Title: Land of the Wand: Volume I Lost Myths Saga
Author: Debora Hill and Sandra Brandenburg
Published in March 2006 by Fire Mountain Press
Genre: Fantasy
ISBN: 978-1-929374-43-4
Related Books: The Crystal Chalice: Volume II Lost Myths Saga
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An intricately designed wand, with a clear crystal set in the center, artlessly displays in a gift shop. Enticed by its unique beauty, four people embrace the wand transporting them to another world. Two weeks into the book tour, Evan Stone tires from the unwanted female advances and hanging about bookstores. The only thing to capture his eye is Valaura Bennet’s presence; the architect who designed the Illinois Center the bookstore resides. Still, after autographing his book, she refuses Evan’s invitation to lunch. Done for the day, Evan wanders into an import gift store where a silver wand is mounted on the wall. Intrigued by its craftsmanship, Evan handles it as a story develops in his head as the clear crystal turns a soft pink, and then glows to a blinding glare. Evan regains consciousness on a marble slab, taking in his attire that of a court jester, amused by the bells on his curled-toed shoes, a mandolin flung across his back, and a flute tucked in his belt. Evan’s delivered to the castle by some villagers, who gawk at his feet, as they are not hooves, like theirs.
In Chicago for a concert with his band, Stockholm, Marshall Storme enters the Illinois Center looking for Evan Stone’s new novel. Making his purchase, he heads toward a café selling cappuccino, when a young woman captures his attention. On observation, she looks tire and poor, but gorgeous nonetheless. Wishing to invite her for lunch, Marshall looses her in the crowd. Walking back, he detours into a gift shop hoping to find his mother a birthday present. The wand draws his attention. In his hands the crystal changes to a watery blue, turning cold as the room begins to shimmer and fade. Marshall feels himself falling, hearing the resonating thud as the wand hits the floor. Marshall awakens, finding himself weighted down by full body armor. Greeted by some men, he is confused as they question him about wearing the habbard of the Savior, rumbling about a prophecy, and the Chosen One.
Valaura Bennet thought Evan’s lunch invite a bit arrogant, believing her beauty is not her greatest asset. Still, his complimenting her architectural designing of the Illinois Center impresses her. With her day’s business complete, Valaura goes into the gift shop looking for a gift for her niece. Spying the wand, she fingers it as the jewel turns a wheaten color, still stroking it as the room slowly begins to fade… Coming to on a white Arabian, Valaura almost looses control of the beast. Letting the horse lead her to shady hill area, she dismounts. Discarding her tight jacket, Valaura notices the horse pawing a mound of dirt; though on closer inspection she discovers a sword. She restores the blade’s razor-sharp edge, and then cuts away, shortening her long riding skirt. Remounting her horse, Valaura allows the mare, now named Wendy, to lead her to an ivory castle.
Lillian Curtis escapes her religious, poverty-stricken farm life. After two years, she still lives in poverty, since working in a fast food restaurant is all that is available to someone without a high school diploma. In the Illinois Center, Lillian enjoys window-shopping before returning to work. Passing Marshall Storme on the escalator makes her day, a fan of his rock band, Stockholm. Drawn by the beautiful window display, she enters the gift shop. The crystal’s splendor lures Lillian to finger the gem, filling the room with a brilliant radiance. Reaching out, she walks though the light. Standing in a field surrounded by trees, Lillian discovers herself dressed in a splendid blue gown. Carefully, so as not to ruin the dress, she makes way to a lake on the other side of the glade. Walking a long its edge she is distracted by a castle in the distance. Marauders jump Lillian, ripping her gown. An armored man on horseback cuts down her attackers with his sword. Scurrying up a hill, Lillian runs into Evan and Valaura.
The four travelers meet within the castle of King Nicholas, in the Land of Wand. They learn from the witch, Augustina that Daemonas, the hoofed people, are about to war with the Anjeles, the winged ones. Marshall, the Savior will lead these people, a long with Evan, the Troubadour, Valaura, the Warrior Maid, and Lillian, the Savior’s Consort; the prophecy foretells this. A Swedish peacekeeper, Marshall refuses to lead the Daemonas, demanding to return to his world. Augustina informs him the wand can only bring people to the Land of Wand; no traveler has yet discovered how to leave. The foursome learns the Anjeles believe Daemonas are the mark of Cain, and can only be saved through a torturous penitence. With the Savior at hand, the Daemonas feel ready for battle; they just need a strong leader. Marshall and Evan accompany the Daemonas, scouting for the Anjeles, while the castle comes under siege. With Lillian at her side, Valaura commands a small army to block the pending Anjeles attack. They capture one young female Anjeles before the rest scurry away in defeat. Marshall’s idea in using their angelic prisoner as a peacekeeping influence, the Daemonas may very well win the war. First, they must break the language barrier between them and her. Then unifying all the peoples can they suitably build a successful army against the Anjeles. King Nicholas’ calls his brothers: King Lucifer of the Land of Chalice, King Mephistopheles of the Land of Pentacle, and King Beelzebub of the Land of Swords come together as the war council begins their strategy.
Land of the Wand: Volume I Lost Myths Saga is a captivating fantasy story, with an action-filled plot overshadowed by Biblical allusions. Ms. Hill and Ms. Brandenburg’s characters are rich in personality overflowing with authentic appeal, as they command their destinies in an unknown world. Evan appears as the voice reason when Marshall’s youthful vigor (read: libido) and ego obstructs rational thinking. Valaura, a warrior, shows this new world how women are capable of defending themselves, through skillful weapon use and strategic battle plans. Lillian’s compassionate nature has her defending the powerless, even ensuring the Anjeles captive is safe. Marshall seems self-centered but his peaceful nature has him calm during conflict and commanding respect with his diplomatic resolutions. Spread throughout this story is romance. Lillian and Marshall’s passion suffers many betrayals, though heated moments of forgiveness too. Evan and Valaura skirt around their mounting affections. Not until she is wounded does their love blossom, as Evan confesses his love. Sterling, the King’s nephew, falls in love with the captive Anjeles, naming her Ariel. There is a host of other characters, too many to mention, combined with some imaginative creatures too, making for a thoroughly enjoyable read. Published by Fire Mountain Press, Land of the Wand is an entertaining story that continues in The Crystal Chalice, also from Fire Mountain.
A Dedicated Reader,
Pamela Jenewein
Debora Hill and Sandra Brandenburg Interview Review Buy Books
