"It is a fine balance between scaring a young audience half to death and imparting a great moral lesson. I think Troan has found that balance well in this tale. It hits all the right notes in action and character development and imparts a wonderful lesson to young readers. As an aged 'child' myself, I can recommend this book very highly."
"Possibly the Next Harry Potter Like Book Series?
When I decided to read this book I didn’t know what to expect, but as I continued to read it, I was drawn in. The author has an interesting imagination so it was a bit challenging at times to envision some of the whimsical characters he described. In that regard, the art work really brought the characters to life. By the end of the story I found I wanted to know more. I wanted to delve deeper into this magical , simple yet dangerous world. All in all, I found the story a fun read filled with what sometimes seemed like metaphors of humanity, creation, spirituality, and the power of positive thinking. I enjoyed the book. I think the book would be a good one for a parent to read to their child, or an adult who wants an escape into a mysterious world."
T.X. Troan proves that middle school age girls can solve mysteries and have adventures, even when there’s danger involved in his young adult novel Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain.
While the story does follow the adventures of Sophia on the mysterious island her father bought, the author has written a book that will appeal to readers of all ages. Young boys and girls will identify with Sophia and Tim. Parents will also appreciate the small lessons that the author weaves into the narrative. Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain is more than a young adult adventure story. It is also a book with several valuable lessons to teach.
Readers learn that having material possessions doesn’t necessarily equal happiness. Sophia’s father just purchased an island but all she wants is for him to spend more time with her. Young boys and girls will also identify with her frustration and sense of curiosity. What is perhaps two of the most important lessons author T.X. Troan is trying to get across is a love and respect for nature, along with a sense of responsibility for your actions.
“A burst of energy scattered throughout her body bringing waves of the tree’s memories. She was frozen in shock as the tree revealed the deep suffering of the earth she thought she knew.”
The author has an easy and descriptive writing style that will draw readers in and capture their imaginations. It will be easy for them to picture the Guardians along with the islands “demons”. The plot is slightly complex but not too difficult to follow along, and there’s plenty of action to keep everyone fully engrossed until the last chapter.
The author does leave readers hanging at the end of the novel but T.X. Troan hints that this is not the end of Sophia Freeman’s adventures.
