About the Book

Author: Geoffrey Saign
Number of Pages: 280
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Synopsis: Samantha and her neighbor, Jake, have no idea that Samantha’s best friend, a parrot named Charlie, is a thousand years old. Charlie is also at the center of a secret battle between magical creatures and an ancient, evil man. When Charlie asks Samantha and Jake to protect him, they are chased by monsters from both sides. To save Charlie, and two worlds, Samantha and Jake have twenty-four hours to figure out how to use the supernatural staff, WhipEye, and find the courage to confront what they fear most…
My Review
After the death of her mom last year, Sam has become withdrawn. Her father rarely speaks to her, she no longer has any friends, and spends most of her time in her room. Her only escape seems to be the animals in their rescue shelter and an enchanted parrot who lives in a pet store. Feeling down, she visits Charlie, but is shocked when he speaks to her and asks her to help him break out of the pet shop. He reveals that the store owner is a vicious man who wants to trap Charlie's great powers, therefore ending his life. Sam doesn't see any other option and takes Charlie home with her. It doesn't take long for Sam to discover that Mangar is extremely dangerous and will stop at nothing to get Charlie back. Things just keep getting weirder and soon Sam finds herself in possession of WhipEye, a mystical staff with extraordinary power. Armed with WhipEye, Sam enters the land of KiraKu where she must defeat Magnar's monsters and protect Charlie if she ever hopes to get home safely.
WhipEye is a fast paced, easy to read fantasy that will appeal to middle grade readers. I like that Sam is knowledgeable of various animal species and reveals facts throughout the story as she encounters different creatures. Sam's transformation is also significant as she tries to come to terms with her mother's death. Allowing Jake to become her friend is big step for her as well. She also realizes her dad is grieving in his own way and her vow to make things right with him is touching. The author has a gift for storytelling and his creativity shines through.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of WhipEye. Available on Amazon.