Within the Crystal Mountain

By. J.L. Putney (Indie author)

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pages (print): 295

Via: Author request

When you feel most alone, not alone, are you…

Kimber here. Being all Magnificent and everything. Telling you about this really cool Young Adult fantasy-ish book Mom and I just finished. It’s called Within the Crystal Mountain. By J.L. Putney. And it is absolutely de-barkful! (Mom: That’s Kimber speak for “delightful.” Go figure.)

Naw….

Now. Most hoomans will probably think this book is about magic and some kind of epic quest thingy. Naw. It’s really about my new best friend, Scraps the dog. Yeah. Scraps. More on that in a min. So kindly keep your shirt on, Toots.

Squirrel!

Wait. Where was I?

Oh yeah. Basic plot and stuff. Well:

First Things First

And you are the finest gift that Evershone has given me.

The first thing you gotta know about this book is who its hero is. Most hoomans will think that’s Dimplin or Tupin. Tupin is one of the small folk from the land of Gen. (Think Hobbits.) He’s tasked with the deliverance of his village. It’s been imprisoned by a strange and impenetrable dome by a nasty wizard wannabe dude Sagins. (This guy makes kitty litter look good.) Said dome has settled over Tupin’s village, damming up the spring beneath the city. The residents of Arinton are cut off from water and most of their food.

Where is the cinnamon man?

Journeying to the southern lands, Tupin is joined by a company of amiable TallOnes. They recognize that the plight of his village presages dire consequences for them all.

In a most unexpected manner, Evershone has rewarded the kindness you were shown by our village.

Backdrop & Quest

Set amidst the backdrop of a fierce war between the western Forsenses bent on invasion and conquest and the defending soldiers of Agan, the story follows the little band on its quest to uncover the source of the enchantment that’s imprisoned Arinton. In so doing, the hunters become the hunted. But their quest is overseen by the One the Gen have always known as Evershone and they ultimately find an unexpected discovery linked to fabled Crystal Mountain. Will they survive long enough to save Tupin’s village – and their own skins?

Trestun felt that he was finally, truly at home.

The REAL Hero

Sounds pretty good, huh? But wait. It gets better. Like I said, the real hero of Within the Crystal Mountain is a plucky little dog named Scraps. Yeah. Scraps. Think canine Samwise Gamgee. (You’ll get that when you read the book.) He’s “the finest canine sentry” ever. ‘Cept Yours Truly, of course.

There’s also Trestun, a solider of Forsene who was nursed back to health by the kind townsfolk of Arinton after being injured. He’s torn between loyalty to his nation and his growing sense of truth and justice. Also Trofin the explorer. Elisse and her sister Lenore. And a cast of thousands…

Evershone, please guide this animal!

One other thing. Slippers can come in really handy. Ditto a locket. Cinnamon candies. So I’d keep an eye out ‘fize you. Just sayin’.

Speaking of keepin’ an eye out, you’ll also spot plenty of action and adventure in Within the Crystal Mountain. Also, mystery. Palace intrigue. Double crosses and treachery. Loyalty. Courage. Helmets, swords, and fluttering banners. Campfires and burning bedrolls. Fetch. Daring escapes and relentless pursuits. Kindness. Pearls and blue liquid. Danger. Close calls and near misses. Dreams. Courage. Shimming portals and blue gel. A touch of romance. All clean.

But, able is Evershone! Accompany Him, I will!

One of us kept getting Trofin and Trestun mixed up. Ditto Dimplin and Drance. Silly Mom.

Sturdy and Lithe

Sturdy writing propels a lithe and nimble plot forward like Journalism around the final turn of the Preakness. Captivating, compelling and clever, this tome is saturated in suspense and mystery. Expert storytelling skills fuel a plot that’s complicated but not insurmountably so. Gently faith-flavored, the story sometimes echoes the Old Testament Book of Esther (if you know, you know).

A thoroughly enjoyable read for all ages,Within the Crystal Mountain is perfect for fans ofLord of the Rings, Pilgrim’s Progress, or the Chronicles of Narnia. Indeed, it represents a towering achievement, especially for a debut novel. We loved it! You will, too! (Hi, Scraps!)

Our Rating: 4.5