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The Chronicles of the Virago--The Novus: Book I

Michael Bialys

Start date: March 20, 2018

Finish date: April 4, 2018

Discussion: Fantasy

Why we're reading this: Re release of a contemporary classic! Strong female role model for women everywhere!
[close] Re release of a contemporary classic! Strong female role model for women everywhere!

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Dec 31, 2007 Michael Bialys rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-have-authored, ya-fantasy

https://www.chantireviews.com/2019/11...

If you Dream it-You can write it!
Actually when writing this book, I literally dreamt it then wrote it.

The Chronicles of the Virago Book 1 The Novus by Michael K. Bialys

...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jul 28, 2018 Michael Bialys rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author) · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-have-authored, audible, ya-fantasy

The Narration and Production are Amazing
thank you
Jayne Marin fro your incredible performance and Nicholas D. Monteilh fro you spotless production!!!

1 like · Like · see review

May 20, 2018 Michael Bialys rated it it was amazing · (Review from the author)

Shelves: books-i-have-authored

KIRKUS REVIEW
In this debut middle-grade fantasy, a girl must protect her newborn twin siblings from evil forces.

Twelve-year-old Makenna Grace Gold of the Los Angeles area can’t wait for school tomorrow. She’s trying to fall asleep, but is excited about the Science Fair, where she’ll present homemade sugar crystals. Just as Makenna drifts off, a trio of fairies appears in her bedroom: cousins Bree and Dee Delphine and “Marigold Frith, Fairy Prelate.” They’ve come to initiate Makenna as The Virago KIRKUS REVIEW
In this debut middle-grade fantasy, a girl must protect her newborn twin siblings from evil forces.

Twelve-year-old Makenna Grace Gold of the Los Angeles area can’t wait for school tomorrow. She’s trying to fall asleep, but is excited about the Science Fair, where she’ll present homemade sugar crystals. Just as Makenna drifts off, a trio of fairies appears in her bedroom: cousins Bree and Dee Delphine and “Marigold Frith, Fairy Prelate.” They’ve come to initiate Makenna as The Virago, Warrior of Warriors. From braids of light and hope, they summon the Ancient Weapon, which looks like a sword as it bonds with Makenna. The girl wakes, assuming that she’s dreaming, and the fairies explain that her new brother and sister will be born tomorrow. They are hope incarnate, and Makenna must protect them against villainous forces, namely Sir Seaton, war profiteer and head of Natasi Industries. He sends his beautiful but deadly associates, Ms. Chevious and Ms. Creante, from their London headquarters to collect the twins. Luckily, Makenna can focus the power of the Ancient Weapon as she chooses, and she does so through her new lowrider skateboard. In his novel, Bialys introduces a spunky protagonist who’s fun to root for as she deals with rival classmate (and skating champ) Heather Stern; the twins’ creepy nanny, Ms. Revel; and later, reptilian demons. Aside from the fairies, Makenna gets help from Fluffy, a talking worm, and Stephen Levine, a dreamy Canadian transfer student. The author reveals that some characters aren’t who they initially appear to be, which should keep middle-grade audiences alert. He also educates as he connects the Virago legacy to King Arthur, the monarch’s sword Excalibur, and the story of David, who felled Goliath with a slingshot. The notion that children can change the world by channeling their passion through an object has broad appeal in reality, and further potential as a narrative device. The finale featuring an actual Highway to Hell should amuse anyone who’s driven in Los Angeles. The overall likability of this series opener should secure readership for the sequel.

This zany adventure flaunts a heart of gold and a plucky heroine.

Pub Date: March 21st, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-692-06098-8
Page count: 124pp
Publisher: Self
Program: Kirkus Indie
Review Posted Online: May 18th, 2018 ...more

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Jul 07, 2008 Elyse marked it as to-read · review of another edition

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Aug 12, 2009 Terri marked it as to-read · review of another edition

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Nov 02, 2009 Tracey marked it as to-read · review of another edition

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