"Swords clanged and axes smashed as hundreds of hooves pounded across the earth. Shelby stiffened and tightened her grip on her sword."
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The Silver Sphere by Michael Dadich Evolved Publishing
book review by Michael Radon
Life at home is difficult for Shelby Pardow after her mother leaves her and her father behind. Mr. Pardow turns to alcohol and is prone to violence and abuse, so Shelby prefers to spend her free time at the local library. During one of these hiding sessions, she receives a mysterious instant message on the library computer, and when she follows its directions, she finds herself transported to a strange world and transformed to handle her new environment. Other teenagers received similar messages and when they are brought together, their mission is revealed: locate and rescue important figures that they are psychically linked with, before dark forces spread across the land and conquer it. A race against time and between armies unfolds with the fate of the entire known universe hanging in the balance.
Combining elements of classic fantasy and science fiction with pop culture references that readers both young and old can identify with, this title is refreshingly current without potentially dating itself. Those who enjoy young adult adventures or simply the latest fantasy will find this book hard to put down. Though there is adequate time and detail spent on building the history and the culture of Azimuth, the book's pace doesn't linger; one can savor every step of the epic journey while they are compelled to read just one more chapter. This is the first installment of a planned series, but the author is careful to still leave his audience with a satisfying resolution while building a sense of curiosity for future titles. This book is sure to stir the imagination as it takes readers on its dramatic ride.
RECOMMENDED by the US Review