The Legends of Midralon Series is the result of Irven Keppen's plan to write a book for his children. The project grew; and since the adventures were not only written for the children, but also gave them starring roles, the author decided to write a book for each of the four.
A Journey Through Time and Space
When Emily chases her younger brothers and sister through the woods behind their house one day, she has no idea that she might not return home in time for supper. The children's mother has charged Emily with the care of her siblings while she is out dealing with a mysterious problem, and Emily is understandably upset when she realizes that there's no way out of the glade they have stumbled into.
Emily, Brianna, Aidan, and Devin soon discover that they're in a world completely different from their own. Escorted through the woods by a unicorn and two fairies, they discover a book deemed sacred by their new friends; when Emily points out that it's merely a dictionary, and reads a few definitions to prove it, she is hailed as a great sorceress and finds herself at the center of a prophecy that will pit her powers against those of the evil Silent King. And thus the adventure begins.
The Power of Words and Kinship
Much of the novel is spent introducing the children, and the reader, to the diverse inhabitants of Midralon. As Emily and her siblings journey through the lands, they meet and gather allies in their search for a way to return home. Elves, Dwarves, and Gnomes teach the children the basics of combat and defense, and each of the four acquires special talents: Emily masters her magic, Brianna weaves her own spells through song and becomes a skilled archer, and the two boys turn into expert warriors and tacticians.
Their most valuable lesson, though, is their understanding for each other's strengths and weaknesses, and their willingness to put aside trivial disputes in favor of attaining a larger goal. As the children march towards their final encounter and the battles become more grim, they will have to muster wisdom and strength beyond their years. In the end, however, it is Emily alone who will have to face the Silent King and end his relentless quest to destroy the peaceful peoples of Midralon.
Final Thoughts
Emily and the Silent King is a novel that will appeal to anyone, young or old, who enjoys high fantasy. The story is populated by familiar fantasy creatures: unicorns, wizards, Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, and other beings both good and evil. However, these characters don't feel stereotyped or predictable, thanks to Keppen's care in creating such a unique world for them.
The children, too, are well-developed characters. They're not always brave, and not always sure of themselves; but they always help each other find the will to continue on their quest. It will be interesting to see how far they have come by the end of the series, and how the time they spend apart tests their individual talents and their loyalty to their family.
Book Details
Irven Keppen. Emily and the Silent King. U.S.: CreateSpace, 2009. ISBN: 978-1441459053. Irven Keppen's website.
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