Ten-year-old Tabitha McPherson is about to find out. The Kingdom of Light, the land of the unicorns, has been overrun by deadly creatures from the Kingdom of Shadows. An ancient prophecy looms over the fate of their world, predicting doom for the innocent. A lone unicorn filly has escaped to Earth in a desperate attempt to find help. In a magical encounter, she meets Tabitha, who may hold the key to saving both the filly and her kingdom, while risking her own life. Can they save the Kingdom of Light together?
10-year-old Tabitha forms a special bond with a unicorn so she can help save their kingdom from evil shadow creatures.
SYNOPSIS
What if Death stalked you as a shadow?
Ten-year-old Tabitha McPherson is about to find out. The Kingdom of Light, the land of the unicorns, has been overrun by deadly creatures from the Kingdom of Shadows. An ancient prophecy looms over the fate of their world, predicting doom for the innocent. A lone unicorn filly has escaped to Earth in a desperate attempt to find help. In a magical encounter, she meets Tabitha, who may hold the key to saving both the filly and her kingdom, while risking her own life. Can they save the Kingdom of Light together?
Tabitha McPherson’s tenth birthday is not merely a day filled with friends, laughter and delicious cake – it also just happens to be the day she forms a special bond with a unicorn named Uriela from the realm of Ushan. In Ushan, an ancient prophecy threatens to come true. The unicorns, who live in the Kingdom of Light, and their protectors, who are bears, are under siege by the a race of evil shadow creatures. Humans have long been absent from their world, but the prophecy foretells of a special symbol that will bring about the death of the innocent. Is it merely a coincidence that Tabitha is the first daughter of man in many, many generations to bond with one of the unicorns? Or is it because Tabitha has a greater destiny than she ever could have imagined.
Tabitha and the Kingdom of Shadows is spellbinding middle grade fantasy that is reminiscent of books such as classics like The Chronicles of Narnia. Following a young protagonist, the story takes readers from a suburban Illinois town to a magical land where animals talk, good is in a fierce battle against evil, and the voice of a single child has the power to save lives. The book contained the fantastical elements that made the world of Ushan beautifully built, but also tacit lessons about humanity and real life that, at Tabitha’s age, are just starting to become known to a child.
At ten years’ old, Tabitha is at a point where the sheen of youthful innocence starts to slowly fade away as the harsh truths of the real world suddenly start to make sense to a young mind. In her travels, she witnesses how oppressed races such as the satyrs are forced to fight for the “bad guys,” when, really, the satyrs only want to be left in peace. They do not really have any grief with the bears or the unicorns, but with their loved ones threatened by their shadow creature masters, they have no choice but to take part in terrible things and in harming others. Tabitha sees the blood and fear of a warlike battle filled with bows and arrows, blood and even the threat of death. Readers also see scenes of torture and execution. This all results in a book that can be enjoyed and valued not only by a young reader, but by readers of all ages.
Tabitha and the Kingdom of Shadows is a beautifully written testament to the power of a child’s imagination and, more importantly, their voice. My favorite line in the entire book says: “There is no such thing as just a child of man.” As kids, our parents and teachers tell us often that even a single voice has the power to enact change. This theme is echoed throughout Tabitha’s adventure, and the result is a story which sees a child not only find her voice, but realize that she has a purpose, as well. The passion of a child is contagious, powerful and a reminder to us adults that such passion remains in us still.
Megan has been an avid reader and writer since she was little. A paralegal by day, Megan obtained dual bachelor's degrees in Creative Writing and English, as well as a Master's in Public History. She has several fiction and non-fiction publications of her own. She loves dogs, books...and naps!
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Audio Review
From the website: Book for Every Season
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Youth Reviews
Penny 12 - "I loved it! My favorite part was that it had a lot of myth to it but also a lot of truths. It kept it exciting!"
Evelynn 8 - "It's really good and exciting. I really like how the animals talk. It reminds me of Narnia"
About The Author
About
K. S. Michaels
K.S. Michaels, who remains hopelessly mired in childhood despite his best efforts, lives in the outskirts of Plainstown, Illinois. His first book, Tabitha and the Kingdom of Shadows was inspired by the
celebrated appearance of his first grandchild. He has a personal appreciation for the Valley of Ushan and is enjoying retirement after a long career in pest control. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, and devotes his spare time to consulting on cordless drill technology.
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