Whispers from Forbidden Earth

by Mark Venturini

Two lives, two worlds, bound together by one accident. When the young elf Strum first heard the whispers, some on Eversong called it a gift. After all, he is the first of the Iunctus Unus (United Ones) born in centuries. But the whispers are from a bizarre land called Chicago where twelve-year-old Jason Snider lies comatose in a hospital after a terrible accident, an accident that binds the two lives together. If Jason dies, Strum dies. Forcing open the long-locked portal throws Strum and a pintsize baby dragon into the terrifying world of Chicago. Worse, Her Royal Pain torches the hospital lobby and escapes before Strum can revive Jason. Strum must find the lost dragon and heal Jason before he can hope to return home. He teams up with a street-smart girl who has her own painful ties to Jason, and the battle is on. For not only is all Chicago chasing them, so are evil mages banished to Earth centuries before. Strum is their chance to return and conquer Eversong. He must stop them, even if it means forfeiting his chance to go home--or worse, his life.

214 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2013

About the author

Mark's flash and short stories have appeared in various print and online magazines. His mid-grade fantasy novel "Whispers from Forbidden Earth" for ages 9-13 was released on Amazon on 10/18/2013

Reviews

[A.S. Oren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. It had interesting characters and storyline. The only thing I wish it had more of was character description, at least with certain characters like Strum. Not a ton, mind you, just enough I could picture him accurately. I pictured him as an average height child until comments on his height were made, so then I had too reimagine him all over again. I liked Kat and Star, they were my favorites. I would recommend it for parents and their kids or a teacher looking for a book to assign for fantasy. I am looking forward to reading more from Venturini.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a winner of GoodReads First Reads for this book!!! Whispers from Forbidden Earth was a classic tale of good versus bad. A lovely quick read where you find yourself cheering for the "good guys"! I will definitely be including it on my bookshelf in my classroom. I also loved the incorporation of the Latin words, especially when I have several students taking Latin.

There were a couple of things I would have added to the text to make it better. First, I would have added a little more background to the characters. For example, I would have told a little more about Kat and her families' story. What happened to her father? What kind of relationship did Kat and Jason share? She makes it seem as if they were a long time couple, but they are only thirteen years old. I was also confused by all of the characters in Eversong. I would have appreciated a little more clarity. Secondly, I would like to have known more about what being a pathway or a telepathic entailed. Strum's background didn't really give the information I was hoping to find out. I would also liked more information about the Troll bridges and the Dragon's realm.

Overall, I felt like the story was a little difficult to follow. The plot itself is basic, but there are a lot of characters. It would be beneficial to keep a list while reading the text. It is fast paced and characters are changing fast. I think that the book could have been a little better just by adding information. However, I like that it was a quick read just how it was.

Thank you again for the opportunity to read the book! GoodReads First Reads is amazing!!!!!

[Andrea Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. Let's put it this way, I was almost late to work today because I just couldn't put the book down. This book was beautifully written, had nice illustrations, is appropriate for younger readers (maybe age 10 and up), and has all the elements anyone into Fantasy books would be into (dragons, elfs, gnomes, magi, etc). It is also a beautiful story about friendship and how you stick up for one another even when everything around you seems to be falling apart. I promise you that you'll love this book from the very first page and it will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire read.

[Grace Yee · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the captivating pages of this book, Mark Venturini creates a world connected to our own where gnomes and pixies converse, the friendships between mages are tentative, and the fate of them all rests on the shoulders of one young elf. "Whispers" is thoroughly enjoyable, containing a little something for everyone: fantasy, action, mystery, suspense. What I truly loved was how believable the characters were; Jai is my favorite. I look forward to reading more from this author, as this story proves there is more to magic and reality than meets the eye.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story line with lots of twists to keep you interested. Some of the characters were confusing to me and I had trouble keeping some of them straight. But other than that, the story kept me interested and reading along to see if Strum (one of the characters I could keep straight) would save the human boy. Younger kids and those into the sci-fi genre with similar sounding names would probably have an easier time than I did, but even adults would enjoy this story.

[Misty Iputi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispers from Forbidden Earth was a good book. The book was wonderful it was hard to put down as there was something always getting ready to happen if not happening. The elves and fairies and dragons and more characters made this book that any age could read and enjoy. There was only thing that holds back this book from being a five star and that is needing stronger description of some characters and places.

I got a free copy for an honest review.

[Karen Malena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captivated by the storytelling Mr. Venturini uses in his book. The two worlds, one, our own, the other, a fantasy world complete with elves, fairies and mages. I loved the storyline, the quirky, yet believable characters, and most important, the good writing style of this author. Hoping for a sequel very soon.

[Mackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read fantasy novels, but I loved this one! It really would be a terrific book for 5th graders and up. I think they'd really get lost in the story of two worlds coming together...for awhile.

[Jen Cudmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son just finished this book and he really enjoyed it!