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Habitan #1
The Parallel Place
Description of Habitan Book I: The Parallel Place:
Melissa, Michael and Annabelle were each separated from their parents as infants. Our story begins where they now live, together in an orphanage in northern Canada in the 1600's. Discovering a strange kinship, they have become true friends, and support one another. But why do they feel they are meant to be somewhere else? Is this where they truly belong?
Then a mysterious event occurs, transporting them to another land called Habitan, a magical place where anything and everything is possible if you believe and strive hard enough. In Habitan, sorcery, magic, and powers 'of the mind' abound. Animals talk, and the spirit of the woods is alive. While in Habitan, the children join forces with three animal guides, encounter a wicked sorceress named 'Oskana', and embark on an adventure to discover their true heritage and destiny.
Can they develop their innate powers and magical gifts soon enough to protect themselves and to help the Good of Habitan? Will they be reunited with their parents again? Who can they really trust? How can they save Habitan from the tyranny of Oskana's rule? Finally, how do the events on Habitan affect the Parallel Place, the 'earth' they grew up on?
The children discover that they may be Habitan’s last hope for salvation from the evil sorceress Oskana. They face challenges and surprising twists along the way, all while also developing their own innate gifts and magic. As they begin the path to finding their own inner strength, they learn how to face unbearable odds with determination and courage, standing up for what is right despite the possible personal costs.
Inspiration for the Habitan Series by Cheryl Skory Suma:
The author’s children grew up enthralled with their mother’s bedtime stories. Then came the question, “Mommy, could you write me a longer story?”. The Habitan Series grew out of these imaginative bedtime stories and the author promises continued plot twists, surprises and new mysteries along the way in this four book series. A proud Canadian, Cheryl has a multi-cultural background that includes not only Canadian settlers of various European descent, but also one-quarter Cree Indian/Inuit mix from her maternal grandmother. Her grandmother’s spirit and grace were inspirational to the creation of this story and the use of Cree as the basis for the magical language of Habitan. The scenery and animals behind the story were drawn from the naturally varied and beautiful landscape of Canada.
Resources for Teachers, Librarians and Book Clubs:
Chapter questions and discussion notes can be found on the Habitan Series website.
Melissa, Michael and Annabelle were each separated from their parents as infants. Our story begins where they now live, together in an orphanage in northern Canada in the 1600's. Discovering a strange kinship, they have become true friends, and support one another. But why do they feel they are meant to be somewhere else? Is this where they truly belong?
Then a mysterious event occurs, transporting them to another land called Habitan, a magical place where anything and everything is possible if you believe and strive hard enough. In Habitan, sorcery, magic, and powers 'of the mind' abound. Animals talk, and the spirit of the woods is alive. While in Habitan, the children join forces with three animal guides, encounter a wicked sorceress named 'Oskana', and embark on an adventure to discover their true heritage and destiny.
Can they develop their innate powers and magical gifts soon enough to protect themselves and to help the Good of Habitan? Will they be reunited with their parents again? Who can they really trust? How can they save Habitan from the tyranny of Oskana's rule? Finally, how do the events on Habitan affect the Parallel Place, the 'earth' they grew up on?
The children discover that they may be Habitan’s last hope for salvation from the evil sorceress Oskana. They face challenges and surprising twists along the way, all while also developing their own innate gifts and magic. As they begin the path to finding their own inner strength, they learn how to face unbearable odds with determination and courage, standing up for what is right despite the possible personal costs.
Inspiration for the Habitan Series by Cheryl Skory Suma:
The author’s children grew up enthralled with their mother’s bedtime stories. Then came the question, “Mommy, could you write me a longer story?”. The Habitan Series grew out of these imaginative bedtime stories and the author promises continued plot twists, surprises and new mysteries along the way in this four book series. A proud Canadian, Cheryl has a multi-cultural background that includes not only Canadian settlers of various European descent, but also one-quarter Cree Indian/Inuit mix from her maternal grandmother. Her grandmother’s spirit and grace were inspirational to the creation of this story and the use of Cree as the basis for the magical language of Habitan. The scenery and animals behind the story were drawn from the naturally varied and beautiful landscape of Canada.
Resources for Teachers, Librarians and Book Clubs:
Chapter questions and discussion notes can be found on the Habitan Series website.
- GenresFantasy
324 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Skory Suma
9 books25 followers“Mommy, can you write me a story?”
—Melissa, age nine
Cheryl always enjoyed making up bedtime stories for her two children when they were little, brief tales she imagined on the spot. She would incorporate characters, animals and places from their family travels across Canada that her children shouted out as theme requests while they snuggled in bed. She used these adventure-filled fantasies not only to entertain them, but also to teach lessons about courage and grit. At age nine, her daughter Melissa asked her to write a “longer story,” and Habitan was born.
Cheryl is proud of her multi-cultural Canadian background, including one-quarter Cree Aboriginal/Inuit via her maternal grandmother, plus a mix of Ukrainian and British European grandparents who travelled to Canada seeking adventure and opportunity. Her Aboriginal grandmother’s spirit and grace were inspirational to the creation of Habitan and led to the choice to use Cree as the basis for the magical language in the book. The primary matriarch queen of “the Good” in Habitan is based on Cheryl’s Cree grandma.
Cheryl holds an Honors degree in Child Psychology and a Masters of Health Science in Speech-Language Pathology. She brings over 30 years of experience working with children and youth to her storytelling, and a passion for reminding them of the power of believing in your ability to make a difference. “Stand up to bullies, believe in yourself and your values, and be brave” is the mantra she taught her children, and she hopes the adventures in Habitan will pass this theme of resilience and bravery on to generations of readers of all ages.
Following a successful career as a Speech-Language Pathologist and later as the founder of a home healthcare company, Cheryl suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, which forced her to leave healthcare so she could focus on her recovery. This accident brought an unexpected gift, allowing her to return to her true love, storying, as part of her healing process. She has since become a multi-pushcart nominee, and her short stories, creative nonfiction, poetry and photography have appeared in literary journals across Canada, the US, and the UK, with her work placing in over fifty competitions since 2019. Habitan is her first full-length YA fantasy novel. Cheryl lives in Ontario an hour outside of Toronto with her very spoiled Goldendoodle, Penny. She enjoys gourmet cooking and occasional visits from her adult children whom she adores. They always remind her we can all still put something wonderful back into this world. (Melissa and Michael were also the basis for two of the three child heroes in Habitan, both named after them. The third child in the story, Annabelle, is based on who Cheryl imagined Melissa’s miscarried twin would have been like).
Cheryl's other novel, 'gods Playground', touches on classic themes of a secret society, religion, redemption and second changes, and centers around an anti-hero on the path to self-discovery as he discovers the rules and truth of his heavenly existence may not be what they seem. It recently made it to the Quarterfinals, then Semifinals, of ScreenCrafts International Cinematic Book Competition 2019.
Cheryl is available to speak across a variety of themes as a guest author at middle schools and high schools (for example, grade 9 presentation curriculum based presentation on "Story Telling: Why Does It Matter?"). She loves hearing from readers, so contact her via her social media!
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 31, 2015
Following in the tradition of Narnia, Habitan is an exciting fantasy adventure with a unique story-world and multifaceted characters. I picked up Habitan at the Toronto International Book Fair 2014 expecting a fun adventure plot and I wasn’t let down. The plot itself is a pretty common one: children discover their powerful birthright, but I liked what the author did to change up a common trope.
The book, Habitan: The Parallel Place is set in two lands: our earth, and the fantastical world of Habitan. Habitan is a world in which animals speak, and magic is abundant. Vivid descriptions brought this world to life. Personally, I don’t read too many books about talking animals and when I do, I rarely enjoy that aspect. I’m not going to say that Habitan was the exception, but I didn’t mind that element. One of the most interesting parts of Habitan and it’s story world was the language. It isn’t a complete language like in J. R. R. Tolkien’s work, and the fragments of phrases of the Habitanian language dispersed throughout the novel are, as the author notes in the back, based on the real Cree language. As a Canadian myself, I thought that was very cool!
The three main characters, Michael, Annabelle and Melissa have been brought to the world of Habitan to save it from the wicked sorceress Oskana. Oskana is incredibly deceptive. She can seem kind when someone possesses something she wants, but is cold and calculated when you’ve nothing to offer. She’s a great villain because she is mostly deceptive and cunning now, and I can easily see her growing to be a truly wicked person in future novels. I’m definitely hoping to learn more about her background in Book 2!
A lot happens in the mere 322 pages of Habitan. Saying it is never dull would be an understatement. There is a LOT of action, which I think will appeal to young readers, especially those similar in age to the protagonists (around 9-13) who are seeking a thrilling adventure story, and the magical elements will satisfy the tastes of kids interested in fantasy books. Honestly, this was book was a blast. I definitely recommend it, especially to readers of C.S. Lewis.
The book, Habitan: The Parallel Place is set in two lands: our earth, and the fantastical world of Habitan. Habitan is a world in which animals speak, and magic is abundant. Vivid descriptions brought this world to life. Personally, I don’t read too many books about talking animals and when I do, I rarely enjoy that aspect. I’m not going to say that Habitan was the exception, but I didn’t mind that element. One of the most interesting parts of Habitan and it’s story world was the language. It isn’t a complete language like in J. R. R. Tolkien’s work, and the fragments of phrases of the Habitanian language dispersed throughout the novel are, as the author notes in the back, based on the real Cree language. As a Canadian myself, I thought that was very cool!
The three main characters, Michael, Annabelle and Melissa have been brought to the world of Habitan to save it from the wicked sorceress Oskana. Oskana is incredibly deceptive. She can seem kind when someone possesses something she wants, but is cold and calculated when you’ve nothing to offer. She’s a great villain because she is mostly deceptive and cunning now, and I can easily see her growing to be a truly wicked person in future novels. I’m definitely hoping to learn more about her background in Book 2!
A lot happens in the mere 322 pages of Habitan. Saying it is never dull would be an understatement. There is a LOT of action, which I think will appeal to young readers, especially those similar in age to the protagonists (around 9-13) who are seeking a thrilling adventure story, and the magical elements will satisfy the tastes of kids interested in fantasy books. Honestly, this was book was a blast. I definitely recommend it, especially to readers of C.S. Lewis.
November 11, 2014
This novel is inspirational in so many regards. I felt inspired to write, inspired to stand up for what is right in the face of authority or fear, and inspired by the light of children.
I describe Habitan as a hybrid novel with fantasy, action, and adventure elements. It is innocent, action-packed, refreshing, and a fabulous read.
Habitan appeals to a broad range of ages. The plot and characters are well suited for the 9-12 age group. That being said, as an adolescent, I felt that I was really able appreciate the creative, yet careful diction and syntax. This novel certainly serves as a developmental aid to the imaginations, vocabulary, and language of the 9-12 readers.
Celina, age 21
I describe Habitan as a hybrid novel with fantasy, action, and adventure elements. It is innocent, action-packed, refreshing, and a fabulous read.
Habitan appeals to a broad range of ages. The plot and characters are well suited for the 9-12 age group. That being said, as an adolescent, I felt that I was really able appreciate the creative, yet careful diction and syntax. This novel certainly serves as a developmental aid to the imaginations, vocabulary, and language of the 9-12 readers.
Celina, age 21
November 13, 2014
This is a captivating book drawing on the energy of nature and taking you into the magical world of Habitan. Its intriguing story line takes the young readers on a journey to discover the true power of being brave and standing up for what you believe in. It has a strong link to the values of the True North and the bond between man and nature displayed through the quest of the 3 young heroes. The book is easy to read, thought provoking and is perfect for pre-teen and teen audience.
January 17, 2015
This book is a well-written and exciting adventure from start to finish. The story jumps right into the action. I would recommend this novel to anyone interested in the fantasy genre.
April 12, 2016
What a beautiful book!
August 23, 2019
Can't wait to read
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews