Tally and the Angel: Mystery, adventure and magic with Tally and her angel Jophiel. (Book One India)
On the saddest day of her life, Tally discovers that the pendant which belonged to her mother is home to the Angel Jophiel. Tally knows that having her very own angel will change her life forever. Solving mysteries and having adventures with an angel in tow is awesome, right? What could go wrong? But being best friends with an angel doesn't stop Tally from plunging into great danger when she discovers a deadly plot to destroy India with a gigantic flood. In a race against time beneath the beautiful city of Agra, Tally will need all her own courage and strength as well as Jophiel's mythical sword to save herself and hundreds of kidnapped children. Each book in this series takes Tally and Jophiel to a different location around the world, where they battle mythical creatures as well as evil of a very humankind. Inspired by the author Eleanor Dixon's own travels and her fascination with traditions of angels in all cultures
Plot/Idea: 9 out of 10
Originality: 9 out of 10
Prose: 9 out of 10
Character/Execution: 9 out of 10
Overall: 9.00 out of 10
Assessment:
Plot: Tally and the Angel go forth to battle evil forces that are kidnapping the children of Agra and threatening the land of India with mass extermination. A paranormal fantasy for readers age 8-12, this book is sure to appeal to older readers who relish a well-spun tale of fantasy and adventure.
Prose/Style: Dixon writes with verve, humor and considerable charm. Her pacing is impeccable, and her powers of invention and description are immense.
Originality: A magic amulet is no great surprise in a chidren's book; a magic amulet containing an angel is something else again, but Dixon pulls it off. One of the story's many strengths is that the Angel Jophiel, seemingly of the Judeo-Christian tradition, coexists in harmony with the gods and goddesses of Hindu lore.
Character Development/Execution: Tally is an appealing heroine, and not the least of her appeal is that she struggles with the small temptations and character defects with which many young readers will identify. The love between Tally and her mother and father is tenderly and beautifully portrayed.
Date Submitted: July 28, 2021
