Bracken and the Crystal Cave

Rave Reviews

When I first picked up "Bracken and the Crystal Cave", which I hope will be only the first in a long line of books in "The Gnome Chronicles" series; I thought it looked like an interesting fantasy story that kids would really enjoy. Since I love fantasy, and the author is a local writer, I figured I might as well pick it up. This really is well written, but it is much more as well. This is the story of a brother and sister named Drew and Holly who go to visit their grandparents, and wind up having an incredible adventure with a gnome named...wait for it...Bracken. I don't want to give away any of the plot, but you should know this is packed with adventure, thrills and fantasy, without all the violence and mayhem that quite often accompany this kind of story in "adult" books. This is a story that the whole family, from 4 to 40 (and beyond) can get behind and talk about without having to worry about whether or not it would be inappropriate.

There's a couple other things I really like about the book. The kids in this story are good kids. That's not to say they don't get in trouble, but they're intelligent, responsible, good kids, which can be hard to find in a lot of today’s books. They don't disrespect their parents, they can think and work out some really difficult problems, and they represent a break from the stereotype of a child we're used to seeing in fiction. Another aspect of this story that I found refreshing, was the fact that Donna and Ken Waters aren't writing down to kids, they're writing up to them. This isn't just a simple to read, loaded with pictures, story; this is an action packed novel that requires children to read, think on and enjoy. I'm not saying this is a difficult book, just that I think kids will enjoy something that is both thrilling and thoughtful.As I said, whether you're a kid or an adult this is a fun, thoughtful read that will capture your imagination, and leave you wanting for the next story. -bukwurm

Regarding "Bracken and the Crystal Cave" ... I THOROUGHLY enjoyed reading it and found it such a nice diversion after grueling days. In my former life I was a Junior High English teacher and creative writing was a big part of my classes. I wish I had had your book to work with my students. It would have kept their interest and allowed me to discuss creative writing and grammar and punctuation.  Alas, I am far from the classroom but I see a wonderful market for your books. I would love to read volume two whenever it is ready. Lillian Cale 

I just finished your book. I really enjoyed Bracken!  It was easy and light reading, flowed well, and kept me engaged from beginning to end.  You really do have a gift for storytelling, Donna, and write very well. -K. Dill

Wonderful book! This is a real gem. I need ten of them. I’m so proud. Best of luck! –Theda Church

 Roland and I both read Bracken and the Crystal Cave and thought it was great! Hope you make a bundle of money on your book. – Peg and Roland Raymer

I have finished reading your second book The Dragons of Middle Earth and I must compliment you on your handling of evil in the story.  I was very impressed with the moral implications in the way you dealt with the forces of evil. Such good lessons were there for the reader to understand and apply. I read with delight the entire story and was honored by the way you handled "Lillian". It was nice to be in on the secret of the honey! Again you have come up with a wonderful story that touches so many realms. I think you must be contemplating another sequel. I hope that is the case because I don't feel finished with Bracken, Raland or Drew; there is more to do and more to see. Since I loved teaching Junior High students, anything that they could enjoy catches my attention. I think young people would profit greatly from being exposed to your books, especially with discussions following the reading.           –Lillian Cale

Bracken and the Crystal Cave is a wonderfully refreshing young adult novel set partially in the woods of Appalachia and partially in a mythical world filled with wonder. When siblings, Drew and Holly, visit their estranged grandparents for a summer they expect to get back to nature, to fish and play in the woods. To their surprise, they meet a gnome, the delightful Bracken, who informs them not only of the realm he lives in, and the magic therein, but also that their seemingly ordinary grandparents play an important role in keeping the border between the two worlds safe.
Married writers Donna and Ken Waters have created an enchanting new world steeped with literary and mythical creatures which challenge Drew and Bracken to overcome their fears and push themselves to their limits to save Bracken’s world and that of earth as well.
More than the mythical aspects, the story touches upon sibling rivalry, working though family issues, and the challenges of a boy proving himself as a man.  I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story.  -Tracy L. Carbone
                           Author of The Man of Mystery Hill

If you're looking for an adventurous fantasy book for your kids, look no further!   The Dragons of Middle-Earth (Book Two of The Gnome Chronicles) written by Donna and Ken Waters, is about Drew, his sister, Holly, and their two unusual friends, Bracken (a gnome) and Windsprite (a griffin with a voracious appetite) who embark upon a perilous adventure to save Middle-Earth  from the evil druid, Dareg.  Written with reluctant readers in mind, the Waters have kept the chapters short and packed with action.  Lovely little pictures grace each chapter heading and serve as a way to invite readers in and to illustrate what's coming up next.  One of my favorite characters is Holly, especially when she decides to get revenge on her brother, Drew.  "...Holly filled all his shoes with jell-o:  slimy green jello."  What's not to love about that?!  Before picking up The Dragons of Middle Earth, however, you might want to read Bracken and the Crystal Cave first (it's book one of the Gnome Chronicles).  Give them both a try yourself, then pass them onto the kids!     -Kay Ellis

 

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