| Jayel Gibson's enchanting book, "Dragon Queen: An Ancient Mirrors Tale," first in the "Ancient Mirrors" series, is a classic tale of courage in the face of danger that's rich in mythological and folkloric tradition, with influence from modern video games, as well.
Magic and Adventure Abound in Celtic-Influenced Young Adult Fantasy Novel
Readers looking for an authentic fantasy read should be delighted by the genuine blend of folklore and imagination in Jayel Gibson's Dragon Queen: An Ancient Mirrors Tale. Gibson grew up listening to Celtic folklore and faerie tales from her Irish grandmother, a woman for whom the faerie faith was very real. This fostered Gibson's love of magic, legend and folklore, and adds considerable depth to her fantasy novels. Dragon Queen is set in the mythical world of Ædracmoræ, a place resembling the legendary times of Arthurian Britain. As the first book in the "Ancient Mirrors" series, Dragon Queen is rich in details of scenery and background information to firmly establish Ædracmoræ in the reader's imagination. The heroine of Dragon Queen is Yávië, who is awakened from the peaceful slumber of death into a shattered world, only to find that her closest family and friends have ruthlessly betrayed her.
Together with the Guardians, Yávië must begin a treacherous search for the truth of her birthright. Yávië discovers that she was born of the Dragon Queen, and is given the knowledge of the powerful artifacts that will reunite the shattered kingdoms into a single world. With this unity, however, the doorway will be opened for unthinkable evil to enter the kingdoms. Dragon Queen shares the exciting story of Yávië's journey, filled with passion, adventure and trying challenges that test the young Queen's courage and loyalty.
Gibson maintains the plausibility of her fantasy novels, not only through authentic Celtic faerie tales, but also by adapting real historical events in her writing. Fans of modern role-playing games, such as Dungeons & Dragons and World of Warcraft will also detect the more modern fantastical influences in Dragon Queen.
"My goal is to leave readers of any age with a smile, a sense of connection and satisfaction," says Gibson. "I would like them to walk away with a desire to return to the 'Ancient Mirrors' universe, just as they would an enjoyable vacation spot."
Readers who do long to return to the "Ancient Mirrors" universe can pick up a copy of The Wrekening, the series' second novel, available now in local or online bookstores. Damselflies, the third installment in the series will be available November 1, 2007.
Jayel Gibson resides in Port Orford, Oregon. After teaching elementary school, she retired from education to devote herself to a full time writing career. Gibson is also the creator of the popular writers' workshop "From Brainstorm to Book and Beyond."
Dragon Queen: An Ancient Mirrors Tale can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit www.ancientmirrors.com.
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2007 by AlternativeApproaches.com
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