Sharon reviewed the first 6000 words of my manuscript quickly, and provided me with detailed feedback and clear guidelines about how to improve. She struck the perfect balance between encouragement and practical actions. I was particularly impressed with her explanation of how to fix the issues with the character point of view in the manuscript. Her mark-ups on the text itself were helpful and made the process of editing the rest of the manuscript much easier. I would highly recommend Sharon; I know that my writing has improved a great deal due to her input. Thank you, Sharon!
I fell in love with Freya from the very beginning. I held my breath, laughed, cheered, and cried as I followed her and her family through their adventures. No spoilers of course… but this is one of my favourites. You just absolutely fall in love with the characters and stick with them to the very end. I could not WAIT for Tyrelia (Book 2) to come out once I had finished Medar.
I definitely recommend for EVERYONE! But in particular, tweens. Woohoo Sharon!!!
Abbie M
5 star review on Goodreads
TYRELIA
Loved the story line, sense of adventure. Well rounded characters. Flaws and strengths. Can’t wait for final book in series – M Watson (on Amazon)
An excellent return to Medar and we get to enter Tyrelia!
Freya continues to develop as a hero. In this instalment, she finds herself cut off from her family, her friends and mentors. She is in a strange land – the fabled Tyrelia that no one knows anything about because the wall has blocked everyone for so many years.
At the same time her family is fighting their own battle. Freya’s parents are panicked when contact with her is lost, and Jack is becoming increasingly seduced by what the Golden City promises.
An excellent second novel, which does a great job of continuing the world building, and developing well rounded characters.
Kylie Dawson | Goodreads review
5 STARS
Loved the development of the character Freya and the new character Willow. Like in Medar the descriptions of places transports you right there. Rube’s adventures in the Golden City help to explain events but not giving anything away. Couldn’t put the book down read it in a day!
This is a great second book and looking forward to the next one. – Tracey Sherer
Abbie (13y) – Beta reader for Tyrelia
“Most of the manuscript has no notes. This is because I was enjoying it too much to pick up my pencil! But overall, I think this is an absolutely fantastic story and the perfect sequel we have all been waiting for!”
A story full of secrets and mystery. Manssen’s story will capture the imaginations of both young and old. Freya an unlikely heroine, uses her many skills to unravel the secrets of the mysterious tablet while being pursued by those determined to stand in her way.
Gayel Collinson
A debut novel by a New Zealand author, this Young Adult fantasy novel has a lot going for it.
Freya was half-blinded in a terrible accident as a baby – boiling water took her sight, and, in the vaguely medieval style setting common in fantasy novels, guarantees her to be somewhat of an outcast. However, with a loving family, her responsibility for the family goat, and her general optimistic world view, she is a pretty awesome heroine. One thing I particularly love about Freya is that you know she is blind in one eye, you know she has long hair in order to hide the eye from others as much as possible, and you know that others find her ugly – but that is it. She isn’t the damaged but beautiful heroine often used in books, the only references to her physical appearance are those needed to tell the story. What matters most is her determination, and drive – which is how the book starts, as he hides from some would-be tormentors using her speed and cleverness to escape them.
The world building is strong in this novel, I have a complete visual image of the setting, and understanding of how the world itself works. I love that – so often in YA fantasy novels, I find myself asking – but why? I didn’t have that here. It makes sense! Yes! The plot flips between Freya, and her family, once they are separated, and that really enabled the bigger picture to develop, so it was a great storytelling style to use. The actual writing is quality too, more show than tell, and the reader is treated as competent, with great language used throughout.
It does end on a cliff hanger of sorts, and I am really looking forward to see what happens next. I pretty much devoured this in one sitting, which is always a good sign, and I have lots of good questions going into the next one (rather than that why question I mentioned earlier).
A very strong first novel, and I look forward to reading more both in this series, or any other offerings to come.
Kylie
Karl Oellermann April 11, 2018
Medar, the first book in the Realm Trilogy; it’s a roller coaster ride of challenges and setbacks, but also with persistencee, triumph. The book tells the story of a young girl with the strength of will to overcome obstacles in pursuit of her goal. This is a powerful and positive message for us all – you can overcome obstacles regardless of age, sex, physical impairment or social status; but you have to want to.
The central character, Freya was adopted at birth when her mother was taken at the bidding of the Evil Master. She was injured as a young child. Scarred and partially blind, she courageously overcomes hurdles in early life. Freya is a curious explorer, discovers a mystical tablet and perseveres to unlock its secrets and reveal its hidden messages.
Freya’s family live in a land surrounded by a deep chasm & beyond that a high wall. Local tales say these barriers are impenetrable; no-one knows what is beyond. Family fortunes seem to take a turn for the better when they are selected to enter the golden city, but Freya is not accepted and instead is taken away to the pit. Her family assume she is dead, but find she is still alive when they see her face on wanted posters. Freya has escaped the Pit and with the help of the Watchers, pushes on to find out what is beyond the chasm & the wall.
Medar, the first book in the Realm Trilogy; a gripping read, and the question must be asked, when is the second book going to be available?
Rochelle – 5 stars
I really enjoyed reading Medar and so did my teenage children. It was refreshing to have a gutsy heroine who does not fit the beautiful norms of what society expects everyone to look like. Medar was a thought provoking escape from reality. I am looking forward to next book in the series!
