Today, I'm excited to announce a special reader review event for Feathers of the Phoenix: The Atlantean Horse by Cheryl Carpinello. This book is perfect for those intrigued by Greek myths, Atlantis, and thrilling adventures.
We'll be sharing insights from WOW! readers who had the opportunity to review this book. You will also have the chance to read more about the author and win a copy of the book for yourself.
But first, here's more about the book:
One Epic Task
The Chosen: Rosa and Jerome: Two cousins as close as sister and brother.
The Task: Find and retrieve the Five Feathers of the Phoenix to raise Atlantis for its people to return home.
The Opponents: The Four Deadly Horsemen of the Apocalypse, vessels of evil avarice.
The Chosen: Rosa and Jerome: Two cousins as close as sister and brother.
The Task: Find and retrieve the Five Feathers of the Phoenix to raise Atlantis for its people to return home.
The Opponents: The Four Deadly Horsemen of the Apocalypse, vessels of evil avarice.
Called upon by a visitor from a mythical city, Rosa and Jerome embark upon a perilous quest to retrieve the First of Five Feathers of the fabled Phoenix.
Little do they realize that something more personal awaits them amid the danger.
Rosa’s kept her special gift hidden from all, kept it far in the Past, but now it will have to be revealed. Jerome’s yet to discover his special gift.
Join them as they risk all in their search for the First Feather!
Publisher: Silver Quill Publishing (September 2022)
Genre: Middle Grade Adventure, Fantasy, Mythology
Length: 149 pages
ISBN-10: 1804401315
ISBN-13: 978-1804401316
Purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.com, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble. Be sure to also add this to your GoodReads reading list.
What WOW Readers Thought:
"For middle grade readers who love adventure, fantasy, and mythology, all packed into a quick read--perfect for kids who find "fat books" intimidating. Young readers will be on the edge of their seats as these cousins face danger and challenges at every turn!" — AJ Kormon
"I thought the book had a really interesting storyline. It’s short and easy to read which is great for middle grades. I do think that the characters, Rosa and her cousin Jerome could have been a little younger (Rosa is 17) because they way they are portrayed and act seems more aligned with a younger teen like maybe a 13 year old. Overall, it was a engaging and quick read." — Jamie W.
"This is a nice quick read for older kids and an engaging read for middle grade students. Engaging and interesting; full of secrets and surprises!" — Crystal Otto
"I really enjoyed this book. The description of the setting—an island I had never heard of called Kalymnos—was so well done that I felt I was right there. I love legends and mythology, and Atlantis is one that is not featured in as many books, so I was intrigued by the Atlantean elements.
The pace of the book was fast with many cliffhangers, and the mystery was intriguing enough to keep me engaged. The characters Rosa and her cousin Jerome were believable and likeable.
If there was one flaw, it was that the references to a previous story that Rosa had been in made things a bit confusing at first. However, eventually I caught on and reading went smoother after that.
This is the first in a series, and the book left me wanting to read more of the story." — Linda Schueler
"What a great book! I thought the descriptions were so vivid. The author has an excellent way of making you feel as if you were there. I've always been intrigued by the Atlantis legend and I love how the author sweeps you into the mystery. This is great for a young reader and it's really easy to read. I absolutely recommend!" — Nicole Pyles
"I’m a huge fan of anything to do with Atlantis. Just say the word and I’m there. Having read the start of Rosa’s adventures in Sons of the Sphinx, I was also keen to see where her gift had taken her. I was not disappointed. Author Cheryl Carpinello sets the scene right away with a mysterious, yet familiar stranger who appears to tell Rosa she is needed again. This is a special and possibly perilous mission that just happens to coincide with Rosa and her cousin Jerome’s visit to a small, out of the way (can you even find it on the map?) island called Kalymnos in the Mediterranean, near Greece. From the moment they arrive and their mission is revealed – to find the first of the Five Feathers of the Phoenix – danger and a deadly enemy stalk them. I won’t give too much away but suffice to say there is enough action, adventure, intrigue, mystery, history, mythology, and legends to please young (and young at heart readers) who find the ancient world and its stories fascinating. The story arc is complete but refers to the next adventure in store. After all, there are five feathers so one down, four more to go!
"Cheryl Carpinello does not dumb down the writing for middle grade and young adult readers, and parents (who might also enjoy dipping into the book) will appreciate a high level of complexity and vocabulary to keep readers on their toes and learning new words as they embark on this adventure with Rosa and Jerome. There is enough new information to delight readers who already enjoy history and mythology and to encourage readers new to the series to read further. The author refers to Rosa’s previous adventure a few times so, to put everything into context, I’d recommend reading Sons of the Sphinx as well to catch up on Rosa’s gift. The book includes end notes on mythology, Atlantis, biblical lore, and the actual islands of Kalymnos and Telendos mentioned. This book would be a great addition to any history class to encourage young readers to enjoy reading more about the past and learning from it." — Fiona Ingram
"Trying to find books Charlie will actually sit down and read is as hard as pulling a tooth. This week I handed Charlie's friend Ronnie my copy of Feathers of the Phoenix: The Atlantean Horse. I asked Ronnie to let me know what he thought of the story. Charlie seeing Ronnie read the story decided he would read the book as well.
Once they finished the book Charlie let me know he thought this story would be perfect for Middle Schoolers. While Ronald said he thought David Charlie's dad would enjoy the story. I agreed with both boys on who they thought would enjoy this story. Although some people might be turned off by the blood.
Feathers of the Phoenix: The Atlantean Horse is a adventure book that will keep the reader interested from the first word to the end of the book. It's a fast read that is the first in a series. I’m always on the lookout for new fantasy series for my son and my husband." — Glenda Cates
About the Author, Cheryl Carpinello
Find her online:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccarpinello
Website: http://www.cherylcarpinello.com
Writing Blog: http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccarpine1/
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Cheryl-Carpinello/e/B002GGGZY6
---- Interview by Nicole Pyles
Cheryl: I’m also a fan of Atlantis, Nicole. I’ve read numerous books and watched numerous TV shows dealing with Atlantis. There have been so many stories about how it sank, why it sank, and where it was located. It just fired my imagination. I’ve always believed Atlantis belonged to ancient world around the Mediterranean Sea. So that is why The Atlantean Horse is set on an island there.
WOW: That's amazing! What kind of research did you do in preparation for your book?
Cheryl: Actually most of my research was done before I even started thinking about writing about Atlantis. I love the Ancient World. For over 20 years, I taught the stories, plays, and poems written by the ancient Greeks and Romans. Each of these left distinct and colorful images in my brain. When I decided to explore these worlds, my research was nearly finished. What I had left to do was explore the islands of Kalymnos and Telendos via the Internet. One of these days, I’ll visit those islands.
WOW: What an incredible trip that will be! I love that you focus on myths and legends in your books. How do you decide what to write about?
Cheryl: As a high school English teacher for over 20 years, I encountered so many students who didn’t like to read. I first started writing stories from Arthurian Legend because it encouraged those reluctant readers to actually start reading. They, as others, were drawn to the cornerstones of the Legend: Courage, Friendship, Honor, and Loyalty. My students also embraced the stories from the ancient worlds. So I also chose to write my Tales from the Ancient Worlds. Hopefully by writing these Tales & Legends, I can encourage these students and others to read more.
WOW: I believe you do! I LOVE the cover of your book. Did you work with the designer at all?
Cheryl: I work with Chris Berge, owner of Berge Design. He does such a great job. Chris has designed all of my Arthurian and Ancient World covers. I usually have an idea of what I want so I do some awful sketches of my own, and find a couple of images. I send all to Chris and he works miracles!
WOW: How exciting that process is! Did you know how this story would end before you started it?
Cheryl: To a certain degree, yes. Sometimes, though, my characters take control and write their own ending. Without revealing anything, that’s what happened in The Atlantean Horse. And to be honest, that’s happens in all my stories!
WOW: I love when characters take control. What are you working on now that you can tell us about?
Cheryl: Oh yes! I’m writing book 2 of Feathers of the Phoenix: Under the Norse Star. Rosa and Jerome find themselves in 800-900 Iceland looking for the second Phoenix feather. Life doesn’t always go as one images or wants. That’s all I’m going to say!
WOW: I cant wait to read it! Best of luck on your next book!
***** BOOK GIVEAWAY *****
Enter to win a copy of Feathers of the Phoenix: The Atlantean Horse by Cheryl Carpinello! Fill out the Rafflecopter form by April 27th at 11:59 CT for a chance to win. We will choose a winner randomly the next day and follow up via email. Good luck!
