Joanna Hollier Reviews

Page One

Added November 10, 2004

Roary O'Rourke Book 4: Roary and Dooley Do: Victorious Duo

Author: Joanna Hollier
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Available At: www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Young Adult: Fantasy
Format: Trade Paperback and Ebook download in PDF/HTML
Price: $9.99 paperback, $4.99 ebook
ISBN: 1-59374-117-0 paperback, 1-59374-116-2 ebook
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo

Fans and friends of Roary O'Rourke will find that this fourth book in the series has all the adventure and magic they have come to love!

The time has finally arrived for Earl Dooley Do and his lovely Lady Chauncy to take their rightful places on the thrones at Dark Clouds Peak. Readers will delight to see Dooley and his wife welcomed by the people. Although it seems that the evil reign of Barnabuss Bramble will soon be a memory, trouble lies ahead. When Queen Lacey and Roary come for a visit, they are attacked, and Lacey is again kidnapped by the evil Baron. As the men hunt for the lovely lady, preparations are made for the final battle that will decide the rightful ruler of these lands.

All of the books in this series contained a delightful mix of magic, imagination and love. Young readers can confidently enter Elfdom, knowing that the truths of good and evil are upheld through the actions of the characters. They will see that although evil may try to gain control, the power of love and justice will prevail. This is a comforting thought in our modern world, and books, such as these, reinforce the differences between right and wrong.

The characters are as charming and lovely as ever. All of the old friends are here, and readers meet a couple of new ones. Skylar is introduced as Dooley's valet and protector, and he plays a large role in the final battle. The gentleness in which the characters treat each other and their servants is also noteworthy.

Bleethemon, the dragon, returns and is still this reviewer's favorite! He gets a little cuter in this book, even though he shows his true strength and loyalty at the end. Too bad the author didn't give out the recipe for those magic cakes he likes so much!

The author has created characters that are charming and comfortable to be around. The fantasy setting has enough reality to make it believable. This reviewer happily recommends this entire series to any young reader looking for a bit of adventure and a lot of fun.

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Added September 4, 2004

Roary O'Rourke Book 3: Challenge of the Trolls

Author: Joanna Hollier
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Available At: www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Format: Trade Paperback and Ebook download in PDF/HTML
Price: $9.99 paperback, $3.99 ebook
ISBN: 1-59374-115-4 paperback, 1-59374-114-6 ebook
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo

Readers return to the fantasy world of Elfdom to meet old friends and to start a new adventure! The author starts this story one year after the wedding of Roary to Queen Lacey, and the whole city is preparing for their Anniversary Celebration Day.

As the festivities end, plans begin to restore Dooley Do to his rightful place on the throne of Dark Clouds Peak. The army sets out, wondering if they are ready to face the dangers that await them. Will Roary and his friends succeed, or will they be defeated by those who hold the throne by force?

Consistent and creative are the best words to describe this series for young readers. The author has skillfully continued the story, adding new characters, and maintaining a nice level of suspense. This reviewer was especially pleased to see Bleethemon, the dragon, in this book and with a larger role. Readers can't help but love this dragon and cheer as he helps the army in the battle with the trolls.

New characters meet and interact with old friends to expand the world of Elfdom. As the army travels to Milesaround Mountains, readers get a tour of this land and learn about some of its history. Most notable are the characters, who are all enchanting and memorable in their different ways.

Readers of the series will appreciate the author's attention to details, as she includes people, places and events from previous books in this story. This smooth flow provides a touch of realism, as past events merge and become important to the current story.

There is no shortage of friends, fun, and feats of daring in this delightful fantasy adventure!

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