Perpetual Chaos of a Wandering Mind: Book Feature & Giveaway: The Accidental Apprentice by Anika Arrington

DON'T FORGET THE GIVEAWAY AT THE END OF THIS POST!

Author: Anika Arrington
Pages: 220
Format: Paperback, ebook
Publisher: Xchyler Publishing
Book Source: responsible for project
Category: Young Adult to Adult fantasy
Style: Easy, conversational style, added depth to appeal to mature readers

Synopsis:

Brilliant and ambitious, Rezdin the Wizard has one goal: impress the king, but he answers to Baron von Dappenshien who refuses him access to Court. Before Rezdin can maneuver himself into the limelight, the king charges von Dappenshien for treason, and Rezdin goes to ground. The wizard finds himself dependent upon the wits and good will of a starving street urchin. But what can he offer little Tommy in return? When old dangers and new alliances rear their menacing heads, Rezdin must decide where his true loyalties lie, and what to do with his new-found entourage of one.

My Take:

Mechanized Masterpieces: A Steampunk Anthology

Anika Arrington first came to my attention when she submitted her short story, "Sense and Cyborgs," to Xchyler Publishing's first Steampunk anthology competition requesting extensions of classic literature. Anika's writing so delighted me, I placed her offering as the leading story in the resultant book, Mechanized Masterpieces: A Steampunk Anthology.

With the title's release, we asked her what other projects she may have in hand. More than a year later, Accidental Apprentice is about to be unleashed upon the world.

Because I have been directly involved in the editorial process and publication of this novel, I refrain from reviewing it. However, on a personal level, I find it charming, imaginative, and everything I expected from Ms. Arrington and more. This is even more remarkable considering she is a mother of six children and still has found the time to write and release this book.

I am certain lovers of fantasy of all ages will enjoy reading this book. It is something appropriate for family reading time for middle-graders as young as ten or eleven, with engaging characters and a compelling plot, yet textured and nuanced enough for more mature readers, fecund with the promise of rich character development and intricate plot lines in coming installments.

As part of Anika's book release, she has created a Pinterest board to help bring her readers into the world of The Accidental Apprentice. Here are a few of my personal favorites.