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Max has anger management issues. But she has a secret, too. She can make things happen. Like magic. She almost killed a loser skate punk and nearly used it on her stuck up older sister. The question is, can she do anything other than blow things up? Can she learn to control it? And is it really possible that an obscure teenage girl is the key to keeping all of humanity safe?
Philip just got his ring back. He got it taken away for messing with his teacher’s mind so he can cheat on a test. Now that he has his ring, he thinks he should be able to use his power to make his life better. A lot better. The problem is that people want him to be responsible. But if you could do magic, wouldn’t you use it to escape work in any way possible?
Aaron wants to be a soldier. He knows there are lots of people who would try to take over, and he’s determined to stop them. The problem is that there’s this new girl. And she might be not be on the right side of things. She’s really talented and pretty, but she might be able to destroy everything he believes in. Whatever the case, he knows he needs to learn to be world class with the magic sword while he figures out what to do.
Brynn never gets out. Her grandfather won’t permit it. Her only access to the outside world are high fashion magazines, so she has an unusual idea what she should wear. She’s dying to get out and travel. And adopt animals. Any kind of animal. Is she a lonely future granny with cats or are her ridiculous clothes actually the next fashion craze? What possible role could she play in the destiny of the world?
Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud is a fast-paced fantasy adventure for all ages (10 and up) and is the first of a planned trilogy. Fans of magic, swordplay, secret agents, and conspiracies set in a modern everyday world will not be able to put the book down. Jon Thomason is a debut author and paints a vivid world of magic right under our noses and delivers rapid-fire action that keeps the pages turning.
My Review:
I like ready a good magical book. That is what this book is. It is a clean fast passed magical adventure. I would definitely recommend this book to 10 to 15 year olds. Younger would work as well, if you help them with the bigger words. There are so many different magical books out there, but what set this one above the others, for me, was how the characters used their magic in a way that I could relate to. Max for example thinks of using her magic to help out with sibling rivalry. I am the youngest of 4 kids, and there were times I could have used magic! I also really liked Philip's dilemma. He has to decide whether or not to use his magic, or to be responsible. I think that this is great, it teaches young adults that there is always a choice between good and bad.
This book was a fast read for me, and even though it is aimed toward a younger audience, I still enjoyed it. I really liked the magic in this story, and to me it was believable that this magic really exists. I am definitely waiting for Max's next trip to Zumuruud! I am giving this book a 5/5 because I found it perfect for young adults, and I can see them reading it over and over again.
Purchase
Praise
"Impressively inventive and enjoyable...vivid storytelling and exceptional characterization...Max's personality is layered and complex...conveyed flawlessly...keeping readers intrigued and engaged...writing style is smooth, and a subtle sense of humor comes through...narrative tension builds at a good pace and easily flows toward a satisfying and exciting conclusion...parents are likely to both approve of the story and enjoy reading it themselves...talented writer...sure to find an appreciative audience that will eagerly anticipate the next book in the series." -- ForeWord Clarion Review
"Thomason shines in his heroine's characterization...magical" --blueink Review
Ten's list from the author:
Hello,
My name is Jon Thomason and
I'm the author of Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud. The following
are 10 magical "gifts" from the book:
10. Magical animal training
- A variety of magical creatures inhabit the Island of Zumuruud, from gryphons
to slepnir to winged snakes.
9. Magic carpets. They come
in all sizes and varieties. From room-sized carpets to carpets that look like
beach towels
8. An anti-gravity taviz. A
taviz is a self-powered magical device. An anti-gravity taviz lets people float
weightless above it
7. Teleport taviz. A taviz
that lets a person walk through from one and end up at the second, even if they
matching pair of taviz are separated by thousands of
miles
6. Magical Happy Meal toys.
Imagine what the toys in a Happy Meal could do if they were magically powered!
5. Magical swords crafted
from pure energy you can hold onto
4. Wild, magically-powered
amusement park rides
3. Telepathy. Reading others
minds, particularly if they can't tell you're doing it!
2. Telekinesis. Moving
objects from a distance. Just think of the pranks you could play on kids at
school!
1. Skatecarpets. Need
anything more be said about how amazingly awesome such carpets would be?
All of this magic (and a lot
more!) can be found in Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud. Come meet
Max and her friends, and of course, the incomparable Philip as well, and see
what chaos he can wreak.
Thanks for
reading!
Jon Thomason lives with his family in San Diego, after many years living in the beautiful Seattle area. He has a successful career in high tech where he's been fortunate enough to participate in many big-name industry releases.
Storytelling permeates everything he does. In the moments when Jon is not helping build the story of the tech world, he can almost always be found working on a project: writing, photography, videography, graphics design, or 3D art.
And he's always careful to conceal his jinni magic abilities, though perhaps might slip
one day and be discovered...
Links
Blog Tour Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash plus a copy of Max Xylander and the Island of Zumuruud
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