Starchild Book One: The Age of Akra by Vacen Taylor
The foreshadowing of a dark future threatens the seven nations. Mai is selected to train with the mysterious elemental master Sah Dohba who will prepare her to become the protector of the desert lands. Her brother Long, steps forward to travel with her as her chaperone to the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts.
A chance encounter brings them together with Akra, the Starchild. The trio travels on into a battle with the elements. Sandstorms. Deadly creatures. Starvation. Then a chance meeting with powerful earthfollower, sets them on a new path where they must each find the strength to face a terrifying foe from the Underworld.
Odyssey Books Amazon UK Amazon US Barnes and Noble Goodreads
Author Bio
Vacen Taylor is a children’s author with a portfolio of screenwriting and stage play achievements. A selection of her poetry has been published in Art and Literature Journals. One of her plays was selected to be part of the Playwrights Program 2017 and then directed and performed as a performance reading at HOTA (previously the Gold Coast Arts Centre).
Her feature film script received a special commendation for Best Unproduced Screenplay titled Grandfathers at the British Independent Film Festival in 2018. The logline can be found under Special Commendations for Unproduced Screenplays here.
Her TV pilot for a series (teleplay) was selected as a semi-finalist in the Hollywood Just4Shorts Film and Screenplay Competition in Los Angeles, CA. This pilot was listed in the top 50 for the Cinequest Screenwriting Competition in 2018.
She presented the first mental health panel at OZ Comic-Con in 2017. This panel was a fantastic opportunity to discuss openly and honestly about artists and their mental health to help support wellbeing, foster connectivity and provide a culture of support.
In 2018 she presented the panel, ‘An artist’s guide to creative happiness: How to strengthen your creative performance’ at Oz Comic-Con in Brisbane. Her panels are extraordinary opportunities to explore ideas with people who are currently working in the industry. She aims to discuss subjects like individualism, the community, mental health, wellbeing, happiness, creativity, co-creating and self-awareness which often leads to interesting questions from the audience.
What else does she do? Vacen is also a creative workshop facilitator and proficient in, teaching, speaking and concept creation. Guest Speaker. Workshop Presenter. Creative Panel Facilitator. Mentor. Support Worker. Counsellor. Social Welfare Advocate.
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter
My Review
5 Stars
Mai has a special ability and is chosen to train as a thoughbanker in the Valley of a Thousand Thoughts. Her brother, Long is her escort to the valley. Along the way the meet the “Starchild,” Akra. There is a prophecy that Akra will bring goodness and peace to the land. As they three travel the meet people and creatures that are light and dark.
I loved this world and the characters. You get dropped right into the middle of the story and off you go. No one hundred pages of world building, it’s a hit the ground running kind of story. I really liked Mai, she is such a strong girl and willing to take on whatever comes her way. Long is a perfect counter balance to her with his snark and they both learn to work together so well.
All the creatures and characters that you meet have their place and they fit them well. There is a point and purpose to all as they help the kids on their path. I loved all the action and adventures that the kids face. It perfectly complimented the story too.
I really enjoyed this story, it is geared to midgrade readers but anyone will enjoy this book. I can’t believe that it is the first book in the series. Now I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest just to see what they kids have to face next.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Giveaway to Win all 4 books of the Starchild Series by Vacen Taylor (Open INT)
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
I would like to thank Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read and share this book.
jbronderbookreviews 
Leave a Reply