Deals and Dangers - Book 3 Gem Lore Series
The unthinkable has happened. Sheamathan is gone, carried off by corrupt gnomes bent on overthrowing the government. Tyla and the rest of Finnack’s team had hoped to prevent this, but they arrived too late. Now, their enemies, armed with Dark gems and the Focal Gem, are attacking leaders and key officials. No one is safe, including Tyla. She wants to fight back, but first, she and her allies must find the enemy’s hideout. And they must hope that when they do, Sheamathan hasn’t regained her true form and her powers. |
Myths and Mentors - Book 2 Gem Lore Series When Tina Ann and Ben disappear without a trace in Aberell City, Tyla is reluctant to leave without her friends, but she has no choice. She has a toddler at home and responsibilities at Elantoth Fortress. Once home, Tyla finds herself drawn into new troubles. An Outcast and a gem master, each searching for the defeated queen's gems, fall victim to dark powers under mysterious circumstances. As Tyla and Gem Master Ertz try to make sense of these events, they discover much to their dismay that these seemingly unrelated incidents tie in with Ben and Tina Ann's disappearance. Getting their friends back safely is their first concern, but their world faces a threat that could tear it apart, and it may already be too late to stop it. |
Wards and Wonders - Book 1 Gem Lore Series
Danger. Deception. Secrets. Not long ago, the gnomes' gem master queen was overthrown and then enchanted to make sure she could never regain her powers. Now, she lives in a cage, guarded by those she once ruled, and her enchanted form disgusts all who look upon her. When Tyla moved to Elantoth Fortress, she came as a librarian and researcher. As a novice gem user, she hopes to develop her powers, using the former queen's gems. She never expected to be drawn into a struggle to keep the queen from being moved to a faraway city where sympathizers might restore her to her true form. Tina Ann was one of the queen's personal servants. A mutant kitchen worker with a unique ability to sense dark powers, she and Tyla develop an unlikely friendship, much to the annoyance of Tyla's friends and family. . Tina Ann and her boyfriend Ben join Tyla on a trip to Aberell City that includes a visit to the infamous Outcast district. The troubles they encounter there foreshadow greater dangers ahead. When they uncover a dangerous secret that could plunge their world into chaos, the three friends find themselves drawn into unexpected adventures that could cost their lives. |
Runes and Relics - Book 3 Gem Powers Series So many adventures, so little time. After discovering the portal to the gnome world, Lana develops a taste for adventure, but dividing her time between both worlds means missing half the excitement. The Amulet Team is leaving Shadowglade on a mission to the barrier zone, and she can't be away that long. The unlikely group will be an adventure in itself: two humans, two breghlin, and two gnomes who don't like breghlin. Lana believes that the savage and unprincipled breghlin will prove themselves useful. The team will learn whether she's right as they cross unknown territory, encountering dangerous gems, enigmatic relics, thieves, and dangers at the barrier zone. Faraway places seem more exciting to Lana, but adventure awaits her at Shadowglade. The castle still holds its share of secrets and dangers, which Lana is about to find out— at the worst possible time, with help far away. |
Shadowglade - Book 2 Gem Powers Series BEWARE of sentient spell books! Lana's plan to create a better life for the gnomes meets a deadly setback. The gnomes' defeated queen has a sentient spell book with a bad attitude and instructions for revenge. Outsmarting the castle's wards and booby traps turns into a daily challenge, and Lana and her companions hope that's the worst they face. Unfortunately, the imprisoned queen would sooner die than let the gnomes rule themselves, and unless Lana and her allies can stop the disasters the spell book has set in motion, the gnomes may not survive long enough to enjoy their newfound freedom. |
Beyond the Forest - Book 1 Gem Powers Series
Things too incredible to believe can be real! Lana can draw arcane powers from gemstones. When she started reading the folklore, it sounded farfetched. She should have closed the books right then and walked away. Special abilities are nothing but trouble. Someone always wants you to do something impossible. Or dangerous. Usually both. Like going through a portal to save an oppressed race in another world. In this case, gnomes, whose ruler happens to be a gem master with unimaginable powers. Lana decides an exploratory mission seems harmless. She can visit the other world and come up with a plan. Who knew there would be flying serpents, carnivorous insects, and goblin-like mutant gnomes? Or that she'd end up in a dungeon while the queen decides whether to kill her or turn her into an enchanted creature? The gem master hopes to rule Lana's world next and has already put plans in motion. Lana is determined to escape from the dungeon, but then what? She has two potential allies with gem powers, and she's afraid of both. But with two worlds in danger, and time running out, she may have to trust them. |
I received a positive review of Beyond the Forest from Kirkus. Kirkus is a respected name throughout the publishing industry, and their book reviews are consulted by libraries and the media. Reviews include summary content to give readers context along with a concise, unbiased opinion that can be positive, negative, or neutral.
"A bright fantasy for readers who are tired of exaggerated violence and slippery morals."
— Kirkus Reviews
Follow this link to read the complete review.
More about the Gem Powers series
This series is a unique blend of urban and epic fantasy. Lana’s story begins in our present-day world as she prepares to take over the family jewelry store, but most of her adventures occur in the gnome world.
This is a clean story, suitable for ages 10-100, with no graphic violence or strong language. The author supports the “noblebright” trend—the opposite of “grimdark.” Characters aren’t perfect but they value honesty and integrity and are willing to make personal sacrifices to help others. While they face dark times and dangerous situations, the overall tone is upbeat.
Beyond the Forest is a standalone novel without loose ends or a cliffhanger ending, but the resolution opens the door for further adventures. Shadowglade is Book 2 of the series. Book 3, Runes and Relics completes the trilogy.
A spinoff series, the Gem Lore Series, continues the story, featuring gnome viewpoint characters and exciting new adventures in the gnome world. Pick up Book 1, Wards and Wonders.
This is a clean story, suitable for ages 10-100, with no graphic violence or strong language. The author supports the “noblebright” trend—the opposite of “grimdark.” Characters aren’t perfect but they value honesty and integrity and are willing to make personal sacrifices to help others. While they face dark times and dangerous situations, the overall tone is upbeat.
Beyond the Forest is a standalone novel without loose ends or a cliffhanger ending, but the resolution opens the door for further adventures. Shadowglade is Book 2 of the series. Book 3, Runes and Relics completes the trilogy.
A spinoff series, the Gem Lore Series, continues the story, featuring gnome viewpoint characters and exciting new adventures in the gnome world. Pick up Book 1, Wards and Wonders.
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