TASHAR: Book One: City of Mystery

By Marc Phoenix
Publish America 1-5912-377-4
Paper
$19.95

Is it I or is everybody trying to create a literary series. True, they are very successful, especially in the sci-fi/fantasy genre, but there is a seed of doubt in the back of my head that an author would do this only to make money. Then again, who doesn't want to make money? But, if the series is done right - continuously moving forward towards a climax and avoiding repetition - then I'm all for it.

"Tashar" is the first part in a projected series of books aimed for kids.

Deep in the galaxy, a creature of evil known as Dark Shadow is slowly taking over. But a prophecy is finally realized in the form of two little Atlantian twins named Lan and Tia. With the help of two young protectors named Krena and Trax, a shape shifting robot named Vehentrebot, and the twins' reptilian guardian Ja Ti, they will ban together to stop Dark Shadow and free the galaxy.

"Tashar" is the most imaginative sci-fi/fantasy book I have read in a long time, at times I thought it might be too imaginative for it's own good, focusing more on visuals than story, but I was wrong as I kept reading.

The story is filled with the usual twists and stereotypes you would find in a typical Star Wars inspired story, but Phoenix takes those traps and pushes them further, instilling a passionate voice through his characters and their actions.

Phoenix claims that this is a series for young adult, his little contribution to the Harry Potter craze maybe. With that in mind, I thought that the technological description might go over the kid's heads, but they could just skim over it.

For you adults, don't let this put you off. This book surpasses the genre of Young Adult much like Robert Cormier or H.E. Hinton.

Phoenix kicks off a highly complex as well as entertaining adventure, creating a familiar plot and a world that you have never experienced.

Publish America

Review by Mike Purfield

Critical Raves for Mike Purfield's "Dirty Boots."

"If you're looking for a good read, something you've never experienced before, then this is the book for you." Paul Kane of Terror Tales.

Rated 3 out of 4 by Unhinged Magazine.

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