Ocean Realm

I ordered this book for my daughter, who is into the whole Crystal Doors series. She honestly read it through and couldn't put the book down. She loved it and wanted me to order her the next (future) book in the series. I wish she could get as interested in the literature classics as she has been in this series. We have a whole bookshelf of classics in our library that she isn't interested in reading.

Cousins Gwen and Vic Pierce, the protagonists from Crystal Doors #1: Island Realm (Crystal Doors), are back in this exciting follow-up, along with some of the other great characters we came to know and love in the first book: Uncle Cap, Ali el Sharif, Tiaret, Lyssandra, and even the wonderful djinni, Piri. The magic of the world of Elantya is also back, along with the Citadel, Sharif's magic carpet, Tiaret's warrior skills, Lyssandra's telepathic and interpreting abilities, and the natural curiosity of Gwen and Vic. Unfortunately, that also means that the bad guys from the first book, most noticeably the merlons and their king, Barak, have also returned. Uncle Cap (Gwen's uncle and Vic's father) has made it through the crystal doors and finally arrived on Elantya. But even before a happy reunion can happen, the merlons kidnap Gwen and Vic, none too happy about the last skirmish that took place. This time, their plans are even greater: they're hoping for total destruction of the Elantyan world and, quite possibly, the crystal doors themselves. The twins will have to use all of their knowledge and wits to keep this from happening. Thankfully, they also have their close friends to rely on, as well as some new allies. It's not going to be an easy feat, but somehow they must defeat King Barak, Orpheon, and Azric's immortals. The climax of OCEAN REALM is a fantasy-lover's dream, with action-packed scenes that will have you flipping pages as quickly as you can. Readers of the first two books in the series will be eagerly anticipating the third, Crystal Doors #3: Sky Realm (Crystal Doors), set to be released in June 2008. Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"