The Questory of Root Karbunkulus by Kamilla Reid

Children's Books
Title: The Questory of Root Karbunkulus: Item One: Miist
Author: Kamilla Reid
Rating: Excellent!
Publisher: Booksurge
Web Page: booksurge.com
Reviewed by: Rod Clark

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BOOK REVIEW THE QUESTORY OF ROOT KARBUNKULUS By Kamilla Reid REVIEWER: Rod Clark This fantasy tale by first time author Kamilla Reid is full of fun and promise. Certainly it is refreshing to see a fantasy novel for young people that does not talk down to its readers, and is intelligent enough to appeal to appeal to readers of all ages. The story follows the adventures of a young girl by the name of Root Karbunkulus. Root is a “foundling” from the magical world of Dr้ Amm who was found in the woods and has been raised by two selfish elderly sisters who pretend to be relatives (Aunt Octavia and Aunt Carlotta), and force her to work for them as a maid/slave in their half puce, half orange house while living in an upper room that has a huge hole in the roof. But the Land of Dr้ Amm does not forget its children, especially when it has need of them, and one day Root hears the ring of a magical telephone that the evil sisters had found with her in the woods and have been hiding from her. With some difficulty, she finds the hidden telephone, finds her way to Dr้ Amm—and then her adventures begin in earnest. The structure of the story is a traditional one, following the common “quest” structure of many fantasy tales such as The Hobbit or The Wizard of Oz. On this particular “The Yellow Brick Road” there is a predictably noble quest, in this instance, a competitive quest between teams of children from Dr้ Amm to find a magical healing elixir called the Miist of Kalliope. All the other traditional elements are in place. Here is the group of loyal companions who accompany Root on her journey: the brave but brash Dwyn Puffler, and the timid, but intelligent Lian Blick (the son of a powerful official in Dr้ Amm. ) Here also is the worthy and wise guide Jorab, and all the assorted new friends and formidable foes that, since the days of J. R. Tolkien, one expects to encounter on such a journey. Around this standard plot cast with all the usual suspects, however, Ms. Reid weaves a tale that transcends its conventional trappings. Her adult character sketches remind one of writers like Terry Pratchett, and her child characters remind you of the work of J.K. Rowling. Her imaginary creatures, both good and bad are ones we have not seen before, and her landscapes and physical descriptions reveal a world that we would like to visit. Ms. Reid’s extensive theater background (she has produced many musicals) have clearly given her a visual and dramatic style of storytelling that serves her well here. The colorful depth of her characters and the particular attention she pays to the bright little corners of her fantasy worlds create a tapestry that hangs in your mind long after the book is closed. The text reveals that this is to be one of six quests to be taken by Root and her companions in the land of Dr้ Amm. Sounds like a series worth following to me. Ms. Reid is off to an excellent start on this continuing adventure.