In this beautifully illustrated children's fantasy story, two siblings struggle against sharp-edged, bedazzling foes to arrive at a place of knowing, to which they and everything belong. It's Christmas, but thirteen-year-old Maggie and her ten-year-old brother Jesse are anything but joyful. Their mother is dying, the bank is about to foreclose on their home, and very soon, everything about their lives will change. In an adventure that takes them below the earth's surface to a realm inhabited by crystalline life forms - some of which seem to have been spawned from the children themselves - the sister and brother discover the strength of their bond, the breadth of their courage, and the awesome power of love. Amid dazzling displays of colours and shapes, Maggie and Jesse must move through crystal planes and canyons as they do battle with King Bloo, the princes Red and Orange, and Holy Clear. Jesse learns from Princess Amethyst that the thing that scares him the most can waken him to his greatest strength. Sharing his secret with Maggie ultimately leads the two to a place of forgiveness, called home.
Chrystallia and the Source of Light
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By bookfiend
Format:Hardcover
This book is told in the point of view of Maggie, a young girl frustrated with all the things happening around her. Her mom's dying, they're losing their house, and now she and her brother, Jesse, has wound up in a strange new world. Enough is enough! Maggie wants to go home and she'll do whatever it takes to do that.
Glaser has written an original read filled with unique characters and an interesting world made of crystal and rock. The story was concise and fast-paced so that you'll be halfway through the book before you know it. I was impressed with Maggie's character development and it was nice to see her grow up from the pouty girl in the beginning. Too bad, she's the only one who changed. Anyway, the ending was sweet and meaningful and carries a very significant message.
Although the characters were fun and unique, there was either too many or Glaser didn't do such a great job juggling them. For example, when we are first introduced to all the crystal people, Maggie and Jesse is shoved to the background. Every now and then, they'd yell out, "where are we?!" but are completely ignored. It's never a different question either, by the way. A few chapters after that, the siblings take center stage and Pytrope and Scheelite are silent. I might have missed something but it felt like they were forgotten until the very end of the book. Also, a lot of the characters have accents which can be difficult to follow along (ranging from texan to french and so on). I had trouble, anyway. Another issue was that the characters are mainly reactive. This and this has happened to the group! We must run! Oh no, it happened again! Run some more! It's not until two-thirds of the book is through before we see someone do something productive.
Pro: interesting characters with quirky traits, unique plot, character development, sweet and meaningful
Con: reactive rather than proactive, characters "disappear", Maggie is very annoying until she matures, accents (depends on the reader whether you'll like it or not)
Overall, this book was nice and sweet. This book is best suited for our younger readers but anyone can read and enjoy it. However, I would like to point out to parents that when we meet King Bloo, there is an overly dramatic scene where he is snuffing gold dust. Whether or not you mind you or your child reading something like that is up to you. Aside from that hiccup, the book is very kids-friendly and fun to read.
Won from the Early Reviewers Giveaway in return for an honest review
Glaser has written an original read filled with unique characters and an interesting world made of crystal and rock. The story was concise and fast-paced so that you'll be halfway through the book before you know it. I was impressed with Maggie's character development and it was nice to see her grow up from the pouty girl in the beginning. Too bad, she's the only one who changed. Anyway, the ending was sweet and meaningful and carries a very significant message.
Although the characters were fun and unique, there was either too many or Glaser didn't do such a great job juggling them. For example, when we are first introduced to all the crystal people, Maggie and Jesse is shoved to the background. Every now and then, they'd yell out, "where are we?!" but are completely ignored. It's never a different question either, by the way. A few chapters after that, the siblings take center stage and Pytrope and Scheelite are silent. I might have missed something but it felt like they were forgotten until the very end of the book. Also, a lot of the characters have accents which can be difficult to follow along (ranging from texan to french and so on). I had trouble, anyway. Another issue was that the characters are mainly reactive. This and this has happened to the group! We must run! Oh no, it happened again! Run some more! It's not until two-thirds of the book is through before we see someone do something productive.
Pro: interesting characters with quirky traits, unique plot, character development, sweet and meaningful
Con: reactive rather than proactive, characters "disappear", Maggie is very annoying until she matures, accents (depends on the reader whether you'll like it or not)
Overall, this book was nice and sweet. This book is best suited for our younger readers but anyone can read and enjoy it. However, I would like to point out to parents that when we meet King Bloo, there is an overly dramatic scene where he is snuffing gold dust. Whether or not you mind you or your child reading something like that is up to you. Aside from that hiccup, the book is very kids-friendly and fun to read.
Won from the Early Reviewers Giveaway in return for an honest review
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The long awaited 'Chrystallia and the source of light' has been well worth the wait!
It is a truly beautiful book. One of the first things you will notice about this book is how it has been beautifully created with great attention to detail. Not only visually, but also for its depth and understanding of fear, helplessness and loss. Aimed at young people, it has all the fantasy, wonder and sensitivity that makes a great classic.
I have read Chrystallia twice and each time have learned something new. There is as always, in my opinion, the Pmg humour running through the book with all the great human and crystal/mineral people. I think everyone reading will have a favourite.
The sibling rivalry between Maggie and Jesse is portrayed brilliantly. The characters are described in beautiful detail. Almost every colour you could think of.
This really is a great book for Christmas. One which could be re-read each year and passed on from generation to generation.
A story of compassion and hope, from the ever inspirational Paul Michael Glaser.
It is a truly beautiful book. One of the first things you will notice about this book is how it has been beautifully created with great attention to detail. Not only visually, but also for its depth and understanding of fear, helplessness and loss. Aimed at young people, it has all the fantasy, wonder and sensitivity that makes a great classic.
I have read Chrystallia twice and each time have learned something new. There is as always, in my opinion, the Pmg humour running through the book with all the great human and crystal/mineral people. I think everyone reading will have a favourite.
The sibling rivalry between Maggie and Jesse is portrayed brilliantly. The characters are described in beautiful detail. Almost every colour you could think of.
This really is a great book for Christmas. One which could be re-read each year and passed on from generation to generation.
A story of compassion and hope, from the ever inspirational Paul Michael Glaser.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The characters speak with silly accents written phonetically, which the reader is left to struggle to decipher. The author seems to expect the young reader to be conversant with all the accents portrayed - a sophistication which may be beyond his/her years.... and then there's the speech impediment!! Arrgh!!!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic read for the whole family
It's a fantastic book for both children and grown ups. The author describes the different characters with so much imagination and gives you so many funny details... Read more
Published 1 day ago by applestoregirl
4.0 out of 5 stars
Imaginative and Intriguing
Chrystallia and the Source of Light is an imaginative story about two children who fall into a world where crystals come alive. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Evelyn Puerto
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very gifted man writing about Life.
I got this book for my 16 year old niece because she is a Paul Glaser/Starsky fan. The reviews were great but some said that the book was hard to get into. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Sue B.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fast Paced, Must be Visual to Enjoy it but Good
It's a fantasy book so it is supposed to be for people who have the capability to imagine what the author wrote. Read more
Published 14 months ago by chaviebugsey
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Fantasy Book for Preteens.
I believe Chrystallia and the Source of Light is a very imaginative and interesting book for preteens. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Kristen B
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining and Inspirational
Many people will know P.M. Glaser as actor Paul Michael Glaser. Since reaching celebrity status in the 70's, Mr. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Lori Bk
1.0 out of 5 stars
Fractured writing, hard to read and understand
I got a copy of this book through Librarythings's Early Reviewer program. I was very excited to read it; it sounded like a wonderful middle grade fantasy adventure in a fantastic... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Karissa Eckert
4.0 out of 5 stars
Slow start, but worth wading through!
Initially slow start, but worth continuing through. The inside cover art is amazing, will be passing it along to an 11 year old cousin who was fascinated with the cover! Read more
Published 17 months ago by brie867
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fun and creative juvenile fiction book!
Welcome to a magical kingdom where glowing crystals and imaginary evil characters, like the Red and Orange Sapphire princess, help two lost kids find their way through their fears... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Lori - A Day in Motherhood
1.0 out of 5 stars
Very Disappointing Read
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing's Early Review Program in exchange for an honest review.
Chrystallia and The Source of Light by P. M. Read more
Chrystallia and The Source of Light by P. M. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Beverly L. Archer
