Oldenglen by Robin Mason and Michael Mason Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Oldenglen

by Robin Mason and Michael Mason

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Middle Grade Fantasy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

The last thing twelve-year-old Jax wanted was to leave his city life in England for a remote and rugged corner of Oregon―but he hasn’t had any say in the matter.

Although Jax hates it there, he is drawn by the deep woods, as if something or someone is pulling him in. The more he explores, the more he senses the presence of a hidden magic. Joined by Sarah, the granddaughter of the land’s owner, he begins to unravel the secrets of the glen.

But when invaders threaten the wildwood and its inhabitants, Jax and Sarah―and a most unusual army―must prepare for war.

Great peril has come to Oldenglen, but who and what must Jax and Sarah confront in the battle to save it?

EXCERPT;

“All woodfolk, be still!” called a voice. Even Acorn was now seated and, unusually for her, quiet.

“That’s old Gaffer Grayowl, Keeper of the Green Glade,” Squiffle explained to Jackson in a whisper. “Dear me, he says the same thing every time, but sometimes he forgets bits and has to go back. Hooter will take his place one day soon.” Jackson spied the round-faced owl off to one side.

“The tradition of the Gathering of the Woodfolk is a long one, going back for countless ages,” boomed Gaffer. “Our broodfathers and broodmothers, and theirs before them, and theirs before them, and still more before them, have gathered in this place in times of great peril. I bid you remember that the Green Glade and the way here and home are the only places where, by agreement from long ago, a creature is safe from any other. Some of you represent your own kindred, but any woodfolk are welcome.” Jackson looked around. This night the glade was full. The glen would be unnaturally quiet tonight. Sarah squeezed his hand.

“Who calls this Gathering?” asked Gaffer.

“I, Pondlefoot Badger, cub of Grey-Muzzle Badger and Growler Badger of Badger Tree, and Friend of all Woodfolk, call this Gathering,” said Pondlefoot, standing up.

“Take the Gladestone,” commanded the Keeper. “And say what you have come to say.”

Pondlefoot emerged from the press of woodfolk, moving heavily to the center to stand by the Gladestone. He turned slowly, looking carefully at the assembly.

“Fellow woodfolk,” the old badger began, “the glen is in grave peril, a danger greater than any faced by those who came before us.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Robin Mason

Robin is the younger son of Michael Mason, co-author of OLDENGLEN. He was born in England and has lived in Zimbabwe (which was called Rhodesia then) and Canada.

The story behind OLDENGLEN came from the time the family was renting a large estate in British Columbia, Canada, many years ago. As a young boy, Robin grew up with the written word. Michael, a professor of English, would read to him every night, including such works as the Narnia books, the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

OLDENGLEN is the result of that beginning, and the first book in the series known as "The Oldenglen Chronicles". LONE WOLF will be published in early 2016.

Robin is an attorney. He has been married to his wife, Angelina, for nearly twenty-five years and they are blessed with three children. The glen dwells deep in Robin; their home is in a twelve-acre forest, which they share with many four-legged and winged inhabitants.

Michael Mason

Michael was born in 1924 in England, which makes him 91-years-old. The son of an employee of a grand estate in England, as a boy Michael had room to roam.

Graduating from the University of London, and after completing a stint in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, he began his lifelong career of teaching, in schools and universities in England, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Canada. He holds an MA and PhD in English Literature.

Oldenglen is Michael’s first novel. He is also a published poet and playwright and contributor of articles to quarterly publications.

Michael is married to Muriel and they will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in March, 2016. He is blessed with two sons, four granddaughters, three grandsons and one newly-arrived great granddaughter.

Authors and Book Website: http://www.oldenglen.com

Buy on Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Oldenglen-1-Robin-Mason/dp/0994837100/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445053912&sr=8-1&keywords=oldenglen

Buy on Amazon.ca: http://www.amazon.ca/Oldenglen-Chronicles-Book-1-ebook/dp/B01570C2UI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445053966&sr=8-1&keywords=oldenglen

Buy on Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/oldenglen-robin-mason/1122637838?ean=9780994837103

My review:
I loved how the author created a world that the target audience (8-12 year olds) can escape to. Who would not want to find new to them animal species? Especially when they seem to be surrounded by the unknown? I can not imagine having to move, and leaving my life and everything I have known. This is great for kids to relate to as well. We do not all fit in. I liked the words used in the book and I think that young readers will be able to expand their vocabulary. The author;s writing style brought his pages to life, and I could picture the glen in my head. The overall message of the book is a good one for kids to learn as well. I can not wait for book two. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway