Children's Author Christine Norris
Fantasy for Young Adults
The Crown of Zeus
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“THE CROWN OF ZEUS is a fun blend of spunky heroines and Greek mythology that’s sure to appeal to Norris’s fans as well as new readers.”
— Elizabeth C. Bunce, author of A Curse Dark as Gold
I think one of the best things you can say about a book is that you would like a chance to be a character in it--to enter the world, share in the fun and adventure. The Crown of Zeus is just such a tale--a fantastic escape for any age. What a breath of fresh air! Buy this for your child, grandchild, niece, or perhaps for yourself."
- Ciar Cullen, author of The Princes of Anfall
“Christine Norris has written a YA adventure that’s one part Indiana Jones, one part Chronicles of Narnia and one part Nancy Drew. Who wouldn’t want to read it? I’d like to live it.”
Reviews for Return to Zandria
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Click the award box to read the Flamingnet review!
"Return to Zandria is a lively story that is light and frothy in the telling. It has enough meat to the story to hold the interest of adults as well as the younger reader. I thoroughly enjoyed following Ivy through her flight on the back of a winged horse and a dragon, witnessing her budding love for Conner, the aspiring wizard, and her attempts to convince her friend, Lori, that all this is real. Lori remains unconvinced, even though she is living the adventure along with Ivy and that makes for an interesting side story.
I'd like to see at least one more installment in this series that follows the relationship of Ivy and Conner. I will be seeking out the first installment, Talisman of Zandria to see where this adventure began and, like Ivy, hope it will never end."
- MargeAnna Conrad, Novelspot.net
"Return to Zandria is a wonderfully comfortable fantasy novel that enthralls the reader from the very first page... Ms. Norris has a special talent with character, which almost seems to surpass the excellent plot and vivid descriptive settings. Her protagonists are particularly well-delineated, and they are the kind who promise to linger long in the reader's imagination, peopling it with their further potential adventures, and leaving readers asking, "I wonder what happened to --- next?"
Author Christine Norris skillfully weaves in recollections of Ivy's former sojourn in Zandria, three years earlier, yet does so in such a way that readers can joyfully pace through Return to Zandria as a stand-alone novel. However, only the hardened heart would refuse to read Talisman of Zandria, the first book which recounts Ivy's initial adventures in the magical land. In this reviewer's opinion, the wise reader will rush immediately to read ALL of Author Norris' books!"
Talisman of Zandria Reviews
"Talisman Of Zandria by Christine Norris is an original and entertaining fantasy novel showcasing a vivid telling of Ivy Peterson's voyage through the magical and fantastic world of Zandria. As Ivy discovers a fairy and returns for a search, she accidentally falls into Zandria, beginning the wonderful tale of Ivy and her newly made friend's pursuit of an amulet which will enable her return to her own life and world. Talisman Of Zandria is very highly recommended to all readers of general fantasy-fiction for its engaging telling, fun description, and intuitive mapping of a world only discovered by the imaginations of readers."
- Midwest Book Review, Small Press Bookwatch, April 2006
"Eleven year old Ivy considers herself “Not-Very-Brave” and “Less-than-Ordinary,” so when she thinks she glimpses a fairy in the trees behind her house, she doesn’t tell anyone. The next day exploring a little further into the woods, Ivy accidentally falls through a magical gate, entering the fairytale land of Zandria. Ivy luckily meets Connor, a wizard’s apprentice, and Arden, the benevolent wizard he serves. Together they willingly attempt to return Ivy to her home but find the Forest Gate to the Otherside locked. On further investigation they find that the Lady Lionors, Empress of Zandria, has been placed under a spell by her wicked twin sister, Naijira, who has also stolen the Talisman of Zandria which controls the five gates in and out of the kingdom. Arden forms a small troupe to recover the talisman introducing Ivy to the enchanting residents of their world. While Ivy is barred from participation in the actual quest, it is she who ultimately saves the talisman and restores control of the gates to Lady Lionors.
A relaxed and comfortable writing style and familiarly archetypal characters combine here into one appealing package for middle-schoolers. “Less-than-Ordinary” Ivy not only finds unexpected adventure but also beauty and strength in herself under her new friends’ gentle guidance. Good reassuringly defeats evil and even the “not-so-brave” accomplish great things. Believable characters and a satisfying ending make this a delightful fairytale read for a winter afternoon."
-Nancy K. Wallace - Youth Services Librarian
"Welcome to Zandria, a magical new world of enchantment, sure to delight young readers. Gifted Author Christine Norris' first novel is the tale of Ivy, a shy girl from our world who stumbles through a mystical gateway into this strange land filled with fairies, elves, dragons, dwarves, trolls and wizards. Talisman of Zandria sparkles with wonder, adventure and excitement. A must read for fans of YA fantasy."
-Diana Hignutt, author of the award nominated Empress of Clouds
"... Talisman of Zandria is an awesome book that is filled with lots of adventure. I like that as soon as the characters think they have one problem solved the author throws in another one. The characters were kind of different compared to the ones in other books I have read. I enjoyed reading this book and I hope everyone who reads this book will enjoy it as much as I did. I recommend Talisman of Zandria to kids 9-12 years of age who enjoy reading fantasies and fairy tales, and I hope to be able to read the sequel when it comes out."
-Cheyenne Myers, age 12, for Flamingnet.com
"TALISMAN OF ZANDRIA is a modern-day "Wizard of Oz." Brilliant, witty, and completely unexpected, TALISMAN OF ZANDRIA takes the reader on a whirlwind adventure from Ivy's backyard to the furthest corners of Zandria, a world of dark danger and mystical enchantment. Ivy and Connor are completely endearing--automatically recognizable--and sure to become some of your favorite characters. More than just a children's book, the TALISMAN OF ZANDRIA is a fairytale for anyone who believes that we really can go home again, that wishes come true, and that good always outs. If you liked the "Wizard of Oz," "Lord of the Rings," and "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," then you should definitely take a trip to Zandria. Good work, Ms. Norris! "
- Beverly Forehand, for Roundtable Reviews
