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Delphi Altair: Strange Beginnings
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ASIN can be found here and here
On the day of her mother’s funeral, Megan Donnelly finds a mysterious package on her dresser wrapped in faded brown paper and twine. She has no idea where it came from or how it got there. Somehow, despite her grief, the bundle of faded brown paper and twine has a strange power over her, as if she were spellbound. Inside the package, Megan finds an old leather-bound journal.
Curious, Megan begins to read the story about a strange girl named Delphi Altair. Delphi, who lives with her foster parents in an old Sea Captain’s manor, discovers dangerous alien creatures are trying to kidnap her or worse.
Donovan, a new student at her school, befriends Delphi and together with Nikkos, an alien Watcher sent to protect Delphi, embark on a treacherous journey into the unknown. Megan, fascinated by the journal, comes to realize Delphi’s mysterious quest is more than a story, it is terrifyingly real and Megan is somehow involved. Megan’s life is about to change in ways she could never have imagined.
On the day of her mother’s funeral, Megan Donnelly finds a mysterious package on her dresser wrapped in faded brown paper and twine. She has no idea where it came from or how it got there. Somehow, despite her grief, the bundle of faded brown paper and twine has a strange power over her, as if she were spellbound. Inside the package, Megan finds an old leather-bound journal.
Curious, Megan begins to read the story about a strange girl named Delphi Altair. Delphi, who lives with her foster parents in an old Sea Captain’s manor, discovers dangerous alien creatures are trying to kidnap her or worse.
Donovan, a new student at her school, befriends Delphi and together with Nikkos, an alien Watcher sent to protect Delphi, embark on a treacherous journey into the unknown. Megan, fascinated by the journal, comes to realize Delphi’s mysterious quest is more than a story, it is terrifyingly real and Megan is somehow involved. Megan’s life is about to change in ways she could never have imagined.
- GenresFantasy
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2013
2 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 7, 2014
Simply put: this young adult novel is beautifully done and should be picked up by any fan of epic fantasy stories. I am very impressed by Dowdall's ability to weave together so many characters and story-lines into a cohesive whole (it reminded me of the way Dickens and Tolkien are so deftly able to do this). The story takes place mostly in three settings: in a briny, seaside town sometime in the past, in a beautifully evocative land called Janji, and then in a familiar-seeming town sometime in the present day (where McDonald's and Diet coke and movies exist). Whether Dowdall is evoking an otherly world (filled with magical creatures, such as Snagettes and Tittlecrests) or an earthly one (with clam chowder boiling on the stove and nasty schoolteachers pounding paddles on their desks), her scenes are drawn with such detail that they will pull you in, time and time again.
I really can't recommend this book enough. Try it! You'll be hooked and waiting for the next one.
I really can't recommend this book enough. Try it! You'll be hooked and waiting for the next one.
June 27, 2018
Exceptional Epic Fantasy Novel
Whether evoking mythical creatures from Janji or winsome earthly inhabitants, the majestic scenes are drawn with such memorable details that it will capture your imagination and whisk you away by land, by sea and to a far away realm that we sometimes conjure in our dreams. The author weaves together, seamlessly, three vivid settings: a briny seaside town sometime in the past, a far away land called Janji and a typical small town in the present day. Her ability to weave together diverse characters in different time-periods and story-lines into a cohesive whole, is reminiscent of Dickens and Tolkien. I highly recommend Delphi Altair’s out-of-this-world, breathtaking adventure to readers of all ages.
Whether evoking mythical creatures from Janji or winsome earthly inhabitants, the majestic scenes are drawn with such memorable details that it will capture your imagination and whisk you away by land, by sea and to a far away realm that we sometimes conjure in our dreams. The author weaves together, seamlessly, three vivid settings: a briny seaside town sometime in the past, a far away land called Janji and a typical small town in the present day. Her ability to weave together diverse characters in different time-periods and story-lines into a cohesive whole, is reminiscent of Dickens and Tolkien. I highly recommend Delphi Altair’s out-of-this-world, breathtaking adventure to readers of all ages.
June 3, 2014
Dowdall deftly weaves science fiction and fantasy in her debut novel where creatures and characters abound. I particularly enjoyed the lush and vivid settings of both the little sea town and the majestic (and at times bizarre) planet, Janji. Reminiscent to The Neverending Story and The Princess Bride, here is a middle grade adventure that will entertain and leave you with chills.
February 3, 2018
This is an excellent fantasy story. Karen's writing is very smooth with very vivid storyline and characters. I enjoyed the story.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews