The Bernovem Chronicles Continues

The Shard by Victoria Simcox

ISBN: 978-1495260124

Purchase the book: Kindle | Softcover
Blurb:   The Shard, Victoria Simcox’s fast-paced, intricately woven sequel to The Warble, takes Kristina Kingsly and her schoolmates back to Bernovem … and into a thrilling, often dangerous adventure.

Kristina’s stay at summer horse camp is horrible to say the least, and it’s all because Hester and Davina are there as well, making her life miserable. When Hester’s cruel prank goes terribly wrong, it’s actually what sends the three girls back to the magical land of Bernovem. In Bernovem, Kristina is very excited to see her former friend, Prince Werrien. When he invites her to sail with him on his ship to his homeland Tezerel, putting it simply, Kristina can’t refuse.

Reunited with her gnome, dwarf, animal, fairy friends … and best of all, Werrien, things seem like they couldn’t get any better for Kristina. But when Werrien becomes fascinated with an unusual seeing stone, the “Black Shard”, Kristina is haunted by a ghostlike old hag. Struggling against suspicion, guilt, illness, and ultimately the one who wants to possess her soul, Kristina will see it’s in her weakest moment that she will encounter more strength than she has ever known.

     Victoria Simcox is a new author that has captured my interest. This is the very first series that I have ever read by her and all I can say is wow. The story is fantastic! I shall have to wait patiently for the next book in this series as I definitely want to know how The Bernovem Chronicles ends. The Shard in a way reminds me of the book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I must say, Victoria's writing style captured my attention right away as she drew me into the story.

     This is the second book in the series and it just keeps getting better and better. The Shard starts out with the main character, Kristina, going off to summer camp with a girl who she doesn't even like. Sounds like a summer of disaster, right? You will be pleasantly surprised by the events that take place. You will, however, have to read the book for yourself to find out what happens.

     This book is well written and the author captivates the reader from the very beginning. Her descriptive style allows you (the reader) to picture in your mind the things taking place in the book. This is one series that I will definitely be reading until the very end. I recommend this book for anyone no matter their age that loves a good story.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review. 

About the author:

     Victoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She now resides in Western Washington. Besides being an author, Victoria is also an elementary school art teacher. Victoria enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, hiking and good movies. Victoria is the author of The Warble and The Shard.


Blog | Facebook | Twitter

A Fantastic New Series Not Unlike CS Lewis' Narnia

The Warble by Victoria Simcox

ISBN: 978-1494751418

Purchase the book: Kindle | Softcover

Blurb: Dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and an evil queen – all these and more can be found in The Warble, an enchanting tale of adventure and friendship. Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself transported to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and the evil Queen Sentiz. In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she’s honored as “the chosen one” the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz’s control. But it’s not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous “Warble” in its resting place. And she must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen’s “zelbocks” before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, as well as an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.

      The Warble was an interesting fantasy book. Though this is not my normal genre of reading, I found it to be an intriguing read. The story is clearly written for middle grade students but anyone can enjoy the book. I love how the author created the main character to be someone that many people can relate to. Though she isn't a popular kid, she learns to find the strength and power within herself. This is a powerful factor as it shows kids that no matter how bad things are in life, there is hope. You can persevere and get through anything. It encourages kids to feel better about themselves no matter what the world thinks of them. The book also deals with the topic of bullying, which is an important topic that needs to be addressed. Bullying is NOT okay!!!

     I enjoyed the story. The author is very descriptive and draws the reader into the story. I could really picture the things going on in the book. The characters are well developed. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good story.


About the author:

     Victoria was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. She now resides in Western Washington. Besides being an author, Victoria is also an elementary school art teacher. Victoria enjoys writing, reading, painting watercolors, hiking and good movies. Victoria is the author of The Warble and The Shard.



Blog | Facebook | Twitter