Middle Grade Fiction Has Two New Award-Winning Novels

Earlier this month the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards announced its winners in its Middle Grade Fiction category. Taking First Place was Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems: The Crystal Cavern (Book3) by Anthony Pardoe. The Second Place winner was Koolura and the Mayans (Koolura Series Book 3) by Michael Thal.

The Royal Dragonfly Book Awards is presented by Five Star Publications to honor published authors of all types of literature appealing to a wide range of ages and comprehensive list of genres. The contest’s judges are industry experts with specific knowledge about the categories over which they preside. Both The Crystal Cavern and Koolura and the Mayans coincidentally are book 3 in their respective series.

Star Sapphire and the Land of the Gems: The Crystal Cavern Book 3) is a delightful adventure where a displaced heroine, Star Sapphire, and her trusty sidekick, Jasper Pebble, are trying to return home to the Land of Gems. Naturally, obstacles galore block their way with helpful allies and not so helpful antagonists as plot twists make this novel a compelling tale. The Star Sapphire Series follows one primary story arc like The Lord of the Rings or The Dark Tower Series by Stephen King.

Koolura and the Mayans, Second Place winning title in the 2016 Royal Dragonfly Book Awards- Middle Grade Fiction is part of an episodic series of books. Like Nancy Drew or The Hardy Boys, the Koolura Series features the same primary characters with independent story lines. In Koolura and the Mayans, Koolura and Leila visit Mexico to celebrate Koolura’s dad’s wedding. During a site seeing tour at an archeological dig the girls discover an ancient artifact in a Mayan tomb that hurtles them thousands of years into the past. Koolura and Leila soon learn that the Mayans have deep troubles. An alien race of people has enslaved them and they need a goddess to set them free.

An Amazon reviewer had this to say about The Crystal Cavern: “I was so happy to read the conclusion of this book, the final volume of the trilogy Star Sapphire and the Land of Gems (The Crystal Cavern) by Anthony Pardoe. I enjoyed the first 2 volumes very much and got fully into the magical world of such imaginative story. When I closed my eyes, I could see these wonderful creatures of the mystical land of gems and the girl, Star Sapphire. I would love to see this story in movie format. Even though some subtle nuances of the books might get lost in the movie, I am sure it will be very exciting and entertaining. I hope it happens. Congratulations to the author, Anthony Pardoe!”

Amazon reviewer Jeanne Bannon had this to say about Koolura and the Mayans: “This is my kind of book. I love paranormal anything and especially YA. The author weaves a wonderful tale, which includes a bit of a history lesson on the Mayans. The protagonist, Koolura, is a twelve year old girl who posses psychic abilities. Koolura and her friend, Leila, are sent back in time to help the Mayan people against an invading alien race.

“As a side note, I know the author is deaf and I love the way he wove American Sign Language into the plot. The pace is good and the story is well thought out. Two thumbs up!”

As you can see, both novels are worthy of the Royal Dragonfly Book Awards and great gift ideas for this holiday season.