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Avalon Trilogy #1
The Star Realm
What would you do if you were called to another world…a world filled with seemingly impossible things?
Faced with this choice, Davie, Ben, Anne, Chrissie and Billy embark upon a mysterious quest, finding themselves transported to the spectacular and extraordinary world of Avalon, whereupon they are catapulted into one of the uncountable heptagonal pieces that make up the magical sphere of the Orb of Caprice…namely, The Star Realm.
Follow the exploits of the five and champion their long, arduous yet amazing journey. But a question remains…will Time be on their side?
This story is for anyone with a head overflowing with dreams, a heart filled with a yearning for adventure and a soul buoyant in magic.
Cover Design: Julie Elizabeth Powell
Original background photo: sattva from freedigitialphotos.net
Faced with this choice, Davie, Ben, Anne, Chrissie and Billy embark upon a mysterious quest, finding themselves transported to the spectacular and extraordinary world of Avalon, whereupon they are catapulted into one of the uncountable heptagonal pieces that make up the magical sphere of the Orb of Caprice…namely, The Star Realm.
Follow the exploits of the five and champion their long, arduous yet amazing journey. But a question remains…will Time be on their side?
This story is for anyone with a head overflowing with dreams, a heart filled with a yearning for adventure and a soul buoyant in magic.
Cover Design: Julie Elizabeth Powell
Original background photo: sattva from freedigitialphotos.net
- GenresFantasy
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2008
35 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Julie Elizabeth Powell
72 books324 followersHello everyone. If you haven't guessed by now I have a passion for words and have numerous books published in a variety of genres and lengths, in addition to short story anthologies with other authors in the Mind's Eye Series.
Several of my stories are also included within several box sets with Paper Gold Publishing.
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I cannot ignore my dreams, so many of them, with names and places and ideas that spark my imagination and compel me to write; to create stories, whether fantasy or horror, or mystery or psychological thriller or murder or even humour and adventure. So, my garden is sown, flourishing, with all manner of growth, and still the dreams come.
Julie Elizabeth Powell, my soul lingering within my imagination; maybe you’ll join me?
Several of my stories are also included within several box sets with Paper Gold Publishing.
Audiobooks are also available at Audible.
UK - http://www.audible.co.uk/search/ref=a...
USA - http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_m...
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_s...
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_...
http://julizpow.wix.com/julieelizabet...
http://www.freewebs.com/julizpow
http://www.lulu.com/julizpow
http://www.amazon.com/Julie-Elizabeth...
https://www.facebook.com/julieelizabe...
https://www.facebook.com/GoneByJulieE...
https://twitter.com/starjewelz
I cannot ignore my dreams, so many of them, with names and places and ideas that spark my imagination and compel me to write; to create stories, whether fantasy or horror, or mystery or psychological thriller or murder or even humour and adventure. So, my garden is sown, flourishing, with all manner of growth, and still the dreams come.
Julie Elizabeth Powell, my soul lingering within my imagination; maybe you’ll join me?
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 31, 2024
I wrote this book from the world created in my last - Gone - and would recommended it to anyone with a thirst for enchantment and voyages into the unknown.
This is a wonderful chance to soak up the magic and adventure by following the main characters in this book but it also shows that friendship will win over insurmountable odds.
An epic read full of all the excitement that we may have left behind in childhood.
The Star Realm is the first in the Avalon Trilogy and can be found at www.lulu.com/julizpow
This is a wonderful chance to soak up the magic and adventure by following the main characters in this book but it also shows that friendship will win over insurmountable odds.
An epic read full of all the excitement that we may have left behind in childhood.
The Star Realm is the first in the Avalon Trilogy and can be found at www.lulu.com/julizpow
October 23, 2012
Julie Elizabeth Powell again transports her readers to the world created in her novel Gone. This is Avalon and the Star Realm is just a small part of this wonderful place. Sadly, this world is under threat. As greed and selfish materialism infiltrate and corrupt the good in our human world, the balance in Avalon is being upset as evil forces work to overthrow order. What is required, in Ezrin the Timekeeper’s opinion, is the intervention of humankind. He chooses five children - Davie, Ben, Billy, Chrissie and Anne. Their tasks will be to find the vital Elements that must be restored to their rightful place with the king and also to find the kidnapped princess.
The Star Realm is an epic tale, full of adventure, suspense and courage. The children meet some amazing characters - some scary, others amusing - as they race against time to fulfil their quest.
This is a magical book. The author is so adept at creating wonderful pictures in the mind; I love her descriptions of the places the children visited. I liked the development of the children’s characters as they faced and dealt with the situations in which they found themselves. I also felt that Julie Elizabeth Powell
strongly promoted the importance of truth, wisdom and courage in the pages of her novel, as well as showing her readers just how much can be achieved by working in unity, as a team.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Star Realm and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy. Although aimed at older children, I think this will appeal to many lovers of fantasy, whatever their age.
March 24, 2009
The first adventure in the Avalon trilogy, and Julie Elizabeth Powell has written yet another fantastic book. She is definitely a writer to look out for. Watch out J.K. Rowling!
This book is written for pre-teens, but its appeal will be much wider. Adults who like Harry Potter or any similar fantasy stories will love this.
A fantasy novel and an epic adventure. Anyone who has already read 'Gone' by Julie Elizabeth Powell will be familiar with the strange but wonderful world of Avalon, which is a place where people go when the die. In this book we meet Davie, Anne, Ben, Billy and Chrissie, all aged between 10 and 12. The five children are chosen by Ezrin, The Time Keeper of Avalon to be the saviours of the Star Realm which is in danger from a dark and frightening force. Will the children find the seven elements and save the Princess who has been captured? Will they have enough time?
Follow the five children on their quest as they meet strange creatures, face grave danger and enjoy wonderful magic in the Star Realm.
It's an enchanting, captivating read which also contains important messages about the way we treat the world and the consequences of our actions.
This book is written for pre-teens, but its appeal will be much wider. Adults who like Harry Potter or any similar fantasy stories will love this.
A fantasy novel and an epic adventure. Anyone who has already read 'Gone' by Julie Elizabeth Powell will be familiar with the strange but wonderful world of Avalon, which is a place where people go when the die. In this book we meet Davie, Anne, Ben, Billy and Chrissie, all aged between 10 and 12. The five children are chosen by Ezrin, The Time Keeper of Avalon to be the saviours of the Star Realm which is in danger from a dark and frightening force. Will the children find the seven elements and save the Princess who has been captured? Will they have enough time?
Follow the five children on their quest as they meet strange creatures, face grave danger and enjoy wonderful magic in the Star Realm.
It's an enchanting, captivating read which also contains important messages about the way we treat the world and the consequences of our actions.
April 24, 2011
While reading this I kept think what a shame my kids are too old to read to now. Why? Well this is the kind of story that deserves to be read to kids as a bedtime tale. Filled with adventure from beginning to end as we follow Davie and friends to save the Star Realm by gathering the elements and returning them to the king. This adventure carries the reader along with the friends that at times you have to force yourself to put it down so you can get up in the morning for work. Luckily there are lots of places to stop even if you have no desire to do so. As I said this is a great family read, one for sharing and encouraging kids to read in later life.
January 23, 2012
The Star Realm (Avalon Trilogy, #1) Julie Elizabeth Powell
This is the first in the Avalon Trilogy, Readers were introduced to the mystical, magical world of Avalon in the book Gone.The Star Realm, an epic adventurous fantasy introduces us to five amazing children Anne, Ben, Billy, Chrissie and Dave. They are chose by the Keeper of Avalon (Ezrin) to save The Star Realm.
A dark force is out to stop them, while the children are on the quest to find the seven elements and to save a captured princess. Time is running out for them, but the will not quit, these brave children are on a mission to succeed and nothing will stop them. They must face many dangers and encounter bizarre and wonderous creatures.
I found the characters lovable, the adventure amazing, frightening and fun. I recommend to both Young , Young Adult and Adults with an open mind and adventurous heart.
I look forward to the next book in the series Invasion. Once again Julie Elizabeth Powell Has taken me out of this world and brought me to an amazing place full of enchantment and wonder.
This is the first in the Avalon Trilogy, Readers were introduced to the mystical, magical world of Avalon in the book Gone.The Star Realm, an epic adventurous fantasy introduces us to five amazing children Anne, Ben, Billy, Chrissie and Dave. They are chose by the Keeper of Avalon (Ezrin) to save The Star Realm.
A dark force is out to stop them, while the children are on the quest to find the seven elements and to save a captured princess. Time is running out for them, but the will not quit, these brave children are on a mission to succeed and nothing will stop them. They must face many dangers and encounter bizarre and wonderous creatures.
I found the characters lovable, the adventure amazing, frightening and fun. I recommend to both Young , Young Adult and Adults with an open mind and adventurous heart.
I look forward to the next book in the series Invasion. Once again Julie Elizabeth Powell Has taken me out of this world and brought me to an amazing place full of enchantment and wonder.
November 18, 2010
Marvelous and compelling fantasy story about young heros and heroines thrust into another dimension and their fight for right and survival.
June 5, 2017
Good sci-fi and fantasy story
This is a sci-fi and fantasy story centred around the world of Avalon, a magical sphere known as The Star Realm, and an adventure for five friends. They embark on a quest, against the clock, to find objects, rescue a princess, interact with goblins, fairies and an angel, while Avalon inhabitants provide clues to help the children seek items that will save Avalon. The characters are mostly well formed and easy to invest in emotionally. Although, it wasn't clear to me why this particular five children were chosen for this adventure - maybe that will be revealed in the next book. It may be that it is because they are children and their purity and simplicity was needed to save the day. A bit like Alice in Wonderland, they need time to adapt to their new world before saving it. The world of Avalon is well imagined and I enjoyed the scenes with their magical features. Overall a worthwhile read. Recommended.
This is a sci-fi and fantasy story centred around the world of Avalon, a magical sphere known as The Star Realm, and an adventure for five friends. They embark on a quest, against the clock, to find objects, rescue a princess, interact with goblins, fairies and an angel, while Avalon inhabitants provide clues to help the children seek items that will save Avalon. The characters are mostly well formed and easy to invest in emotionally. Although, it wasn't clear to me why this particular five children were chosen for this adventure - maybe that will be revealed in the next book. It may be that it is because they are children and their purity and simplicity was needed to save the day. A bit like Alice in Wonderland, they need time to adapt to their new world before saving it. The world of Avalon is well imagined and I enjoyed the scenes with their magical features. Overall a worthwhile read. Recommended.
March 7, 2018
The Star Realm (Avalon Trilogy, #1) Julie Elizabeth Powell
This is the first in the Avalon Trilogy, Readers were introduced to the mystical, magical world of Avalon in the book Gone.The Star Realm, an epic adventurous fantasy introduces us to five amazing children Anne, Ben, Billy, Chrissie and Dave. They are chose by the Keeper of Avalon (Ezrin) to save The Star Realm.
A dark force is out to stop them, while the children are on the quest to find the seven elements and to save a captured princess. Time is running out for them, but the will not quit, these brave children are on a mission to succeed and nothing will stop them. They must face many dangers and encounter bizarre and wonderous creatures.
I found the characters lovable, the adventure amazing, frightening and fun. I recommend to both Young , Young Adult and Adults with an open mind and adventurous heart.
This is the first in the Avalon Trilogy, Readers were introduced to the mystical, magical world of Avalon in the book Gone.The Star Realm, an epic adventurous fantasy introduces us to five amazing children Anne, Ben, Billy, Chrissie and Dave. They are chose by the Keeper of Avalon (Ezrin) to save The Star Realm.
A dark force is out to stop them, while the children are on the quest to find the seven elements and to save a captured princess. Time is running out for them, but the will not quit, these brave children are on a mission to succeed and nothing will stop them. They must face many dangers and encounter bizarre and wonderous creatures.
I found the characters lovable, the adventure amazing, frightening and fun. I recommend to both Young , Young Adult and Adults with an open mind and adventurous heart.
May 29, 2017
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This book follows five children (Ben, Billy, Davie, Anne and Chrissie) as they try to save another realm. Through their time trying to save the Star Realm, they have to look at themselves, their motivations and their values. It read very much like a coming of age novel and personally made me think a bit of Peter Pan.
Julie Elizabeth Powell has a talent for writing and this book was really good. It was made even better by the narrator Ms Nano Nagle, who had to differentiate between the five main characters and succeeded brilliantly.
This book follows five children (Ben, Billy, Davie, Anne and Chrissie) as they try to save another realm. Through their time trying to save the Star Realm, they have to look at themselves, their motivations and their values. It read very much like a coming of age novel and personally made me think a bit of Peter Pan.
Julie Elizabeth Powell has a talent for writing and this book was really good. It was made even better by the narrator Ms Nano Nagle, who had to differentiate between the five main characters and succeeded brilliantly.
July 3, 2017
This was a great, entertaining book. I'm a big fan of fantasy books whether they are for adults or Y/A. As long as they hold me in their spell, I'm happy.
This was the first time I've read Julie Elizabeth Powell's writing. Her narrative flows, she keeps the excitement going, the intrigue that all fantasy should have, and the questions about the characters who developed beautifully.
There is nothing more heartwarming than delving into a fantastical world where the impossible is possible and more. A lovely, enjoyable read.
This was the first time I've read Julie Elizabeth Powell's writing. Her narrative flows, she keeps the excitement going, the intrigue that all fantasy should have, and the questions about the characters who developed beautifully.
There is nothing more heartwarming than delving into a fantastical world where the impossible is possible and more. A lovely, enjoyable read.
November 27, 2017
A YA Fantasy with a Great Message
An Alice in Wonderland style of book which addresses the issues we face in society today, where people are too distant from one another to create meaningful relationships. This book reminds us that keeping a childlike wonder for life and people will save us. This story follows five children who are chosen because of their innocence and belief in magic to unite the different realms of our existence. What I enjoyed the most is that the children were able to return to their regular lives with keepsakes of their time in the Star Realm, a physical reminder to keep believing in magic.
An Alice in Wonderland style of book which addresses the issues we face in society today, where people are too distant from one another to create meaningful relationships. This book reminds us that keeping a childlike wonder for life and people will save us. This story follows five children who are chosen because of their innocence and belief in magic to unite the different realms of our existence. What I enjoyed the most is that the children were able to return to their regular lives with keepsakes of their time in the Star Realm, a physical reminder to keep believing in magic.
August 5, 2014
There's Avalon and there's Elsewhere. Davie, his brother Ben and their friends Anne, Chrissie and Billy live in Elsewhere but as the balance changes in Avalon, as an evil power sweeps across the land, they need human help to retrieve the lost Elements. Ezrin has permission from the Star Council to bring the five children to Avalon and, once they arrive in this land, just a dream away from Elsewhere, and receive their instructions, the children set out upon their quest.
There are objects to find, a princess to rescue, goblins, fairies and an angel, while the folk that live in Avalon can give them clues but the seeking and claiming of the Elements must be done by the children themselves.
The children's characters are well portrayed, scenes beautifully conceived as the children journey on but quickly I realised, this book would be best enjoyed read aloud to children of about 8-10 years or read and enjoyed by pre-teens. It's a well written, well conceived book and I'm sure will be enjoyed by children who love fantasy stories.
There are objects to find, a princess to rescue, goblins, fairies and an angel, while the folk that live in Avalon can give them clues but the seeking and claiming of the Elements must be done by the children themselves.
The children's characters are well portrayed, scenes beautifully conceived as the children journey on but quickly I realised, this book would be best enjoyed read aloud to children of about 8-10 years or read and enjoyed by pre-teens. It's a well written, well conceived book and I'm sure will be enjoyed by children who love fantasy stories.
April 11, 2013
This is the first book in the Avalon trilogy, In Gone readers were introduced to the mystical magical world of Avalon. The star realm, is an epic fantasy adventure, which introduces us to five amazing children Ben, Billy , Dave, Anne and Chrissie. The keeper of Avalon(Ezrin) chose them to save the star realm. A dark force is out to stop them. The children have to find the seven elements and save a captured princess. They face many dangers but nothing will stop them. Will they succeed in there quest. I highly recommend for young adults to adults its a fantastic story to read with your child. I look forward to more books by Julie Elizabeth Powell
February 4, 2013
Avalon is in trouble and it's up to five children to save Avalon and all that is connected to it. As they set upon their unbelievable adventure they learn about themselves as well as the people they call friends.
The journey starts when they are summoned in their dreams and they don't believe that the summons is real. Different things happen that cause them to look within themselves and really find out who they truly are. Will the kids actually be the same if they save Avalon? Will they be able to save Avalon?
Read The Star Realm book one of the Avalon series to find out!
The journey starts when they are summoned in their dreams and they don't believe that the summons is real. Different things happen that cause them to look within themselves and really find out who they truly are. Will the kids actually be the same if they save Avalon? Will they be able to save Avalon?
Read The Star Realm book one of the Avalon series to find out!
March 22, 2017
This was my first trek into the world of Powell’s storytelling and I had a blast! I think time could turn this delightful tale of five children testing themselves and developing as people through their adventuring into a classic all-ages fantasy. Ben lives in the shadow of Davey, his older brother. Billy rushes into trouble. Chrissy is sad over the death of her mom. Annie only puts stock into science and social issues.
Together the children journey to another realm in order to stop its destruction. Greed and selfishness on the childrens’ world, Elsewhere, is causing the Star Realm to unravel. Only by adventuring the strange and magical Star Realm and gathering seven elements can the children put things to right. In the process they face their own insecurities, selfishness, and sadness. I think this is a beautiful allegory about how people can and should realign their values and question their motivations in order to improve our society.
There is certainly plenty of maligned story telling being passed off as truth in our politics, reality television, and professional interactions. It is great to take in bits of truth in something that is clearly a story.
If you enjoyed reading the Wizard of Oz series, with its highly creative settings and characters, Star Realm is a good choice for you. I think its adventure and excitement pace is similar to Chronicles of Narnia. The theme is much more accessible to me in Star Realm, however. I am truly impressed with this story.
I received a free audible code in exchange for a review. Any review. That fact that it’s a good one is because the book is good. Which has nothing to do with how awesome I am. You’ll have to find that out for yourself @S_Shane_Thomas on Twitter.
As an adult who reads plenty of speculative fiction, I find myself testing the barriers of reality within a story. You can tell me outrageous lies and I will suspend disbelief, but I will also poke and prod the world for believability. It was refreshing to be swept so far away from real life that the idea of testing for believability became the ridiculous and implausible notion.
Before I had kids I always fancied myself a sort of Peter Pan. Raising your own little people can really convince you that you are grown. Star realm was a great chance for me to think in kid terms again. Now’s the part where you stop reading and buy. Go ahead…
Together the children journey to another realm in order to stop its destruction. Greed and selfishness on the childrens’ world, Elsewhere, is causing the Star Realm to unravel. Only by adventuring the strange and magical Star Realm and gathering seven elements can the children put things to right. In the process they face their own insecurities, selfishness, and sadness. I think this is a beautiful allegory about how people can and should realign their values and question their motivations in order to improve our society.
There is certainly plenty of maligned story telling being passed off as truth in our politics, reality television, and professional interactions. It is great to take in bits of truth in something that is clearly a story.
If you enjoyed reading the Wizard of Oz series, with its highly creative settings and characters, Star Realm is a good choice for you. I think its adventure and excitement pace is similar to Chronicles of Narnia. The theme is much more accessible to me in Star Realm, however. I am truly impressed with this story.
I received a free audible code in exchange for a review. Any review. That fact that it’s a good one is because the book is good. Which has nothing to do with how awesome I am. You’ll have to find that out for yourself @S_Shane_Thomas on Twitter.
As an adult who reads plenty of speculative fiction, I find myself testing the barriers of reality within a story. You can tell me outrageous lies and I will suspend disbelief, but I will also poke and prod the world for believability. It was refreshing to be swept so far away from real life that the idea of testing for believability became the ridiculous and implausible notion.
Before I had kids I always fancied myself a sort of Peter Pan. Raising your own little people can really convince you that you are grown. Star realm was a great chance for me to think in kid terms again. Now’s the part where you stop reading and buy. Go ahead…
May 22, 2017
As a fantasy author, I’m constantly on the lookout for that genre. When Amazon recommended The Star Realm by Julie Elizabeth Powell, I gave it a shot. Read on for my review!
Synopsis (from the author): What would you do if you were called to another world…a world filled with seemingly impossible things?
Faced with this choice, Davie, Ben, Anne, Chrissie and Billy embark upon a mysterious quest, finding themselves transported to the spectacular and extraordinary world of Avalon, whereupon they are catapulted into one of the uncountable heptagonal pieces that make up the magical sphere of the Orb of Caprice…namely, the Star Realm question remains…will Time be on their side?
What I liked: The Star Realm has all the elements in place for a great story. 5 friends embarking on a great quest, danger lurking around every corner, help from unexpected places, and a satisfying conclusion made the book an enjoyable read. I liked the talking flowers and the various challenges the children accepted. The goblins were my favorite characters!
What I didn’t like: My dislikes included some of the dialogue, especially from Billy, which was difficult for me to follow. Billy’s constant food obsession irritated me, and Ezrin’s reason for choosing the children for the quest was never adequately explained.
Overall impression: I think this book would appeal to middle grade readers and maybe very young teens. The Star Realm has fun characters, touches on many of the issues in the world today, and has enough action and adventure to hold the reader’s attention.
My rating: 3.5 Stars (rounded to 4 stars)
Synopsis (from the author): What would you do if you were called to another world…a world filled with seemingly impossible things?
Faced with this choice, Davie, Ben, Anne, Chrissie and Billy embark upon a mysterious quest, finding themselves transported to the spectacular and extraordinary world of Avalon, whereupon they are catapulted into one of the uncountable heptagonal pieces that make up the magical sphere of the Orb of Caprice…namely, the Star Realm question remains…will Time be on their side?
What I liked: The Star Realm has all the elements in place for a great story. 5 friends embarking on a great quest, danger lurking around every corner, help from unexpected places, and a satisfying conclusion made the book an enjoyable read. I liked the talking flowers and the various challenges the children accepted. The goblins were my favorite characters!
What I didn’t like: My dislikes included some of the dialogue, especially from Billy, which was difficult for me to follow. Billy’s constant food obsession irritated me, and Ezrin’s reason for choosing the children for the quest was never adequately explained.
Overall impression: I think this book would appeal to middle grade readers and maybe very young teens. The Star Realm has fun characters, touches on many of the issues in the world today, and has enough action and adventure to hold the reader’s attention.
My rating: 3.5 Stars (rounded to 4 stars)
June 15, 2017
“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
I found this book to be a pleasure. Narration is critical and Nano Nagle does it wonderfully! Characters are individuals and there is feeling. The book is really brought to life!
This book is perfect for adults, YA, or even advanced children in my opinion. I found that there was plenty of action and plot development, but nothing too seriously violent, gory, unsavory, etc. Personally, I enjoy well-placed and well-used swearing etc. and I also enjoy bloody violence. I did not miss them in this book. There was magic, mystery, and plenty of action. There were morals and lessons, personal growth, and entertainment all around. As I titled this, I think of this story as a combination of parts of Peter Pan, Harry Potter, and Narnia. There are various creatures and entities that are all common enough in fantasy, but are not stale here by any means. Julie Elizabeth Powell has her own direction and story to tell, and while I felt reminded of other stories, this plot is entirely original and it grabs the listener. I'm sold. Bring on book 2. I want to know more!
I found this book to be a pleasure. Narration is critical and Nano Nagle does it wonderfully! Characters are individuals and there is feeling. The book is really brought to life!
This book is perfect for adults, YA, or even advanced children in my opinion. I found that there was plenty of action and plot development, but nothing too seriously violent, gory, unsavory, etc. Personally, I enjoy well-placed and well-used swearing etc. and I also enjoy bloody violence. I did not miss them in this book. There was magic, mystery, and plenty of action. There were morals and lessons, personal growth, and entertainment all around. As I titled this, I think of this story as a combination of parts of Peter Pan, Harry Potter, and Narnia. There are various creatures and entities that are all common enough in fantasy, but are not stale here by any means. Julie Elizabeth Powell has her own direction and story to tell, and while I felt reminded of other stories, this plot is entirely original and it grabs the listener. I'm sold. Bring on book 2. I want to know more!
July 24, 2017
This is the first instalment of an entertaining middle grade fantasy. Ezrin, the Time Keeper of the heavenly realm of Avalon summons five children from Elsewhere through their dreams into the Star Realm, one of the uncountable heptagonal pieces that make up the Orb of Caprice. When dark forces threaten to destroy Avalon, the children are given a quest to rescue a princess and find seven magical elements while overcoming evil forces. At first, the ordinary Earth-like world of Elsewhere with its mundane concerns felt like a comforting glimpse into a world echoing Enid Blyton’s 'Famous Five', but the action quickly ramps up when they’re transported to the fantasy landscape of Avalon.
The author has strongly developed her main protagonists, brothers, Davie and Ben and their friends Anne, Chrissie and Billy. They have convincing and modern back-stories, distinct personalities and voices and show strong character development as they overcome the forces of evil. This is a fast-paced, adventure fantasy set in a vividly imagined world populated with fantastic creatures that will entertain the young and young at heart.
The author has strongly developed her main protagonists, brothers, Davie and Ben and their friends Anne, Chrissie and Billy. They have convincing and modern back-stories, distinct personalities and voices and show strong character development as they overcome the forces of evil. This is a fast-paced, adventure fantasy set in a vividly imagined world populated with fantastic creatures that will entertain the young and young at heart.
December 23, 2017
The Star Realm by Julie Powell is a rich story seeped in morals and high principles. I think it would be very well received by Christians as a book to both entertain and encourage their children, although my only reservation is the length, which is much longer than a normal children's/YA book, and the only reason I give it 4 instead of 5 stars. I feel this book would be better broken down into smaller books so that children would find them easier to read, most people don't enjoy epic books until they're fully grown.
I really enjoyed the intricate descriptions and the attention to detail that gave this feel-good story real character.
I really enjoyed the intricate descriptions and the attention to detail that gave this feel-good story real character.
August 1, 2017
I picked this book up because of the blurb. I'm not usually a big fantasy reader but I loved this book. It was engaging from the first word and pulled me into the story, taking me along for the ride. It had amazing imagery and story telling and I loved it. I would recommend it for anyone who likes a good fantasy book and a quest by the five children through time and space to save Avalon. It was brilliant!
October 4, 2017
A great start to what promises to be a most exciting trilogy. The children are very entertaining and their characters really grow throughout the read, their differences offset nicely against each other. I'm always in envy of authors that can create complete alternate worlds and this is no exception. A thoroughly gripping story from the outset; great YA fantasy adventure. I look forward to enjoying more in the series.
June 4, 2014
The Star Realm (#1 Avalon Trilogy) by Julie Elizabeth Powell is a story that tells of how five children were transported to the lands of the afterlife to help sort out matters that could eventually lead to the destruction of our universe when an evil entity named DarkStar began to tamper with the magical creatures living in Avalon. The Star Council who look after Avalon knew that goodhearted children were needed because children are the only souls available in our world that could be counted on to believe in magic.
It seems that The Star Council are either unable, or unwilling to attempt to sort matters for themselves. Also Avalon seems to be a stopover that humans shortly go to after they have died but before they are born again. For whatever reason, instead of resembling the expected good or evil afterlife filled with once-living human souls, it is populated with good goblins, happy pixies and a good number of people who seem to despise our existence without trying to claim any connection to Earth.
I read it both before and after the last 4 or so unscheduled reviews I wrote, because although I still find myself unable to explain the whole basis for the story in a way that satisfies me, it is a book that I truly enjoyed. I suppose I have to liken the existence of Avalon to something like the existence of Narnia with its complete fairy-tale land that has some deep questionable connection to death. If you are willing to run with it, I would certainly recommend The Star Realm to read.
It basically tells of how two brothers, Dave and Ben, along with their good friends Billy, Anne and Chrissie get to have a wonderful adventure in a land that can only be a true artwork of pure imagination. Not only do they learn many things about themselves, but by the time the story’s over they have encountered memorable friends and foes who I can only hope appear again in the remainder of the trilogy.
It seems that The Star Council are either unable, or unwilling to attempt to sort matters for themselves. Also Avalon seems to be a stopover that humans shortly go to after they have died but before they are born again. For whatever reason, instead of resembling the expected good or evil afterlife filled with once-living human souls, it is populated with good goblins, happy pixies and a good number of people who seem to despise our existence without trying to claim any connection to Earth.
I read it both before and after the last 4 or so unscheduled reviews I wrote, because although I still find myself unable to explain the whole basis for the story in a way that satisfies me, it is a book that I truly enjoyed. I suppose I have to liken the existence of Avalon to something like the existence of Narnia with its complete fairy-tale land that has some deep questionable connection to death. If you are willing to run with it, I would certainly recommend The Star Realm to read.
It basically tells of how two brothers, Dave and Ben, along with their good friends Billy, Anne and Chrissie get to have a wonderful adventure in a land that can only be a true artwork of pure imagination. Not only do they learn many things about themselves, but by the time the story’s over they have encountered memorable friends and foes who I can only hope appear again in the remainder of the trilogy.
February 10, 2017
The Star Realm #1 is an entertaining YA book. Although the young adventurers are chosen and drawn away from this world to another, it felt a lot like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. It took time for them to acclimate and begin their quest to save Avalon, their ability as children to imagine being the heart and soul of salvation. A wonderful fantasy tale.
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