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Of Secrets and Sorcery
Middle School is the least of Kyne Goodrum's problems. That is, it would be if he could take his dragon along. When Kyne moves to a sleepy little town in Tennessee, he has no idea the house his family is moving into is 'haunted'. He begins having dreams of a world where dragons live, where magic really works, and for some inexplicable reason, everyone he meets is trying to kill him! He spends each day dealing with bullies and burned-out teachers, and each night running for his life. When's a guy gonna get some sleep? His only friend is a sarcastic dragon who seems to know much more than he's saying. Wounds that Kyne receives in his dreams last into his waking world, and he begins to wonder which world is real... Or are they both?
443 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2014
6 people want to read
About the author
Chris Solaas
40 books27 followersChris Solaas was born in Memphis, TN a half-century ago, the fourth child in a happy Norwegian/Italian family. He began writing stories at the tender age of 8. He was sure he was going to be a science fiction/fantasy novelist.
He graduated from the University of Memphis in Electrical Engineering, and began a career in Computer Programming. Things don't always work out the way you plan...
He still lives in the Greater Memphis area with a wonderful wife, four ADD children, and a bi-eyed snow-white monster dog that eats trees.
Somewhere in this mess, God took hold of him and shook him. Sort of like a terrier with a rat. Or a dad with His son. "What are you doing with the time and talent I gave you?"
"Uhhh... nuffin!" he said brightly.
Since then, he's been making up for lost time, writing songs and books for the glory of the King.
His passion is writing entertaining fantasy and Science Fiction stories with a Christian Worldview for kids like his four greatest fans.
He graduated from the University of Memphis in Electrical Engineering, and began a career in Computer Programming. Things don't always work out the way you plan...
He still lives in the Greater Memphis area with a wonderful wife, four ADD children, and a bi-eyed snow-white monster dog that eats trees.
Somewhere in this mess, God took hold of him and shook him. Sort of like a terrier with a rat. Or a dad with His son. "What are you doing with the time and talent I gave you?"
"Uhhh... nuffin!" he said brightly.
Since then, he's been making up for lost time, writing songs and books for the glory of the King.
His passion is writing entertaining fantasy and Science Fiction stories with a Christian Worldview for kids like his four greatest fans.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 24, 2020
A clean, light read. Though it seemed aimed at a younger audience, this senior citizen enjoyed the story.
How far does a spoiled, thoughtless child get to go before he learns to reign in a tongue that can deal death with a word and destroy a world? When Kyne, his mother, and grandfather move into a haunted house, strange things begin to happen. And long-kept secrets about another dimension and Kyne’s place in it begin to be revealed.
When dreaming, Kyne is pulled into the world of his birth, the world of his legacy, the world he doesn’t remember. People are trying to kill him, and he doesn’t know why. But he is not alone; one of his helpful friends is a dragon.
It is interesting how Solaas draws the reader into the action in both worlds while driving the story forward. Though I noticed a few discrepancies in the writing, in general it is well-written. I recommend this for anyone from middle grade and up who is looking for a gentle fantasy read that is the first book in what promises to be an exciting series.
How far does a spoiled, thoughtless child get to go before he learns to reign in a tongue that can deal death with a word and destroy a world? When Kyne, his mother, and grandfather move into a haunted house, strange things begin to happen. And long-kept secrets about another dimension and Kyne’s place in it begin to be revealed.
When dreaming, Kyne is pulled into the world of his birth, the world of his legacy, the world he doesn’t remember. People are trying to kill him, and he doesn’t know why. But he is not alone; one of his helpful friends is a dragon.
It is interesting how Solaas draws the reader into the action in both worlds while driving the story forward. Though I noticed a few discrepancies in the writing, in general it is well-written. I recommend this for anyone from middle grade and up who is looking for a gentle fantasy read that is the first book in what promises to be an exciting series.
June 3, 2023
Enticing title and cover for this YA combination of a fantasy/reality adventure book. It begins with a move into a haunted house after a bout with amnesia that twelve-year-old Kyne had difficulty adjusting to between the bullies and nightmares surrounding another dimension. However, a new friend Zip sticks with him throughout. When his mother confesses that he is in hiding from evil forces that want to deter him from taking the throne in Lynvia when he turns thirteen, his dreams turn into an alternate reality. Throughout the book, he vacillates between dimensions and with clone characters in attempt to prevent Lever, the evil, self-designated prince from destroying his rightful title and ultimate mission. When in reality mode, he discovers that his perceived father is actually a magician and that through his gift of making wishes come true, his real father died from an offhand comment following a punishment. His ongoing goal is to curb his wishes from becoming harmful. This is a full-length novel, however, is divided by dates throughout as possible bookmarks. It provides a good combination between fantasy/reality to maintain one's interest in a clean (no gore), entertaining way for the pre-teen/young teen reader to enjoy.
May 19, 2024
Nice Mix of Humor and Sadness
I'm always eager to try new Christian-based fantasy, and this one didn't disappoint. The writing is sharp and clear, with strong sensory details that immersed me in every scene. The first half of the book hints that something strange is going on, and the second half delivers on that promise. Without giving spoilers, there is a particular thing the main character, Kyne, should never say, and he always found ways to say that very thing to the very worst effect. That's where the sadness comes in. Characters are fleshed out well enough, and my favorite is the dragon. I loved the interaction between Kyne and the dragon. That's where the humor comes in.
Lines I found memorable:
-"...black timbers sticking up like the dead ribs of a great whale."
-"Are dragons religious?" "We don't go to a temple, if that's what you mean. I don't believe I'd fit. Besides, the people inside would likely be thinking more about me than about their creator."
Even if you're much older than a midgrade reader, this story is well worth your time. There's quite a lot of depth here for adults to enjoy, too.
I'm always eager to try new Christian-based fantasy, and this one didn't disappoint. The writing is sharp and clear, with strong sensory details that immersed me in every scene. The first half of the book hints that something strange is going on, and the second half delivers on that promise. Without giving spoilers, there is a particular thing the main character, Kyne, should never say, and he always found ways to say that very thing to the very worst effect. That's where the sadness comes in. Characters are fleshed out well enough, and my favorite is the dragon. I loved the interaction between Kyne and the dragon. That's where the humor comes in.
Lines I found memorable:
-"...black timbers sticking up like the dead ribs of a great whale."
-"Are dragons religious?" "We don't go to a temple, if that's what you mean. I don't believe I'd fit. Besides, the people inside would likely be thinking more about me than about their creator."
Even if you're much older than a midgrade reader, this story is well worth your time. There's quite a lot of depth here for adults to enjoy, too.
September 21, 2023
Kyne Goodrum's middle school life is challenging, but it gets even stranger when his family moves to a supposedly haunted house in a quiet Tennessee town. What truly disturbs Kyne are his extraordinary dreams.
Kyne is transported to a dream world where dragons roam and magic is real, but his waking hours are filled with bullies and unenthused teachers.
In his dream world, Kyne's brash dragon companion hides many secrets. Strangely, Kyne suffers injuries that become real when he wakes up, blurring the line between the two worlds.
Author Chris Sollas skillfully combines adventure, suspense, and moral reflection in this gripping middle school mystery. It's a captivating journey that will enthrall both young readers and those young at heart, in the enchantment of storytelling and the wisdom of scriptures. Kyne's shift from an ordinary town to a dragon-filled world is an exciting adventure enriched with moral depth.
Kyne is transported to a dream world where dragons roam and magic is real, but his waking hours are filled with bullies and unenthused teachers.
In his dream world, Kyne's brash dragon companion hides many secrets. Strangely, Kyne suffers injuries that become real when he wakes up, blurring the line between the two worlds.
Author Chris Sollas skillfully combines adventure, suspense, and moral reflection in this gripping middle school mystery. It's a captivating journey that will enthrall both young readers and those young at heart, in the enchantment of storytelling and the wisdom of scriptures. Kyne's shift from an ordinary town to a dragon-filled world is an exciting adventure enriched with moral depth.
July 6, 2023
Review 7/6/23 RRJ
Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem
Of Secrets and Sorcery by Chris Sollas, is an exciting story where dreams turn into reality. The characters are middle school age, and they deal with normal everyday problems, however, when Kyne goes to sleep strange things happen.
The story is very well written and keeps the attention of the reader. There are many surprises, mysteries, magic, and mayhem! His friend is a fire-breathing dragon who protects him when he enters this magical world.
The characters are very believable, and the dialogue is colorful. An excellent book for this age group.
Mystery, Magic, and Mayhem
Of Secrets and Sorcery by Chris Sollas, is an exciting story where dreams turn into reality. The characters are middle school age, and they deal with normal everyday problems, however, when Kyne goes to sleep strange things happen.
The story is very well written and keeps the attention of the reader. There are many surprises, mysteries, magic, and mayhem! His friend is a fire-breathing dragon who protects him when he enters this magical world.
The characters are very believable, and the dialogue is colorful. An excellent book for this age group.
November 25, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading, Of Secrets and Sorcery. Its an epic tale of fantasy and adventure wrapped in a positive message of redemption. The story centers around a teenage boy who is destined for great things but has to overcome past indiscretions beyond his control.
Chris Solaas does a great job developing his characters and using rich imagery to describe his fast-paced scenes. I highly recommend reading this novel.
Chris Solaas does a great job developing his characters and using rich imagery to describe his fast-paced scenes. I highly recommend reading this novel.
May 26, 2016
This is a parallel-world fantasy book which taps into some elemental situations many of us face whatever age we may be, such as being ostracized by our peers and bullied. There are some good ideas which just might help.
The kind-hearted main character, Kyne is disliked, made fun of, and bullied at school. He perseveres and makes his first friend. When he sleeps, he steps into an enchanting medieval-style world of kingdoms, dragons, knights, and magic. He comes to realize that he alone has special powers which enable him to fulfil his destiny and purpose in the world. He prays and is thankful to God regularly, giving Him the glory for being the true sovereign.
Written in the third person, there is suspense and interest all the way making it a very engaging and fun story for older children--I would guess it is geared to ages 7-12. It would also be entertaining for anyone who loves gentle, lighthearted fantasy.
There is little content to consider offensive (unless you don't like sword-fighting, spears, arrows, and such where some people die). There is no foul language or adult themes. One would not have to worry about a young person reading it.
The kind-hearted main character, Kyne is disliked, made fun of, and bullied at school. He perseveres and makes his first friend. When he sleeps, he steps into an enchanting medieval-style world of kingdoms, dragons, knights, and magic. He comes to realize that he alone has special powers which enable him to fulfil his destiny and purpose in the world. He prays and is thankful to God regularly, giving Him the glory for being the true sovereign.
Written in the third person, there is suspense and interest all the way making it a very engaging and fun story for older children--I would guess it is geared to ages 7-12. It would also be entertaining for anyone who loves gentle, lighthearted fantasy.
There is little content to consider offensive (unless you don't like sword-fighting, spears, arrows, and such where some people die). There is no foul language or adult themes. One would not have to worry about a young person reading it.
February 9, 2016
Kyne is moving into a new place with his mother and grandfather. His new neighbors greet them by telling them the house is haunted. This is the first time Kyne has ever had a real friend, but as his 13th birthday approaches, his mother and grandfather have something to tell him that will affect that friendship- but it will explain the strange dreams Kyne has been having. There is an alternate world- a world that needs Kyne to come back. Magical, full of fantasy creatures- this is a world his friends would never understand. What is a 13 year old that has his first real friend to do? This book is full of action and adventure. It would probably most appeal to boys in the preteen to early teen age range, though girls in the same age range may enjoy it too. This was the first book I read by this author, and I really enjoyed it. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews