Rairarubia

The Rairarubia Tales #1

by W. Royce Adams

Molly and her father let their imaginations run wild as they create a fantastic story, then strange things begin to happen. Is Molly losing her mind, or are the magical elements of the story actually slipping into her life?

148 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1999

About the author

I'm an Emeritus Professor of English, Santa Barbara City College, Santa Barbara, California, where I taught for twenty-three years. Before that I taught for seven years at South High School, Torrance, California. Before that I spent three years, five months, and five days in the navy.

I earned degrees from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, and California State University, Long Beach. During my thirty-year teaching career, I published twenty-two college textbooks, primarily in the areas of developmental reading, writing and study skills.

I've published several adult short stories, several of which appear in my short story collection, Teacher, Teacher, I Declare! Several of my young adult novels have won awards. See http://www.rairarubiabooks.com.

I'm a past-president of the College Reading and Learning Association, a member of the Author's Guild, the International Reading Association, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, The Association of Booksellers for Children, and the Rockford Writers Guild.

I live in Santa Barbara, California, with my wife, Jane Brody.

Reviews

[Agnes Odek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rairarubia by Royce Adams is a narrative that holds the idea of a story within a story. When Molly’s father starts telling her Romey’s story, she is hooked and keeps wanting to know more. Weird things start to happen to Molly. Could there be a connection between the two?

This young adult book was fun to read. Moving from page to page, both protagonists were interesting as they tried to figure out their current situations. This book is a good indication of wit and resilience, great traits for kids. Written in a simple manner, I couldn’t be more excited to read the second book of the series.

[Lesley Odhiambo · Rating 5 out of 5]

We explore the world of fantasy through Molly a girl who dives deep in a story her dad tells her. She seems to really enjoy that it becomes a bonding factor for her and her dad. Molley is deeply engaged that she starts to live inside the story.

The story is about Sam and Romey who unlock a door that leads them to the land of Rairarubia. The land of nature that is surrounded by tree. Plantation and animals. Molley starts having dreams that feel like a reality. It becomes strange as she starts mentioning names and even brings dust from Rairarubia to real life. Her parents get concerned with her behavior and assume it’s due to her illness. Molly tries to explain to her friend and family but no one seems to believe her story.

Rairarubia is a beautiful book that took me away from reality. It channels one to the world of fantasy. I feel like the author has really tried to entertain readers and I feel the target audience is children especially teenagers. The grammar used is simple and the author has really brought out the personalities of the characters through strong use of adjectives.

[Scovia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rairubia is a story within a story that Molly and his father were making up as they went. It becomes so intense Molly starts having vivid dreams and even finds proof of actually visiting the dreamland she was having.Her mother wants the story to stop because she felt like it was making her have bad dreams and the scenes were becoming violent. This story reminds me of when I was a kid and stories felt so real you could actually visit them, especially in your dreams.The same way Molly was begging the dad to continue the storytelling would be the same way someone would feel if you didn't know how the story would end.

[Arthur Saunders · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one feels like a throwback in a good way, like the kind of imaginative quest story you’d find on a treasured shelf and reread. The world-building has personality, from the strange rules to the little twists that keep shifting what you think is happening. I liked how the book sprinkles in challenges that test character, not just strength. If you enjoy fantasy with discovery, mystery, and a steady sense of forward motion, it’s a solid pick.

[Rey Maynard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has that classic “one more chapter” pull, where everyday life slips into something bigger and stranger in the best way. I loved the mix of real-world family moments with the unfolding fantasy of Rairarubia, and how the story keeps nudging your curiosity forward. The pacing feels lively, with small surprises that keep the momentum going. It’s imaginative, accessible, and genuinely fun to sink into.

[Declan Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this with the mindset of “is it engaging enough to share with a younger reader,” and the answer is yes. The setup hooks quickly, and the story keeps offering new questions and turning points that make you want answers. There’s also a meaningful thread about nature and responsibility woven into the adventure, which adds depth without slowing things down. Overall, it’s entertaining, imaginative, and easy to recommend.

[Kailyn Rush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I didn’t expect to get so invested so fast. The book has a playful spirit, but it also knows how to build suspense, especially when the characters are thrown into situations where they have to think on their feet. I enjoyed the blend of mystery and fantasy, and the way the story keeps expanding the world a little at a time. It’s the kind of read that leaves you curious about what comes next.

[Carmen Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went in expecting a straightforward fantasy, but there’s a clever layer here about stories themselves and how they shape what we notice and fear and hope for. The book balances wonder with tension nicely, and the scenes in Rairarubia have that visual, cinematic quality. I also appreciated that it doesn’t talk down to the reader, even when the characters are young. It’s charming, adventurous, and surprisingly thoughtful.

[Christopher Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

What really worked for me was the voice. It feels conversational and readable, like the kind of adventure you’d hear and instantly want continued, but with enough detail to make the world feel vivid. The “tests” and challenges add a nice sense of purpose without getting heavy-handed. It’s the sort of book I’d recommend to readers who like fantasy that still feels warm and grounded in relatable emotions.

[Pauline Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and immersive story. Rairarubia pulled me in from the very first chapter and kept me invested all the way through. The world-building is vivid, and the author’s writing style is smooth and engaging. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy thoughtful storytelling.

[Lauren Emilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

W. Royce Adams delivers a compelling and imaginative novel. The characters feel real, and the pacing is just right never dragging, never rushed. I found myself thinking about this book even after I finished it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me in the best way. The narrative is rich and layered, and the themes are handled with care. While a few sections felt dense, overall it was a very rewarding read.

[Banks Ejide · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read with strong atmosphere and depth. Rairarubia has a unique voice that sets it apart from other books in its genre.

[Danielle Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

The experience of exploring more about this book is really captivating, and interesting

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Such imaginative characters, the plot had me intrigued throughout, and the father/daughter relationship is truly endearing. I love the way that Molly finds herself blending into the world of Rairarubia more and more as the book progresses . . . A great start to a fun-filled fantasy adventure series!

[Terry]

Read our review at the Reading Tub.