The Chronicles of Anaedor

by Kristina Schram

THE GIRL ABOVE... Strange things happen to fifteen-year-old Lavida Mors. Maybe that's why her father sends her away to Portal Manor, a mysterious family estate she has never seen. Lavida quickly discovers that not everything at Portal Manor is as it seems when she stumbles across a secret passage to a hidden world--Anaedor. THE WORLD BELOW... Anaedor lies deep beneath the surface, separated from humanity, populated by mythical creatures. Long ago, ignorant humans, frightened by the powers of these magical and strange beings, forced them to flee to this dark world of huge caverns, frigid rivers and deep pits. It is these same creatures who take Lavida captive, forcing her to realize there might have been very good reasons for humans to be afraid. THE PROPHECY BINDS THEM... Malevolent forces, led by the evil Malvado, seek to control all of Anaedor, but an ancient prophecy tells of a hero who will save these denizens of the deep. While trying to escape the dark realm with the help of her friends, Lavida must battle overgrown sharp-toothed leeches, survive a poison arrow and outwit a giant, all the while trying to convince the hopeful populace of Anaedor that she is not the savior they believe her to be.

Genres: Paranormal

416 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 6, 2007

About the author

I was born and raised in the backwoods of Minnesota. To survive, I had to develop an active imagination and invent my own friends. I think that's why I write fantasy. There's nothing better than making up your own world. It does what you tell it to do. Wait, scratch that. Sometimes my worlds take on a life of their own. While writing my Anaedor series, I actually had characters show up and demand to be included. A little scary, but it kept things interesting. I'm hoping to someday own my own castle by the sea. I truly believe in the wonders of this world and cannot think of anything better to do than write about them.

I'm happily married. I have 3 wonderful kids, 3 lazy cats, and one fish who refuses to give up the good fight (I think this is a record for fish survival).

Reviews

[MountainLaurel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that this book had a really great plot. However, first-time author Kristina Schram could've used a better editor before publishing it. There were quite a few typos (and writing no-nos that I think were unintentional), which distracted me from the story. The character of Lavida Mors at first seemed exaggerated, but over time she evened out a little and seemed more like a real person. All in all I thought this book was a promising start, and I hope to see a sequel someday soon.

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off ok, what with a haunted-looking house and a girl that her last school were calling her a freak. Then a secret door was accessed and it turned into animation like Space Jam. I seriously pictured those underground magical creatures as cartoon-like. I never took them as real. Maybe she's dreaming? Maybe this book was supposed to be for young readers. Lots of chase scenes, but, of course, the good guy always wins. Definitely meant for middle-school aged kiddos. Sorry.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Chronicles of Anaedor-The Prophecies is adventerous and deadpan funny. This story captures the spirit of an extremely graceless yet fearless girl. She hurles into saving a hidden underground world that houses magical creatures big and small, smelly and hairy, good and evil. The strength of Lavida (the main character) inspires me to conquor my fears with humor and compasion. I recommend this book to anyone who feeling alone and unloved. Intense friendships are made and faught for with determination and inspiration. Evil is struck down but not gone. I can't wait for the next book in the series! What will become of this underground lare? What will become of all the creatures locked in this world? I must know!

[Stuart · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is almost unreadable in places, but to say it's terrible would also be a bit overkill. It's not terrible- it's just ridiculously cliche and only a good read for a young, young, YOUNG audience who won't see it all coming, find the names of the characters and creatures over-rought and childish, or in general demand much more of a book other than it be a story about immature, one-dimensional protagonists (who act far below their stated age) hanging out with the worlds least threatening magic monsters. The plot is convoluted beyond comprehension and the stakes are never high enough to make the relentless plot twists feel vital or exciting. Everything about the book feels constructed, overly precious and amateur. Avoid.

[Christopher Obert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as Alice falls down the rabbit hole and finds a wonderland, so does Lavida Mors find a buried world hidden from earthly eyes just below her feet. This book is the first in what I hope is a long series of books telling the tales of Anaedor. Anaedor is a wonderful world filled with all of those mythical creatures we were told do not exist but really do. Lavida finds herself the key to the survival of these wild and strange creatures. She does not want this responsibility but as in all great adventures, she has no choice. She only hopes that she, and her friends, will live through it!

[Elizabeth Beidleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fast moving, fun book to read. It was just what my kids wanted, lots of excitement and funny characters. We read it out loud, and I was surprised at how fast and well it read. It's a fairly long book, so I was hesitant when they picked it.

I'd recommend it to any fantasy fan, not just the younger ones. I enjoyed it right along with the younger two and the teen.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fun book, I liked this one a lot. Great book for older children. The main character is very funny, I loved her, and the rest of the characters are also wonderful. This little adventure was quite a page turner.

[Kelly (kellyinbookland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at yabookreads.com

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