Sunday, May 20, 2012

Review # 168: The Moon Coin by Richard Due / Illustrated by Carolyn Arcabascio

Description: (from GoodReads)
"Tales, unlike stories, never lie. You see, a tale is an account of things in their due order, often divulged secretly, or as gossip. Would you like to hear one?" —Lord Autumn 
     Uncle Ebb was so good at telling his tales of the Moon Realm that sometimes it sounded like he’d been there himself. 
     As children, Lily and Jasper listened raptly to his bedtime tales of a place where nine moons swirled around one another, each inhabited by strange and wondrous beings: magical lunamancers; undersea merfolk; wise birds; winged dragons; and Lily’s favorite, the heroic, leonine Rinn. 
There was only one rule: don’t tell a soul
     But now, years later, Uncle Ebb is missing. Lily has learned the secret behind the tales, and soon Jasper will too. But there’s one big problem. You see, something terrible has happened in the Moon Realm...
Review:

     If I ever have kids, this will be one of their bedtime stories! Even though this book is labeled for the middle-grade age group, I know that it can be enjoyed by all ages! As I was reading, I was mentally projecting a film version in my head, and adding to the beautiful imagery were twenty-two vividly colored and imagined illustrations by the very talented Carolyn Arcabascio. I took a few minutes to observe each depicted scene on my Kindle Fire, marveling at the accuracy of my own imaginings. Both the tale itself and the illustrations reminded me of some of the best parts of my favorite fantasy series, including: The Wizard Of Oz, Harry Potter, The Chronicles Of Narnia, The NeverEnding StoryAlice in Wonderland, and The Lord Of the Rings; however, The Moon Coin still held its own originality. Its fast-pace, scenes of adventure and mystery, and meticulous detail kept me - a twenty-something college student - occupied and enthralled for a couple of hours; and I am definitely going to be reading it again! I loved all the characters, and each new moon (world) introduced me to an amazing set of inhabitants; the illustrations were wonderful for this purpose! Lily and Jasper had my imagination running wild, just like theirs. They were very realistic and easily related to, especially for children around their age range - nine to fifteen. I never knew what lay ahead for the pair, and I think that kids (and adults) will fall in love with Richard Due's spellbinding writing style. Overall, a sensational fantasy, with tons of adventure and mystery for all ages. This would definitely make a great movie, animated or otherwise. Recommended for all book lovers and their children!

Rating: Clean Getaway (5/5)

*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Book Trailer

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