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The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp
In The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp: A Tale of Antyfas, by Laura Dinovis Berry, young Valentino—Tino to his friends—finds himself longing for excitement beyond the confines of his family’s farm. Life is predictable and dull until preparations for his older brother’s birthday party take a sharp turn for the unexpected. Upset when things go awry, Tino is lured by a mysterious gnome to an eerie party in the Nastgant Swamp, where he soon faces dangers he never imagined. With the help of newfound friends, Tino must summon all his courage and wit to protect his world from the malevolent forces lurking in the swamp.
This enchanting fairy tale, perfect for middle-grade readers, strikes a spooky but playful tone, delivering an adventure packed with danger yet avoiding overly graphic depictions of harm. Although the story touches on dark themes such as children being eaten, the narrative wisely keeps these moments off-page, making it accessible to younger audiences.
The creatures in the book, especially the Grickens, are wonderfully imagined and bring a sense of whimsy to the tale—particularly for readers familiar with life on a farm, as they bear an amusing resemblance to backyard hens. The trolls, Wonjin and Jinjin, are standout characters, defying expectations with their complexity and charm as the story progresses. One of the novel’s strongest elements is the central role of Tino’s family in the plot.
It’s refreshing to see a fantasy adventure where family bonds—from parents to aunts and uncles—are so integral to the story. This focus on familial relationships adds depth to the narrative, giving it a warm and heartfelt quality. In many ways, the tale feels like an elaborate, family-wide roleplaying adventure, conjuring nostalgic memories of childhood days spent exploring the woods. The story wraps up neatly, leaving readers both satisfied and eager to revisit the world of Antyfas in future adventures. The narrative is brimming with charm, and I’m eager to see future installments in this series.
The Nasties of Nastgant Swamp contains an engaging storyline, delightful characters, and heartwarming family dynamics. The book features fantasy violence and mild peril but remains suitable for readers aged 10 and up who enjoy a spooky yet lighthearted tale. Tino’s adventure is a perfect read-aloud story for a cozy evening by the fire, blending danger, friendship, and magical discovery into a vibrant and uniquely captivating fantasy.
Pages: 92 | ISBN : 978-1644565308
The Executioner of Yrecep Forest
The gripping tale of The Executioner of Yrecep Forest begins with two young brothers, Anicen and Capar. Forced by circumstances and their parents’ desperate wish for their safety, they venture into the ominously renowned Yrecep Forest, known to swallow its entrants whole, never to return them. They are soon taken under the wing of a mysterious woman, who is revealed to be part of an enigmatic coven that reveres the four Gods of Elements.
The narrative further unfolds with the introduction of Pesdari, a coven member who yearns for freedom, and her friend Thade, who harbors a dark ambition of immortality. The paths of the two diverge radically, leading us to anticipate: will Pesdari succeed in her quest for liberation?
This captivating saga had me riveted from its compelling start, where Anicen and Capar muster their courage to penetrate the treacherous Yrecep Forest, to its enthralling climax, where Pesdari emerges victorious, claiming her freedom and finding a new, accepting family after vanquishing Thade.
The author’s meticulous attention to detail, interweaving every scene with intricate narrative threads, engendered an immersive reading experience. I found it particularly intriguing when Pesdari uncovered Thade’s sinister experiments for immortality, a discovery that prompted her to extend her help to the two brothers, despite their unfamiliarity.
The poignant connection between Pesdari and Dowhas, the complex relationship between Pesdari and Thade, the fraternal bond shared by the two brothers, and the rapport Pesdari builds with them, all contribute to a rich tapestry of emotional narratives. This emotional spectrum is deftly navigated by the author, ensuring nothing is overly dramatized or underrepresented.
The novel achieves an impressive depth, with each character meticulously crafted, exhibiting their unique flair. From the mystique of the Yrecep Forest to the clandestine affairs of the coven, from the struggle for freedom to the thirst for immortality, The Executioner of Yrecep Forest is a literary feast for readers who appreciate intricacy, depth, and emotional resonance in their choice of literature.
Pages: 164 | ISBN: 1644566192
Death at Dusbar College
Death at Dusbar College: A Story of Antyfas by Laura DiNovis Berry is set in the magical world of Antyfas, where 11-year-old Christiano visits Dusbar college with his aunt Laura. Anxious to solve the Grand Magician’s riddle, he sets out on an intriguing adventure. While on his way to solving this riddle, he runs into interesting situations, from talking frogs to floating hats and magicians. Will Christiano be the lucky one to solve the riddle? You’ll have to dive right in to find out.
Author Laura DiNovis Berry has created a magical world with much thought, care, and precision that will captivate young readers’ minds. The author’s quirky imagination is expertly displayed on each page, making this magical realm come to life in the reader’s mind. Many parts in the book carry a theatrical appeal allowing the reader to clearly visualize the scenes and characters, almost like watching a movie. This book reminded me of Harry Potter but for younger readers and with a less complicated plot.
The author has done a great job captivating the essence of young children down to how they speak and act. The author’s writing is easy to follow along, and she makes this a fun and engaging read with magic and adventure. The author has packed great detail in a short story and images to accompany the chapters. The reader will find themselves rooting for Christiano, who is determined to solve the riddle despite all odds. I truly enjoyed Christiano’s charisma and confidence.
For parents and young readers looking for a fascinating read to take them on an enchanting adventure, this is the book for you. I highly recommend this whimsical read for middle schoolers fascinated by magic and mystery. You will have a great time exploring the world of Antyfas and the characters it contains.
Pages: 82 | ISBN : 1644564173
LITERARY TITAN 