The 3rd installment in The Bernovem Chronicles. This time Kristina’s stayed on in the magical land, to join Hector Mysteria, in the search of the wizard, Azaril Crimson, who has hidden Bernovem’s Book of Prophecy in the forsaken land of Jalmara. Sentiz is also back and in search of a key item―the Medallion that she’ll need in order to cast her final spell to rule Bernovem. Join Kristina as she continues her adventure on her dangerous journey, where she’ll soar high above the land and seas, on the back of a dragon, as well as meet someone from her past she’d never dreamed of seeing in Bernovem.
My Take:
In this third installment of the Bernovem Chronicles, Kristina has remained in Bernovem, to join forces with Hector Mysteria and thwart the plans of the evil witch Queen Sentiz. In the second book we learn that the bullies at Kristina's school are actually from this magical land, and had come to earth to trap her for the nefarious purposes of Queen Sentiz.
Terrible plagues and blights had spread in Bernovem, turning dwarves and humans alike into ravening Irgals, bats or blood-sucking giant mosquitos. The crown prince has disappeared and nobody knows where he is, while it is rumored his parents have died in a terrible tragedy at sea. Kristina is rescued from certain death by a mysterious dragon rider, who knows far more than he will say, making her wonder if he's on her side, or working for the enemy. All the queen's focus is on finding the last piece to a terrible and permanent spell over the land - the Medallion, a mystical object that will protect it's bearer in the cataclysms of the Last Days. Kristina unknowingly carries this fabled talisman, but has no idea of its powers or how to activate them. And yet the Medallion may be the key to the queen's demise.
Content:
Drug Content:
PG - There's a bit of drinking in this. A drinking party leaves some of the characters with hangovers.
Violence:
PG-13 - There is some graphic violence in this. A character drinks water that turns magically to maggots. Some people are ripped open. Some evil transformations happen against the victim's will, in some detail.
Language:
G - The language in this book is squeaky clean.
Adult Content:
PG - There is some interest expressed between characters. A character leads another one on for her advantage.
Christian content:
There are good and evil powers at work in the background of this novel. Yolen, representing the creator and sustainer, is prayed to and answers prayer with miraculous circumstance. Resucca, the dark entity guiding the evil queen's wicked plans, seems to have mastery of the lands. Holy books are referred to and faith is discussed. Loyalty and self-sacrifice are on display here, and trust in the creator when all seems lost brings rescue and relief.
Final analysis:
The Medallion by Victoria Simcox does not disappoint. It is a satisfying continuation to the Bernovem Chronicles, filled with adventure and fantasy. Dwarves, monsters, fairies and magic make for a exciting fantasy romp with a solid amount of world-building. Engaging character arcs and immersive scenery contribute to a satisfying stay in this unique land of magic. Fans of clean fantasy will find this an enjoyable and quick read. Five Stars!
About the Author
I was born in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, to an Austrian immigrant mother, and a Dutch immigrant father. I now lives in Western Washington with my husband, Russ and our three children, Toby, Kristina, and William. Beside being a writer, I am a home-schooling mother of thirteen years and an elementary school art teacher of twelve years.
Website: victoriasimcox.blogspot.com
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