The Star Realm

By: Julie Elizabeth Powell

Narrated by: Nano Nagle

Length: 17 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

What would you do if you were called to another world; a world filled with seemingly impossible things?

Faced with this choice, Davie, Ben, Anne, Chrissie, and Billy embark upon a mysterious quest, finding themselves transported to the spectacular and extraordinary world of Avalon, whereupon they are catapulted into one of the uncountable heptagonal pieces that make up the magical sphere of the Orb of Caprice; namely, the Star Realm.

Follow the exploits of the five and champion their long, arduous, yet amazing journey. Though the question remains; will time be on their side?

This story is for anyone with a head overflowing with dreams, a heart filled with a yearning for adventure, and a soul buoyant in magic.

This is the first adventure in the Avalon trilogy.

Cover Design: Julie Elizabeth Powell

Original background photo: sattva from freedigitialphotos.net

©2011 Julie Elizabeth Aldridge (P)2016 Julie Elizabeth Aldridge

Peter Pan + Harry Potter + Narnia

“This audiobook was given by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."

I found this book to be a pleasure. Narration is critical and Nano Nagle does it wonderfully! Characters are individuals and there is feeling. The book is really brought to life!

This book is perfect for adults, YA, or even advanced children in my opinion. I found that there was plenty of action and plot development, but nothing too seriously violent, gory, unsavory, etc. Personally, I enjoy well-placed and well-used swearing etc. and I also enjoy bloody violence. I did not miss them in this book. There was magic, mystery, and plenty of action. There were morals and lessons, personal growth, and entertainment all around. As I titled this, I think of this story as a combination of parts of Peter Pan, Harry Potter, and Narnia. There are various creatures and entities that are all common enough in fantasy, but are not stale here by any means. Julie Elizabeth Powell has her own direction and story to tell, and while I felt reminded of other stories, this plot is entirely original and it grabs the listener. I'm sold. Bring on book 2. I want to know more!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This is the next all ages fantasy classic!

Any additional comments?

This was my first trek into the world of Powell’s storytelling and I had a blast! I think time could turn this delightful tale of five children testing themselves and developing as people through their adventuring into a classic all-ages fantasy. Ben lives in the shadow of Davey, his older brother. Billy rushes into trouble. Chrissy is sad over the death of her mom. Annie only puts stock into science and social issues.

Together the children journey to another realm in order to stop its destruction. Greed and selfishness on the childrens’ world, Elsewhere, is causing the Star Realm to unravel. Only by adventuring the strange and magical Star Realm and gathering seven elements can the children put things to right. In the process they face their own insecurities, selfishness, and sadness. I think this is a beautiful allegory about how people can and should realign their values and question their motivations in order to improve our society.

There is certainly plenty of maligned story telling being passed off as truth in our politics, reality television, and professional interactions. It is great to take in bits of truth in something that is clearly a story.

If you enjoyed reading the Wizard of Oz series, with its highly creative settings and characters, Star Realm is a good choice for you. I think its adventure and excitement pace is similar to Chronicles of Narnia. The theme is much more accessible to me in Star Realm, however. I am truly impressed with this story.

I received a free audible code in exchange for a review. Any review. That fact that it’s a good one is because the book is good. Which has nothing to do with how awesome I am. You’ll have to find that out for yourself @S_Shane_Thomas on Twitter.

As an adult who reads plenty of speculative fiction, I find myself testing the barriers of reality within a story. You can tell me outrageous lies and I will suspend disbelief, but I will also poke and prod the world for believability. It was refreshing to be swept so far away from real life that the idea of testing for believability became the ridiculous and implausible notion.

Before I had kids I always fancied myself a sort of Peter Pan. Raising your own little people can really convince you that you are grown. Star realm was a great chance for me to think in kid terms again. Now’s the part where you stop reading and buy. Go ahead…

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Brilliant!

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

This book follows five children (Ben, Billy, Davie, Anne and Chrissie) as they try to save another realm. Through their time trying to save the Star Realm, they have to look at themselves, their motivations and their values. It read very much like a coming of age novel and personally made me think a bit of Peter Pan.
Julie Elizabeth Powell has a talent for writing and this book was really good. It was made even better by the narrator Ms Nano Nagle, who had to differentiate between the five main characters and succeeded brilliantly.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful