The Vanishing Sculptor: A Novel (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The Vanishing Sculptor

“Have you ever looked at a painting from a distance and thought it beautiful, only to draw nearer to it and realize it was more exquisite, complex, and wonderful than you ever imagined? The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul is like that. I began reading and liked it. As usual, I found myself happily enveloped in a vivid world full of emerlindians, tumanhofers, and dragons. But then, just when I thought the work was beautiful, something deep within me started to tingle…and I began to see that The Vanishing Sculptor was far more than simple entertainment or escape. I had one ‘Ah Ha!’ moment after another. Clues everywhere, right in front of my eyes, blossomed into truth until, at last, I put down the book and swam in the rich waters of adventure, peace, and blessed melancholy–that rare state revealing you’ve been touched by the story of an inspired author. The Vanishing Sculptor is sure to be loved by readers and re-readers of every age.”
–Wayne Thomas Batson, bestselling author of The Door Within Trilogy,
         Isle of Swords, and Isle of Fire


“The Vanishing Sculptor is a delightful tale of otherworldly adventures laced with heavenly meanings. Author Donita K. Paul skillfully transports you to a fantasy world populated with emerlindians, tumanhofers, speaking grand parrots, wizards, and magical librarians; where flying dragons communicate and mysterious portals whisk you across the world. Readers young and old will love journeying along with the enchanting questing party on their mission to save the world and discover a loving God.”
–Megan DiMaria, author of Searching for Spice and Out of Her Hands

“Stunning beginning to a new series! Rarely does an author re-capture the exquisite charm and the bold freshne... --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Review

Praise for The Vanishing Sculptor

“Have you ever looked at a painting from a distance and thought it beautiful, only to draw nearer to it and realize it was more exquisite, complex, and wonderful than you ever imagined? The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul is like that. I began reading and liked it. As usual, I found myself happily enveloped in a vivid world full of emerlindians, tumanhofers, and dragons. But then, just when I thought the work was beautiful, something deep within me started to tingle…and I began to see that The Vanishing Sculptor was far more than simple entertainment or escape. I had one ‘Ah Ha!’ moment after another. Clues everywhere, right in front of my eyes, blossomed into truth until, at last, I put down the book and swam in the rich waters of adventure, peace, and blessed melancholy–that rare state revealing you’ve been touched by the story of an inspired author. The Vanishing Sculptor is sure to be loved by readers and re-readers of every age.”
–Wayne Thomas Batson, bestselling author of The Door Within Trilogy,
         Isle of Swords, and Isle of Fire


“The Vanishing Sculptor is a delightful tale of otherworldly adventures laced with heavenly meanings. Author Donita K. Paul skillfully transports you to a fantasy world populated with emerlindians, tumanhofers, speaking grand parrots, wizards, and magical librarians; where flying dragons communicate and mysterious portals whisk you across the world. Readers young and old will love journeying along with the enchanting questing party on their mission to save the world and discover a loving God.”
–Megan DiMaria, author of Searching for Spice and Out of Her Hands

“Stunning beginning to a new series! Rarely does an author re-capture the exquisite charm and the bold freshness first discovered in their initial series. Donita K. Paul fans are in for a treat as they uncover new wonders and enchantment in the world of Amara. New readers will revel in the magical blend of mischief and mayhem woven with wittiness and intrigue throughout this engaging tale. From the zany disposition of Lady Peg to the spirited charm and wit of Tipper, her youthful daughter, The Vanishing Sculpture, tingles our most fervent emotions of love, joy, and hope. An exciting complement to The DragonKeeper Chronicles and a fantastical adventure for inaugural audiences of all ages.”
–Eric Reinhold, author of The Annals of Aeliana, Ryann Watters and the King’s Sword and Ryann Watters and the Shield of Faith

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (June 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400073391
• ISBN-13: 978-1400073399
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #66,884 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thrilling fantasy novel for all ages, June 25, 2009

By	Christina Lockstein "http://christysbookblog.... (Oconto Falls, WI USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul is a continuation of her DragonKeeper Chronicles in the fantasy world of Chiril. Tipper is a young emerlindian who has been trying to keep her family afloat since her father's mysterious disappearance fifteen years ago. The family estate has fallen into disrepair, and her mother's mind is no longer sound. Tipper has been forced to start selling the sculptures of her father just to keep food on the table. When her father suddenly returns along with a eccentric wizard and unusual librarian, she discovers that her actions have imperiled their entire world! She must leave the safety of her home on a quest to recover the missing statues along with a mismatched cast of adventurers, and along the way, she just may learn something about Wulder, the Creator of their world. I fell in love with Paul's fantasy world in her wonderful DragonLight , and while this book takes place on the opposite side of that planet, a few characters return. Tipper's character matures throughout her journey from impetuous, sheltered young girl to confident and curious woman. The cast of characters bring plenty of chuckles and form a tightly bonded pseudo-family under the care of Wulder . This book is perfect for younger readers who enjoy dragons and fantasy, as well as us older readers who enjoy great writing and fascinating characters.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Fantasy, June 7, 2009

By	Barbara Warren - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

What's a girl to do when she has a scatter-brained mother and an absentee father? Tipper, an emerlindian is forced to sell some of her father's artwork in order to keep Byrdschopen, their family estate safe. Unfortunately, when her father does show up she learns she's sold some sculptures she should have kept. They were special works, made of one of Wulder's foundation stones. Now they are scattered and must be found. Her father, Brim Schope, has brought a couple of men with him, Wizard Fenworth and his librarian Librettowit. The four of them, with the help of Bealomondore, whom Tipper has deceived, set out to find the sculptures.

Donita K. Paul's books are always a treat. A magical trip into a land of dragons, fantasy, brave men and women, and the struggle of good against evil. If you like adventure, don't miss this one. It's a keeper.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Donita K Paul does it again!, November 4, 2009

By	Kat Heckenbach - See all my reviews

The Vanishing Sculptor is part of the DragonKeepers series--a prequel...sorta :). It's written by Donita K. Paul. I really don't need to go any farther. The DragonKeepers series is one of my favorites EVER, and The Vanishing Sculptor is right up there with the rest of the books in the series. Awesome characterization, great action, wit, vocabulary building--her books have it all.

I love that this book takes place in a different time and country, but still has a couple of the old characters. I won't say who, but they brought a smile to my face!

Tipper's father, Verrin Schope, disappears one day. Tipper has to sell his artwork in order to make ends meet, but in doing so she inadvertantly puts her father in mortal danger. She and a rather interesting band of friends head off on a quest to save her father's life.

If you loved the DragonKeepers series, you will love this book. If you haven't read the series...do.