Fairydust: my review

Fairydust: Simon Taylor

Enter a world that will take you places that you will never forget and meet the elves, dwarves, warlocks and trolls all struggling to survive. When the world they live becomes devoid of the plants they need to survive the elves face a serious food shortage and the result could mean extinction. Within this world a King reigns and his only concern is that he and his family have the plant needed to survive. You see without it, their skin would peel, their bodies would itch and eventually they would die. A story vividly told in many different ways as the author introduces us to the King and Queen and his son Andrew. Self-absorbed and only concerned with appearances and their own needs it is a wonder that Andrew is diametrically the opposite of his parents and how self-less he only wants to help others. With his wife Madeline at his side he seems content.

This is just the tip of the iceberg as we meet the Council of Elders and hear their voices as the population of elves grows anxious and the amount of the plant needed for them to survive becomes scarce with the world devoid of water due to the drought. But, the water has been tainted and poisoned and without this plant it would be useless. When the council meets they decide on a plan and the head of the council named Mufasoz decides that rationing the plant and portioning it out to each family would help preserve lives until the supply has been replenished. Thinking that this was the only way a declaration is made but the King and Queen could care less and he boldly states that the Council can handle its own situations and does not seem concerned about anything else.

Enter Daniel and Maria the daughter of the King who is to be married to Declan. Friends forever Daniel and Maria share many fun times together although her parents have chosen Declan for her. When the author describes why and his appearance, his white teeth and other attributes you begin to understand just how superficial her parents are and will be surprised at what she decides to do. When things become grave for the elves Daniel is chosen to seek out the one person that could help them: The White Fairy. But, not before we learn of a plot against the elves by the warlocks and just what happens to the head of the Council of Elders so that the Warlocks will rule the realm. Cleverly a warlock murders orchestrated Murfasoz and a message is left: Stan Drewson Must DIE and Daniel has been chosen to find him and make sure he does. But, just who he is no one knows. Where to find him depends on the White Fairy. Just when the plot starts to move the author gives the reader a tea or you might want a coffee break as the story narrator or real narrator appears and allows you to stop reading, find a cup of tea or just laugh.

Of course within every community or country when a leader or figure dies they need to be replaced. In this case there are two candidates to head the council: Brandon and Jasper. Each one cleverly stating their reasons for wanting the position and only one winning: Jasper. But, before we meet the council and the election takes place we meet Janice and learn more about some of the younger elves as they are in school with this rather unique and belligerent teacher whose goal it teach them grammar and not to use their own language when writing a composition. Vying for good grades and not wanting to be embarrassed in class, Andrew, or shall we say Prince Andrew endures her wrath as do the others.

As Jasper takes the election for head of the Elders we learn more about Maria and Daniel’s quest to find the White Fairy. But, like in every story there are those that want to foil their success and do not want them to find solve the secret hidden within the pages of the Book of Twelve. Fraymadeski our wizard whose idea it was to send Danny on this quest never realized the dangers he would face. If he did there was nothing he could do about it. Added in we have Rodolon the head of the warlocks whose goal it was to stop these two from ever finding the White Fairy. Let’s not forget the plant crisis, the missing princess who no one seems to really be too concerned about and the message that Stan Drewson must die who that might be. But, Danny and Maria have no idea that they are being followed by a warlock whose mission it is to kill them. Added in we hear the voice of King Kailn who has decided to assert his royal power and demands that all of the plants needed for survival be given to him and him alone. No more rationing and the fact that the elves might die did not faze him one bit. Even Saint Andrew his son could not convince him to change his mind. When the elves decided to rebel you won’t believe what he does to stop them. The author shares the reasons why the dwarves and trolls hate each other and we learn just what Jasper has in mind to try and solve this problem. Can he bring the two leaders together and create peace? When the Fraymadeski approaches Rodolon and warns him to not harm Maria and Daniel will he back off?

The author in between does give us a brief interlude as our story narrator interrupts with his own viewpoint on the situation, which I suggest you read for yourself. Within the novel the author cleverly uses many different techniques to create certain moods and actions as he uses the gray paper to indicate that Maria and Daniel are being followed, need to hide and it’s getting darker. Then the page turns black when night sets in and the two young people wind up in a as the author puts it a scuffle.

This story might be fantasy but the reality is it’s not that different than today where people of different races and backgrounds fight for control and power and greed sets in. A story filled with humor, some odd events, some strange characters that interrupt the flow of things and one man named Jasper that you have to admire and hope will succeed against all odds or at least against the warlocks. Let’s not forget the chapter at the beginning that has the words written vertically and another during a wolf chase where there is on word on each page. Remember that Maria and Daniel have fled together and we meet Declan who seems oblivious to the fact that his future bride has disappeared and is sure things will work out. A father who does not seem to be too upset that his daughter is missing and just wants to prove that he has the power over the lives of so many, Fairydust is one fantasy that will force readers to think and wonder if this does not remind them of any story ripped right out of the headlines today.

Listening to the King and Queen at dinner along with Declan, Saint Andrew and his wife Madeline, we learn more about their callous attitude, their lack of feeling and regard for anyone but himself or herself. When Andrew voices his opinion and states that dwarves are people and he is concerned about the fighting between the trolls and dwarves the response he gets from his parents will surprise readers.

Searching for the White Fairy, finding her we learn of her powers but just how can she help Maria is unknown. Finding the answers she claims is close by but where she winds up and how puts her in more danger. Within the Kingdom of Kailn the king becomes deranged, delusional and hears voices of those that want him to relinquish the plants but instead he rants, raves and becomes violent. The centaurs, the warlocks, the goblins, trolls, elves, half-elves/half warlocks and more vying for power, position and the coveted plants to stay alive. But, can anyone bring them together and will anyone’s voice be heard before it’s too late. The author brilliantly brings to light what happens when greed and avarice take over, when hate becomes a motive for killing and survival and when some many different races, with so many differences cannot find a way to co-exist in peace. But, the fun part and hilarity comes when you hear two zany characters: Horace and Maurice: 2 vendors who love to scam the public with their mementos and souvenirs hoping to make some shekels and a living off the public.

When things come to a head and Maria is captured by the warlocks and the wizards try to reason with Rodolon, can he be stopped? Centaurs, goblins, trolls, elves, wizards and warlocks: the battle is on and the sides are drawn but which one will win?

A sacrifice needs to be made in order to restore the water and save the elves and everyone else. What will Andrew do and who is Stan Drewson? An ending that will keep you on the edge of your throne hoping that when you stand up the right person will reign and all the races will get along. Read Fairydust: Meet the White Fairy and her minions and find out if anyone can save the Kingdom. This is filled with humor, dark magic, a Counsel of Elders who might remind you of the politicians today when trying to pass a simple bill, Fairydust might be fantasy but there is a definite touch of reality here. Read it and find out!

Fran Lewis: Reviewer