drakmereWhat if there existed a dark kingdom forged on a web of evil spells, with a conniving king plotting to infiltrate the dreams of children all over the world?

Bernice Fischer’s book Jeff Madison and the Shimmers of Drakmere will cast a spell over readers of all ages.

Jeff and Matt Madison think they are normal boys, but they aren’t. When Jeff’s younger brother is whisked away to the kingdom of Drakmere, Jeff knows he has to save Matt. Two cloaked strangers offer their help and tell Jeff and Jeff’s best friend Rhed to leave the rescuing to them. Jeff and Rhed make a split-second decision to enter the moonglow doorway. Can the cloaked strangers save the two boys and rescue Matt from the wicked witch and king of Drakmere?

Fischer’s young adult magical fantasy adventure novel packs quite a punch. There’s plenty of action and hijinks to keep younger audiences engaged. Once she puts the pedal to the metal, it’s a rip-roaring ride to the finish. There are twists, turns, and flat out shocks that will keep many glued to the story. While the story has darker elements, the author has sprinkled in flashes of humor that will have children giggling, easing the tension and making the story a wonderful and unforgettable experience.

The author has done a marvelous job developing her characters, giving everyone a voice of their own. The interaction of the characters is often humorous and the dialogue helps bring each character to life. Even the bad guys shine in such a way that one cringes when they are in a scene, but it adds to the fun and heightens the anticipation of what’s going to happen next.

Her descriptive and imaginative writing whisks the reader out of the comfort of their homes into the magical world of Drakmere, where one finds a dragon, an evil witch, a dastardly king, Sandustian warriors with purple eyes, dream catchers, and terrifying creatures called Shimmers. And Fischer isn’t afraid to use words that may be unfamiliar to young readers, but she does so adeptly, helping to expand the audience’s vocabulary in a way that children don’t even realize their learning.

In the audio book version, Matt Wolfe, the narrator, does an excellent job of creating voices for all the characters, adding to their development and enhancing the overall experience. With his narration and Fischer’s storytelling abilities, this audio book will delight families and may transform bedtime stories for parents and children. Don’t be surprised if you hear, “Just one more chapter” and not just from the children. The ending is a race to the finish and will leave many breathless.

Moonlit beams and sun-kissed dreams
Await you in dreamland,
Meet me at the big green tree,
We’ll go hand in hand.
But if I’m late and you get scared,
Mischief runs amok,
Raise your voice, stamp your foot and shout
Smok, Smok, Smok

Your adventure awaits, readers. Don’t miss out on this imaginative and exhilarating story by Bernice Fischer. And one can only hope that the next installment in the series will be out soon. Highly recommended.

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Jeff Madison and the Shimmers of Drakmere


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