An ordinary school day in Middlefield turns into a mystical tale filled with endless adventures of magic, fairies, flying horses, and danger. A modern-day saga of four young teens who find themselves trapped in another realmThe Otherworldwhere they must abide by an evil druids bidding or risk endangering the lives of their loved ones and the magical beings they have befriended.
Crossroads and the Himalayan Crystals
By ctonigraham
Crossroads and the Himalayan Crystals by C. Toni Graham, is geared toward the YA and teen crowd but still may appeal to anyone older as well. You will thoroughly enjoy this fantasy tale as you follow a group of friends, Jake, Conner, Seneca, and Shayna. These kids are well fleshed out characters, each with their respective flaws, some more than other, but all are good kids. When they are transported into another realm, the story changes rapidly. On a school assignment, they are transported to a place called Fionia, where there is an abundance of magic creatures. While a lovely and mystical place, it is dangerous too. This book is a great combination of fantasy, mystery and adventure. The plot keeps you engaged due to its fast pace, the setting is beautiful, and the characters are ones you will get attached to as well. Great book and highly recommend.
A simple team homework for the Biology class turns for Seneca, Jack, Shayna and Conner into a fantastic adventure in a parallel world, in which they will be forced to decipher puzzles, develop new skills, overcome mortal dangers among magical creatures and fulfill the incredible destiny that has been imposed on them.
This novel proposes a typical fantastic adventure aimed at young readers: a quartet of teenage protagonists is forced to live with fantastic characters, magic, beautiful landscapes full of danger, unexpected revelations about their origins and about their possible destiny, and a great unelected challenge who promises to change their lives forever and create strong ties among them as a team. The stability of an entire world depends on the decisions and actions of these teenagers, but also the security of those whom they have left behind. The reading is simple and the plot takes us on an accelerated current that heads without dykes towards its destination, stumbling and collecting important information during the journey. The characters, representative of the genre, have little time to develop, since towards the end of the book and after a rather brief confrontation with the enemy, it is clear that the adventure is just beginning.
As the first part of a fantastic saga which possesses a rather youthful narrative character, this novel marks the beginning of a larger adventure in which big things could happen. For now, the reading has been pleasant, without surprises, direct and enjoyable.
This is a great book for young sci-fi and fantasy readers. The characters are brilliant, well thought out and a great mix of personalities. The plot is fantastic and so captivating and the descriptive language paints a beautiful and vivid landscape. I could have read this in one go, it’s a real page turner and I look forward to C. Toni Graham’s other books.
One school assignment where four classmates, Jake, Conner, Seneca, and Shayna are transported through a portal with no apparent return, into a fantasy world, Fionia. A world where many magic creatures reside. And where each one of them will have to prove to be strong enough to keep the adventure going.
This was a fast reading, it is intended for young adult, however I believe that anyone with a mystical, and fantasy love can enjoy this book completely. It is full of adventure; friendship and we can totally see how the characters develop; each one of them are so different yet perfect for this adventure.
This fantasy novel is the first venture into Young Adult fiction for C Toni Graham and the first in the saga. It follows the developing friendship of four teens from different social circles, who find themselves in unusual and mystifying circumstances. The characters have depth and are thoroughly believable; the good guys have relatable flaws, while the bad guys have some redeeming features.
The book is paced well so that the characters’ backstories unfold as you become more and more invested in them. These are the types of characters you miss once the story is over, though fortunately, in this case, there are more books in the series. Though this story is aimed at a middle school audience, it will appeal to a wide range of readers, young and old. It is enchantingly written, captivating the reader and taking them on a spellbinding ride, which they won’t soon forget.
This is such a well written book! From the detailed and realistic character descriptions to the in-depth detail given to paint a picture of the surroundings this book is full of mystic and adventure. I was able to quickly form connections with the characters and found the fast paced style of the book all the more addictive. Eagerly anticipating the next instalment.
As an adult who still enjoys reading young adult titles, I sometimes find myself starting with a bit of hesitancy as to whether or not I will be able to connect to the story and/or the characters. This was one of those times when I felt hesitant, but it didn’t take long to realize that I was enjoying the story!
I was impressed with the writing and at how well the characters were developed. I enjoy reading about characters (good or bad) that are given realistic qualities, flaws, charms, a sense of humor, or whatever the situation calls for and these characters have all that in spades!
I love the mix of magic, fantasy, and realism. What an adventure! Highly recommend!
If you are looking to escape to another world for a few hours, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Crossroads and the Himalayan Crystals by C. Toni Graham. In the super fantasy novel, four teenagers that wouldn’t usually be friends, must find some common ground and band together when they are suddenly transported from school to a mysterious realm known as The Otherworld. There is danger lurking in the magical realm and the classmates must face it head-on if they are to protect each other and the new friends they meet along the way.
It is a great novel about friendship, which features magical creatures, beautifully described scenery and a great plot that – not to sound cliched – really takes you on a journey. Crossroads and the Himalayan Crystals is exciting, with plenty of adventure and intrigue – perfect for YA and adult readers alike.
C. Toni Graham weaves intensity and mystique into her paranormal fictional novel, Crossroads and the Himalayan Crystals. Fours unlikely high school students are paired together for a biology assignment that requires them to search for nature specimens. When they get turned around, they end up wandering into a different realm and there is no returning to the world they knew. Jake is the new kid in Middlefield; he is caring, but able to take charge. Shayna is pretty and popular, having to rely on her wits and logical thinking is something new to her. Conner loves football and struggles with patience. Seneca battles with connecting with other since her family moves a lot. She is very intelligent. This group faces many trials with the creatures of the world they are in, along with each other.
I found C. Toni Graham a captivating author. Crossroads and the Himalayan Crystals is full of mystery as the bizarre creatures despise the teens in their realm, but pretend them from finding their way home. This novel has the elements of a brilliant young adult fantasy; excellent writing, diversified characters, and an exceptional plot. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series; Crossroads and the Dominion of Four.
Four classmates, Jake, Conner, Seneca, and Shayna, are on a school assignment when they embark on an amazing journey after being transported into a mystical and magical realm, where magical creatures live and danger awaits.
The Crossroads and the Himalayan Crystals is a fantastic book where I escaped into a fantasy world for a while. A great read that kept me wanting to turn the page!
I totally recommend reading this book, not just young adults but I think any age group.
Four classmates, Jake, Conner, Seneca, and Shayna, are on a school assignment when they embark on an amazing journey after being transported into a mystical and magical realm, where magical creatures live and danger awaits.
The Crossroads and the Himalayan Crystals is a fantastic book where I escaped into a fantasy world for a while. A great read that kept me wanting to turn the page!
I totally recommend reading this book, not just young adults but I think any age group.
Don’t be put off by the YA label of ‘Crossroads and the Himalayan Crystals’ by C. Toni Graham, it is a novel that all fans of fantasy fiction will enjoy. The book is magical, ethereal, and really exciting, following the journey of a group of teenagers through “The Otherworld”. They meet a whole host of fantastical creatures – some who look to help them and some who would seek to destroy them. Will they make it through “The Otherworld” alive or will they become the victims of the evil Druid who tortures the realm?
I really enjoyed the story and meeting all of the amazing characters and creatures. It was well written, full of feeling, peril, and adventure.
The Otherworld may seem like a dream come true, full of magic and magical creatures, nut it can quickly turn into a nightmare when an evil druid threatens to hurt those you love if you do not do their bidding. This story is a wonderful fantasy adventure for young adults. The story is engaging, full of adventure, and fantastical. The world that Graham has created is full of beautiful imagery and delightful imagination. The characters are unique, fun, and full of life. The four main characters especially show a lot of depth, and I loved watching their friendship develop over the course of the story. I was completely enchanted by this book and look forward to continuing on with the series.
YA books are the most popular when it comes to magic and all things mystical. This is a fantastic book, which works because it’s a fantasy story. I will say that I had trouble connecting with the characters. They were fleshed out real well, and each had an original voice, but they didn’t feel like they genuinely connected with each other (at least to me).
The writing here is solid, though. The story is paced perfect, and there weren’t any points where I felt like it was time to skim. The description is done well, but doesn’t lean on the purple side. Graham has a real knack for writing, I’d just love to see the characters feel more real with each other (rather than unnecessarily emotional/dramatic).
The story starts right in the middle of an action so old and rare that the whole ordeal was fueled by the inexperience and unknown. The whole book is that way, you’re thrown fast into an insane situation and you’re working your way through it. Overall a great YA Fantasy, one I would recommend to anyone who loves good writing with an inferno of imagination.
Jake and his family are new in town and everything’s just not going right for him. First of all, he and his mom almost knock over some girls at the local grocery store. Then when he was walking to school from his new home, he glimpses his next-door neighbor, who is a Tinkerbell look-alike, also doing the same. As much as he wants to catch up to her and get acquainted, she seems to be hurrying along as if avoiding him at all costs. At school in Biology class, Jake sees this neighbor of his also in it along with a new friend of his, Conner, who is an athlete like him, and one of the girls he saw at the local grocery store, Shayna. (His neighbor’s name is Seneca and is said in the book to look like a fairy but is contrasted by her gothic clothing.) It was in here that Jake gets to meet the very mean Ms. Bridget who groups all four of them into one group in order to go to a nearby park to gather samples of elements that are said to be found there. Once Jake, Seneca, Conner, and Shayna go further into the park, they enter Fionia, a magical realm of talking swans, fairies, winged horses, and druids. And their magical adventure begins!
I found this book to be very similar to all the children’s fantasy book that I have read in my lifetime. This reminded me of C.S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia books where 4 children also cross into a magical realm and become nobles there. In the same way, Jake, Seneca, Conner, and Shayna are prophesied by Fionia to be the ones who will overthrow Ms. Bridget a.k.a. Brigara the villainess. This book also made me think of British author J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter books where there is a slew of magical creatures in it. I loved this book as I was reading it because it was fast-paced and very coherent. I found the magical creatures, the arions (winged horses) to be so beautiful and divine and really wished they were real. I think the history and mythology of Ireland is the basis for this book and it has made it all seem like an ideal location for a vacation one day. I think that European country is magical and its people just do resemble the magical characters that we see in the media, and that’s a compliment! Haha.
I recommend this book to all those who have enjoyed the aforementioned children’s books in this review. I think it should be read by all age levels as there are no offensive words and subject matter in it. If I was to rate it I’d gladly give it a G rating for all audiences. I applaud the author, C. Toni Graham very much for her gift of storytelling and her knack for fantastical elements found in here. I have read the second installment in this series last year and now this. I am glad that I have read this one as it was long overdue. I tell you that I enjoyed it so much hopefully some Hollywood producer comes across it and decides to give it a film adaptation. Okay, have a nice day and be sure to get this. I guarantee that it will not be a disappointment.
California author C. Toni Graham is both an inspirational speaker and an author, this book – CROSSROADS AND THE HIMALAYAN CHRYSTALS – served as her publishing debut in 2012 and was awarded the Silver Medal for Young Adult action novels. The success of this book opened the door for the trilogy to continue.
Writing for the Young Adult audience is a challenge, especially these days when manipulation of the social media on all available devices competes for attention away form reading. Toni has successfully solved that resistance by making this novel so rich in characterizations – both from his world and ‘other’ places – and lets her story spin with gossamer effervescence that proves addicting.
Very succinctly Toni shares the stage setting for her story – ‘An ordinary school day in Middlefield turns into a mystical tale filled with endless adventures of magic, fairies, flying horses, and danger. A modern-day saga of four young teens who find themselves trapped in another realm—“The Otherworld”—where they must abide by an evil druid’s bidding or risk endangering the lives of their loved ones and the magical beings they have befriended.’
Enhance that setting with vividly imagined characters and the awards the novel has won are easily recognized. Among the many actors in this story is Brigara whom we meet in the opening lines – ‘Brigara fought back with everything she had, and it ultimately took all three of them to bind her powers. They could feel her energy surround them. The power she possessed was like nothing else they had ever encountered. Their restraint spell was holding her securely, compelling her arms to be held tightly behind her back and her ankles to be forcefully bound together. She spit and screamed in their direction. She struggled and thrashed her head wildly, causing her stringy, long dark hair to fall across her flushed sweat-drenched face. She was extremely thin, almost skeletal in appearance, yet her body flexed and contorted relentlessly with vigorous intensity. Her dark eyes were wild with fury, and each member of the council made certain to avoid fixating on them, as she was skilled at hexing dark charms with a mere glance.’
That degree of energy is sustained throughout this absorbing fantasy – a novel that easily becomes visual and enchanting. Toni’s ability to transport high school kids to another realm (Fionia) populated with magic and strange forms is rendered with beautiful prose and imagination. Her writing is first class and leaves the reader fueled for the next installment in this trilogy. Recommended.