For those who have a love of the sea and Celtic landscape, "The Fisherman's Son" will be a particularly enjoyable read with your children. As for your little ones, they'll have a rich story of fantasy filled with oceanic learning. When 12-year-old Wiley O'Mara's mother dies, his journey to fetch the nearest priest in a hamlet far from his own sets him on a completely different path than he intended. He can expect no help from his alcoholic father; abusive when at home, which is rare. Ah, but like any good tale worth its salt, the travails of this adventure lead to the challenges and rewards of an even greater one. Wiley's trial takes him through the vast landscape of his Gaelic homeland into the beauty of the ocean depths. In this fantastical coming-of-age drama, Wiley learns who he really is, the strength of his mettle and that his destiny is to help the people of his land realize their full potential. And isn't that the destiny of each of us? It's an old theme always worth revisiting, particularly in children's fiction. This is a book that will appeal to "tweens"; but especially to children aged eight through ten since Wiley is a storybook hero they can look up to. These younger of the "tweens" can certainly read "The Fisherman's Son" on their own, but there are a few large words that may have them coming to mom and dad. A good story that also encourages learning new words is always a plus. Likewise, you may want to talk with your children about Wiley's home, very much like nineteenth century Ireland, though the author never puts a name to the island (all the more appropriate for a child's fantasy). As the story moves into the briny deep of the North Atlantic Ocean, there's even more to pique your child's intellect along with his/her imagination. But all along Wiley's far journey , your child is in store for deeper learning. Strength of character. Honor and ethics. Belief and confidence in self and the ability to face great adversity, whether in the family or in the world. They're all within these pages. K.L.Nappier Author of "Full Wolf Moon," "Voyagers," "Bitten" and more. Please visit www.KLNappier.com for more author info, reviews and interviews.

The final book in Marilyn Peake's trilogy brings the adventures of Wiley and his friends to a satisfying full circle. Once again, Ms. Peake targets younger readers with an eye toward teaching them wholesome values, as well as piquing their interests in the world around them. In this final installment, Wiley and the orphans from the City of the Golden Sun discover they have a challenging task at hand: to show the world-weary villagers of Wiley's land their true promise and potential. But how do a group of children convince adults whose spirits are numbed and cynical from centuries of hardscrabble living? Rest assured, Elden the magical dolphin and Lucinda, the guardian of the forest lake, do all they can to help Wiley and his friends in their task. As with "The Fisherman's Son" and "The City of the Golden Sun," this novel favors ages eight to twelve in its simple, concise reading style. But, again, there are just enough new words to expand young minds. Ms. Peake deserves a high rating for creating a trilogy that is easy for young people to read, encourages healthy fantasy and instills a desire in early readers to learn. K.L.Nappier Author of "Full Wolf Moon," "Voyagers," "Bitten" and more. Please visit www.KLNappier.com for more author info, reviews and interviews.

Marilyn Peake’s “The City of the Golden Sun” is a charming extension of her children’s novel “The Fisherman’s Son.” As the second book in the trilogy, “the City of the Golden Sun” builds naturally on the first while indulging young readers with adventure equal to the first and more magical fantasy. Wiley and his new friends from the mysterious, ancient City of the Golden Sun find themselves transported back to this fabled place once again by Elden the dolphin and Beluga the whale, along with a few more dolphin friends. But this time the City of the Golden Sun thrived above the ocean as a monument to the best that humankind has to offer. Ms. Peake sets aside the harder life lessons her young hero Wiley had to learn in the first novel of this trilogy. This book allows young readers to play and enjoy more along side Wiley and his friends. But that’s not to say those readers still aren’t learning higher standards and values. Where “The Fisherman’s Son” explored the sadder examples we find all too often in adults, “The City of the Golden Sun” gives its young readers the nobler ones: honorable leaders, loving parents, supportive friends and neighbors. As with “The Fisherman’s Son”, this novel is geared toward ages eight to twelve with a simple, concise style perfect for this skill level. Even so, there will be just enough new words to have your child coming to you or the dictionary to expand his or her mind. Once again, Ms. Peake deserves a high rating for creating a book easy to read, that encourages healthy fantasy and creates a desire in young readers to learn. K.L.Nappier Author of "Full Wolf Moon," "Voyagers," "Bitten" and more. Please visit www.KLNappier.com for more author info, reviews and interviews.

Hi, Gemma, Can you tell me how to view comments and post topics? Or should I be asking Jerry and Ben about that? Many thanks for any help. Kathy K.L.Nappier Author of "Full Wolf Moon," "Voyagers," "Bitten" and more. Please visit www.KLNappier.com for author info, reviews, video book trailers and interviews.

Hi, Gemma,

Can you tell me how to view comments and post topics? Or should I be asking Jerry and Ben about that? Many thanks for any help.

Kathy

K.L.Nappier
Author of "Full Wolf Moon," "Voyagers," "Bitten" and more.
Please visit www.KLNappier.com for author info, reviews, video book trailers and interviews.