"ADVENTURERS WANTED: Sands of Nezza," by M.L. Forman, Shadow Mountain, $19.99, 280 pages (f) (ages 10-14)
The fourth book of the Adventurers Wanted Series by M.L. Forman, "Sands of Nezza" continues the series of the kid wizard, Alexander Taylor, on his next thrilling adventure helping the people of Nezza restore the kingdom to the rightful king, young Prince Rallian.
Written for middle grade readers, Alex and his adventurer friends travel long distances to fight a serpent and an army of evil men and an evil war lord, Lazar, who plans the take over the desert land of Nezza. Alex uses the skills he had honed from past stories along with the help of his adventurer friends. He also fights the evil wizard, Magnus, who wants take over the body of Prince Rallian and become king of all the kingdoms.
The story gives moral choices which help children decide what is really good and what is really evil. The plot of the story moves along quickly with twists and turns and shows camaraderie between the adventure friends and how they worked together to accomplish the goal of getting back the kingdom for Prince Rallian.
There are somewhat violent sequences as there are deaths to some of the character,s but there isn't any descriptive gore and it's free of sexual innuendo and foul language. The characters fight as in the medieval times with body armor and swords.
The book also includes discussion questions at the end of the story for parents to talk with their children about what they read.
With intriguing characters and magical world created by Utah native and resident Forman this story is rivaled by few as the events are a step ahead of the reader. This is an enjoyable read for young readers willing to ride along side of Alex and his adventurer friends.
Valerie Steimle is the mother of nine children who lives happily on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. She is the author of five books, all about strengthening the family, including "Thoughts from the Heart." Email: valeriesteimle@yahoo.com