Tag: YA novels

From Concept to Creation: A Conversation with Author Ashlee Vitz

Ashlee Vitz is the autor of the new YA novel ‘Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble

Ashlee Vitz is a teacher, actor, and writer from Indiana who discovered her Aztec heritage years after being adopted as an infant. She enjoys life in the Midwest with her husband and daughter, performs with Crossroads Repertory Theatre in the summers, and cherishes teaching her students at Center Grove High School. Her debut novel “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” is a young adult fantasy adventure that takes readers on a fast-paced journey through ancient Aztec myths, family secrets, and self-discovery.

Interviewing an author is always an exciting experience. It offers a unique opportunity to ask about their creative process, explore the themes in their work, and uncover personal insights that often aren’t found in the books themselves. I love asking about their inspiration, challenges, and the journey that led to the creation of their latest project. This allows readers to connect deeper with the author and their work. Whether it’s debut authors or seasoned writers, each interview brings fresh perspectives, making it a rewarding experience for the author and my readers.

Last week I had the chance to ask Ashlee a few questions about her debut novel “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials.”

Sandra: What inspired you to write “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials”?
Ashlee: The common advice is to write what you know. Amber is an adopted girl from Indiana, and so am I. I met my maternal biological grandmother many years ago, but it was only a few years ago that she shared that I was the great-great-great-great-granddaughter of an Aztec chief. I knew nothing about Aztec society, and I thought writing this novel would be a great way to dive into research on that culture and finally make myself write a novel. Publishing my own fantasy work has been a dream of mine since childhood.

S: Can you share a little about the main character, Amber Armitage? What makes her unique?
A: Amber takes us on a journey of discovering what family really means. There isn’t a lot of work out there that has a young adult character leading us through this aspect of the coming-of-age story.

S: What challenges did Amber face during her trials, and how do they reflect her character development?
A: This is a hard question to answer without giving away any of the story! In general terms, much of what Amber has to endure requires her to take an extremely honest look at her life and herself. This is one of the hardest trials we all face. Amber is doing it in the heightened world of fantasy. Yet, just as we all grow in the real world when we understand ourselves better, that’s the kind of character development she undergoes as well.

S: Were there any specific themes or messages you wanted to convey through this book?
A: I want readers of this book to consider this question: What is family? I also want my readers to consider the complexities that come along with adoption for all parties involved.

S: How did your research process look when writing about the Aztec civilization?
A: That was a fascinating journey. I devoured several books and tried to find films on the topic. Film was much harder to find. I even came across a movie called Quetzalcoatl, but it ended up being a B-level horror film. It made me laugh a lot, but did not help me write the book! I did find several online history experts with interesting short videos, which were extremely helpful.

*Note: Quetzalcoatl is a highly revered god of the Aztecs. He plays an extremely important part in the novel.

S: What was the most surprising lesson you learned while writing this book?
A: Just like Amber, I met my biological mother during my first year of college. While writing this book and bringing each character to life, it was the first time I truly stepped into what it must’ve felt like for my mother when I met my biological mother. That was an excellent lesson in sympathy for me.

S: What role do supporting characters play in Amber’s journey and how do they influence her decisions?
A: Amber’s roommate, Kess, is both comic relief and her guide through much of Aztec culture. I hope readers love her as much as I do! In addition to Kess, Amber’s mother and her biological mother present her with many choices and their own advice, leaving it up to Amber to decide whom she’s going to listen to.

S: Do you have any plans for a sequel or further adventures for Amber Armitage?
A: Some of my favorite authors often say that their readers ask excellent questions that they hadn’t considered when beginning to write. So, if there are questions that I find intriguing, yes, I would love to address them in a sequel to this first story.

Thank you to Ashlee Vitz for taking the time to answer my questions. Fantasy novels centered around mythology and ancient civilizations are fascinating, especially when the protagonist is out to learn more about her family history. Such is the case in this book.

Read more about the Aztec culture: Aztec Civilization and History: Aztecs.

You can read my review of “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” and get your own copy here.

What are your thoughts on ancient civilizations such as the Aztec? Have you used any DNA testing site as a tool to finding relatives?  Was it a positive or negative experience?

Ancient Secrets, Modern Heroine: A Review of ‘Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials’

‘Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials’ is the debut YA novel by Ashlee Vitz. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Ashlee Vitz is a teacher, actor, and writer from Indiana who discovered her Aztec heritage years after being adopted as an infant. This experience was the inspiration that led her to write “Amber Armitage and the Aztec Trials,” her debut novel. She enjoys life in the Midwest with her husband and daughter, performs with Crossroads Repertory Theatre in the summers, and cherishes teaching her students at Center Grove High School. Her debut novel “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” is a young adult fantasy adventure that takes readers on a fast-paced journey through ancient Aztec myths, family secrets, and self-discovery. (Amazon, 2024)

“Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” – Amber, an 18-year-old adopted girl from Indiana, discovers her true Aztec heritage through a DNA test that leads her on a thrilling, mystical journey. Raised in a loving home, Amber always sensed something more beneath the surface of her ordinary life. Her world is turned upside down when she meets her biological mother and learns of her connection to the ancient Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. With her newfound powers, Amber must face challenges that blend reality with mythology, uncovering secrets of the past that could change her future forever. Will Amber embrace her heritage in time to stop the resurrection of an ancient power, or will her world fall under the shadow of the Aztec gods?

Review:

“Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” by Ashlee Vitz is a captivating blend of adventure and mythology that follows the spirited Amber Armitage on her quest to discover the mysteries of her family background and her link to the ancient Aztec world. Her journey of self discovery leads to a series of trials that test her courage and intellect.

Vitz’s storytelling is vivid and immersive, bringing the culture and history of the Aztecs to life, while the prose is descriptive and poetic: “…all sporting an image of some kind of creature, most of them with their teeth bared, as though they were only moments away from popping off the wall to make the onlooker their last meal.” The narrative is fast-paced, with each trial presenting new challenges that keep readers engaged.

Amber is a relatable protagonist. Her growth throughout the story is inspiring and authentic as she learns the importance of family, friendship, resilience, and embracing her heritage. The supporting characters are well-developed, add richness to the story, and complement Amber’s journey. Vitz skillfully weaves in themes of bravery and self-discovery, making the novel resonate with a wide audience.

Overall, “Amber Armitage and The Aztec Trials” is an enchanting read that will appeal to young  readers and fans of adventure alike. It explores the intersection of personal identity and ancient history and is recommended for fans of YA fantasy, mythology, and coming-of-age stories.

“He would never know it, but his words made a young woman in the woods cry with gratitude that night, and where her tears fell, dead orange and red leaves turned bright green with new-found life.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

A Beacon of Hope: Exploring Trevor Dutcher’s ‘The Keepers of the Light’

‘The Keepers of the Light’ is the exciting new YA magical fantasy novel by Trevor A. Dutcher. Photo: Amazon

Fantasy books for young readers open up magical worlds filled with adventure, friendship, and imagination. These stories often feature brave heroes, mythical creatures, and enchanted realms, inviting children to explore their creativity. Popular series like “Harry Potter” and “Percy Jackson” not only entertain but also teach valuable lessons about courage, loyalty, and resilience. Fantasy encourages readers to dream big, confront challenges, and embrace their unique identities. With vibrant descriptions and engaging plots, these books ignite a love for reading and inspire young minds to embark on their own fantastical journeys. Ultimately, they foster a sense of wonder and possibility in every child.

This month, there’s a new fantasy book coming by Trevor A. Dutcher – “The Keepers of the Light (Logan LeVec Book 1) – “What if an entire world depended on you to preserve their very existence?”

Trevor A. Dutcher is a practicing attorney who writes fiction for fun. “Michael McGillicuddy and the Most Amazing Race” was his debut novel with many more in the works. “The Keepers of the Light” is his new YA novel and will be released on October 27, 2024. It is available for pre-order on Amazon.

Review:
Logan LeVec is a normal, well adjusted twelve year old. He lives with his parents and his older brother Bryce, who loves to torment him, and has a close relationship with his grandfather Gideon. Gideon is always entertaining him with outlandish fantasy stories and this worries Logan’s mother because she fears Gideon is losing his grip on reality. When Gideon passes away, Logan discovers that the stories were all true and meant to be a form of training to prepare him for his higher purpose, to become a Keeper of the Light.

With the help of Muggins the Elementalist, and Ginny the girl next door, Logan enters Cameria through a magic portal in a tree. Cameria is a magical place but it is under attack because Karma is stealing the Light; she is vengeful and wants to destroy Cameria. To be able to help, Logan must be anointed a Keeper of the Light, defeat Karma and release the Light in order to return Cameria to its original glory. No pressure there. If he fails, Cameria will be lost forever. One of Karma’s weapons is an enchanted mirror she uses to force people to “reflect” on their wrongdoings. With Muggins and Ginny by his side, Logan must defeat Karma and her army of dissenters before the darkness overwhelms Cameria and all the goodness disappears for good.

“The Keepers of the Light” by Trevor Dutcher is a fascinating blend of adventure and personal growth set against a richly imagined setting. The story follows an unlikely hero tasked with picking up where his grandfather left off and save a world threatened by darkness and evil.

Dutcher’s prose is rich and descriptive, drawing readers into a vivid landscape filled with compelling characters and intricate folklore. The world-building in Cameria is impressive; the author creates an intricate mythology that feels original and timeless. The pacing is well-balanced, maintaining tension and excitement while allowing for moments of self-reflection. Underlying the fantasy aspect, there’s also courage, sacrifice, and the enduring power of hope. Each character is well-developed, especially Muggins and the different regions of Cameria, giving them unique strengths and vulnerabilities that make them relatable. The first person narrative immerses readers into Logan’s innermost thoughts and struggles. While exploring the themes of friendship and good versus evil, it illustrates how diverse individuals can come together for a common cause regardless of background.

Overall, “The Keepers of the Light” is a captivating coming of age fantasy story with exciting settings and characters. Even though it’s a young adult novel, it’s entertaining for all ages and the imaginative storytelling keeps readers immersed in the adventures of Logan and Ginny. It is an easy read and is recommended for fans of fantasy and adventure with likeable characters. Since this is Book 1, I’m sure there are more to come, making this the beginning of an exciting series.

*The author received an ARC of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.
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New book release: ‘Turquoise Pearl: Eyes of Ember’ by Reaver Seishin

‘Turquoise Pearl: Eyes of Ember’ is the new fantasy novel by Reaver Seishin. Photo: Reaver Seishin, used with permission.

Today’s new book release is “Turquoise Pearl: Eyes of Ember” by Reaver Seishin. It is a young adult novel about mythical creatures, sorcery, and wizards. If you are a fan of the genre, here is some more information about this new novel. After reading the first four chapters, this looks to be an interesting read. The setting has Lucy, a mermaiden who is over 3,000 years old with a dark purple tail, dark purple eyes and light purple pupils. She carries a lance and has powers that allow her to manipulate water: “Lucy raised her hand with an open palm as water began to swirl around it like magic…” Despite being an ocean god, she mingles with the populace and they have no problem interacting with her during the town’s festival. Right from the start, she bumps heads with Reaver, so it will be intriguing to find out how their relationship will handle them needing to work together. The language is descriptive and easy to understand and the action is mostly dialogue driven. Sounds like a novel you might enjoy reading? Pick up a copy today.

“Turquoise Pearl: Eyes of Ember” is available on Amazon:
Kindle
Hardcover
Paperback

Reaver Seishin has been writing for several years now and has plans for 11 other books in this series. He enjoys physical activities as well as writing screenplays, so he is always busy working at his craft. His new book “Turquois Pearl: Eyes of Ember” is a young adult fantasy action and adventure novel about a Reaver Seishin, a mutant hunter, who must help Lucy Solace, a mermaiden, find her treasured Turquoise Pearl while aiming to join the elite group known as Auraelixer. (Reaver Seishin, 2023)

“Turquoise Pearl: Eyes of Ember” – In the continent Raintres that houses gods on Aura Island, a mutant hunter named Reaver Seishin works for the gods by scouring the land. He is a lore buff with more than a chip on his shoulder, but needs to protect the entire West coast from being destroyed. 

In order to do so, he needs to earn the approval of a stubborn ocean god named Lucy Solace, a mermaiden. Her people are members of an elite group known as Auraelixer and Reaver must join them to achieve his goal – one he must keep secret. While on this difficult mission, he is sidetracked by Lucy’s obsession to find the Turquois Pearl that holds the unique power necessary to save the West coast of the new continent of Raintres from destruction.

Fueled by secrets they keep from each other, there is tension in the air. Regardless, they need each other as they embark on a wild ride through the cities of Atlantis encountering abyss creatures of the deep, wild railcar rides, and the fantasy world of Aura Island and its monsters and members. All the while, a dark force looms over Lucy urging her to give up the fight.

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Photo: Reaver Seishin, used with permission.

Movie adaptation: ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ by Judy Blume

The movie adaptation of the classic coming of age novel will be release April 28, 2023. Photo: Amazon

Judy Blume spent her childhood in Elizabeth, NJ, making up stories inside her head. She has spent her adult years in many places, doing the same thing, only now she writes her stories down on paper. Adults as well as children will recognize such Blume titles as: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” “Superfudge,” “Blubber,” “Just As Long As We’re Together,” and “Forever.” Judy received a B.S. in education from New York University in 1961, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996, the same year that American Library Association honored her with the Margaret A. Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement. Her books have sold more than 75 million copies and her work has been translated into twenty-six languages. The beloved coming of age novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” has been adapted into a major movie and will be released in theaters April 28, 2023. (Amazon, 2023)

“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” – Margaret Simon, almost twelve, has just moved from New York City to the suburbs, and she is anxious to fit in with her new friends. When she is asked to join a secret club she jumps at the chance. But when the girls start talking about boys, bras, and getting their first periods, Margaret starts to wonder if she is normal. There are some things about growing up that are hard for her to talk about, even with her friends. Lucky for Margaret, she has got someone else to confide in, someone who always listens.

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