"Reminiscent of some of the great fantasies of this era..."

• ASIN: ‎ B0CGW1LQ1D
• Publisher: ‎ Young Dragons; 1st edition (28 Aug. 2023)
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 271 pages
• Genre: Magical Realist Fiction for Young Adults

The BookViral Review:

A beautifully penned fantasy tale for a young audience, ‘AnnaGrey and the Constellation’, Volume 1 of the Laeth Realm Adventures, takes us deep into a world of parallel existence, magical portals, and curiously fantastical beasts, who AnnaGrey finds are more closely connected to her than she ever thought possible.

Lindsay Flanagan’s 14-year-old protagonist is a bit of an oddball. With strange eyes and a curious pattern of freckles across her arm, she has become the butt of bullies; in particular, Cross Silverstone. That, added to the vagueness of her parents whenever questions are asked, negatively impacts AnnaGrey to such an extent that anger and frustration overwhelm her.

When she makes a forbidden shortcut through Wildwood, an astonishing adventure begins, which turns all of AnnaGrey’s beliefs and perceptions on their head. Drawn into a dangerous alternative world where mythical Kings and Queens, and monstrous creatures vie for control of Kingdoms and lands, she must find the strength within her to fight for right, and for the people and things most precious to her. In a fascinating rite of passage, AnnaGrey embraces her own long-hidden reality and accepts her place in both the human world and the Laeth Realm as she transforms from an angry teen into a mature and fearless young woman and finds acceptance for her former tormentor.

Flanagan’s exceptional immersive narrative is a joy to read, with descriptions which bring her voice springing to life in a magnificent explosion of imagery incorporating sinister plots and mighty battles.  Her ambitious vocabulary and unique metaphorical language encourage her young readers to appreciate the wonders of literature, preparing them for life-long reading.

Her well-constructed visionary alternative universe lays a solid foundation for further volumes, which no doubt will be as well received.

Reminiscent of some of the great fantasies of this era, ‘AnnaGrey and the Constellation’ is firmly recommended particularly for those who find themselves in the throes of adolescence.