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Silver Lightning
You know what's it's usually like when you wake up after a really amazing dream? By the time you actually get your eyes open the memory is beginning to fade. You hazily remember what you were dreaming about but you can't remember many of the details anymore.
By the time you've got your clothes on and had breakfast it's pretty much disappeared and you're left thinking how nice it would be to be able to go back and see what you liked about it so much and what happened next.
It's kind of like you had something wonderful and very precious but somehow you lost it and don't know how to find it again.
Well, this wasn't THAT sort of dream.
By the time you've got your clothes on and had breakfast it's pretty much disappeared and you're left thinking how nice it would be to be able to go back and see what you liked about it so much and what happened next.
It's kind of like you had something wonderful and very precious but somehow you lost it and don't know how to find it again.
Well, this wasn't THAT sort of dream.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2014
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Anne Darling
4 books18 followersWendy Anne Darling is a life-long writer of poetry and short stories, an actor, trained voice over artist, audio book narrator and artist. Most of her life has been spent working in graphic design and legal research but she recently made the decision to quit working for other people and follow her creative passions full-time. Her first novel, Silver Lightning, a mid-grade children’s fantasy for which she also created the cover art, was published in 2014. Her most recent book is titled ‘Tales from the Realm of the Green Elf’ and is an anthology of verse and short stories exploring the theme of ‘Magic.’.
Her degrees in both Graphic Design and Paralegal Studies have helped her efforts in illustration, cover design, and research. She is currently working on an array of books, which include a fantasy trilogy about dragons, an adult science fiction murder mystery, a children’s picture book which she will also illustrate, and a sequel to Silver Lightning. Wendy is a talented narrator and has 19 projects currently on sale through Amazon Audible and you can enjoy short segments of each by searching for Wendy Anne Darling on Audible or Amazon.
In the short period of time she has been writing her blog at https://wendyannedarling.com/ she has already amassed over 1,000 followers and has built followings on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Wendy plans to grow her company, ‘The Voices in Your Head’ to include, narration, voice overs, publishing, and illustration.
Her degrees in both Graphic Design and Paralegal Studies have helped her efforts in illustration, cover design, and research. She is currently working on an array of books, which include a fantasy trilogy about dragons, an adult science fiction murder mystery, a children’s picture book which she will also illustrate, and a sequel to Silver Lightning. Wendy is a talented narrator and has 19 projects currently on sale through Amazon Audible and you can enjoy short segments of each by searching for Wendy Anne Darling on Audible or Amazon.
In the short period of time she has been writing her blog at https://wendyannedarling.com/ she has already amassed over 1,000 followers and has built followings on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Wendy plans to grow her company, ‘The Voices in Your Head’ to include, narration, voice overs, publishing, and illustration.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 5, 2015
Silver Lightning by Wendy Anne Darling
*A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, which follows.
One night, Alex Bascolme awakened from a dream, so real that he could smell the salt in the air from the ocean along the California coast. He could even feel the sand squishing between his toes, as if he stood on the beach that night. The strange dreams continued after that first night, leaving Alex to wonder what they could mean for him. When Alex’s Father was laid-off from work, Alex and his family moved from Colorado to California; the dreams apparently foretelling his true destiny.
Once in California, Alex meets a new friend named Logan, and the two boys find a magical motorcycle that takes them on the ride of their lives. Only the worthy can ride the bike, and both boys are tested to see who has the “right-stuff” to ride Silver Lightning. Eventually the boys realize that there is always a heavy price to pay for the use of magic, even if it is for the good of humanity.
I was immediately drawn into Alex’s magical world, where his dreams of a dark eyed, black haired girl named Tsura, lead him on a journey into manhood, learning the difficulties of life first hand through his experiences with Silver Lightning. I love the relationship that developed between the mysterious, Tsura and Alex. In addition, the bond between Alex and Logan reinforces everything strange and wonderful that two best friends can share. I laughed, and cried, cheering the boys onward in their adventures.
The only challenge of the book in my opinion, is the dialog is to perfect between the characters. I would have loved to see a bit more teenage angst and realism in the words spoken by the teens. Nevertheless, the story is full of sweet memories and life lessons, which took me back to the years of my youth when magic was real.
I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of the magical motorcycle, Silver Lightning, and the interaction each boy had realizing the power of goodness that existed within each of their hearts. Silver Lightning would appeal to both younger children from ten years old through fifteen years. Adults would enjoy reading the book with their younger children.
Silver Lightning is Wendy Darling’s debut novel. I am excited for a sequel to follow the boy’s adventures with the magical motorcycle. I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
RATINGS
Realistic Characterization: 3/5
Made Me Think: 3/5
Overall enjoyment: 4/5
Readability: 4/5
Recommended: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.0
*A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, which follows.
One night, Alex Bascolme awakened from a dream, so real that he could smell the salt in the air from the ocean along the California coast. He could even feel the sand squishing between his toes, as if he stood on the beach that night. The strange dreams continued after that first night, leaving Alex to wonder what they could mean for him. When Alex’s Father was laid-off from work, Alex and his family moved from Colorado to California; the dreams apparently foretelling his true destiny.
Once in California, Alex meets a new friend named Logan, and the two boys find a magical motorcycle that takes them on the ride of their lives. Only the worthy can ride the bike, and both boys are tested to see who has the “right-stuff” to ride Silver Lightning. Eventually the boys realize that there is always a heavy price to pay for the use of magic, even if it is for the good of humanity.
I was immediately drawn into Alex’s magical world, where his dreams of a dark eyed, black haired girl named Tsura, lead him on a journey into manhood, learning the difficulties of life first hand through his experiences with Silver Lightning. I love the relationship that developed between the mysterious, Tsura and Alex. In addition, the bond between Alex and Logan reinforces everything strange and wonderful that two best friends can share. I laughed, and cried, cheering the boys onward in their adventures.
The only challenge of the book in my opinion, is the dialog is to perfect between the characters. I would have loved to see a bit more teenage angst and realism in the words spoken by the teens. Nevertheless, the story is full of sweet memories and life lessons, which took me back to the years of my youth when magic was real.
I thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of the magical motorcycle, Silver Lightning, and the interaction each boy had realizing the power of goodness that existed within each of their hearts. Silver Lightning would appeal to both younger children from ten years old through fifteen years. Adults would enjoy reading the book with their younger children.
Silver Lightning is Wendy Darling’s debut novel. I am excited for a sequel to follow the boy’s adventures with the magical motorcycle. I cannot wait to find out what happens next!
RATINGS
Realistic Characterization: 3/5
Made Me Think: 3/5
Overall enjoyment: 4/5
Readability: 4/5
Recommended: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4.0
January 9, 2015
Gee whiz, Batman, what are we gonna do now?
Alex Bascolme is your typical fifteen year old who worries about life, moving around the country, and making friends. When he moves from Colorado out to the West Coast and he and his newfound friend Logan find a motorcycle that magically repairs itself and turns out to be more than a little magic, well, that's when the story takes off.
Alex becomes a bit of a superhero, saving people on his magic bike (and no, I'm not going to give away the secret) and having a high old time. When things get rough, the 'keepers' of the motorcycle let him in on the deal and things get better again. Happy endings and all that, and since this is a YA book geared for young adults--I'd say in the ten to thirteen age range--maybe that's the way to go.
The author doesn't shy away from the difficulties teens face. Job loss, illness, dislocation...they're all brought up, but there's that magic--and luck--to save the day. To me, it's a little too easily sloughed off...I'd have liked it if there'd been a tad more conflict in the family and job dynamics scheme, but again, YA is what it is.
What I had a little trouble with was the dialogue between Alex and everyone (does anyone really say "Wowzers"?) being a little too nice and also the setup. Getting to the action earlier on would have moved the story along faster, and also, more showing and less telling would have made the story even better...and a tad shorter.
Even so, this is a nice kind of book that hearkens back to a more innocent time in childhood when magic really was real and dreams really do come true. And that ain't a bad thing.
Alex Bascolme is your typical fifteen year old who worries about life, moving around the country, and making friends. When he moves from Colorado out to the West Coast and he and his newfound friend Logan find a motorcycle that magically repairs itself and turns out to be more than a little magic, well, that's when the story takes off.
Alex becomes a bit of a superhero, saving people on his magic bike (and no, I'm not going to give away the secret) and having a high old time. When things get rough, the 'keepers' of the motorcycle let him in on the deal and things get better again. Happy endings and all that, and since this is a YA book geared for young adults--I'd say in the ten to thirteen age range--maybe that's the way to go.
The author doesn't shy away from the difficulties teens face. Job loss, illness, dislocation...they're all brought up, but there's that magic--and luck--to save the day. To me, it's a little too easily sloughed off...I'd have liked it if there'd been a tad more conflict in the family and job dynamics scheme, but again, YA is what it is.
What I had a little trouble with was the dialogue between Alex and everyone (does anyone really say "Wowzers"?) being a little too nice and also the setup. Getting to the action earlier on would have moved the story along faster, and also, more showing and less telling would have made the story even better...and a tad shorter.
Even so, this is a nice kind of book that hearkens back to a more innocent time in childhood when magic really was real and dreams really do come true. And that ain't a bad thing.
November 15, 2014
This is Wendy Anne Darling's debut novel, and I think she did a good job writing a fun young reader story.
Silver Lightning is a about a fifteen year old boy that finds a magic motorcycle. He becomes a hero of sorts, saving lives and stopping thieves in action. He has to be careful though. Only someone worthy can keep the bike. Plus, he has other teenage worries to sort out along the way.
I think this story might cater to every boy's fantasy, but I could be wrong since I was never one myself. And, since I can honestly say this book wouldn't be in my normal genre, I was happy to find by the 40% I was engaged in the story and by 75% I really wanted to know what was going to happen.
Wendy's imagination takes control of the story and would enthrall any young reader. I believe the three year rule applies to book. Since the hero is a fifteen year old, the targeted reader could be around twelve, give or take a couple of years.
Silver Lightning is a about a fifteen year old boy that finds a magic motorcycle. He becomes a hero of sorts, saving lives and stopping thieves in action. He has to be careful though. Only someone worthy can keep the bike. Plus, he has other teenage worries to sort out along the way.
I think this story might cater to every boy's fantasy, but I could be wrong since I was never one myself. And, since I can honestly say this book wouldn't be in my normal genre, I was happy to find by the 40% I was engaged in the story and by 75% I really wanted to know what was going to happen.
Wendy's imagination takes control of the story and would enthrall any young reader. I believe the three year rule applies to book. Since the hero is a fifteen year old, the targeted reader could be around twelve, give or take a couple of years.
September 2, 2025
A Magical Must Read!
Take a Magical Ride! is an inspiring and thrilling adventure that blends fantasy, friendship, and self discovery. Alex’s journey from dreamer to true hero is both heartwarming and exciting, filled with magical twists, mysterious powers, and powerful lessons about courage and loyalty.
This story reminds us that being a hero isn’t about capes or powers it’s about heart. A fast paced, uplifting read that will leave you believing in magic and the power of dreams.
Take a Magical Ride! is an inspiring and thrilling adventure that blends fantasy, friendship, and self discovery. Alex’s journey from dreamer to true hero is both heartwarming and exciting, filled with magical twists, mysterious powers, and powerful lessons about courage and loyalty.
This story reminds us that being a hero isn’t about capes or powers it’s about heart. A fast paced, uplifting read that will leave you believing in magic and the power of dreams.
May 1, 2015
Wendy Anne Darling's junior/teen novel, Silver Lightning, is a delightful blend of realism and fantasy with dreams that come to life and characters that face real problems in the modern, high-tech world. Alex is 15 years old, lives in Denver, Colorado, and is getting ready for the start of the new school year. He lives with his parents and a younger sister, Mya; Dad works as a software engineer in the high tech world. He works with the father of Alex' best friend, Ethan, who is returning from his vacation the last week before school starts. Just before he returns, Alex has an incredibly vivid dream where he meets a beautiful, mysterious girl, rides the most incredible motorcycle, and becomes a super hero! Unlike most dreams, Alex is able to remember many details, and can even smell the salt-water of the sea when he wakes. He tries to sketch as much of his dream as he can recall so he'll always remember it.
Suddenly, Alex' whole world comes crashing down around him. His father's firm declares bankruptcy, and the job search nets him a position in San Diego, California. Alex, though reassured by his dream contact that San Diego is where his dream will come true, packs up his room as though in a trance, preparing to leave his best friend, his school, and the only home he has ever known. The first day at the new school, Alex becomes friends with the other math whiz in the class, Logan. This is fate, for his new friend will lead him to the motorcycle of his dream and his destiny.
This story moves along quite nicely and I loved the cover image which is created by the author herself, who happens to be an accomplished artist as well as an author. I wish there had been more sketches inside the ebook. (My followers know this is a pet peeve of mine — too much white space and text!) But I also thought this story would easily lend itself to the latest ebook technology where the story is interactive on your ipad/kindle/ kobo. There is a lot of action, tension, and excitement in the story. The characters face real teenage angst, although sometimes the resolution seemed a bit too easy. I wish we had got to know Mya a bit more as I found her quite intriguing — a junior fashionista with sewing skills and an easy-going, caring attitude. Only three years his junior, I'm surprised Mya didn't show more curiosity about Alex' bike and what he was able to do with it. I could see her becoming privy to the magic, being a great side-kick for Alex, and possibly, taking an occasional turn on the bike solo as a super hero in her own right. I won't give the details of the magic away here. And the story ends with a bit of a hint at a possible sequel. I hope there will be one.
Suddenly, Alex' whole world comes crashing down around him. His father's firm declares bankruptcy, and the job search nets him a position in San Diego, California. Alex, though reassured by his dream contact that San Diego is where his dream will come true, packs up his room as though in a trance, preparing to leave his best friend, his school, and the only home he has ever known. The first day at the new school, Alex becomes friends with the other math whiz in the class, Logan. This is fate, for his new friend will lead him to the motorcycle of his dream and his destiny.
This story moves along quite nicely and I loved the cover image which is created by the author herself, who happens to be an accomplished artist as well as an author. I wish there had been more sketches inside the ebook. (My followers know this is a pet peeve of mine — too much white space and text!) But I also thought this story would easily lend itself to the latest ebook technology where the story is interactive on your ipad/kindle/ kobo. There is a lot of action, tension, and excitement in the story. The characters face real teenage angst, although sometimes the resolution seemed a bit too easy. I wish we had got to know Mya a bit more as I found her quite intriguing — a junior fashionista with sewing skills and an easy-going, caring attitude. Only three years his junior, I'm surprised Mya didn't show more curiosity about Alex' bike and what he was able to do with it. I could see her becoming privy to the magic, being a great side-kick for Alex, and possibly, taking an occasional turn on the bike solo as a super hero in her own right. I won't give the details of the magic away here. And the story ends with a bit of a hint at a possible sequel. I hope there will be one.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews