***** Sensational Magic Experience — Review by Rox Burkey
Author Michael Scott Clifton finally released book 2 in his Conquest of the Veil, Escape From Wheel, thank goodness. I have been waiting to see what happens to this good versus evil fantasy adventure. And I am only sorry I already finished the story so fast. I will need to reread it after I catch my breath.
Author Clifton pulled me in immediately with his broad brush, descriptive style. The writing is as magical as the story.
“They oozed a dark evil which made the black marble floor look radiant by comparison. Insatiable hunger burned in their eyes, an appetite no amount of cruelty, murder, or slaughter could satisfy.
Muurch forced himself to tear his gaze away.
Perched on their heads were circlets of gold. Embedded with lodestones, the crowns glittered in the light. The Queen held a scepter, tapered at one end and flared on the other. Runes etched its entire surface, but it was what the belled end held which caused Muurch’s breath to catch in his throat.
The orb.
At first glance, it looked rather commonplace, just a spherical knob on the scepter, but its power was legendary. He had never seen it, and in all his long life, never met anyone who had.
The Queen motioned to King Jack, and both stood. She smiled at Muurch, but no comfort came from the cold expression.”
It is passages like this sprinkled throughout the story that kept me reading. Alex lacks control over her powerful magic. Princess Alexandria Duvalier’s escape from Wheel is inevitable when she refuses to marry the vile Rodric. She is helped by the handsome soldier of the winged cavalry who has honor and loyalty. The descriptions the author painted for their escape on winged horses had me right there with them. Author Clifton insists readers involve all their senses when reading his stories. I’m not sure how he did it but I’m sure I know what a winged horse smells like.
Alex and her gallant protector are chased across this planet by influential nobles incented by greed and supported by the demons they control. Alex must learn the power of her choices over those imposed by her dying father and the evil Duchess of Wheel. Will she find love too? This adventure races at breakneck speed to an unexpected ending that you won’t want to miss.
Escape From Wheel is ideal for the YA crowd. It will resonate with fantasy lovers who like massive doses of magic and creatures living in a parallel universe. This is a series you need to consider enjoying, especially over the holidays curled up in front of the fire. I bet you find yourself right there in the story. I know because several times, I’m sure I heard the sound of the winged horse high over my right shoulder.
About the Author
Michael Scott Clifton, public educator for over 38 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator, currently lives in Mount Pleasant, Texas with his wife, Melanie and family cat, Sadie. An avid gardener, he enjoys all kinds of book and movie genres. His books contain aspects of all the genres he enjoys…adventure, magic, fantasy, romance, and relationships.
He has been a finalist in a number of short story contests with Edges of Gray winning 1st Place with Texas Authors. Clifton’s fantasy novel, The Conquest of the Veil, won a First Chapter Finalist award. Professional credits include articles published in the Texas Study of Secondary Education Magazine. Clifton’s latest book, The Janus Witch, the July Book Cover of the Month, is a featured book on the We Love Indie Books website.
Find and Follow Michael
Email mike@michaelscottclifton.com
