Today we are excited to be participating in a blog tour for a new middle grade book, Anni Moon and The Elemental Artifact: An Elemental Fantasy Adventure (The Anni Moon Series) (Volume 1) by Melanie Abed and illustrated by Hisham Abed.
Anni is an orphan who is going through some difficult times. Her guardians have mysteriously disappeared, and are presumed dead. Even worse, the school where she has been living, Waterstone Academy for Girls, is being sold and she might have to move. When her best friend and fellow orphan Lexi also disappears, Anni knows she has to do everything she can to save her.
While writing the first book in what is destined to become a fantasy series, the author must devote some time developing the parameters of her new world while still moving the plot forward. Abed does this deftly through Anni’s adventures. At first the reader is as confused and naive as Anni, but as Anni barrels forward, more and more is revealed.
There are “elements” in the last few chapters that some readers might find disappointing. Without giving away the ending, Anni performs an important task, but then credit is given, out of necessity, to another person. This is a wonderful opportunity for a reading group or class to discuss how it might feel to have someone else receive credit for work you did or an idea you had. What does this say about Anni’s character? It could also be a jumping off point for a discussion of plagiarism.
Anni Moon and The Elemental Artifact is a fast-paced adventure, a mystery, and a fantasy world all rolled into one. Be sure to visit Melanie Abed’s website for an opportunity to download the first 6 chapters for free, and to see more information about the characters and their world.
Series: The Anni Moon Series
Paperback: 392 pages
Publisher: Oculus Print (September 27, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0990706214
ISBN-13: 978-0990706212
Disclosures: This book was supplied electronically for review purposes. I am an affiliate with Amazon so I can provide you with cover images and links to more information about books and products. As you probably are aware, if you click through the highlighted title link and purchase a product, I will receive a very small commission, at not extra cost to you. Any proceeds help defray the costs of hosting and maintaining this website.