Story Behind The Book
Once upon a summer... When Holly and Drew's parents go to Ireland for the summer, they get sent to their grandparents' cottage in West Virginia. Grandpa has warned them - that they need to stay within certain boundaries while exploring the area. Children often fail to observe such warnings. One day, while investigating the creek by the cottage, the children happen upon a gnome named Bracken. The gnome leads Holly and Drew on a merry chase, but they eventually become friends. Bracken tells them about his home; a magical realm, accessed through a portal in the crystal cave. Holly and Drew's grandparents (Elmer and Lottie O'Day) are the observers of this portal. One day a gleaner, the evil servant of the druid (Dareg), wandered out of the portal and attacked Elmer and Lottie. The gleaner put a spell on them, casting them into a deep enchanted sleep. No one could awaken them. Bracken followed the gleaner back to his home realm (Upper-Earth). Once there, Bracken must discover what the gleaner is up to, so that he can restore Elmer and Lottie. Drew follows Bracken through the crystal henge, where he finds himself in a strange realm filled with fairytale creatures and danger. The adventure is on... Drew is nearly drowned by a watershee, survives a dragon attack in the gnome cave and discovers some important magical artifacts. Meanwhile, Dareg has released many of the dragons from their island sanctuary, and is transporting them to Middle-Earth. He plans to use the dragons to help him conquer mankind. Can Bracken and Drew stop him?
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Reviews
<p><span style="font-size:large;color:#0000ff;">W</span>hen I first picked up "Bracken and the Crystal Cave", which I hope will be only the first in a long line of books in "The Gnome Chronicles" series; I thought it looked like an interesting fantasy story that kids would really enjoy. Since I love fantasy, and the author is a local writer, I figured I might as well pick it up. This really is well written, but it is much more as well. This is the story of a brother and sister named Drew and Holly who go to visit their grandparents, and wind up having an incredible adventure with a gnome named...wait for it...Bracken. I don't want to give away any of the plot, but you should know this is packed with adventure, thrills and fantasy, without all the violence and mayhem that quite often accompany this kind of story in "adult" books. This is a story that the whole family, from 4 to 40 (and beyond) can get behind and talk about without having to worry about whether or not it would be inappropriate.</p> <p style="text-align:left;" align="center"><span style="font-size:large;color:#0000ff;">T</span>here's a couple other things I really like about the book. The kids in this story are good kids. That's not to say they don't get in trouble, but they're intelligent, responsible, good kids, which can be hard to find in a lot of today’s books. They don't disrespect their parents, they can think and work out some really difficult problems, and they represent a break from the stereotype of a child we're used to seeing in fiction. Another aspect of this story that I found refreshing, was the fact that Donna and Ken Waters aren't writing down to kids, they're writing up to them. This isn't just a simple to read, loaded with pictures, story; this is an action packed novel that requires children to read, think on and enjoy. I'm not saying this is a difficult book, just that I think kids will enjoy something that is both thrilling and thoughtful.As I said, whether you're a kid or an adult this is a fun, thoughtful read that will capture your imagination, and leave you wanting for the next story. <span style="color:#0000ff;"><strong>-</strong><strong>bukwurm</strong></span></p> <p style="text-align:left;" align="center"><span style="color:#ff00ff;font-size:large;">R</span>egarding "Bracken and the Crystal Cave" ... I THOROUGHLY enjoyed reading it and found it such a nice diversion after grueling days. In my former life I was a Junior High English teacher and creative writing was a big part of my classes. I wish I had had your book to work with my students. It would have kept their interest and allowed me to discuss creative writing and grammar and punctuation. Alas, I am far from the classroom but I see a wonderful market for your books. I would love to read volume two whenever it is ready. <span style="color:#ff00ff;font-size:small;">–<strong>Lillian Cale</strong></span><strong> </strong></p> <p style="text-align:left;" align="center"><span style="color:#008000;font-size:large;">I</span> just finished your book. I really enjoyed Bracken! It was easy and light reading, flowed well, and kept me engaged from beginning to end. You really do have a gift for storytelling, Donna, and write very well. <strong><span style="color:#008000;">-K. Dill</span></strong></p> <p><span style="font-size:large;color:#ff6600;">W</span>onderful book! This is a real gem. I need ten of them. I’m so proud. Best of luck! <strong><span style="color:#ff6600;">–Theda Church</span></strong> </p> <p> <span style="color:#00ffff;font-size:large;">R</span>oland and I both read <em>Bracken and the Crystal Cave</em> and thought it was great! Hope you make a bundle of money on your book. <strong><span style="color:#00ffff;">– Peg and Roland Raymer</span></strong></p><p style="text-align:left;" align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff00ff;"></span></strong></p>