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Chronicles of the Virago #1
The Chronicles of the Virago--The Novus: Book I
Makenna Grace Gold is just your average 12-year-old girl. That is, until she is told that she must protect her newborn brother and sister to safeguard the future of the world. Armed with a mysterious weapon, three Fairy mentors, and a wisecracking earthworm named Fluffy, Makenna must battle the forces of evil and became a defender for hope. Can Makenna truly be ‘The Virago’?
115 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2006
2 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Michael Bialys
4 books66 followersMichael Bialys is from Toronto, Canada, where he began his career as a self-taught pianist, composer and lyricist. His song "Going for Gold" was performed at the 1988 Canadian Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, Alberta. In addition, Mr. Bialys' song "I Want it All" was performed in 1988 by the Canadian Opera Company backed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
While pursuing a music career in Los Angeles, Mr. Bialys studied law at Western State Law School. He passed the bar in 2004 and is a current member of the California State Bar. Michael practices DUI defense and owns an exclusive and well known DUI practice, branding himself as the DUI MAN!
While attending law school, Mr. Bialys met and married his wife. It is his wife and three children who inspired him to write his first novel entitled "The Chronicles of the Virago: Book One The Novus," currently in release.
Although his first book was intended only as a gift for his eldest daughter, Makenna, the enormous feedback Mr. Bialys received convinced him to continue the saga. The final two books in the series have been completed and await publication. Michael Bialys currently lives with his wife and three children, and two dogs in California
While pursuing a music career in Los Angeles, Mr. Bialys studied law at Western State Law School. He passed the bar in 2004 and is a current member of the California State Bar. Michael practices DUI defense and owns an exclusive and well known DUI practice, branding himself as the DUI MAN!
While attending law school, Mr. Bialys met and married his wife. It is his wife and three children who inspired him to write his first novel entitled "The Chronicles of the Virago: Book One The Novus," currently in release.
Although his first book was intended only as a gift for his eldest daughter, Makenna, the enormous feedback Mr. Bialys received convinced him to continue the saga. The final two books in the series have been completed and await publication. Michael Bialys currently lives with his wife and three children, and two dogs in California
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 11, 2025
Makenna Grace Gold is about to leave her boring old life behind for the craziness of big sisterhood.
This entails many, many new responsibilities - baby sitting, extra chores around the house, oh, and saving the world from death, destruction and annihilation.
The problem?
Makenna is only twelve years old.
This book did feel a bit predictable - and this is partly due to how often I've read this genre - but it bugs me a bit when the "Chosen One" is incredibly beautiful/beloved/fast/smart/strong right away.
I like to watch my characters struggle and grow - rather than being given a weapon and being able to wield it perfectly. Or have everyone fawn over them.
Also, some of the text did fall into the cliche area (one of my pet peeves). For example:
That being said, I think most middle-schoolers would enjoy this novel - it is fast-paced and action-packed. Makenna is a brave kid and I love Stephen - her completely human tag-a-long companion.
AND, of course, this book has Fluffy and I adore him. He deserves his own series.
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
This entails many, many new responsibilities - baby sitting, extra chores around the house, oh, and saving the world from death, destruction and annihilation.
Pretty typical stuff, right?
"She was the Protector. The Defender of Defenders.
She was the Virago."
Her twin siblings are the key to the Dark One's power and it's up to her to protect them from any and all harm.
"The Dark One is the embodiment of evil. He desires nothing more than to see this world forever plunged into darkness and despair."
The problem?
Makenna is only twelve years old.
Au contraire mon ami, what the Big Bads don't realize is that this common skater-girl is not on her own - with the help of three fairies, her new best friend and her sword/skateboard she will become a force to reckon with. The only thing that kinda sucks is her sidekick.
"You? You're the protector, the Warrior of Warriors, the Defender, the Virago? Wonderful....Does he possibly think some common skater-girl could defeat us?"
Overall, this was a quick fun read. The storyline was engaging and honestly, the wise-cracking worm was my favorite character (he was named Fluffy. FLUFFY! ).
"Harry Potter gets an owl, and I get a worm..."
This book did feel a bit predictable - and this is partly due to how often I've read this genre - but it bugs me a bit when the "Chosen One" is incredibly beautiful/beloved/fast/smart/strong right away.
I like to watch my characters struggle and grow - rather than being given a weapon and being able to wield it perfectly. Or have everyone fawn over them.
Also, some of the text did fall into the cliche area (one of my pet peeves). For example:
Honestly. In the time it takes for characters to say 'no time to explain' they literally could've given a halfway decent explanation.
"Why should I trust you?" she called out.
"I don't have time to explain. Just trust me, please?"
That being said, I think most middle-schoolers would enjoy this novel - it is fast-paced and action-packed. Makenna is a brave kid and I love Stephen - her completely human tag-a-long companion.
AND, of course, this book has Fluffy and I adore him. He deserves his own series.
With thanks to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review
"Thanks, Fluffy," she said, blowing him a kiss.
If a worm could blush, he would have.
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August 18, 2008
Great book for my girls. A female heroine, fantasy, reality and current relatable setting make this a wonderful book to read for all preteen girls! Looking forward to the sequel!
April 13, 2018
It's been awhile since I read an MG book, so when I read the premise for this story, I very eagerly snatched it up and read it in only two sittings.
Makenna is a typical 12-year-old girl, just trying to survive middle school while anxiously awaiting the arrival of twin siblings. As dark forces swirl around her, Makenna soon realizes - thanks to three very persistent fairies - that she is a Virago, the latest of many heroic champions destined to protect the future from those who would destroy it... a future that lies in the delicate hands of her newborn siblings.
This was a delightful romp, and it has much that preteen girls would enjoy - action, a heroic girl, a cute boy (of course), and clearly defined bad guys. I look forward to reading what Michael Bialys has in store for our intrepid heroine!
Makenna is a typical 12-year-old girl, just trying to survive middle school while anxiously awaiting the arrival of twin siblings. As dark forces swirl around her, Makenna soon realizes - thanks to three very persistent fairies - that she is a Virago, the latest of many heroic champions destined to protect the future from those who would destroy it... a future that lies in the delicate hands of her newborn siblings.
This was a delightful romp, and it has much that preteen girls would enjoy - action, a heroic girl, a cute boy (of course), and clearly defined bad guys. I look forward to reading what Michael Bialys has in store for our intrepid heroine!
May 26, 2008
The Chronicles of the Virago
By Michael K. Bialys
Publish
America
ISBN: 1424133653
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews
The stories main character is Makenna, who is your typical 12 year old girl. The setting is
Pasadena, California.
It all begins when Makenna is approached one evening by three fairies who tell her she is to protect her twin siblings from evil forces. The fairies arm her with an Armasword which is a powerful mystical weapon. Upon their visit they also tell her that she is the chosen one, the protector which they call the Virago. Her twin brother and sister are born with a gift of goodness and Makenna must protect them from evil, this is her quest and so the journey begins.
In this fantasy an earthworm reveals the evil force by name and that name is Sir Seaton. It is he who will be on his own quest to locate and destroy the twins preventing them from defeating pure evil in the future. Will Makenna discover Sir Seaton among the many disguises? Will she fail or prevail?
This is contemporary fantasy at its finest. A rich captivating story between good and evil with a picturesque ending where good prevails. It is both enchanting and a stimulating read for young readers, and offers vivid accounts and memorable characters. The story will excite your children and spark their imaginations, all while teaching family values. Your daughters will be cheering for Makenna, and your sons will be captivated and thrilled with the story filled within the pages.
This is a must for children, and highly recommended. It was a delightful pleasure reviewing this title and look forward to the next in the series.
By Michael K. Bialys
Publish
America
ISBN: 1424133653
Reviewed by: Terry South for Quality Book Reviews
The stories main character is Makenna, who is your typical 12 year old girl. The setting is
Pasadena, California.
It all begins when Makenna is approached one evening by three fairies who tell her she is to protect her twin siblings from evil forces. The fairies arm her with an Armasword which is a powerful mystical weapon. Upon their visit they also tell her that she is the chosen one, the protector which they call the Virago. Her twin brother and sister are born with a gift of goodness and Makenna must protect them from evil, this is her quest and so the journey begins.
In this fantasy an earthworm reveals the evil force by name and that name is Sir Seaton. It is he who will be on his own quest to locate and destroy the twins preventing them from defeating pure evil in the future. Will Makenna discover Sir Seaton among the many disguises? Will she fail or prevail?
This is contemporary fantasy at its finest. A rich captivating story between good and evil with a picturesque ending where good prevails. It is both enchanting and a stimulating read for young readers, and offers vivid accounts and memorable characters. The story will excite your children and spark their imaginations, all while teaching family values. Your daughters will be cheering for Makenna, and your sons will be captivated and thrilled with the story filled within the pages.
This is a must for children, and highly recommended. It was a delightful pleasure reviewing this title and look forward to the next in the series.
November 5, 2012
Reviewed by Carrie Spellman for TeensReadToo.com
Makenna Gold is a normal, average twelve-year-old girl living in Southern California. So why on earth would fairies appear in her room in the middle of the night, with flaming swords no less? Well, it turns out that Makenna has been chosen as the Protector, the Defender, the Warrior of Warriors, the Virago. Her brand new twin brother and sister are a gift of pure Goodness to the world, and it is now Makenna's job to protect them from the pure Evil.
Unfortunately, no one can tell her exactly who or what it is that she should be looking out for. Pure Evil has friends everywhere, but so does Goodness, and none of them wear name tags or signs. Between helping with the babies, protecting them, trying to at least appear to be a normal kid, and figuring out who is an enemy and who is a friend, Makenna more than has her hands full.
While the flow of the book is somewhat stilted at times, it also has some pretty funny moments. Evil's minions are Miss Creante and Miss Chevious, for example. Parts of it were particularly fun for me because it takes place right by where I live. And, I can say with certainty that anyone who has ever driven around here wouldn't be remotely surprised at the location of the Highway to Hell.
It may be a little rough going to begin with, but once the story/author hits their stride, the book is off and running. It's a quick and entertaining read, and looks to be a fun series.
Makenna Gold is a normal, average twelve-year-old girl living in Southern California. So why on earth would fairies appear in her room in the middle of the night, with flaming swords no less? Well, it turns out that Makenna has been chosen as the Protector, the Defender, the Warrior of Warriors, the Virago. Her brand new twin brother and sister are a gift of pure Goodness to the world, and it is now Makenna's job to protect them from the pure Evil.
Unfortunately, no one can tell her exactly who or what it is that she should be looking out for. Pure Evil has friends everywhere, but so does Goodness, and none of them wear name tags or signs. Between helping with the babies, protecting them, trying to at least appear to be a normal kid, and figuring out who is an enemy and who is a friend, Makenna more than has her hands full.
While the flow of the book is somewhat stilted at times, it also has some pretty funny moments. Evil's minions are Miss Creante and Miss Chevious, for example. Parts of it were particularly fun for me because it takes place right by where I live. And, I can say with certainty that anyone who has ever driven around here wouldn't be remotely surprised at the location of the Highway to Hell.
It may be a little rough going to begin with, but once the story/author hits their stride, the book is off and running. It's a quick and entertaining read, and looks to be a fun series.
February 6, 2020
https://www.chantireviews.com/2019/11...
If you Dream it-You can write it!
Actually when writing this book, I literally dreamt it then wrote it.
If you Dream it-You can write it!
Actually when writing this book, I literally dreamt it then wrote it.
June 6, 2009
One Of my Favorite books! Must Read it is awesome
January 9, 2021
The Narration and Production are Amazing
thank you
Jayne Marin fro your incredible performance and Nicholas D. Monteilh fro you spotless production!!!
thank you
Jayne Marin fro your incredible performance and Nicholas D. Monteilh fro you spotless production!!!
December 19, 2018
KIRKUS REVIEW
In this debut middle-grade fantasy, a girl must protect her newborn twin siblings from evil forces.
Twelve-year-old Makenna Grace Gold of the Los Angeles area can’t wait for school tomorrow. She’s trying to fall asleep, but is excited about the Science Fair, where she’ll present homemade sugar crystals. Just as Makenna drifts off, a trio of fairies appears in her bedroom: cousins Bree and Dee Delphine and “Marigold Frith, Fairy Prelate.” They’ve come to initiate Makenna as The Virago, Warrior of Warriors. From braids of light and hope, they summon the Ancient Weapon, which looks like a sword as it bonds with Makenna. The girl wakes, assuming that she’s dreaming, and the fairies explain that her new brother and sister will be born tomorrow. They are hope incarnate, and Makenna must protect them against villainous forces, namely Sir Seaton, war profiteer and head of Natasi Industries. He sends his beautiful but deadly associates, Ms. Chevious and Ms. Creante, from their London headquarters to collect the twins. Luckily, Makenna can focus the power of the Ancient Weapon as she chooses, and she does so through her new lowrider skateboard. In his novel, Bialys introduces a spunky protagonist who’s fun to root for as she deals with rival classmate (and skating champ) Heather Stern; the twins’ creepy nanny, Ms. Revel; and later, reptilian demons. Aside from the fairies, Makenna gets help from Fluffy, a talking worm, and Stephen Levine, a dreamy Canadian transfer student. The author reveals that some characters aren’t who they initially appear to be, which should keep middle-grade audiences alert. He also educates as he connects the Virago legacy to King Arthur, the monarch’s sword Excalibur, and the story of David, who felled Goliath with a slingshot. The notion that children can change the world by channeling their passion through an object has broad appeal in reality, and further potential as a narrative device. The finale featuring an actual Highway to Hell should amuse anyone who’s driven in Los Angeles. The overall likability of this series opener should secure readership for the sequel.
This zany adventure flaunts a heart of gold and a plucky heroine.
Pub Date: March 21st, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-692-06098-8
Page count: 124pp
Publisher: Self
Program: Kirkus Indie
Review Posted Online: May 18th, 2018
In this debut middle-grade fantasy, a girl must protect her newborn twin siblings from evil forces.
Twelve-year-old Makenna Grace Gold of the Los Angeles area can’t wait for school tomorrow. She’s trying to fall asleep, but is excited about the Science Fair, where she’ll present homemade sugar crystals. Just as Makenna drifts off, a trio of fairies appears in her bedroom: cousins Bree and Dee Delphine and “Marigold Frith, Fairy Prelate.” They’ve come to initiate Makenna as The Virago, Warrior of Warriors. From braids of light and hope, they summon the Ancient Weapon, which looks like a sword as it bonds with Makenna. The girl wakes, assuming that she’s dreaming, and the fairies explain that her new brother and sister will be born tomorrow. They are hope incarnate, and Makenna must protect them against villainous forces, namely Sir Seaton, war profiteer and head of Natasi Industries. He sends his beautiful but deadly associates, Ms. Chevious and Ms. Creante, from their London headquarters to collect the twins. Luckily, Makenna can focus the power of the Ancient Weapon as she chooses, and she does so through her new lowrider skateboard. In his novel, Bialys introduces a spunky protagonist who’s fun to root for as she deals with rival classmate (and skating champ) Heather Stern; the twins’ creepy nanny, Ms. Revel; and later, reptilian demons. Aside from the fairies, Makenna gets help from Fluffy, a talking worm, and Stephen Levine, a dreamy Canadian transfer student. The author reveals that some characters aren’t who they initially appear to be, which should keep middle-grade audiences alert. He also educates as he connects the Virago legacy to King Arthur, the monarch’s sword Excalibur, and the story of David, who felled Goliath with a slingshot. The notion that children can change the world by channeling their passion through an object has broad appeal in reality, and further potential as a narrative device. The finale featuring an actual Highway to Hell should amuse anyone who’s driven in Los Angeles. The overall likability of this series opener should secure readership for the sequel.
This zany adventure flaunts a heart of gold and a plucky heroine.
Pub Date: March 21st, 2018
ISBN: 978-0-692-06098-8
Page count: 124pp
Publisher: Self
Program: Kirkus Indie
Review Posted Online: May 18th, 2018
December 17, 2021
good chronicle, I consider it very complete and the narration of the text is very deep
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews