Today, I’m going to start a new feature on my blog where I review books of fellow authors, who are just starting out like me.  I’m not going to limit them to middle grade reads, but I will include any books that I think my readers might be interested in.

Review

It’s my pleasure to review Maya Mysun and the World that does not Exist by P. M. Perry.  My love of fantasy goes back to reading “The Hobbit” in Grade 8 with Mr. Music.  Perry’s book takes me back to that love a fantastical creatures and lovable heroes.  Thanks to Mr. Perry, who was also kind enough to answer a couple of questions about his book.  I’m always intrigued by how author’s come up with their inspiration for writing.

The first book in this fantasy adventure series introduces us to Maya and her brother Jack.  They may be twins, but their interests are worlds apart. Maya believes in magic and Jack believes in science.  On the eve of their thirteenth birthday, Maya has a dream where she witnesses a conversation between the wizard Torackdan and Ebbelle.  They talk of news of the Lost Prince and Wraiths. Afraid of what her family might think, Maya only shares the details of her dream with her turtle, Tommy. Things get stranger when a mysterious letter is delivered to the house.  In celebration of the twin’s birthday, the family sets off to visit the museum. With the sudden disappearance of their parents at the museum. The twins are on an adventure to bring them back.

Maya Mysun has all the elements we love in a fantasy adventure: magical beings, evil villains with dark magic and characters who must use their wits to get out of dangerous situations.  Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings fans will enjoy this story.

Interview

Tell us about yourself and how you came to the decision to fantasy books for young people?

The story of Maya began when my daughter was very young. I challenged myself to pen a magical fantasy adventure with a heroine. A heroine like no other, one whose personal journey and development will be motivation to children and young adults.

As for myself, penning the adventure was my first attempt at writing since studying. Writing the novel proved to be challenging whilst working full time. The passion consumed many of my evenings; my routine was to conjure the ideas during my daily commute to work and pen them down in the evenings.

What was your inspiration for Maya Mysun? My daughter was the inspiration for Maya. I wanted to write an adventure with a girl who was the main character but with a difference. Even whilst writing I was advised many times that Maya needed to be more adventurous and bolder. Despite the advice you’ll find Maya to be brave, compassionate, and different than the normal heroines. You’ll have to read the adventure to really understand how Maya stands out from other heroines.

Are any characters in your book based on people you know in real life? All the characters are fictitious, but their traits are based on real people I’ve seen or observed.

What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome in completing your book? My biggest hurdle quickly became my motivation. During the early years I sought a paid service from an established author on my writing. The author’s report advised me to stop writing. Naturally this was a great blow, though devastated, I challenged myself to complete the adventure which soon became an item on my bucket list.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers looking to publish their first novel? Believe in your abilities and in the characters of your stories. I say this because despite the advice to stop writing I’ve completed Maya’s adventure. Secondly, I allowed Maya to be different, I was confident she will be liked and not be like the stereotypical heroine. Now I have proof from readers who have reflected how much they’ve enjoyed reading about Maya.

What is your favorite book to recommend to others?

I’ve enjoyed reading many authors and it is difficult to pick any one book. I’d recommend novels which subtly show young adults how one must aspire to be, and Maya’s adventure is one such story.

You can find Maya Mysun on Amazon, just click here.