File Size: 237 KB
Publisher: UK Children's Publishing (January 3, 2012)
Language: English
ASIN: B006TI8JLY
BN ID: 2940032975953
Purchase: Kindle, Nook, Other E-Readers
Website: http://kurtchambers.net


Ten year old Charlotte is on vacation with her parents and six year old sister, Beth. On the last day of vacation Charlotte goes to buy gifts to take home to her friends. During shopping she comes across a spooky old shop and goes inside. A creepy man gives her a crystal dome; the only cost is to take care of it and to be good and tell the truth. The man introduces himself as Goffer. On the way home she peers into the crystal dome and is transported to another realm. In the realm we are introduced to endearing characters such as: Elderfield, Middleton, Swallow, and others. We are briefly introduced to the dark characters: Siren and Dagan as well as the legend of the Truth Teller. Elderfield and Middleton go on a journey to seek council with Goffer to get Charlotte home. Adventures and other characters follow.

The story was well written and the characters were well presented. The world building was great. The story is very easy to read and could be read to kids as a read-to-me story.

However there were some issues I had with some of the backstory that I felt needed a little bit more elaboration and/or resolution. I would have liked to know a little bit more about the Great War against Siren and his banishment. I would have liked to know more about the legend of the Truth Teller and what he/she actually does and more about the Truth Teller’s power and where it comes from. I would like to know some more about what would happen if Siren found out about the Truth Teller and his or her identity. When Goffer talks to Charlotte about the Truth Teller and being in her shoes, I would have found myself asking more questions about the legend and forgetting about going home for just a few more moments. As a character, she was a very keen and inquisitive girl and would be wondering the same things, judging by the connection I had with her. I say it this way without wanting to give anything away. There is a personal angle in the vendetta between Dagan and Siren that is never mentioned and doubtfully will be visited again (not trying to give anything away). What happens if Charlotte doesn’t tell the truth? I know that it would have repercussions of some kind, and it is very important aside from the moral of the story. As a reader, I can only make a guess, and I wonder if my assumption is right or wrong. Lastly, I was curious to know how Goffer knew to give Charlotte the crystal dome and not another child who may have stumbled upon the derelict shop. In some ways it seemed completely random. There had to be something to lead him to do so or something he was looking for in a child. It’s a way to tie up the seemingly random events in the beginning to where it was not so random and everything made sense and came together.

Other than these small issues it is a wonderful, endearing story. The author alludes that Charlotte will have more adventures in this realm and maybe the author will elaborate on the backstory as Charlotte goes on her adventures. I would like to read more by this author.



Reviewed by: A.K. Taylor

A free copy of this book was furnished by the author for review, but providing a copy did not guarantee a review. This information is provided per the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission.