"I really liked the book so far".......M

"I really liked your book and I would like to keep reading"...D

"I like this book because it was amazing and I just like it"...D

"What is the next adventure? I love the first 4 chapters!!" ...K

"I really liked when they were in the castle library looking for the key.  It was very exciting."... B

"The book Rocks!"... K

"Ever since J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books took the publishing world by storm in the late 1990's, the literary market has been flooded with an endless parade of Harry Potter knock offs.

A whole generation of authors have been inspired to create their own books featuring teenage wizards and witches all striving to save the world from the usual forces of evil. Though most of these books have been largely unsuccessful, there have been a few that have shined.

Enter Persephane Pendrake and the Cimaruta by Lady Ellen. Unlike Harry Potter who is a wizard, Persephane Pendrake and the Cimaruta features a teenage witch as its protagonist and thankfully steers clear of Harry Potterisms that would otherwise contaminate and dilute what is a quite original and engaging story.

A chief element of this book is its peculiar use of time-travel, called Time-Linxing. Through Time-Linxing, Persephane is able to confront her enemies at various points throughout history making for a thrilling and utterly breathtaking tale.

Upon discovering that she is the chosen one destined to stop the evil "All Powerful One" from plunging the world into eternal darkness, Persephane Pendrake is thrust into the center of the timeless conflict between good and evil.

When Persephane turns thirteen, the age in which her incredible magical powers start to mature, her evil aunt Melanthios, who seeks to become the prophesied All Powerful One, decides to destroy her.

Through the aid of her loving family and friends, including her loyal sidekick a witty, but overenthusiastically snark dragonfly named Benson, Persephane takes up the challenge of facing Melanthios in a series of life and death battles in which to thwart her wicked plans.

But Melanthios has other ideas for Persephane. If she can steal the powerful amulet called the Cimaruta from Persephane, she will have the first of 9 powerful magical items which must be collected to bequeath her with the powers of the All Powerful One.

It is a desperate race throughout the world and history itself as Melanthios and Persephane vie over the lost 9 magical objects. Will Melanthios claim the Cimaruta from Persephane and begin her transformation into the All Powerful One?

Or will Persephane find the strength and wisdom she needs to prevent the approaching apocalypse? You'll have to read this book to find out.

As I said before, readers will be glad to know that Persephane Pendrake and the Cimaruta is not some cheap imitation of Harry Potter. Rather it occupies its own unique space in a genre that clearly needs originality.

What truly distinguishes this book from Harry Potter is its milieu which seems to be steeped in Wicca and folklore as opposed to Rowling's more romanticized version of witchcraft and wizardry.

Unlike Harry who is an orphan, Persephane is surrounded by a coterie of loving and supportive folk, all who are necessary to prepare her for the trials she is going to endure over the course of this series as she takes on the challenge of saving the world from her malevolent aunt Melanthios and her minions.

I highly recommend this book to older children and young adults who are looking for the next great fantasy story. Persephane Pendrake and the Cimaruta is an excellent book that offers more magic within its pages than any reader can imagine.

Without a doubt, this book is a success. I, for one, plan to read the entire series until the very end."

Kevis Hendrickson

Author - The Legend of Witch Bane