Young, shy Ivy Peterson accidently stumbles into the magical world of Zandria and is trapped. She, along with new friends, must fight the force of evil that threatens to destroy Zandria, and her own world, and in the process discover things about herself.
Ivy Peterson was not ordinary. Nor was she extraordinary or unusual. Ivy Peterson was Less-than-Ordinary. At least she thought she was. With her mouse brown hair, plain brown eyes, and average height, she knew that she absolutely could not be picked out of a crowd of other eleven year olds. Even the small freckles sprinkled across her nose were Less-than-Ordinary. Ivy was so very Less-than-Ordinary that she sometimes felt invisible.
“When was the Declaration of Independence signed?” asked Miss Litvack, Ivy’s history teacher. Two students raised their hands, but Miss Litvack appeared not to see the brown haired girl in the center of the room.
“Jodi,” the teacher said, and pointed to a blonde girl in the back of the class. Ivy put her hand down slowly. Her teachers almost never called on her, even when she raised her hand, which was almost never even though she usually knew the answer. In addition to being Less-than-Ordinary, she was also Not-Very-Brave. This proved to be a bigger problem than being Less-than-Ordinary, because it prevented her from making friends. She didn’t know where to begin a conversation with any of the children in her school. Certainly she was not brave enough to actually approach someone she hardly knew and start talking to them.
Her parents, although they loved her very much, were often too busy to notice her or what she was doing, making her feel even more Less-than-Ordinary.
She wished they would spend more time with her, wished that they would give her more attention. She wished for it more than she did friends. But they were important people with important things to do.
Ivy was a good child, a sensible child, and a smart child. She was a Less-than-Ordinary and Not-Very-Brave child. She never dreamed that something Very Extraordinary or Completely Unusual could ever happen to her.
Excerpt
"Being 'just you', as you put it, makes you special. What we do or what race we come from is not as important as who we are."
Professional Reviews
Original and Entertaining Fantasy
Tailsman Of Zandria by Christine Norris is an original and entertaining fantasy novel showcasing a vivid telling of Ivy Peterson's voyage through the magical and fantastic world of Zandria. As Ivy discovers a fairy and returns for a search, she incessantly falls into Zandria, beginning the wonderful tale of Ivy and her newly made friend's pursuit of an amulet which will enable her return to her own life and world. Tailsman Of Zandria is very highly recommended to all readers of general fantasy-fiction for its engaging telling, fun description, and intuitive mapping of a world only discovered by the imaginations of readers.
- Midwest Book Review, Small Press Bookwatch, April 2006
A Modern Day Fairy Tale
TALISMAN OF ZANDRIA is a modern-day "Wizard of Oz." Brilliant, witty, and completely unexpected, TALISMAN OF ZANDRIA takes the reader on a whirlwind adventure from Ivy's backyard to the furthest corners of Zandria, a world of dark danger and mystical enchantment. Ivy and Connor are completely endearing--automatically recognizable--and sure to become some of your favorite characters. More than just a children's book, the TALISMAN OF ZANDRIA is a fairytale for anyone who believes that we really can go home again, that wishes come true, and that good always outs. If you liked the "Wizard of Oz," "Lord of the Rings," and "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," then you should definitely take a trip to Zandria. Good work, Ms. Norris!
Beverly Forehand, for Roundtable Reviews
Sparkles with wonder and delight!
Welcome to Zandria, a magical new world of enchantment, sure to delight young readers. Gifted Author Christine Norris' first novel is the tale of Ivy, a shy girl from our world who stumbles through a mystical gateway into this strange land filled with fairies, elves, dragons, dwarves, trolls and wizards. Talisman of Zandria sparkles with wonder, adventure and excitement. A must read for fans of YA fantasy.
Diana Hignutt, author of the award nominated Empress of Clouds
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