Ambril’s life changes forever when she discovers a medallion locked inside an ancient puzzle box, called an Ashera. She soon finds out that it is one heck of a monster magnet. Though it does help her make sense of the strange, magical things that she stumbles across. Just what does it have to do with the mystery of her father’s death? Ambril struggles with this question when she uncovers secrets about her father which threaten to destroy her entire family.
Ambril’s Tale is a great youth adventure story. The main character is a naive and innocent girl with the everyday struggles of living with a single mom and a bratty older brother. When Ambril’s mother decides to move in with her latest boyfriend, the family dynamic takes a drastic turn toward a very dangerous and exciting adventure, which includes new friends and even bigger issues involving magic.
This book has a combination of Mary Poppin's meets Nancy Drew type characters and is set in a time where kids find their own adventures, but don’t question the strangeness of the magical world around them. At the first couple of chapters, I felt that the book was a bit slow in character development, but quickly realized that the story pulls out the character’s traits and fortitude’s or lack of as each twist brings on new challenges. The characters and equally like-able and dislike-able as pertains to their part in the story.
This book is quick paced and intriguing. It deals with today’s issues of blended families and bullies, moving to a new environment and making new friends. The magical creatures keep the imagination engaged and the age old question “What’s going to happen next?” keeps you turning the pages. The only problem with this book is that you will have to wait for the next part to be published!
I give this book a 4 of 5 star rating.