Rock of Realm

Rock of Realm

Book One in The Rock of Realm Series

by Lea Schizas

Genre: Tween/Young Adult Fantasy Adventure

Release: March 30, 2012

Editor: Marni McNiff

Line Editor : Penny Ehrenkranz

Cover Designer: Kaytalin Platt

Words: 45847

Pages: 147

ISBN: 978-1-77127-021-2

Price: $5.50

Back Cover:

A lifelong sanctuary of home bliss suddenly comes to a halt when Alexandra Stone discovers her parents lied and kept secrets about their family heritage. The discovery comes after a silly chant transports Alex and her best friend Sarah, along with her two pets, to the outskirts of Rock Kingdom.

Now faced with the dangerous elements of Dread’s Forest, Alex is determined to fight the man responsible for their predicament – her uncle.

But is he responsible?

She will risk her safety and trust her instincts when thrust alongside him to battle the Braks, skeletal creatures that project thorn-infested slime encasing their victim before plunging them deep within the caverns of the earth.

Readers will discover  that ‘‘things are not always as they appear to be’.

The Rock of Realm will shatter the concept of ‘villain’.

Excerpt:

Thesan bid them a peaceful sleep as Larok walked them up the marble staircase, guiding them to their rooms when Alex stopped abruptly. “I want my friends with me, in the same room,” she demanded, her request a measure of desperation not to be separated from her companions.

Larok did not oppose. His features and nod acknowledged an understanding of her apprehension.

Motioning to their room, Larok reassured them the Braks couldn’t gain access to the Marble Chamber; he then closed the door behind him.

The chamber was somber, nothing compared to the cheerful, poster-decorated room of a teenaged girl. There were two twin-sized beds, one for each girl. The air was clean unlike the musky, dank smell of earth in the tunnels. The animals snuggled comfortably on the floor.

Alex settled under the warm furry blanket, falling into a deep sleep almost immediately. Images of large, sinister waves capsizing a boat with her in it filled her dream. Skies darkened. A magnificent yellow Blooper-like fish, the size of a yacht, smiled at her with every wave that came crashing down. Two Oracles by the foot of Rock Kingdom warned her to turn back.

“Approach, and he will die,” the Oracles said.

“Who? Who’s going to die?” Alex yelled in her sleep. “Tell me, who is going to die?”

“Alex! Alex, wake up.” She opened her eyes and stared into Sarah’s worried gape; then swept her gaze across everyone’s worried faces. “You okay?” Sarah asked.

Hearing the screams, Larok burst through the door, frightening them all.

“I’m…I’m sorry. I was dreaming.” Alex wiped the daze out of her eyes, continuing to stare into their befuddled gazes.

“About what, princess?” Larok asked. He stood by the bed clenching his cloak; his face intense, his eyes not daring to blink as though afraid he would miss her answer.

“These huge waves coming down on me, and… and this fish, and statues coming up from the waters…”

“Those statues are the Oracles of the Qulany River. They guard the entrance of Rock Kingdom. And the fish is the Mistress of the Qulany River. She hunts the fearful and captures them forever in her belly. Did the Oracles speak to you?” Larok asked as though interrogating a prisoner, making her feel uneasy.

Alex stared at Larok for the longest time before she slowly nodded her head. “They said if I approach, he would die. Who’s going to die, Larok? Which of my friends will die?”

Review:

As a teacher I'm exposed to some of the finest fiction available for todays youth and Rock of Realm is way at the top of my list. This incredible fantasy adventure teaches us about friendship, loyalty, courage, wisdom, and that not everything is as it seems. - Amazon reader 5 star review

Rock of Realm is a delightful, fast paced tale you want to, really, really want to be naughty and read ahead, but because it's so good, you don't. You read on, eager for every juicy moment, catch-phrase and antic of Alex's journey. -Five Gold Stars Lins Own Horn Tooting...READ FULL REVIEW

Lea Schizas has created a delightful, fast moving tale that will enchant young and not so young. I highly recommend this book...Amazon Review 5 Stars...READ FULL REVIEW

About the Author:

Lea Schizas, also known as 'Mother Hen', would never turn down a year to live on an island with nothing more than her computer, internet access, and some peace and quiet.

WEBSITE

Customer Reviews:

As a teacher I'm exposed to some of the finest fiction available for todays youth and Rock of Realm is way at the top of my list. This incredible fantasy adventure teaches us about friendship, loyalty, courage, wisdom, and that not everything is as it seems.rnrnAlex is a reasonably content young girl with the same likes and dislikes as the rest of us. She obeys, most of the time, is content within the comfort of her family, loves her English class, adores her best friend Sarah, and has both a dog Butch, and Pops a rather interesting squirrel with a whole lot of attitude to keep her entertain.rnrnOn this particular day, Alex's world is about to skid sideways. A story told by her English teacher combined with a few freaky things dropping virtually in upon her staid life are going to scoop the four them into an adventure that will forever change her life.rnrnLea Schizas has created a delightful, fast moving tale that will enchant young and not so young.rnrnI highly recommend this book, rn

Rock of Realm is a charming but suspenseful YA fantasy that whisked me away to an enchanted place painted in vivid detail. While I usually read mysteries, thrillers, fantasy & sci-fi, every once in a while I like to relax with a good YA book. Rock of Realm, with its engaging characters, including a dog, squirrel and hamster, made for a fun read with plenty of humor sprinkled in, while exploring terror, trust and truth.

The fourteen-year-old princess, Alexandra, thinks she’s just a regular girl with a dog named Butch that plays with a squirrel named Pops, but after she and her best friend, Sarah, spend the evening babysitting they find a strange new world just a rock and some glitter away.rnrnThe girls, dog, and squirrel are magically transported to a world where they hear and understand Butch, and Pops talk or should I say argue. Alex is told she has an Uncle Dread and that her mother is the vanquished Queen of this parallel world.rnrnThe four travel to find a man named Larok that can help them find their way home, but instead meet up with Jinx, the hamster. The sense of dread, no pun intended, was strong for the five journeying to Rock Kingdom. They dodge stinky skeletons called Braks in the Tunnel of Darkness in their search for freedom.rnrnYou’ll read to the end of each chapter having to turn the page again and again. This book is suited for either boys or girls that like action, twists, and turns in a journey to find truth.rn

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