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Are you ready for the final adventure?
Sylvalla is beset by omens, but how bad can things really be? Sylvalla is about to find out.
The Sylvalla Chronicles
Book 1: Quest
Book 2: Prophecy
Book 3: Omens
- GenresFantasy
376 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Ponder
36 books255 followers USA Today bestselling author, and winner of the Wright-Murray Residency 2021, A.J. Ponder (BSc, Dip Teach) is the author of numerous novels and short stories including the award winning Frankie and the Netball Clone, Dying for the Record, The Sylvalla Chronicles, Wizard's Guide to Wellington and more.
A.J. lives in a hundred year old house overlooking Wellington harbour with three cats and a family all obsessed with games, books and dungeons and dragons. A.J. has a head full of monsters, and recklessly spills them onto the written page. Beware dragons, dreadbeasts, taniwha, and small children—all are equally dangerous, and capable of treading on your heart—or tearing it, still beating, from your chest.
You can find A.J. at ponderbooks.com, Amazon and Facebook,
A.J. lives in a hundred year old house overlooking Wellington harbour with three cats and a family all obsessed with games, books and dungeons and dragons. A.J. has a head full of monsters, and recklessly spills them onto the written page. Beware dragons, dreadbeasts, taniwha, and small children—all are equally dangerous, and capable of treading on your heart—or tearing it, still beating, from your chest.
You can find A.J. at ponderbooks.com, Amazon and Facebook,
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 1, 2024
This trilogy is best considered as a holistic body of work. There are a lot of nuanced elements that only truly deepen in meaning by the end of this third volume, and make the whole far more interesting and entertaining, and even surprising than one would think from the very straightforward outset of Quest. I am very glad I decided to give the complete trilogy a chance.
Omens was the most enjoyable of the three books in this series and there were even several moments that made me laugh. I particularly liked the aside on the fairy dragon's pronouns--a wonderful "inside joke" acknowledgement of the situation with identity politics that hit the spot. The narrative style is still wrily dry, but I think I got used to it and really enjoyed it in this novel.
I also particularly apprecated the very convoluted and surprising way the author arrives at a HEA. It was done in a way that fit perfectly for the characters, but didn't follow what I would have expected, and I really liked that.
Although I'm not a fan of multiple points of view, I see why the author chose to use that tool for this series, and accept that it works even if it isn't my preference.
On the whole, I think this series is a fantastic example of taking tropes and playing with them. On the surface, The Sylvalla Chronicles is a simplistic YA high fantasy adventure about a princess who wants to break out of the constraints society has placed on her and find a way to remain true to herself. At a deeper level, the social critique and the way the author highlights social challenges (not to mention hypocrisy) was very interesting and added a lot. The twists and turns of the plot were good, and added another dimension to the story, making it unpredictable in several ways.
This is definitely worth a read, both for newer readers who'd like simple language and solid worldbuilding, as well as for veteran Fantasy readers who'd like something that breaks away from the predictable tropes and plays around with expectations.
Omens was the most enjoyable of the three books in this series and there were even several moments that made me laugh. I particularly liked the aside on the fairy dragon's pronouns--a wonderful "inside joke" acknowledgement of the situation with identity politics that hit the spot. The narrative style is still wrily dry, but I think I got used to it and really enjoyed it in this novel.
I also particularly apprecated the very convoluted and surprising way the author arrives at a HEA. It was done in a way that fit perfectly for the characters, but didn't follow what I would have expected, and I really liked that.
Although I'm not a fan of multiple points of view, I see why the author chose to use that tool for this series, and accept that it works even if it isn't my preference.
On the whole, I think this series is a fantastic example of taking tropes and playing with them. On the surface, The Sylvalla Chronicles is a simplistic YA high fantasy adventure about a princess who wants to break out of the constraints society has placed on her and find a way to remain true to herself. At a deeper level, the social critique and the way the author highlights social challenges (not to mention hypocrisy) was very interesting and added a lot. The twists and turns of the plot were good, and added another dimension to the story, making it unpredictable in several ways.
This is definitely worth a read, both for newer readers who'd like simple language and solid worldbuilding, as well as for veteran Fantasy readers who'd like something that breaks away from the predictable tropes and plays around with expectations.
November 19, 2022
This final book in the Sylvalla Chronicles transformed the series from delightfully dark story to truly epic trilogy. The battles were bigger, the magic more creative and intriguing, the characters completely fleshed out and believable, the evil more cunning and well, more evil, and the overall story full of epic goodness.
Sylvalla still dreams of being a hero and that’s a good thing, because now as the new queen regent of not one, but two kingdoms, she’s got her work cut out for her. Add the fact that the evil wizard Dothie and his sidekick Arrant are beginning to behave increasingly stranger and are developing powers that they should not have, things in the Seven Kingdoms are about to spiral out of control. Add in some crazy powerful jewels, several creative and unique beings/creatures, and a band of heroes and heroines that never give up and you get one wild and unbelievable conclusion.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the story developed and became more serious and more epic throughout the course of the series. I also really enjoyed the magic in this book. It was a little more complicated and thought provoking. Finally, I really enjoyed how the story really seemed to go full circle. I’m not going to explain that. You are just going to have to read it to find out what I mean.
My favorite character was Fergus in this one. He was loyal and protective and I really enjoy those qualities in a well written character.
So if you are a fan of such books as Harry Potter or A Wizards Guide to Defensive Baking where the characters are somewhat young, but the challenges are great and the story seems to develop and darken the deeper you delve into it, then you just need to read The Sylvalla Chronicles.
Sylvalla still dreams of being a hero and that’s a good thing, because now as the new queen regent of not one, but two kingdoms, she’s got her work cut out for her. Add the fact that the evil wizard Dothie and his sidekick Arrant are beginning to behave increasingly stranger and are developing powers that they should not have, things in the Seven Kingdoms are about to spiral out of control. Add in some crazy powerful jewels, several creative and unique beings/creatures, and a band of heroes and heroines that never give up and you get one wild and unbelievable conclusion.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the story developed and became more serious and more epic throughout the course of the series. I also really enjoyed the magic in this book. It was a little more complicated and thought provoking. Finally, I really enjoyed how the story really seemed to go full circle. I’m not going to explain that. You are just going to have to read it to find out what I mean.
My favorite character was Fergus in this one. He was loyal and protective and I really enjoy those qualities in a well written character.
So if you are a fan of such books as Harry Potter or A Wizards Guide to Defensive Baking where the characters are somewhat young, but the challenges are great and the story seems to develop and darken the deeper you delve into it, then you just need to read The Sylvalla Chronicles.
January 9, 2023
Epic Finale Middle Grade Questing Adventure
Parents- PG - 3rd grade and up
Language- PG- mild - no f-bombs
Violence- PG normal to genre and nothing graphic
Sexual Content- nothing to warn of
The series has been a light-hearted read at times the humor felt a bit forced but it was a really enjoyable trilogy. I think going into this one I had my expectations too high for this one based on the summary I was expecting more Princess Bride feel to it... it does have a bit of that but it really does have it's own vibe. I do think some of those expectation are due to the writing style being more in line for a younger reader probably 3rd grade and up. The author does a great job of character and world building... really love Furgus's character. Definitely recommend for the older elementary and middle grade readers.
The narrator (5⭐) does a fantastic job with the acting, does all the voices (has incredible differentiations and accents), and really made this more entertaining to listen to and honestly one of my favorite narrators!
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Parents- PG - 3rd grade and up
Language- PG- mild - no f-bombs
Violence- PG normal to genre and nothing graphic
Sexual Content- nothing to warn of
The series has been a light-hearted read at times the humor felt a bit forced but it was a really enjoyable trilogy. I think going into this one I had my expectations too high for this one based on the summary I was expecting more Princess Bride feel to it... it does have a bit of that but it really does have it's own vibe. I do think some of those expectation are due to the writing style being more in line for a younger reader probably 3rd grade and up. The author does a great job of character and world building... really love Furgus's character. Definitely recommend for the older elementary and middle grade readers.
The narrator (5⭐) does a fantastic job with the acting, does all the voices (has incredible differentiations and accents), and really made this more entertaining to listen to and honestly one of my favorite narrators!
—I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
November 1, 2022
Audiobook: I really enjoyed book 3 in "The Sylvalla Chronicles" series. The story moved from one exciting event to the next as the kingdoms prepared for war and the wizards questioned, pondered, and discussed "the prophesy" which heralded events of the future. I liked the characters and their quirkiness. Benjamin Fife was an awesome narrator. His performance skills elevated the entertainment value of this tale. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
July 11, 2023
Good story, but it had way too many cuss words for my liking. I prefer my children, and me as well, to read books without profanity. Its a personal preference, so I won't fault the author too harshly.
January 4, 2024
A great story. I really enjoyed this. The narrator was excellent, plenty of great characters and a lot going on to keep you9 turning pages. A great ending to an entertaining series
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews