Customer Reviews

Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The plot of this book was fine. However, the author's continual misuse of words drove me crazy!! Her usage of descriptive words did not make sense at all. This was not an occasional mistake. Almost every page contained at least one glaring example. I could not finish the book, it aggravated me so! Do not inflict this upon unsuspecting readers.

I could never have believed another book series would be capable of capturing my imagination as the Harry Potter series did. Then several friends of mine in school convinced me to buy and read Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands. At first I was leary of buying another fantasy novel based on magic because I didn't know if I was going to be hooked on the series or disappointed. In talking to my friends, they told me there was a website called [...] which I could download 10 chapters of the book. After reading the chapters I was anxious to buy the book.

The plot was amazing! The magical world the author created was beyond anything I could ever have imagined! This book has a wizard cat that can transform into a wizard, talking owlsnakes, vampire bats, a two-headed lion with heads the size of eight watermelons each, a two headed dragon that explodes from spilling poisonous potion. I'd never heard of such creatures and yet I could imagine them as I read the book. Then there's the six doors where Amber steps into rooms of illusion, most are dangerously life threatening. The characters are brought to life in the beginning through detailed description. I couldn't help but feel I knew them. Amber and her sister and brother are on their own for almost a year and their parents and grandparents are missing. I could feel Amber's abandonment from her parents and later on when her friends wouldn't go with her to find her family. The dialogue for the dwarves and faires are written as they would speak which really brought their personalities out and made the story realistic even though it is magical fantasy.

I never expected this book to be two stories in one, or that it would have me up all night reading until I finished it. Being an fan of fiction fantasy, I would sooooo recommend this book to boys and girls and anyone looking for a magic adventure.

Don't let the main character being a girl fool you into thinking it's only a book for girls. This book is full of adventure and risk taking. The creatures and danger in this book had me on edge. And the main character, Amber Shadows is a character teenagers can relate to. I know I did.

I can honestly tell you that if you loved the Harry Potter series, you'll love this book too. I can't wait for book two to come out!

"Whosoever is in possession of thy book, read thy words carefully, take a second look.... Thou shall falter if thy heart is untrue...."

Are you reeling from the loss of Harry Potter? Do you miss Hogwarts, Dumbledore, and Hagrid? Fear not! Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands has arrived!
Amber Shadows is your typical "Magia" teenager. She likes to read, she doesn't completely hate school, and she is training to be a white witch. When researching a paper on her family history for her "Magia" Session (White Magic class), she is slightly disappointed by the lack of information. She cannot find any "Shadows," past or present, who are remotely interesting. Disheartened, she ventures up into the attic - a place where she knows she is forbidden to go. While there, she finds the journal of one of her ancestors, Jocelyn Shadows. As Amber Shadows reads this journal, the secrets of her family's past are unlocked. Amber is driven by voices from antiquity to begin a dangerous quest. Amber and a couple of trusted friends must face the evil Lady Gondara. Gondara is an ancient enemy of the Shadows and of every white witch. For the sake of her family and of all the people of Magia, Gondara must be stopped. Can Amber save her family from an ancient curse? Can she return the missing wands to their rightful owners? You will have to read the book to find out!
Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands is not your typical children's book. For one thing, it does not patronise its readers. Instead, it opens up a magical world, filled with dwarfs, two- headed beasts, and talking cats. Every page enchants the reader with thrilling detail and wonderfully drawn out characters. Amber herself is heroic, courageous, and perhaps a little bit precocious. Lady Gondara is wickedly wise, but hopefully, no match for Amber. The book brings to life these fascinating characters and knits them together beautifully with a bewitching and thoroughly intriguing plot.
The problem that writers in this genre must inevitably face is a comparison to Harry Potter. Potter caused such a global sensation that most authors who write stories about teenage witches and wizards will have to put up with this. And, most books will regrettably suffer from such a comparison. Fortunately, Wendy Willett will not have to worry about this problem, as she has written a book that will stand up to any such comparison. And, as the Harry Potter story draws to a close, there is a gap in the market for another magical teenager. Amber Shadows may be just the book to fill this void.
Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands is a must-read for any fan of magical adventure. Wendy Willett's first novel will charm and enthral its readers, and will leave you wanting to hear more from these enticing, fresh characters. The only question left to ask is, "When will Book Two be published?"

This book is great. I read it to my kids before they go to bed, and they can't get enough. I have to acutally give it to them slowly, or they would stay up all night!

I suggest this book for any parent who suffers from remorse from the Harry Potter series being over. This book picks up the genre and themes that my kids love, especially my daughter, who, of course, wants to be just like Amber in the book.

A good buy.

Did the previous reviewer and I read the same book? a "Must Read?" This book is an amateur's ridiculous attempt at writing. No wonder it was self published. No self respecting publisher would publish this book. Author does not have a command of the English language whatsoever. After a few chapters I simply was not interested in finishing this book. Do not waste your money. Re-read the Harry Potter series instead. Sorry........author should not quit her day job.

Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands
I just found out Amazon.com is selling my Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands paperback for $10.92 due to the economy. This does not in any way take away from the book's value as a great read for those interested in its genre. I too, sympathize with readers about the lack of money and living in today's difficult economy, so I am also offering my book on Kindle for .99 for two reaons: first, I want to make help out the economy too. Secondly, my book will get read by more readers world-wide. Getting young people to read is still a challenge in this day and age when everything is texting, cell phones, and video. I love the movies just as much as everyone else, but true treasures are found in books that can expand the creative side of one's mind.

I want to see people 9 years old and up, continue to read regardless of the economy. So if lowering the price on my book accomplishes this, I'm all for it. No one should have to give up owning a good read for their personal library because of a lack of finances.

Being an author is not just about royalties . . . it's about giving a good read to those who cherish reading, and seeing their face light up when they meet you at signings to say they've read your book and enjoyed it.

The following is a Video Book Trailer link for those who love magical reads such as this.

[...]

Wendy~

I received this book as a birthday gift and could not put it down! Once a year my friends and I have a weekend get together where we camp outside and read excerpts from our favorite books around a campfire. This year we read Amber Shadows and the Missing Wands. This book is phenominal to say the least! Owlsnakes and two-headed black lions! There was even bits of humor and emotional situations I and my friends could identify with!

When we took turns reading each chapter, every little noise made us jump! The author writes in such vivid detail that we all agreed we felt like we were journying right along with Amber and her friends.

I also have pen pals in several parts of the world, so I recently ordered this book as Christmas gifts. I hope the author releases the next book soon and plans a booksigning at my school, I'd love to meet her. If they make a movie out of this book I'll be the first in line to see it! It's awesome!! I read on the web that the author announced she's definitely writing four books in the series, possibly more. My friends and I can't wait to read them all!

Happy Reading!

Christine R.