Bayberry Island (Brambleheart #2) by Henry Cole

Twig, Lily, and Basil have set sail in search of Char’s family. Their voyage takes them out to sea where a terrible storm destroys their vessel. However, a friendly sea turtle transports the bedraggled group to a small island. Soon after their landing, the friends encounter several of Char’s siblings but still no mother dragon in sight. Before Twig and Lily can go search for her, Basil betrays his friends by leading his Uncle Burdock to the group.

This sequel to Cole’s Brambleheart is a light-hearted adventure great for young readers. Cole’s graphite illustrations continue to set a lively pace for Twig’s follies and successes. In this story, Twig gains some much needed confidence because his friends are looking to him for direction and leadership. However, when Burdock arrives, Twig retreats within himself, due to his hurtful history with Burdock. It is only when Char and his siblings are kidnapped and Lily is threatened that Twig rallies his confidence to face Burdock head on. Luckily, Twig gets a huge boost with a humongous mother dragon by his side. A sweet and satisfying end to Cole’s Brambleheart duology.

Brambleheart by Henry Cole

The young chipmunk, Twig, feels like an outsider in the woodland community of the Hill. This is because Twig doesn’t feel confident in the crafts he is taught at school. In the Hill, craft mastery determines a creature’s social standing. After a disastrous day, Twig runs away to escape his problems. However, he runs across a new problem: a newborn dragon. Seeing no mother dragon, Twig adopts the baby and returns home to secretly care for it. Twig enlists his best friend, Lily, to care for the baby dragon and together they call it Char. But how long can Twig and Lily keep Char a secret from the Hill?

Cole’s Brambleheart is a Pete’s Dragon story downsized to a forest-floor adventure. Cole’s expressive graphite illustrations help readers to tag right alongside Twig as he stumbles with his choices and succeeds in protecting Char. Twig believes he is worthless in the Hill community. It seems Twig is only good at imagining life outside of the Hill. When Twig finds Char, Twig’s imagination is ignited by Char’s abilities. However, when Char’s health declines, Twig realizes he has put Char’s life in danger just to improve his social standing. Pushing aside the judgments of the Hill, Twig relies on the power of close-knit friendships to save Char’s life. A fun and fast-paced woodland adventure ideal for young readers ages 8 and up.

Potion Masters: The Eternity Elixir by Frank L. Cole

Gordy Stitser is gifted in the art of potion making. Most twelve-year-olds are clueless about potion-makers—known as Elixirists. Luckily, Gordy’s mother, Wanda, is a master Elixirist and she nurtures Gordy’s talent. While Wanda is out-of-town, Gordy opens a package intended for her. Inside is a potion labeled the Eternity Elixir. After Gordy runs tests to identify the potion, an eccentric woman named Esmerelda and her henchman come enquiring about the parcel. After being turned out from the Stitser home, Esmeralda attacks the house so she can take the potion.

Cole has created a fascinating fantasy series that approaches the richness and depth found in the works of J. K. Rowling, Brandon Mull, and Rick Riordan. Cole introduces readers to Gordy Stitser and the Elixirist community: a secret society that uses potions to help the world run a little smoother and safer. Gordy is not a newbie to the society, nor does he have to hide it from his friends. These are two themes not commonly found at the start of a fantasy series. But these additional elements allow readers to delve more deeply into Cole’s world to face such personal dilemma’s like the history behind Gordy’s evil grandfather. Excellent character development, intense action, and great humor all create an intensely tactical world any readers would enjoy. For ages 12 and up.

Check out the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wv5q7VOKCU&feature=youtu.be