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Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Readers' Favorite
"Chrystallia" by P.M. Glaser was a pleasure to read and review. Glaser has created a magical world brought to life through beautiful illustrations and brilliant writing.
Siblings Maggie and Jesse were facing a family crisis; their home was being repossessed and their mother was dying. Like many siblings the two rarely got along. Maggie is the elder of the two siblings; she is also pouty and immature. The tale begins with the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree. When the tree is located Jesse does not want it cut down. Somehow he knows it is a special tree.
Much like Alice in the famous tale, the siblings fall down a hole in the tree. They land in a strange world filled with crystals and stones. When Jesse turns on his flashlight the crystals come to life. They transform into crystalline people that crave light. There are kings, queens, princes, princesses and imaginative creatures, each with their own personality and voice.
But as in life, there are also evil crystalline people who want the life giving light of the flashlight for themselves. Maggie and Jesse are quickly caught up in an adventure that will test their wits and love for each other. Author P.M. Glaser successfully weaves the threads of this multidimensional plot into an exciting adventure with a deep message.
While this book is written for younger readers, adults will find this tale enchanting as well. It would be remiss of me not to mention the beautiful art work in this book. I repeatedly reviewed the magnificent illustrations of the characters. Kudos to artist Dave Zaboski.
I love this book. I quickly became a part of the fast paced adventure and was drawn in by the mystery and fear of the unknown with Maggie and Jesse. I hope this continues into a series and even finds its way onto the silver screen. I highly recommend this book and expect it to become a young adult classic.