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Chronicles of the Hidden Realms: Return of the Light
An unknown past reveals a destiny long foretold.
Peter and Isabella Toth thought they were like any ordinary fourteen or twelve-year-old living in Garavelle, until they encounter Light Snatchers in the woods, and their world is flipped upside down. Imagine their surprise learning they are from another realm, the Land of Light, and are being hunted by the Dark Lord Gog who cursed their homeland long ago.
Together, this brother and sister, along with their friend Sarah, are forced into a perilous journey where a destiny calls them to return the light back to their kingdom. They must discover courage as they venture through a magical realm to find the Light Spark and break the evil curse plaguing the Land of Light. But unforeseen obstacles arise as Lord Gog sends dragons, wolves, Nicromines, and Light Snatchers to hunt them down.
The curse will spread if the magical creatures of the Land of Light do not rise up to fight alongside Peter and Isabella. Will the Light Spark be found in time? Will Peter and Isabella face their fears and step into their destiny before darkness consumes the realm? They will need more than courage to face the ultimate battle of their lives in Leah Ann Brown’s debut novel, Chronicles of the Hidden Return of the Light.
Peter and Isabella Toth thought they were like any ordinary fourteen or twelve-year-old living in Garavelle, until they encounter Light Snatchers in the woods, and their world is flipped upside down. Imagine their surprise learning they are from another realm, the Land of Light, and are being hunted by the Dark Lord Gog who cursed their homeland long ago.
Together, this brother and sister, along with their friend Sarah, are forced into a perilous journey where a destiny calls them to return the light back to their kingdom. They must discover courage as they venture through a magical realm to find the Light Spark and break the evil curse plaguing the Land of Light. But unforeseen obstacles arise as Lord Gog sends dragons, wolves, Nicromines, and Light Snatchers to hunt them down.
The curse will spread if the magical creatures of the Land of Light do not rise up to fight alongside Peter and Isabella. Will the Light Spark be found in time? Will Peter and Isabella face their fears and step into their destiny before darkness consumes the realm? They will need more than courage to face the ultimate battle of their lives in Leah Ann Brown’s debut novel, Chronicles of the Hidden Return of the Light.
239 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2023
About the author
Leah Ann Brown
1 book8 followersLeah Ann Brown grew up in beautiful Southern Oregon, where her love for nature and fantasy was first ignited. As a young girl she spent hours outside playing make believe. This is where she first learned to love fantasy, along with the books and stories shared by her mother and grandmother throughout her life. With such creative encouragement from family, she drew her first picture book in first grade. From there her love for imagining and storytelling only grew stronger, until one day she decided to make her dreams a reality and began her storytelling journey to be published. One of her passions is to see the next generation walk in the fullness and greatness of who they were created to be and know that obstacles can be overcome with hard work. As a young girl she struggled with reading because of dyslexia. But she didn’t let a label and challenge hold her back. She continued to work hard through school and her learning challenges, sometimes having to work harder than others. Throughout life she had to overcome fears of not being good enough, and not give up on her dreams. She graduated at the top of her class in high school and went on to get her Pharmacy tech. license and massage license. In college she loved creative writing but still let fear hold her back from taking the first steps in writing a book. Could someone with dyslexia write a book? The stories as a young girl showed characters overcoming obstacles, so why couldn’t she. Connecting with characters from movies, the bible, and books, she saw how the characters impacted her life and taught her lessons. Now she wants her writing to impact young adults as she takes them on fantastical adventures to other realms. When she’s not enthralled with writing, she’s homeschooling her two boys, inspiring others to be creative, hiking, gardening, reading fantasy, drawing, painting, or watching SiFi and fantasy movies/shows.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 18, 2023
Chronicles of the Hidden Realms: Return of the Light is an enchanting story that follows a brother and sister who enter a realm full of magic and danger. When Light Snatchers attack them in the woods, Peter and Isabella quickly learn the truth of who they are and where they come from. With the Dark Lord Gog putting a fear curse on their Kingdom, Peter and Isabella must work with the magical creatures of their homeland to stop Gog's evil plans and find the Light Spark if they are to have any hope of victory.
What stood out the most to me in this story was how much it reminded me of reading the Chronicles of Narnia as a kid. I love those books so much, and Leah's book has many themes that resonate with the heart of the Narnia series. The fight against evil, finding courage, standing up to the darkness, embracing destiny, the power of truth and how it trumps the lies of the enemy. This story is jammed packed with magic and delightful characters that will make readers smile. I loved Grundle and Nobby so much; I could picture them so clearly with Leah's descriptions. Oh, and the illustrations in this book are BEAUTIFUL! They added richness to the story, and I looked forward to each one as I turned the page.
If you love magic, fantasy, and a story of good vs. evil, then you must read Chronicles of the Hidden Realms and enter this portal to a world of destiny and light!
What stood out the most to me in this story was how much it reminded me of reading the Chronicles of Narnia as a kid. I love those books so much, and Leah's book has many themes that resonate with the heart of the Narnia series. The fight against evil, finding courage, standing up to the darkness, embracing destiny, the power of truth and how it trumps the lies of the enemy. This story is jammed packed with magic and delightful characters that will make readers smile. I loved Grundle and Nobby so much; I could picture them so clearly with Leah's descriptions. Oh, and the illustrations in this book are BEAUTIFUL! They added richness to the story, and I looked forward to each one as I turned the page.
If you love magic, fantasy, and a story of good vs. evil, then you must read Chronicles of the Hidden Realms and enter this portal to a world of destiny and light!
June 25, 2023
I like reading fantasy adventure stories, and this one is worth it. Leah did a beautiful job weaving faith and the importance of sharing God’s light into the dark world. These characters are fighting for what they believe and know darkness can’t win forever. I love the importance of friendships, family, and working together as a team.
June 20, 2023
This book was a FANTASTIC adventure into a realm with many fun and fascinating magical creatures and intriguing villians. I read this book aloud to my 10 year old daughter, and she couldn’t get enough. The main characters were a delight to follow as their new friends help them to navigate hard lessons and choices. Your kids will be on the edge of their seat cheering on the children as they fight to take back the kingdom of light.
If you are looking for a story that will inspire your kids to have courage and teach them that fighting for what they believe in, though hard, is worth it—then this book is for you.
If you are looking for a story that will inspire your kids to have courage and teach them that fighting for what they believe in, though hard, is worth it—then this book is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2023
Chronicles of the Hidden Realms: Return of the Light is one of the BEST books I’ve read in a long time. There’s so much I love about this book: everything from the wholesome, unconditional friendship, beautifully developed characters, to the positive messages about never giving up and overcoming fears.
There wasn’t a character I didn’t like and enjoy. Even Lord Gog was an intimidating, enthralling villain. His deviousness and unyielding will to conquer Isabella and Peters’s kingdom just made me root for our protagonists harder. Nobby and Grundle were unique and wonderful characters. And let’s not forget the dragons! There is even artwork inside. Beautiful, beautiful artwork that displays the amount of emotion poured into each scene.
What I loved most about this book was the unconditional love and friendship between the characters. I’ll love a book all the more with friends working together as a team to accomplish their goals. The messages about never giving up hope and overcoming obstacles and fear are enlightening messages for anyone, especially a younger audience. As someone with low self-esteem and slwoly learning to build confidence, Peter and Isabella’s journey really resonated with me. With courage, friendship, and a little magic, anything is possible.
I highly recommend reading Chronicles of the Hidden Realm if you love all things fantasy, good vs evil, strong friendships, dragons, and a quest to save kingdom from the hands of an evil lord, then this book is for you!
There wasn’t a character I didn’t like and enjoy. Even Lord Gog was an intimidating, enthralling villain. His deviousness and unyielding will to conquer Isabella and Peters’s kingdom just made me root for our protagonists harder. Nobby and Grundle were unique and wonderful characters. And let’s not forget the dragons! There is even artwork inside. Beautiful, beautiful artwork that displays the amount of emotion poured into each scene.
What I loved most about this book was the unconditional love and friendship between the characters. I’ll love a book all the more with friends working together as a team to accomplish their goals. The messages about never giving up hope and overcoming obstacles and fear are enlightening messages for anyone, especially a younger audience. As someone with low self-esteem and slwoly learning to build confidence, Peter and Isabella’s journey really resonated with me. With courage, friendship, and a little magic, anything is possible.
I highly recommend reading Chronicles of the Hidden Realm if you love all things fantasy, good vs evil, strong friendships, dragons, and a quest to save kingdom from the hands of an evil lord, then this book is for you!
June 24, 2023
This book is a fun, fantastical journey through a challenging world of interesting creatures. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one. It's a great choice for teens who enjoy epic fantasy.
June 27, 2023
Rated it!😊
July 7, 2023
A wonderful immersive fantasy with characters to route for. This book has been compared to Narnia and I think that's a great comparison although I would also say its unique in its own right.
A story not only to be enjoyed by middle graders but also adults of all ages. I'm grateful I got to read an early ARC of this beautiful story. Thank you so much.
Now available to buy where books are sold, and in hardback as well!
Well done Leah Ann.
A story not only to be enjoyed by middle graders but also adults of all ages. I'm grateful I got to read an early ARC of this beautiful story. Thank you so much.
Now available to buy where books are sold, and in hardback as well!
Well done Leah Ann.
October 1, 2025
Chronicles of the Hidden Realms: Return of the Light is an imaginative and heartfelt fantasy adventure that kept me engaged from the start. I loved the way Peter and Isabella’s ordinary lives suddenly open into a magical world where courage and hope are tested at every turn. The blend of mystery, danger, and discovery made their journey exciting, and the fantasy creatures, like dragons and Light Snatchers added plenty of suspense and wonder. What stood out most to me was the inspiring theme of light overcoming darkness. This is a story that both younger and older readers can enjoy, and I would definitely recommend it!
June 7, 2024
Read this on my vacation. Great book with a wholesome story. Parent approved.
The story reminds me a lot of The Chronicles of Narnia, with a measuring of The Inheritance Cycle, with a helping of Pixie Hollow, and a smidge of Star Wars. The story is positive with themes of Hope, Perseverance, and Redemption. I love the mixture of creatures in this story and I like that it’s clean and appropriate for children. I’d recommend it if you like an imaginative fantasy story that surprises and delights you. Absolutely charming.
The story reminds me a lot of The Chronicles of Narnia, with a measuring of The Inheritance Cycle, with a helping of Pixie Hollow, and a smidge of Star Wars. The story is positive with themes of Hope, Perseverance, and Redemption. I love the mixture of creatures in this story and I like that it’s clean and appropriate for children. I’d recommend it if you like an imaginative fantasy story that surprises and delights you. Absolutely charming.
May 16, 2026
A Fun, Fast Paced Tale
This adventure is about seventy percent Narnia, twenty percent Middle Earth, and ten percent Eternia. The characters are lovable, and the mission is intriguing. It’s a great read for your middle graders.
This adventure is about seventy percent Narnia, twenty percent Middle Earth, and ten percent Eternia. The characters are lovable, and the mission is intriguing. It’s a great read for your middle graders.
June 28, 2023
Fun read for all ages, imaginative, and wholesome. Looking forward to more in this series!
January 2, 2024
A wonderful family read.
A wonderful family read.
Leah has woven a wonderful enchanting story that will hook you from page one. With fascinating creatures and a storyline that is reminiscent of Narnia and a touch of Harry Potter that are deliciously scary with good overcoming evil.
Gazer, Nobby, and Grundle are my favorites.
With difficult battles and overwhelming circumstances, you will identify with the heroes, Isabella and Peter: two young people who learn of their true identity and the remarkable gifts that lie within them.
The analogies and familiar truths in this fantasy fiction will remind us all to be courageous in our fight for truth. To be brave when the light is challenged or when darkness attempts to put that light out. A message that is desperately needed now. The magic and spiritual truths in this book will stir up curiosity toward a life of faith.
Redemption is a coming thread strung throughout the pages. Looking forward to book two.
A wonderful family read.
Leah has woven a wonderful enchanting story that will hook you from page one. With fascinating creatures and a storyline that is reminiscent of Narnia and a touch of Harry Potter that are deliciously scary with good overcoming evil.
Gazer, Nobby, and Grundle are my favorites.
With difficult battles and overwhelming circumstances, you will identify with the heroes, Isabella and Peter: two young people who learn of their true identity and the remarkable gifts that lie within them.
The analogies and familiar truths in this fantasy fiction will remind us all to be courageous in our fight for truth. To be brave when the light is challenged or when darkness attempts to put that light out. A message that is desperately needed now. The magic and spiritual truths in this book will stir up curiosity toward a life of faith.
Redemption is a coming thread strung throughout the pages. Looking forward to book two.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews