Middle Grade Review: Journey to Skioria by Kandi J. Wyatt

Journey to Skioria 
by Kandi J. Wyatt

Description: 
Tania is lost, shipwrecked on an unfamiliar shore. With no friends or family, the nine-year-old girl must make her way through the realm of the woodland people to a town she's never heard of. With unexpected allies from the forest, Tania departs on a wild adventure where storms rage and the forces of nature do their very best to end her journey before it has truly begun.

In a land full of forests, oceans, and small people, what will it take for one young girl to make it home alive?

Lord of the Rings meets Narnia in this standalone middle grade fantasy by author Kandi J Wyatt.


My Review:
Journey from Skioria follows Tania, a little girl who finds herself shipwrecked in a mysterious land. She quickly makes friends with the tiny inhabitants, and they agree to accompany her safely back to her family. Along the way she experiences the wonders of Skioria and it's neighbors.

What I liked about the story most was Fyrh's story. It had some depth and a good resolution. I also enjoyed some of the lore and tales told by the adults along the journey, but they were still all rather short and simple. I also enjoyed some of the pranks, but they did tend to make the adults seem more childlike than the children at times.

I was a little disappointed by how Tania, despite being the focus of the story, took a back seat to all the antics of her companions. She's basically an observer, and besides a little bit of conflict she perceives on behalf of Fyrh, there isn't much danger or risk for her to overcome.

As for the illustrations, different ones are featured at the start of each chapter, but I couldn't identify them in the context. Captions would have helped. I really wanted to know who belonged to each image.

Overall, it's a pleasant read, but without a lot of meat. I imagine younger middle graders might like it, and I didn't find anything in the story objectionable, but I wouldn't really recommend it to adult readers.

I received the review copy of this book from the author's publicist.


About the Author: 

Kandi J Wyatt is a wife, mother of five, teacher, artist, and author. In her free time, she enjoys writing fantasy stories and Christmas programs, and drawing with graphite and colored pencils. Portraits are her specialty. Kandi also enjoys photography, thanks to her photographer husband who has let her join his journey as both his model and apprentice, and she occasionally serves as his assistant when he needs a “light stand with feet.”

To learn more, visit:
Blog:  http://kandijwyatt.com/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kandi-Wyatt-author/647179792053374
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kandijwyatt
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/kandiwyatt3/
Instagram:  https://instagram.com/kandijwyatt/
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+KandiWyatt
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Kandi-J.-Wyatt/e/B00ZTC4T10
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13817774.Kandi_J_Wyatt

Book Links:
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35913848-journey-from-skioria
Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074VG34TR
Barnes and Noble:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/journey-from-skioria-kandi-j-wyatt/1126984307
iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/journey-from-skioria/id1272359137