Tuesday, March 2, 2010

"Cynde's "Terrific-Tuesday" Book Review!"



"Cynthia's Attic: The Magic Medallion" is the second in a four book "Cynthia's Attic Series", written by Mary Cunningham, that I am going to review for you here on my blog today.

The first book in the series, entitled "Cynthia's Attic: The Missing Locket"was already reviewed for you on my blog here.
Before I go any further, let me say that you could read each of the books without reading the others, and still get a lot of enjoyment out of them. However, I highly recommend that you read all four of the books in this series! If you don't, you would be missing out on loads of fun and adventure, plus I think you would really regret it.



The Synopsis:

"Sinister clowns, stalkers on horseback, mystical forests, and the creepy, crawling curse.

A magic trunk sweeps Cynthia, and best friend, Augusta Lee (Gus), back to 1914 where an ill-fated trip to the circus leads to Blackie, a sinister hobo clown. Before they can be forced by Blackie to become permanent clown troupe performers, the girls are rescued by Gabriella, a Gypsy fortune-teller, and are entangled in the theft of her family's treasure. Much to their dismay, Cynthia and Gus appear to be the family's only hope of recovering a precious magic medallion.

Traveling unexpectedly forward to 1934, they meet a 'very familiar-looking' cave guide, and are stalked by a stranger on a black horse. Dangers escalate, as they're swept into an underground river, and later, barely avoid becoming 'campfire marshmallows' in a raging forest fire.

Friendship, loyalty, and an undeniable sense of adventure keep this twosome on a never-ending path of danger, suspense, and merriment."



My Review:

This is the second book in a series of four (so far) exciting books in the "Cynthia's Attic Series". Needless to say, Gus (Augusta Lee), the tomboyish half of the dual 12-year-old lead protagonists, and her best friend and sidekick, a girlie-girl character named Cynthia (the series' namesake), are reunited in this adventure and they are whisked back in time to 1914 where they end up in the circus at the mercy of a mean, hobo-type clown named Blackie who is forcing them to perform as clowns.

When they are rescued by the Gypsy fortune-teller, Gabriella, there is a catch: they need to travel in time to find a lost medallion or they may never be able to return to the present time where they belong. Of course they have to accept, and when they do, they meet some really interesting people along the way.

With each new adventure, Ms. Cunningham packs loads more excitement and action into each one of the episodes! The adventures that arise from the trunk that was found in Cynthia's attic are centered around Cynthia's ancestors and it's fun to meet them and see how everything ties so neatly into the present. Ms. Cunningham has done a masterful job of spinning these tales and I think I like this one even better than the first!



My Rating: (poor, fair, good, great, or excellent)



This book was fast-paced, the action was non-stop, the characters were engaging and interesting, plus the story was intriguing. I would recommend this book for anyone between the ages of 9 to 13, plus anyone older who wants to read a fun book that is full of joy and adventure. I'm 50+ and I enjoyed it immensely! Excellent job, Mary!

I can't wait to read book three in the series, which is entitled "Cynthia's Attic: Curse of the Bayou".

Anyone wishing to learn more about the author, Mary Cunningham, please visit her website by clicking here.

Also, don't forget: as soon as I have completed reviewing the entire "Cynthia's Attic Series" here on my blog, Mary Cunningham will be coming here for a "Guest Author Interview!" So...keep watching!




Until next time...stay safe, stay well, and may the Lord bless you all.

Cynde


Please visit my other blogs:
Cynde's Daybook ~and~ Usurper Exposed. Thank you!