous journey accompanied by Potius a Greek traveler who was visiting his village.

The descriptive writing of their journey coupled with the horrors that they encounter is portrayed in a vivid and expressive style. The landscapes and incredibly memorable depiction of the hardships and evil they encounter clearly reflect the tremendous writing in this book.

This story will keep you totally absorbed and the plot twists are never ending. I found the historical references familiar and the research involved in this book is undeniable. Scott Bury has managed to capture the quality of fantasy mixed with the historical reality of the times to present a truly remarkable and magical story. I highly recommend this book!

Review by Roger Eschbacher: When his people are attacked –  first by vicious horsemen, then by an unspeakable horror from the depths of a dark pit –  village outcast Javor finds abilities stirring within that hint he might not be destined for the life of a simple farmer.

Armed with his great-grandfather’s special dagger, Javor first sets out to rescue two village girls, then to seek revenge for his parents deaths – the very beginning of an epic quest where nothing less than the fate of the human race is at stake.

Author Scott Bury demonstrates his considerable writing skills by masterfully weaving a story that, at times, has you holding your breath as you wonder what’s coming next. Especially enjoyable is how he plays out Javor’s gradual realization of what his true destiny might be.

The Book: LightMasters

The Author: MG Wells

The Story: Orphaned after her parents’ tragic death, Jessica Wyrd feels uneasy living with her gassy grandparents. With few friends and constant teasing by her hardcore schoolmates, this Georgia girl feels like an outcast living in a small town in upstate New
York.

Anxious about being forgotten on her 13th birthday, Jessica is lured into the forest by a strange spiral light. She encounters three Lighmasters, who convince her that she has unique gifts. Intrigued, she’s transported to another dimension where she is tested for her courage and strength.

Things change drastically when Jessica returns to earth. During school, her reality shifts and people start turning into reptilian monsters. The leader of the Lightmasters tells her she’s needed by the alliance to defeat an invisible alien beast, who feeds off fear.

How can Jessica conquer her own fears and help rid the world of a wicked enemy who hates humans?

M.G. is an award-winning artist and produced playwright best known for Into the Light, Practice Makes Perfect & SPOOKY!

Review by KO’Brien: M.G.’s breakout novel, LightMasters: Number 13, is a unique, witty, well-written story that stands out from the rest. All the characters are interesting and well formed, especially the protagonist, Jessica.

On her thirteenth birthday Jessica discovers she has special powers. I enjoyed moving along with Jessica through her exciting journey through the magical Otherworld, where she encounters numerous challenges and magical beings from cool to creepy.

M.G.’s descriptions of her diverse characters kept my interest. I believe younger readers will identify with Jessica, and enjoying her colorful expressions. As a teacher, I truly liked the way the story deals with the topics of behavior, bullying, self-confidence, bigotry, prejudice, friendship, forgiveness and compassion.

If you love fantasy, I recommend LightMasters: Number 13 by M.G. Wells. It’s a real page turner!

Review by Patricia Paris: LightMasters is touted as YA fiction, but is a story that can be enjoyed by all ages. At times funny, sad, and thoughtful, it is a fantasy at heart, but contains elements of fable as well in that there are lessons to be learned. And although the LightMastes are not animals as you might typically see in fables, they are otherworldly, and the story has morals to impart.

Wells weaves a formidable adventure for her heroine, 13 year old Jessica, a journey that exposes her to good and evil, right and wrong, presenting tests, of a sort, along the way forcing her to choose which side she will be on. Without going into the details of the story and giving things away, Jessica’s challenges reflect many of the struggles facing so many young people as they come of age, including: bullying, self-image, loneliness, etc., and Wells does a beautiful job of handing the reigns to her heroine. It is always about choice, and accepting the responsibilities of our choices.

The reader turns the last page with a clear understanding that there is a light in each of us, and it is up to us to choose whether we will let it shine. In the words of the author: “Thoughts are magic. Thoughts are everything. Think wisely.”

A recommended read for anyone who wants to set off on a fast-paced adventure with thoroughly likable, and often delightfully amusing characters.