"Worried about what was happening to her, she squeezed her eyes shut hoping it would end. An atmosphere of mystery spiraled around her. Liberty grasped the book tightly to her chest so she wouldn't lose it. She knew this would be the only hope of getting her back. The vacuum of the vortex consumed her, dragging her into another dimension."
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Liberty and the Dragon Hilted Firesword by Y.R. Lewis Trafford Publishing
book review by Wendy Strain
Written for younger teenagers or even pre-teens, Lewis presents a fun adventure through a magical land deeply in need of a savior. Without knowing quite how or why, Liberty watches her best friend get sucked through a colorful vortex into a strange world by a book that only Liberty can read. The only way she can save her friend is to follow. Upon arriving in Blissium, Liberty finds herself chased by strange talking, moving trees and a world terrified by a ruler known only as the Raven. Trying to determine who is friend and who is foe is essential to Liberty and Jess's survival. Survival isn't enough, though. Liberty must solve the riddle of Blissium's magic if she and Jess are ever to return home to Jess's parents and an inevitable confrontation with Liberty's guardian.
Liberty's successes are brought about through her belief in the goodness of others and her loyalty to friends, both great messages for any age group. Perhaps the best lesson emerging from the story is the importance of having confidence in yourself. Although Liberty and her friends often find themselves in very dangerous situations, the book remains lighthearted and full of humor. While the story is full of imagination, the writing contains grammar and style issues. The action of the story keeps the pages turning. At just over 150 pages, it offers readers a quickly satisfying adventure.