karen andrea

karen andrea

About

Karen Andrea is a writer specialising in the children and Young Adult market and living in London, UK. The Enchanted Library is her debut novel for 8 to 12's (and adults too!) It's an uplifting story about the adventures of Max Milford, when he is fostered by his grandpa and discovers a library of living books in a long-deserted room. It aims to promote literacy and self-belief.
When not reading or writing, Andrea is getting hyper on good coffee, people-watching in cafes, running children's workshops, practising yoga, cycling or hanging out with friends.

The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky

The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky

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Description

<p><em style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;">After centuries of religiously motivated war, the world has been split in two. Now the Blessed Lands are ruled by pure faith, while in the Republic, reason is the guiding light—two different realms, kept apart and at peace by a treaty and an ocean.</em><br style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;" /><br style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;" /><span style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;">Children of the Republic, Helena and Jason were inseparable in their youth, until fate sent them down different paths. Grief and duty sidetracked Helena’s plans, and Jason came to detest the hollowness of his ambitions.</span><br style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;" /><br style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;" /><span style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;">These two damaged souls are reunited when a tiny boat from the Blessed Lands crashes onto the rocks near Helena’s home after an impossible journey across the forbidden ocean. On board is a single passenger, a nine-year-old girl named Kailani, who calls herself “the Daughter of the Sea and the Sky.” A new and perilous purpose binds Jason and Helena together again, as they vow to protect the lost innocent from the wrath of the authorities, no matter the risk to their future and freedom.</span><br style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;" /><br style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;" /><span style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;">But is the mysterious child simply a troubled little girl longing to return home? Or is she a powerful prophet sent to unravel the fabric of a godless Republic, as the outlaw leader of an illegal religious sect would have them believe? Whatever the answer, it will change them all forever… and perhaps their world as well.</span></p>

Story Behind The Book

Like many authors’ books, mine was inspired by a dream. I lived in Spain a few years ago and during siesta I'd visit a local bookshop to remind myself of my dream of becoming a published author one day. The bookshop was promoting Cervantes (of Don Quixote fame) and Carlos Ruiz Zafon (Shadow of the Wind) as the two best selling Spanish authors of all time. When I began thinking over the key to Zafon’s success, I imagined the elderly author’s spirit instructing the young author from beyond the grave. That night I dreamed vividly of a young boy discovering the magic of an abandoned library and reawakening its spell. I grabbed my notebook, feeling the tingly tug of inspiration. The Enchanted Library was born...

Reviews

'An instant classic' - TCM reviews, September 2009<br /><br />'The Enchanted Library is a delightful read and a wonderful example of the healing power of books and the imagination. With its beautiful illustrations and original storyline, it is a must-have addition to any children’s library. It is aimed at 8 to 12 year olds, but parents will love it too.' - <strong>DIPNET (Diversity in Publishing)</strong> <br /><br />'A great yarn! It sends wonderful messages to kids to believe in their own abilities. I can't wait for it to enchant our library shelves.' -<strong> Anna Sutton, junior school teacher, London.<br /></strong><br />Brilliant, when's the next one coming!<br />Bought this as a gift for my niece and this was her exact response after reading it.  &quot;i thought the book was really gr8 and i think it shud b made in2 a film and if it woz i wud definatly buy it cant w8 4 nxt 1&quot; <br />I'll now be looking out for more books by this author! - <strong>Jo, Amazon reviewer UK<br /></strong><br />'Original, intriguing, streetwise.' - <strong>Martyn Bearsdley, Sir Gadabout Books.<br /></strong><br />'This is a wonderful book about magic and the wonders of the imagination. I loved it!<br />Max Milford is a lonely orphan, longing for a family to love him, and friends to like him. He gets a suprise call to go and live with his grandad in a rambling old house. The school bully quickly latches onto Max, because he has a phobia of reading and writing. Max finds surprising solace when he discovers a library of talking books in an abandoned room. The book characters are warm and brilliant and funny, and befriend Max, leading him to solve an intruiging mystery, and to believe in himself again.<br />Its aimed at 8-12's, but I think parents will love it too.' - <strong>Mumsnetter review<br /></strong><br />'A charming and exciting book,' - <strong>Law Gazette<br /></strong>