Dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and an evil queen – all these and more can be found in The Warble, an enchanting tale of adventure and friendship.Twelve-year-old Kristina Kingsly feels like the most unpopular girl in her school. The kids all tease her, and she never seems to fit in. But when Kristina receives an unusual Christmas gift, she suddenly finds herself transported to the land … to the land of Bernovem, home of dwarfs, gnomes, fairies, talking animals, and the evil Queen Sentiz.
In Bernovem, Kristina not only fits in, she’s honored as “the chosen one” the only one who can release the land from Queen Sentiz’s control. But it’s not as simple as it seems. To save Bernovem, she must place the gift she was given, the famous “Warble” in its final resting place. And she must travel through the deep forest, climb a treacherous mountain, and risk capture by the queen’s “zelbocks” before she reaches her destination. Guided by her new fairy friends, Clover and Looper and by Prince Werrien, a teenage boy, as well as an assortment of other characters, Kristina sets off on a perilous journey that not only tests her strength but her heart.
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First of all, I don’t normally read fantasy/mystery/supernatural, but as a youth leader, I decided to check The Warble out. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. Through the author’s storytelling, I could relate to this young girl, who is having a dreadful day just before the Christmas break. As she leaves for the bus, her teacher gives her a hatbox. That evening as she was trying to open it, it magically opened itself to reveal a tarnished silver ball. Soon Kristina finds herself transported to an enchanted land, that is currently under a horrible curse and its people are suffering. There she meets talking animals, dwarfs, gnomes, fairies and creatures beyond imagination. Kristina learns she has a special purpose for being there. If the curse is to be lifted, she must be the one to get the ball, or Warble, up the mountain and in its intended resting place before it’s too late. The are many obstacles, not the least of which is an evil queen, who presents danger at every turn. Kristina is not alone, however. A young prince from the previous reign shows up and they face peril together. The author has done an excellent job of presenting impossible situations and plot twists. I absolutely loved the ending. This is a book that any young person would find thrilling and would even appeal to adult fiction readers. I highly recommend The Warble. In fact, I’m starting the next book in the series now.
The girl, Kristina, is transported to the land of Bernovem when she receives a silver ball called the Warble. She is given the task of taking the Warble to a cave on a mountain. If she can carry out this task, Bernovem will be released from the clutches of the evil queen Sentiz. Kristina meets the prince Werrien and together they embark on the dangerous journey to place the Warble in its final resting place. They encounter many characters some of which help them, some betray them and some try to kill them.
Fairies, gnomes, zelbocks, dwarfs, ravens, horses and a pet rat all figure into this story as Kristina and Werrien journey to place the Warble where Bernovem can once again be a wonderful place, rid of evil and corruption.
At times the Warble falls into the wrong hands, the journey is long and dangerous. The reader is made to wonder if the outcome will be good.
This delightful tale is part Narnia, part Hobbit with a delightful dash of Wonderland. Its characters are a blast. As awful and self-absorbed as she is, Queen Sentiz is still hilarious hoot whose outbursts jump right off the page. In fact, her character reminds me of Alan Rickman’s portrayal of the sheriff of Nottingham in Robin Hood. Our protagonist, Kristina, keeps us grounded in reality while traveling through the fantastic world of Bernovem with companions who can possibly be for or against her.
This story kept me enthralled and lost in this world so much that I did not want to leave. Gnomes, dwarfs and fairies (and ‘zelbocks’) follow Kristina on this magical journey on their quest to save Bernovem from perpetual darkness and deliver the warble to its final resting place.
As I kept my nightly appointment to read on, it truly took me away from the distractions of real life and “The Warble” lit my way.
Victoria Simcox is a gifted and wonderful writer!
I can’t praise this book enough! It’s like “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” for a new generation! Young and old will be captivated by this book and its charming main character.
If you’re up for a wild, well-written fantasy, this book is ideal. I can’t wait to continue the journey!! This author has a talented imagination that is rare in today’s literary world. Five stars!!
I can’t praise this book enough! It’s like “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” for a new generation! Young and old will be captivated by this book and its charming main character.
If you’re up for a wild, well-written fantasy, this book is ideal. I can’t wait to continue the journey!! This author has a talented imagination that is rare in today’s literary world. Five stars!!
The Warble centers on Kristina Kingsly, a twelve year old girl who will travel to the land of Bernovem thanks to a magical artifact. In this fantasy land, she will have to free their citizens from evil Queen Sentiz.
Lots of lovable characters. Special mention to Kristina, who was a relatable character to whom you end up getting really attached to. Fast paced action adventure but lots of the fantasy elements I love in the genre as magic and fantastical creatures like dwarves or talking animals.
A story which fans of Alice in Wonderland and The Chronicles of Narnia will really love, The Warble shines on its own light being an entertaining fantasy story which depicts a well built fantasy world.
Victoria Simcox has created an engrossing and exciting fantasy novel for children in the novel, The Warble. I fell in love with the main character, Kristina. She is sweet and headstrong, sensitive and a survivor. She is a great role model for children. I hope my nieces benefit by reading about this strong character in The Warble.
Kristina is taken from her home and ends up in a new world called Bernovem. The world of Bernovem is unique, colorful, and exciting. Children will be able to picture this different world because of the descriptions the author, Victoria Simcox, has written.
Other children from Kristina’s old world also end up in Bernovem. These characters add depth to the story with their different personalities.
The story keeps you on your toes because of the ups and downs the children face. I cheered Kristina and the others on their journey til the end.
The lessons learned in Bernovem will help Kristina face the issues she has to overcome in the real world. The Warble is not only an entertaining read, but also a coming of age book that helps children see that they are not alone with the problems they struggle with. I strongly recommend The Warble.
An evil queen, a young handsome prince, and an ordinary girl.
An evil queen, a young handsome prince, and an ordinary girl.
In The Warble, Victoria Simcox takes you on a journey through a mystical land where gnomes, dwarfs and fairies make their home. When ordinary girl, Kristina, is given a gift of the Warble, she finds herself transported into a world where things are very different from home. Known as the “Chosen One”, Kristina is greeted with friendliness and honor. But then there are some who want to destroy her and her new found friends .In order to free the curse that has been placed on Bernovem, the Warble must be returned to its resting place. Kristina is given this responsibility and she accepts immediately. You will feel as if you’re conquering each and every obstacle right along with the characters.
Victoria has woven together an enchanting fable that embraces friendship, action and plenty of courage. Kids both young and old will enjoy this clean, action-packed adventure.