
Title: Lycanthor the Werewolf
Author: Aiden Storm
Illustrator: McCartney Leopardi
Genre: Middle Grade Science Fiction Fantasy
Number of Pages: 71
Synopsis: An epic tale of magic and adventure to inspire and delight young readers.
Thirteen year old Jack is spending the summer at his Aunt’s house in the country. Unfortunately, it’s done nothing but rain and he’s stuck in her old mansion without cable or internet. Bored and alone, he sets out to explore the house. When he reaches the attic, he finds an intricate and unusual mural painted on the walls. Life for Jack gets turned upside down when he stumbles and is transported through a portal into a magical world.
For Jasyra, the daughter of the High King, life couldn’t be worse. Her father has been turned to glass, her kingdom has been taken over by the Demon Emperor, and she and her friend, Evooku, have been exiled. The only way to save the land is to reassemble the Dragon Fyre Blade, but the Demon Emperor has hidden all six pieces and each is guarded by great mythical beasts. There is only one person who can help restore peace, but it has been said that he is not of their land.
When Jack awakens in the Great Forest of Karandur, he encounters Jasyra and Evooku. He discovers the only way home is to band together to fight the evil Lycanthor, a giant werewolf that guards a piece of the Dragon Fyre Blade. But first they have to make it through an enchanted land full of danger.
The Queen of Light appears to Jack and delivers a gift, as well as a revelation. He, Jasyra and Evooku form an unlikely friendship along the way and lasting bonds are made when they realize they are Karandur’s only hope. Will the trio be able to defeat Lycanthor and save the kingdom from an eternity of despair?
Lycanthor the Werewolf is a gripping fantasy that takes readers on a thrilling journey to a far off land to fight incredible creatures in order to defeat the Demon Emperor who has taken over the kingdom.
It's summer vacation and Jack has been sentenced to spend it in the country with his aunt. No cable, no internet, and rain everyday, this might just be the worst summer ever. Encouraged by his aunt to explore her old house, Jack stumbles on an unusual painting on the attic wall. Trying to get a better look Jack slips and is catapulted into another world where he meets Jasyra and Evooku. Jack learns that his only hope of ever returning home lies in the defeat of a giant werewolf named Lycanthor. Together with his new friends, Jack prepares to go to battle, but do they have what it takes to be victorious?
The intense opening scene sets the stage for the quick pace that is continued throughout the story. The author effectively creates a believable fantasy world within the real one and I felt the characters were sufficiently developed for middle grade readers. A lot of action is packed into the 71 pages which works well for this story and leaves readers eager to join Jack on his next mission. I believe younger children would enjoy the story, but the language and content were geared more towards 6-8 graders.
On a side note... I don't usually read other reviewers opinions for books I am reviewing, as I like to come to my own conclusion, but as I was preparing to post this review on Amazon I glanced through a few. I noticed many readers thought the story wasn't long enough for middle graders. Yes, the book is short, but in my opinion this is what makes it so captivating. There is never any down time for young readers to get bored. It's a story they can read in one sitting and the exciting adventure keeps them reading through to the end.
I would definitely recommend picking up a copy. Available on Amazon.