Joe Bonadonna

The Power of the Sapphire Wand Joe Bonadonna

Nikki and Jack return to Creepy Hollow in this new, action-packed fantasy adventure for middle-grade children and young adults. On her 13th birthday, Nikki discovers she has magical powers. During a surprise attack by the giant Mutanto, his henchmen Howler and a gang of Werewolves, Wishbone, Ghoulina and Catman arrive to save the kids and tell them about Evila the Grim Witch's plans to conquer Creepy Hollow. Nikki also learns the truth about what happened to her parents twelve years ago. She and Jack go back to Creepy Hollow with their friends to help them defeat Evila. Jack discovers he can talk to animals when they meet a herd of Wild Horses and he becomes friends with Champ, the clumsy young colt, and Sparky, the orphaned dragon. Together, Nikki and Jack conquer their fears and gain courage, and in the final battle against Evila and her minions they grow into the warriors they were destined to become. Editorial review: I had the pleasure of editing The Power of the Sapphire Wand: Creepy Hollow Adventures 2, by Erika M. Szabo and Joe Bonadonna, and was instantly swept up into an adventure of limitless possibilities. Though written for children, I as an adult felt drawn into a mystical place where anything can happen-where children can be mighty warriors, and battle the forces of evil; where animals talk, and join in the fight; where queens and princesses join forces with commoners to save their people and their land; and where wishes really do come true. The Power of the Sapphire Wand is a wonderful, imaginative tale of adventure that is filled with exquisite original illustrations by Erika Szabo, and though it is the perfect Halloween treat, I find that it is a timeless tale that can be enjoyed by children of all ages anywhere, at any time of year. Lee Porche