Review: "Emerald and the Magic of Raynon"

During the Christmas holidays, I stopped by to see my grandkids. We had a great time! At the end of the visit, my granddaughter, Tasha, handed me a little bag. She smiled at me and told me they were her favorite books and she thought I might enjoy reading them when I was stuck in traffic or waiting for a load. I thanked her and hugged her, not expecting too much from the reading material that appealed to a fourteen year old girl.

The storm hit Denver and I was stranded in too much snow to go anywhere. So I opened the bag and decided to try to get through the books. I had heard that the "Emerald" books were favorites of hers and had mentioned it before. Now it was my turn to check them out. I'm really glad I did!

I started with the first book, "Emerald and the Magic of Raynon" and found myself getting hooked very quickly. The story centers around a little girl who doesn't get along well with other kids. She does have some strange powers that boggle her, however. And she finds that she can communicate with animals as no one else can. She finds a strange friend in a blue jay who seems to speak to her. The bird is named Sammy.

After getting acquainted with her new friend, Emerald allows him to escort her to another world; the magic land of Raynon. He introduces her to several new creatures, the Trippers are funny little irritants and there are pixies who live in the land. In the course of their day, Emerald finds that she belongs there and has a mission to accomplish. I won't give you all the details, but it's a great story that engages the reader in a battle of good versus evil on a very personal level. The book ends when Sammy returns Emerald to her home, knowing that Raynon awaits her next visit and the evil majesty awaits her as well.

Thoroughly involved with the tale, I read the second book. Emerald goes back to Raynon in "Emerald and the Return to Raynon" and visits the same creatures she met the first time. She realizes that Raynon is her home and she is one of the pixies. She is the only one who can fight the dark ruler, Dragonus, and have any chance of winning. Her battle of good versus evil is riveting and absorbing, even for an adult. The battle is ultimately won and she goes back to her human home. Sammy promises to stay near and watch over her until her next trip back to Raynon.

Anyway, without giving too much away, if you like the good versus evil tales of magic and intrigue, the "Emerald" books were made for you! Even at my advanced age I couldn't get enough and can't wait for the next installment. Manda Spring is a great writer and her books are compelling. Check them out!