Elffolk and the Crystal Caves of Atlantis by Tina McFadden
Reviewed by: Chris Tilley
About the author:
Tina McFadden's writing career began at age six. A dreamer by nature, with a vivid imagination, she would lose herself in the stories of Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden. By age nine, she had written a whole series of mystery novels. Now a full-time writer and editor, Tina has published articles in magazines, newspapers and on the web, as well as short fictional stories for children and adults. Elffolk and the Crystal Caves of Atlantis is her first published novel.
About the book:
"Thousands of years ago, on the island of Atlantis, there were signs of a coming disaster. The very first omens were the earthquakes.... When an earthquake strikes the village of Elffolk, an elderly elf becomes trapped in the crystal caves. Two young elves, Enna and Nissa, must save her. But their rescue mission won't be easy. A dark magic lurks within the caves, stirring up danger at every turn and leaving nothing as it seems."
Action-packed and highly imaginative, Elffolk and the Crystal Caves of Atlantis is a novel for readers ages 7 to 10, revealing the power of our thoughts, expectations and beliefs. A quick and easy read, it tells the story of Enna and Nissa and their adventures in the mysterious caves of legendary Atlantis.
What I like about the book as a parent:
My son read the first chapter on-line and agreed that he would like to read it. He knew that we would need to review the book after we read it. That was the first good sign. The second was when it came in the mail he unwrapped it and started reading it before I finished putting away the groceries. He didn't put it down until dinner time. By that point he was up to the 7th chapter. As I've said before any book my kids read is a good book.
The story also gave him some things to think about. Books that raise questions that require thinking and better yet discussion are a treasure. This book led to a discussion on facing your fears, focusing on the goal, and keeping negative thoughts out of your head. The mind is a powerful tool learning to focus and keep and open and clear mind is a good thing.
I also read the book and enjoyed it. Not just in the context of “Oh thats a good conversation to have with Philip” but on its own merits that it entertained me. I plan on reading the book to my daughter but mommy is currently reading her Harry Potter and my daughter doesn't want to read something else right now. She has it all planned out her way but that doesn't coincide with my review. I plan on writing an update when I do get to read it to her.
What my son likes about the book:
Who is your favorite character and why?
“Mica. She got the rope to pull Nissa and Enna from the mud. I like cats and he's funny.”
What is your Favorite Part?
“When they find Gael. The Memory holograms from the magic crystals. Wouldn't it be cool to store our memories.”
Did you learn anything from the book?
“With fear if we think it is not there it isn't. Focus on the goal not the fear.”
Do you think those lessons would work in real life?
“Yes. Worrying about things doesn't solve problems.” (Our discussion on lessons learned was longer than that but I can't write that fast and we were having a good conversations so those where the highlights.)
What is your favorite line?
Enna talking to a soaking wet Mica “I had no idea you were mostly fur.”
If she wrote a second book would you want to read it?
A very enthusiastic “YES.”
