Wizard Books

Jonathan Fesmire has created a universe in which his intriguing creation of the Dual Twin is forced to survive or perish. Imagine having a twin with whom you've never come face to face because you are unable to occupy the same space and time. Fesmire has imagined exactly such a situation and how it would effect his creation as they are forced to hide their true identities because most of those around them misunderstand, fear and hate them...even the most mundane of daily exercises becomes a challenge and a trial. Whom can they trust? Add to that a villain who wishes their undoing and the complication of romance and what Fesmire has given us is quite the tasty confection indeed!

With the recent popularity of such literary phenomenons as Harry Potter, and the resurgence of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, overuse of the staple fantasy cliches has become a commonplace occurrence. That is, if there's magic, there are elves, and if there are elves, there are orcs, and if there are orcs, there are great battle sequences strung together with brief vignettes supporting the obligatory character development, and...you get the picture.

Jonathan Fesmire's Children of Rhatlan sidesteps the trend to capitalize on the current fantasy formula, and instead tells a simple tale of two siblings trying to find their place in a world not quite our own.

Our heroes, Garum and Vayin, are duals, siblings who possess their own individual bodies and souls, but who are relegated to sharing the same life, the same "space," if you will. When one is "overt," the other must remain "covert," and vice versa. It's a bit confusing at first, but an interesting conundrum nonetheless. Rather than focus the novel solely on the magic involved, though, Fesmire has concentrated the brunt of his attention on the emotional and social magic behind living a dual's life. Sure, there is the central plot involving Garum and Vayin meeting an old witch bearing promises of enlightenment, and her brother, Paterun, a mad wizard fallen from grace (whose insatiable lust for spiritual resonance sets him on a quest to assimilate Garum and Vayin), but it's the brother-sister politics that count. In writing a book about siblings with a dual nature, Fesmire has very much conceived a story with a dual plot line. The overt: Paterun's quest to track down Garum and Vayin; the covert: the duals' coming of age, managing the necessities of food, shelter, love, acceptance in a world filled with superstition and mistrust.

Children of Rhatlan is a comfortable novel, more of a character study than an epic battle piece (though confrontation between Paterun and the duals is inevitable)--but I believe this to be Fesmire's intent, to make duality into an everyday affliction that must be dealt with by our young heroes. To this end, Fesmire knows how his machine works. Dave Duncan's Great Game comes to mind: a complete society and religious system has been laid out to support his characters. Moreri, Lothay, and Rhatlan--the mischievous lord--are potent fixtures which future Rhatlan novels will surely expand upon.

Children of Rhatlan isn't perfect. At times, there just doesn't seem to be enough happening in the in-between scenes, and the frequency of occasions upon which Garum and Vayin are either eating or bathing borders on the redundant--but having said that, the premise is solid: What would it be like to share your life with someone else--literally?

Jonathan Fesmire knows the answer.

I love this story because the duals are unique. They are a different kind of magic and I think its absolutely brilliant. It's a great story about magic, racism, betrayal and hatred, to love and lose, revenge, and forgiveness. I hope you take the oppurtunity to read this book and go on one adventure after another with Garum and Vayin!!!

CHILDREN OF RHATLAN by Jonathan Fesmire
Lulu Printing
Genre: Fiction/Fantasy
ISBN: 1411637194, $15.95, 276 pp, 2005

High fantasy at its best! Wizards, sorceresses, magic and the new duals.

In this story the duals are twins (Garum and Vayin) who have two bodies but share one life and one place in the world. For one to be present, the other must vanish.

The evil wizard Paterun who possesses the magical Claws of Rhatlan is possessed himself by the souls and voices of those he's killed. The voices laugh as one in his mind. They hear his thoughts, and they talk to him.

"Duals can handle another voice in their minds, so why can't I? The hair tingled along his arms. He looked toward the open shutters, eyes widening as a new idea formed. No light came through the horn windowpanes. Duals! Curse of Rhatlan, I believe they can handle it because they were born joined. They were made that way. What if I were a dual?

You're a fool! the sorceress cried. The wizard cringed; he had neglected to hide his thoughts. Now, he made the effort.

She'll know soon enough. I can't hide everything from them. He rubbed his forehead. I can't become a dual, but I could join with one, send my mind, all these minds, into one. Gods, I believe this will work!"

Now our evil wizard has a plan to free himself from the voices in his mind. Does he succeed? Only the tale will tell.

Jonathan Fesmire is an accomplished writer and artist. "Children of Rhatlan" will definitely appeal to children of all ages. Jonathan has a rich imagination and the ability to describe the world he sees in his mind. The magical mystical cover was created by Stephanie Law and is a work of art itself.

Other books by Jonathan include "Tamshi's Imp", "Seeds of Vision" and "Amber in the Over World".
Reviewed by Kaye Trout - July 1, 2006 - Copyright

I only wish I had Jonathan's imagination. When he came up with the concept of duals, he had a winner all the way! At first, it was a little difficult for me to envision two separate people living in one body but once it became clear to me, I wished I'd thought of it. This is more than multiple personalities; it is two distinct people, each with their own personalities, living inside one body. And the explanation for that duality is absolutely believable. The reader learns to like each of the duals and when they are in danger, the suspense is high.

I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes a little fantasy in their diet. Even if you don't, give it a try; I'm sure you will agree that this book is awesome.

I can't recommend this setting enough. Written by two Giants in the RPG industry, the creativity & skill in this book is unparalleled. If you have any interest in the paranormal at all, it's worth it.

I must add that this is a GM only book. Players SHOULD NOT read this.

Monty Cook and Wolfgang Baur surely have MIB's knocking on their doors since this amazing game touches on so many important conspiracies, aliens, government plots, and secret agendas. If you are a fan of X-Files, Millenium, or anything paranormal, this is the game for you. Yes, it's set in the now dead Alternity setting (the d20 system's beta test), but the world is so rich and well researched, it can easily be applied to a D20 modern setting.
The creatures, NPC's, government groups, timelines, and zeitgeist make for a truly unique gaming world. And it all ties together. The explanation of how Dark Matter makes all magic, science, and alien beings come to Earth is creative and a cover all for everything a DM can imagine. Everything from mummies and sasquaches to gray aliens, men in black, and bering demons all exist with beautiful justification.
I've gamed for over 20 years, and this setting(mixed with d20 Modern rules if you can't get Alternity) is the best I've ever seen. Buy it now before it's gone forever--even if you don't role play, the research into the secret things around and beneath us is so accurate and thorough, you could teach a class from this source. In fact, I teach a college course on the paranormal and unexplained, and I've had to turn to this book for clarification on a few real-world dates.
A fantastic source, and I hope the rumors are true that Wizards is considering a d20 Modern remake of the setting. Cross your fingers...

I was heartbroken to learn that Alternity has been cancelled by TSR, and my heartbreak was compounded once I got my hands on Dark Matter. If you are a fan of any government conspiracy, unmarked helicopter, alien abduction, bigfoot type realms, this is the campaign for you. If you aren't a fan, you will be after you read it. I'm a regular conspiracy nut, and all the biggies are covered by Baur and Cook; their research was fantastic. Also, everything from vampires to greys and sasquatches and mummies are present, and they tie into the conspiracies beautifully! If you don't buy this one, you're missing out on one of the RPG finds of a lifetime. Well done to Baur adn Cook, poorly done to TSR for the cancelation. Get it while you still can...

Who should buy this book?

If you are a fan of Science Fiction and plan to GM a science fiction game then you will find a lot of benefit from reading this book. If you are a player then DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK unless you are buying it for your GM, in which case DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. Inside are a million and one ideas for a Sci-fi game which will delight, intrigue, and possibly even frighten your players.

So what does it contain?

Lots and lots of detail is what. Ignoring the Alternity Fast Play rules for now and the small section on creating Dark Matter characters, the book is filled with descriptions, from the Hoffman Institute to loads of different conspiracies to the secret history of the world.

What else do you need?

The fast play rules are not adequate for a full camapign so the Alternity Players Guide and Gamesmaster Guide are probably essential. Otherwise all you need is your imagination (whatching the X-files, the outer limits, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer may help stimulate your imagination if decades of excellent science fiction hasn't).

Downsides?

As with any product this one isnt perfect, it assumes that the Hoffman Institute will play a part in your campaign (it does provide a small section on alternatives, though IMO the Institute is so well detailed that it would be shame not to use it in some capacity). It is also a little light on rules (though remember it is a Sourcebook rather than a Rulebook).

In Conclusion.

If you are getting tired of Fantasy or far future rpg's then this game might make a welcome change, and if played right can be a real pleasure to play. Dark Matter IMO might just be the saviour of the Alternity system (which is good news because the Alternity system is damn good).

Dark Matter takes place in the early 2000's AD Earth. It is a unique setting focusing on investigation, intrigue, and conspiracies rather than just gun fights.

This book is a great resource--from the Freemasons to the United Nations "New World Order", virtually any conspiracy or paranormal activity you can think of is probably described in this book.

It is also well organized including a good fast play adventure to introduce the setting, and a second, slighly longer, adventure at the end to get GM and players in the proper (and paranoid) mood. It includes some new skills, perks, flaws, psionics, and arcane and faith magic in addition to the great deal of history.

These books are legend and after reading them I know why. Salvatore is awesome as is the life he breathes into the pages of the tale of the heroic drow.

This set was nicely packaged, make sure you read your Drizzt in order, there are a good number of posts on Amazon for this, as Salvatore consistently refers back to his previous works in the stories. So my high recommendation is to read these in order. This is a good series, Passage to Dawn is awesome, but I recommend reading Claric Quintet before reading Passage to Dawn.

R A Salvatore is hands down one of the most exceptional contributors to the forgotten realms world.
If you are not a dungeons and dragons player, this is still an outstanding read. Once you start the first book, you won't stop until the set is finished.
You then will have many more days with Drizzt in the series that follow and you will never get bored, tired, or fall away from the story.
The tale of Drizzt Du'Urden is one that MUST be read by everyone. I loved these books. Once you open the first page, you can feel the cool air of the underdark on your face.
The writing is so masterful, its as if you never read the words, just watch the imagery scroll through your mind.
buy, love it, and buy the rest of RA Salvatores work.

Legacy of the Drow Gift Set: The Legacy, Starless Night, Siege of Darkness, and Passage to Dawn (Forgotten Realms: Legacy of the Drow)

The Legacy
The return of Dinin and Vierna Do'Urden another great Drizzt story by R.A. Salvatore.

Starless Night
Drizzt's return to Menzoberranzan. His meeting with the Moon Elf from his pass which sets things up for the Sea of Swords. Another good book.

Siege of Darkness
The Drow's attack on Mithril Hall. Great storyline with one cliffhanger after the other.

Passage to Dawn
Concentrating on Drizzt and Catti-brie. Action, adventure and comedy typical of Drizzt's adventure by R.A. Salvatore. A very good read.

The R.A Salvatore books for the Drow series is the first books i ever pick up and read. Me not being a reader thought i would never sit a read a book on its entirity, well i was wrong. since the very fist books i just kept reading. Salvatore puts the material in such a vivid way that you get involve in the story and you feel each character and their way of life since i started i read 9 books and working on my ten book. Thats how great the books are i Would recomend to everyone but specially to those people who think they will never read. Last i would like to say i hope that you soon be enjoying the books They're Greatness all aroundLegacy of the Drow Gift Set: The Legacy, Starless Night, Siege of Darkness, and Passage to Dawn (Forgotten Realms: Legacy of the Drow)

This is a beautiful edition of a marvelous story. The entire series is a great addition toany family library.

The enchantment of this book begins with the cover; even as a child I was intrigued by this artwork, which seemed to suggest mystery, magic, and mischief. Well, the story behind the cover really delivers; truly, this book demonstrates just how L. Frank Baum was mastering his craft at this stage of his life. Sadly, this was the second-to-last book he was to pen before passing away. In "Magic" Baum falls back on a wide and familiar cast of characters including Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, and the Wizard--as well as perennial villain of The Nome King (who, delightfully, just seems impervious to reform). Baum seems to have taken this approach in many of his later books, bringing in as many characters as he could; this approach works with marvelous success. For a kid, it's like getting to go to a birthday party with all of your favorite people; and "Magic" is one heck of a party. In this book, Baum really explores magic and how it is enacted in the Land of Oz; a departure, in a way, because generally the Oz books are about queer creatures and magical objects, and not about the use of magic itself. The parallel adventures of the separate groups of characters in this book help make it one of the most suspenseful in the series and it all ties together quite neatly. John R. Neil's illustrations are wonderful, as is this particular edition of the book. I say "Magic" is a book that all fantasy lovers should read--don't let this tale slip into the oblivion of time. If your children are Harry Potter fans (especially the younger set), then introduce them to the Oz series--and this book in particular.

The Magic of Oz (Books of Wonder) by L. Frank Baum is the next to last book in the oz series written by Baum. This time Ruggedo the ex-nome king once more is stirring up more trouble then ever before and he is assisted by Kiki Aru whom has learned a remarkable magic word. In this story we once more meet our favorite oz charachters like the cowardly lion, dorothy, ozma, and many others. The Magic of Oz is filled with exciting adventures, wonderfull thrills and has grand illustrations that capture the spirit and essence of the magical world of oz. I can not wait to read the last of Baums oz books and then continue with the rest of the oz books written by other authors.

The only thing that I had remembered about reading this book as a child were the magic word "Pyrzqxgl" and the constantly changing flower that the glass cat finds. Happily for me, Baum has filled the book with a sea of these charming little details that are a large part of what still make the Oz novels so wonderful to read for kids and bigger kids.

Magic of Oz focuses on the darker side of Oz. The trouble this time comes from a discontented Munchkin teenager who steals the power of transformation. He is able to brew this trouble because of the alienated beasts in the Forest of Gugu. Fortunately, the wicked plans are foiled by the Wizard and Dorothy in time for everyone to celebrate the birthday of Ozma. Additionally, the Nome King loose end is finally tied up for good.

Magic of Oz is the thirteenth and pentultimate book in the series. As in Glinda of Oz, the book suffers from some recycling of older themes and evident author fatigue. Still, definitely worth the time for fans of Oz. Particular points for the Neill illustrations of the Li-Mon-Eags-- creepy!

I first heard this story 53 years ago in second grade. Our teacher read a portion each day. It was truly a magical time for me. I was transformed and delighted by the glass cat, the idea of miniature monkeys jumping out of Ozma's birthday cake and most of all the amazing flower that bloomed over and over again. Years later I read it again sure that the bloom would have come off the rose (figuratively speaking) and found I was enchanted again. Then I had the chance to read it to second graders of a new generation - one filled with Yu-gi-oh and Sponge Bob and I was pleasantly surprised to find them listening to the old-fashioned story told with antiquated vocabulary with the same enthusiasm I did. Most of my students had never even heard the original Wizard of Oz story or had even seen the movie!! I have since purchased other titles in this series to give to my students so that each will have one as part of their upbringing but this still remains to be my favorite Oz book.

This book is a small miracle. (Please see my review of the A&E Ruby Slippers documentary.) I think Rhys Thomas is an angel. The fact that he could research and write this book is jaw-dropping. If you love real-life intrigue, you'll get a big kick out of this book. It's an astounding story, and should be made into a film. I think much of the material here is controversial. It would be fascinating to have some linear insights on the Ruby Slippers. The phenomena of those sets of shoes and their copies (7 known sets) remain mysterious to this day. (The most used-pair was stolen from the Judy Garland Museum, the day New Orleans was crushed by Katrina.)

Rhys is simply a witness, a record-keeper and a facilitator of information. He describes his quest to find these authentic movie relics. Sadly, this becomes the story of a young man by the name of Kent, who was a costumer and collector in the '70's. In the end, Kent died, bitterly, with AIDS in his 30's. So here, you learn a bit about this young man and his passion for old Hollywood. Also the rapid deterioration of MGM. Keep in mind, during the '30's and '40's, Louis B. Mayer was one of the richest men in the nation. This is a fascinating study. I'm so stunned to think of the MGM auctions happening when I was a young woman in my 20's. What a historical loss! Rhys describes that. And here, you get the first bit of insight on how people began to place monetary value on movie collectibles. You see, the Ruby Slippers were the Holy Grail of Hollywood in the '80's. Rhys documents the greed and loss involved as individuals searched for and created replicas of the shoes. I wonder why Judy Garland never bothered to keep a pair of those shoes? It's fascinating to compare her habits and behaviors to those of some of the personalities in this book. At the end of her life, Judy was known to do things like sleep in her gorgeous designer clothes, rip them up in one night's use, etc. Like the personalities in this book, Judy's mind was distorted by the end of her life. She lived simply, out of a few paper bags.

This book takes the reader far beyond the flatlands of Kansas and on an incredeible tour of Hollywood Movie Memorabilia. It brings to life people and movies who are long dead but not forgotten. Each page pulls the reader in and makes them take notice just like the sparkling ruby red slippers. You can't look away and you can't stop reading. When I reached the last page I found myself, like the author, realizing that there can't be an end to the story as long as people want the slippers...and face it how can you not love the slippers??? I think the best ending of all would be if this book was updated so we could all know the path the slippers have taken since the book was first published.

This book is one of the most fascinating things I have ever read. The descriptions of the MGM auction and the details of the days leading up to it are priceless. As another reviewer has stated, I also think this book should be expanded/updated and re-released.... possibly as a hardcover coffee table book. Since it was written, Debbie Reynolds has publicly shown her Arabian test shoes and has admitted her dealings with Kent Warner. Also, at least one pair of slippers has changed hands again and one pair has been stolen.

I first heard about this wonderful story when I caught the Discovery Channel's documentary of the same story, but they mentioned the book and I *had to have it*!

I was not disappointed; I've reread it two or three times already and am continually delighted. If you are an "OZ" fan in the *slightest*, you cannot let this one go unread!

This book is absolutely amazing!!!! If this book has taught me one thing it's this: there's more to those ruby slippers than meets the eye!!!!

I have read several books of this type, and Mr Main's was the best thought out and most realistically useful of them all. His use of the Oz icons was brilliant and the insights he has are simple and to the point and dead on accurate.

This book came up as an Amazon recommended read for me. That was okay. As I collect everything on the Oz film, and also practice Ashtanga, I might have purchased this book, anyway. However: this is a very simply-written collection of thoughts, presented in a non-linear fashion. I found the non-linear approach to be confusing. I feel it bypasses some important elements of the story. I still think Salmon Rushdie's book is the best and most comprehensive approach to understanding the film.

I don't find any outright references to yoga here, nor do I see any sort of outline regarding how about the philosophy behind yoga is tied into the author's ideas.

This is a spiritual book, based on the author's personal philosophical views of the film. I would recommend it to a young person, someone who is just getting acquainted with symbolism - and who has actually seen the MGM movie! There are a surprising number of young people who have never read "The Wizard of Oz", and who have never seen the film! If you are new to the film, you would enjoy the fun guidance this book could bring to your life.

Darren John Main is a Yoga teacher from the West Coast who has a gift for putting complex ideas into simple, down to earth language.

I have downloaded all of his available talks (which are presently available for free from his web site http://darrenmain.com/)and have listened to them countless times and have read his "Yoga And The Path Of The Urban Mystic as well.

This book, which I believe was his first, uses the "Oz" characters as metaphors along the spiritual journey. I found his analysis of the characters to be believable and useful in terms of being able to apply them to my own understanding of the complexities of life.

Darren uses examples from his own and other's lives to illustrate the points throughout the book. This makes it a very "real life" type book rather than just philosophical speculation.

Though this is a fairly short book it is filled with endless treasures of insights.

Highly recommended!!!!!

Namaste

I found Darren's honesty in telling his stories and relating them to another story that we all know and love a wonderful way to bring spiritual principle to daily living. I have always loved The Wizard of Oz, has have so many millions, but I love the connection of the characters to deeper aspects of myself. A great and fun read for all.

I first read the author's other book, "Yoga and the Path of the Urban Mystic" and was totally blown away by his insight and wisdom. I've read (and continue to read) as much as I can on subjects of yoga and spirituality and was so impressed by this book that I wanted to find another by the same author. I was frankly not too excited when I saw that his other book was entitled "Spritual Journeys along the Yellow Brick Road." I'm probably the only former kid in America who didn't like "The Wizard of Oz" and had to force myself to see the whole movie from beginning to end. I'm also a fussy reader, and had to decide if I really wanted to read this book. The other reviews posted on this site were so positive I decided to give it a chance. I was not in the least disappointed!! I would never have thought of the "Wizard of Oz" as a spritual journey, but the author clearly and capably demonstrates this for his readers. This book was not only highly entertaining and a very enjoyable reading experience, but it teaches many valuable lessons without seeming to do so. Whether or not you are a fan of the movie or the Frank Baum book, I would highly and unquestioningly recommend this book to anyone who is on his/her own spiritual journey, or to anyone who just wants to have a good time enjoying a great book.

It is what I ordered I guess. The book does have some intersting statements. Buy it if you know this is the book your looking for.

HPB is a pioneer in illuminating the spiritual and mystical themes behind the everyday sacred and profane. A stunning accomplishment for it's time and for today!

Publisher's note:

"The Voice of the Silence was the last major work to come from the pen of H.P. Blavatsky before her death in 1891. It is also one of her most important writings, being a guidebook for those dedicated to achieving enlightenment through atruistic service to humanity."

It may well take years to comprehend the profound wisdom contained in this sacred book. The Voice of the Silence was and is intended for daily use in meditation by disciples and students of the spirit, not for intellectual study!

It would be a good idea to be well versed in Buddhism and esoterism before venturing with this book (try reading Blavatsky's Secret Doctrine & Isis Unveiled first, and the works of Rudolf Steiner and Samael Aun Weor etc).
It might also help to be well versed in self-knowledge as well.

It is divided into three sections:
1) The Voice of the Silence
2) The Two Paths
3) The Seven Portals

This hand-sized Centenary Edition contains a three-part glossary, an index and an introduction including excerpts from mysterious letters by Blavatsky and others from the time when The Voice of the Silence was written.

"I believe that this book has strongly influenced many sincere seekers and aspirants to the wisdom and compassion of the Bodhisattva Path."
-His Holiness, The Dalai Lama

After Madam Blavatsky reintroduced the esoteric, perennial, spiritual wisdom back into mainstream western consciousness, she realized that there were two very different types of seekers who would make use of such knowledge. There were those who would seek it for personal power and selfish benefit, and those who would seek it to attempt to educate and liberate all of humanity. The difference between these paths was transcendence of the personal ego to reach the realm of the Higher Self. This book was an attempt to see that her gift of esoteric knowledge would not be passed unquestioned and unchallenged to those who were not fit to receive it.

The first thing that strikes the reader familiar with _Isis Unveiled_ and _The Secret Doctrine_ is the Buddhist emphasis of this volume. While it is based on the same archaic sources as the other works (some of which are pre-Buddhist in origin) it is the true Buddhist path of the heart that clearly shines through again and again. In fact, you have the admonishment: "But even ignorance is better than Head-learning, with no Soul-wisdom to illuminate and guide it." The Soul-wisdom is clearly present here on every page. This depth of understanding of the highest form of Buddhist thought is indeed remarkable for a book written in the 1880's by a westerner. In writing this book the Madam ensured that the spirit of true enlightenment would forever be welded to the Theosophical movement.

This particular edition is a verbatim copy of the original of 1889. As carefully as Madam Blavatsky chose her words, it would be unthinkable to edit them to be more "accessible" to a modern audience. If the reader has difficulty with the technical Sanskrit terms there are detailed glossaries included for all three sections.

This book is an authentic treatise about the many stages upon the ancient, universal initiatic path into the mysteries.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama recommends this arcane book on the back cover of the book itself.
This book can be easily misunderstood or not understood at all. What one needs is the keys of the path, the factors of the revolution of the consciousness. Otherwise, how can we listen to the "VOICE OF THE SILENCE". It is the Voice, the Verb, the LOGOS, the supra-Monad... We need the steps in order to do the "Will of the Father", here, as it is in heaven.
We must read and re-read and meditate on this book. It is profound, exact and terribly magical!
gnosticinstitute.org

I have actually met the artist and viewed his original works at a gallery in Germanton, NC. Although the book cannot possibly convey the beauty and artistry of his magical vision that is captured on canvas, it is still a feast for the eyes. And, since his original pieces cost a good bit more than my average monthly salary, this is one great way to enjoy his imaginitive pieces without having to fork out a lot of cash. I also reccommend his other books, especially the Fairy Garden.

Although this book is worth owning just for the beautiful pictures, I have enjoyed the writing as well. As a student of magick, myself, I can appreciate the story of the Wizard's training and details about the elemental magic he practices. Good for young and old alike, it will inspire you to seek out all the bits of magic in your own life.

One of the reviewers said this is a kid's book, but that's not true at all. Tom Cross has combined clever, captivating writing with some of the best illustrational magic I've ever seen. Young and old can enjoy this phenomanal book, as even my parents who are into their 60s enjoyed it. It's hard to not appreciate the artwork, and the enviromental message that is subtly but powerfully interwoven into the "narration" by "Penelo". This has been a book I've read over and over, always catching something new in the artwork, and enjoying the sly sense of humour, not to mention the semi-historical, semi- mythological section regarding some famous Magicians, and the history of magicians. If you enjoy fantasy at all, or you know someone who does, and even as a work of art in and of itself, this book is easily going to produce a lot of joy to anyone who owns a copy. Don't wait any longer!

My mom bought me this book because I'm a pagan that loves fantasy. She was right that I would love it. The pictures are beautiful, and the writing is just as good. This is the perfect fantasy book! A must have for all fantasy lovers!

If you love fantasy and wizardry, this is a MUST HAVE for your collection. Every time I read this book I feel as if I've been swept to another realm filled with magic, whimsy, and beauty. One of the reasons that I love this book is because not only is it very intersting to read, but it has just as much....if not more, illustrations-artwork, as it does literature. The artwork in the book has so much detail that I notice something new everytime I read it. This book breaks down every aspect of a "wizard". Anything that you every wondered about, or wanted to know about a wizard is in this book!
The book it's self is a piece of artwork, and I highly recommend it.

This beautifully illustrated, poetically imaginative book will delight your mind and your eyes. Tom Cross uses his great skills as an illustrator and his deep imagination to create a work that is fun and enjoyable. With staff in hand and tongue in cheek the author takes the reader on a journey of beauty, reverence for nature, history, fantasy, and every other place you'd like to go with a genuine, down-to-earth, honest-to-goodness wizard as guide. One of the best books I've read, pure delight.

Caryn was a keynote speaker at our annual School Nurse conference in Kansas City. She was captivating. I took the book home to read to my grandson who is in Kindergarden. He rides the bus and is on the playground with older children. Bullying was a concern to him. This book gave the concept of bullying an understandable fare even he could understand. This book assists both the bully and the bully target in offering tips the parent and child can use. The amazing illustrations helped provide interest far beyond the written word.

Caryn has delighted us with a children's program that is imagery, adventurous and researched based.

The book is a learning tool for young people and a must for classrooms, teachers, schools and parents.

Ms. Hacker not only brings her expertise as a psychotherapist to the plate with her strategies on how to develop positive character in today's youth, but also guides adults on how to teach and nurture healthier compassionate behaviors.

I highly recommend this book and program for parents, youth, teachers and schools.

Deb Landry, Author
Sticks Stones and Stumped!
Yankee Go Home

If you saw your child or any child in danger you would not hesitate to rush to there aid. Seeing a child struggling in the surf or swimming pool, falling from their bike in traffic, again there would be no hesitation. How can we be prepared for problems and dangers when they are not at our side. Bullying is one danger that is far reaching that we cannot iqnore. Lack of knowledge about the problem is no longer acceptable. Every parent, grandparent, teacher and caregiver must read, "A Bully Grows Up, Erik Meets the Wizard" adult eddition and consider giving a copy of the children's edition for that child you love. They will love the story and it will help them understand that it is not an acceptable behavior. Silence is not the answer and this has had tragic results. Both editions have merit in providing understanding and activities to stop the behavior; building pride, self confidence and compassion. An easy must read for good parenting skills.
ROBERT DEAN BAIR, AUTHOR: THE CLOISTERS OF CANTERBURY and PEACE AT LAMBETH BRIDGE

I heard the author of Erik meets the Wizard on NPR discussing bullying behavior. She was a compelling speaker which prompted me to buy this book. I read it with my children and found it was a story that helped them to better understand bullies. It was also the catalyst for a conversation about how they might deal with a bullying situation within their own peer groups.

Through a recent and continuing series of well-publicized tragedies in American school systems the subject of bullying has come to the forefront of American educational issues. To help parents and teachers address this problem, psychotherapist and motivational speaker Caryn Sabes Hacker has written "A Bully Grows Up: Erik Meets The Wizard" in which a young boy learns that aggressive behavior is harmful for both the aggressor as well as the victim. Erik travels through a mystical land and his encounters show him how to develop healthier and more compassionate values that results in feelings of achievement, pride, gratification, and relief. This 'Adult Education Edition' of "A Bully Grows Up" includes questions, exercises and activities that help young readers to understand and incorporate the messages embedded in a text that is as entertaining as it is instructive. "A Bully Grows Up" is a welcome and highly recommended addition to the growing body of literature and resources to help children understand and deal with bullying behavior -- their own, as well as others.

I'm old and cranky, and don't read kid's books for my own amusement, unless I read them to my 5-year old son. Having said that, I stumbled upon "Feltus" and couldn't put it down - I derived a non-adulturated grown-up pleasure from that book that took me back to my childhood and beyond. So I have no choice but to recommend this wonderful sample of "children literature" to all adults who may wish to remember that there was a time in our life, however long ago, which was enchanting and mythical, and which no cranky grown-up could comprehend or mess up. Oh, yes, you could also read it to your kid. Maybe he or she would like you a bit more. Rats forever!

I loved this book. It's unique and delightful. The characters, names and scenarios are highly imaginative and full of twisted fun. I hope there's a sequel coming soon!

I'm always in search of books that parents can enjoy as well as their children, and this is one of them. Treggiari can really develop a character you can sink your teeth into. Highly recommended!

My son and I loved this book! I have no doubt that this author has more 'Feltus' lurking up her sleeve or in her pen or under her typewriter or in some portal somewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At first, when reading "The Curious Misadventures of Feltus Ovalton," I found myself comparing it to other stories like Harry Potter, A Wrinkle in Time, etc and I kept trying to predict what would happen next based on those other stories. Pretty soon, though, I was so immersed in the characters and their adventures, that all I thought about was what was coming on the next page. I love to root for the underdog, and this book not only had plenty of those, but they each were an intriguing mix of lovable, pathetic, brave, weird, and sometimes gross qualities. Feltus, himself, was one of those kids whose bratty attitude I initially found annoying, but as I got to know him, I realized how much his cynicism was a survival strategy for getting through childhood. Ultimately, I think Feltus reminds me of myself, and for that I love him!

The otherworldly creatures and magical phenomena in the story were a lot of fun and were refreshingly original. They were just fantastical enough to be intriguing, and just realistic enough to be believable. Well, not believable like I'm looking for portals to other worlds under my sink, but believable like, households in our culture have so much waste going out in trash cans and garbage disposal units, that a whole other culture probably could survive off our refuse!

All in all, this book is definitely worth checking out. It has something for everyone... magic and adventure, social commentary, as well as a misfit/hero/rebel/regular kid to identify with. I look forward to Feltus' next adventures!