Middle-Grade Fantasy Mystery
Date Published: 12-01-2023
Publisher: Rise Publishers
A STRATEGIC PLAN WAS IN PLACE…
POWERFUL ALLIANCES WERE FORMED…
BUT NOTHING COULD STOP THE GREAT WAR.
After Tim Charnal was captured by Allen Chan and the ruthless iron-masked
guards, Sophia Freeman has no choice but to follow their orders and meet
them in the Forbidden Land to free their Master, Tombermon, an ancient tree
giant. The release of great evil leads to broken promises, countless
sacrifices, and an inevitable war. As the islanders face a losing battle, an
unexpected machine army comes to their rescue. But is it enough to stop the
enemy and their threatening new era of darkness once and for all?
“What did you do to my friends, Scarlon?” Sophia gripped her wand ready to fire a spell.
“Oh, you mean the savage act? Well, it would be a waste to destroy the ones who refuse to surrender,” he explained. “So, we came up with a better plan by putting them under a mind-control spell. Of course, there are a few risks, but the return is very satisfying.” He placed his hand on Tim’s shoulder. “Our vision of the new era is finally being realized—how exciting!”
“You monster!” She shifted into her attack position.
Without hesitation, Allen fired a demonic spell at the Chosen One. Dad rushed in front of her and blocked it with his double-bit axe. The spell shattered the weapon and punctured his chest. He collapsed to the ground, bleeding.
Marshmallow dashed over, pawing his cheek.
“Oh, that was quite a surprise.” Arbiter Scarlon stroked his long white hair. “Looks like this filthy human does care about his offspring after all.”
Sophia dropped her wand, kneeled, and lifted Dad’s head, choking on tears. “W-why did you do that?”
Dad’s fur retreated, he shrunk, and his colors changed, transforming back to human form.
“B-because that’s what p-parents do.” He placed his hand over hers, coughing. “I-I know this c-can’t change what I’ve done—b-but I hope you c-can forgive me.”
Warmth came from the shard in Sophia’s pocket. Mom must be hoping the same.
“Yes, Dad, I forgive you,” she said firmly and held him closer, tears flooding.
About the Author
Thuan Doan is an award-winning author of the Sophia Freeman series. He conceived his first middle-grade fantasy novel, Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain, during a trip to Gabriola Island, British Columbia in the summer of 2013. Then he took his work and settled in a small town of Enderby, where it’s peaceful and quiet.
Thuan is writing under a pen name of T.X. Troan. “X” stands for Xu, his grandmother’s name who passed away. And “Troan” is a combination of his parents’ names.
“No matter how this turns out, I want my family to be a part of this wonderful journey.”
T.X. Troan married Sarah, his original fan and longtime love, in 2016. They live in Enderby with their pack dogs!
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