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The Legend of the Taken Ones
This is Book 1 of a fantasy series that will have six books in all. In this book learn about the three children of King Gateskin and his wife, Queen Solinara. The children have had powers since they were quite young..
Serena was three years old when she learned of her power to move objects with her mind. Her brother, Simon, can fly and their sister, Catalina, can become invisible or blend into her surroundings. They live with their parents in Sovorotskina, the Land of Light.
With these powers comes responsibility. The children must try to use their powers for the common good and responsibly to help others. The three children befriend a Sprite named Spindle who accompanies them on their adventure. Along the way they meet up with their aunt and uncle, their mother's brother and his wife, Wizard Hotenfaran and Fairy Procelina. The group must travel into the evil land of Parotovina, Land of Darkness, to save King Gateskin, who was kidnapped, and also rescue some of the descendants of their friends and fellow Sovorotskinans who were captured and taken by the Evil Ones. These descendants have been waiting a long time to be free to return to the villages of their ancestors.
The children have many trials and adventures along the way. Will they be able to rescue their father and fellow Sovorotskinans without endangering their own lives? Will the evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina stop Serena and her siblings from being successful or will they turn Serena and her siblings to their dark ways?
Serena was three years old when she learned of her power to move objects with her mind. Her brother, Simon, can fly and their sister, Catalina, can become invisible or blend into her surroundings. They live with their parents in Sovorotskina, the Land of Light.
With these powers comes responsibility. The children must try to use their powers for the common good and responsibly to help others. The three children befriend a Sprite named Spindle who accompanies them on their adventure. Along the way they meet up with their aunt and uncle, their mother's brother and his wife, Wizard Hotenfaran and Fairy Procelina. The group must travel into the evil land of Parotovina, Land of Darkness, to save King Gateskin, who was kidnapped, and also rescue some of the descendants of their friends and fellow Sovorotskinans who were captured and taken by the Evil Ones. These descendants have been waiting a long time to be free to return to the villages of their ancestors.
The children have many trials and adventures along the way. Will they be able to rescue their father and fellow Sovorotskinans without endangering their own lives? Will the evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina stop Serena and her siblings from being successful or will they turn Serena and her siblings to their dark ways?
467 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2021
1230 people want to read
About the author
Janice Spina
53 books111 followersJanice Spina is an award-winning author with forty-nine books, of which twenty-three are children's books with life lessons in rhyme. Her children's books have won eighteen awards. She has also written for MG/PT/YA and has two magical/mystery series of twelve books for both boys and girls which have won seventeen awards, and four books in a fantasy series for YA with five awards. Her husband, John, is her illustrator and cover creator.
She also writes under J.E. Spina and has nine novels and a short story collection for 18+ in multi-genres. Two of her thriller/crime/suspense/mystery novels were finalists in Authorsdb First Lines Contest.
Her Motto is Reading Gives You Wings to Fly, Soar with Jemsbooks.com all year through! Her logo is JEMSBOOKS for all ages!
Janice's goal is to encourage children of all ages to ready daily to help increase their vocabulary, heighten their creativity, inspire them and hopefully foster a love of reading in them to encourage them to be readers and thinkers for generations to come.
She loves to hear from readers and avidly welcomes reviews of all her books wherever they are purchased.
She also writes under J.E. Spina and has nine novels and a short story collection for 18+ in multi-genres. Two of her thriller/crime/suspense/mystery novels were finalists in Authorsdb First Lines Contest.
Her Motto is Reading Gives You Wings to Fly, Soar with Jemsbooks.com all year through! Her logo is JEMSBOOKS for all ages!
Janice's goal is to encourage children of all ages to ready daily to help increase their vocabulary, heighten their creativity, inspire them and hopefully foster a love of reading in them to encourage them to be readers and thinkers for generations to come.
She loves to hear from readers and avidly welcomes reviews of all her books wherever they are purchased.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
May 8, 2022
This is book 1 in a cute fantasy adventure about good versus evil kings, saving the persecuted and reuniting communities through magic. The emphasis is on family, love, friendships, and trust. It is a gentle fantasy tale suitable for middle grade readers.
The text relies heavily on dialogue. I would have preferred some more descriptive passages to get a better sense of place and where the action is happening.
I enjoyed the short poetic passages in the tale.
I particularly enjoyed the characters of Spindle, a Sprite, and King Gateskin's children whose magic is far beyond what is expected for their ages.
Recommended for middle grade readers and all who enjoy a good fantasy tale.
The text relies heavily on dialogue. I would have preferred some more descriptive passages to get a better sense of place and where the action is happening.
I enjoyed the short poetic passages in the tale.
I particularly enjoyed the characters of Spindle, a Sprite, and King Gateskin's children whose magic is far beyond what is expected for their ages.
Recommended for middle grade readers and all who enjoy a good fantasy tale.
September 5, 2021
If you are fascinated by the wizards, fairies, and little creatures who engage in battles of good versus evil in the fantasy genre, you will love The Legend of the Taken Ones (Gateskin Chronicles, Book 1). It has all these and more. I quickly became engrossed in this enchanting story about King Gateskin, his family, and subjects, as they set out to rescue children who had previously been kidnapped by the evil king of Pantovina. The book is filled with memorable characters and suspenseful situations. It definitely cast a “spell” on me that kept me absorbed until the very last page! Can’t wait for the next episode of the Gateskin Chronicles!
September 23, 2025
5 Stars for the Start of a Great Series
This story has a coming-of-age feel that I really enjoyed. The three children at the center of the tale are discovering not only their unusual gifts but also what it means to face responsibility and danger before they’re truly ready. That tension between innocence and the weight of choice gives the book its heart.
I also love books that lean into dialogue. I’m drawn to novels that read almost like films, and strong dialogue throws me straight into the scenes. It lets me hear the characters as if I were right there with them, which makes my imagination lock onto the story in a vivid way. The narrative builds through conversations, decisions, and the relationships among the characters—characters I really enjoyed getting to know. That’s what kept me invested from start to finish.
I look forward to seeing what happens next in the saga!
This story has a coming-of-age feel that I really enjoyed. The three children at the center of the tale are discovering not only their unusual gifts but also what it means to face responsibility and danger before they’re truly ready. That tension between innocence and the weight of choice gives the book its heart.
I also love books that lean into dialogue. I’m drawn to novels that read almost like films, and strong dialogue throws me straight into the scenes. It lets me hear the characters as if I were right there with them, which makes my imagination lock onto the story in a vivid way. The narrative builds through conversations, decisions, and the relationships among the characters—characters I really enjoyed getting to know. That’s what kept me invested from start to finish.
I look forward to seeing what happens next in the saga!
September 14, 2021
The Taken are the children of the Provence of Noella who have been missing from their homes for many, many years. They were captured by the Parotovinans to be raised under the evil king wizard. Now, King Gateskin of Sovorotskina, Land of Goodness and Light, through his wizardry learns that the Evil Ones are planning to capture the children of the Provence of Noella once again. With the help of his children, a tree sprite named Spindle, wizards, and fairies, King Gateskin goes to Parotovina to gain release of the Taken Ones. Along the way they will encounter dangerous situations.
Those who enjoy stories of wizards, fairies, sprites, and adventure will find this un-put-downable! This is not my normal genre, but I was mesmerized. The characters are beautifully detailed, and the plot is captivating. The Legend of the Taken Ones: Gateskin Chronicles, Book 1 is a five-star book!
Those who enjoy stories of wizards, fairies, sprites, and adventure will find this un-put-downable! This is not my normal genre, but I was mesmerized. The characters are beautifully detailed, and the plot is captivating. The Legend of the Taken Ones: Gateskin Chronicles, Book 1 is a five-star book!
September 6, 2021
An awesome series starter that introduces King Gateskin, Queen Solinara & their 3 children: Serena, Simon & Catalina. They All are very powerful Wizards & Fairies in their own right & must help their parents defend their home & surrounding lands from evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina. The cliffhanger at the end leads perfectly into book #2.
August 30, 2021
This is Book 1 of a fantasy/adventure series with wizards, fairies, Sprites, evil ones, and surprises that will delight fans of fantasy and magic. There are many fascinating characters and adventures that they go on that will keep readers engaged.
This book will take you away to far-off lands to adventures with danger at every turn. Will the power of the children be enough to save the Taken Ones and King Gateskin who has been kidnapped by the Evil Ones?
This book will take you away to far-off lands to adventures with danger at every turn. Will the power of the children be enough to save the Taken Ones and King Gateskin who has been kidnapped by the Evil Ones?
December 29, 2025
This enchanting fantasy adventure is a wonderful start to an epic series. Serena, Simon, and Catalina are compelling young heroes whose unique powers and sense of responsibility drive a story filled with magic, courage, and heart. The richly imagined lands of Light and Darkness, along with charming companions and high-stakes quests, make this a captivating read for fantasy lovers of all ages. A magical tale of family, bravery, and choosing good over evil.
September 30, 2025
child friendly fantasy
This is the first book I've read by this author, its a good all-around children's/young adult fantasy read. Genuinely written, with heart and effort. How family ties alongside, love, magic and bravery win through. Well written and flows with ease, the family love between the siblings and parents leaps from the page.
This is the first book I've read by this author, its a good all-around children's/young adult fantasy read. Genuinely written, with heart and effort. How family ties alongside, love, magic and bravery win through. Well written and flows with ease, the family love between the siblings and parents leaps from the page.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews