Meet Caramel Cinnamon, an elf who lives in
Cardeville on the planet Cardamom. Caramel’s bad accident when she was little
has left her with a gammy leg, but that doesn’t stop her doing all kinds of
things an elf of her age would do—such as spending two weeks visiting her
The villainous Alexander222, an off-world explorer, along with his
sidekick clone, Lex, arrive from the planet Isqwartz. His planet resource is
crystal, but supplies are dwindling. They need a renewable resource to trade
with other members of the Intergalactic Council. Cardamom is just perfect,
especially when the properties of this amazing plant become evident.
Alexander222
is desperate to impress the Clone Council and get back into favor. The elves
are betrayed by someone close to them, and things turn ugly. Caramel’s
grandparents (the King and Queen of Cardamom) are kidnapped and Caramel recognizes
their attacker. Before she can make trouble for him, Alexander222 dumps Caramel
and her parents on the forbidden planet (Earth) that the Alexanders desperately
try to avoid after a bad incident there (Roswell!). Although Earth isn’t as
technologically advanced as Cardamom, Caramel and her parents make plans to
rescue the King and Queen … until things go horribly awry! Now it’s up to
Caramel to do it all on her own, with some help from her new Earth friends.
This is an enchanting fantasy tale to
delight readers of all ages. Cardamom’s elves are not your ordinary fairy-tale
elves. Science and technology rub shoulders comfortably with a twist of fantasy
in this magical world. These elves have telepathic skills as well as healing
talents. Caramel is not just an elf, she’s a princess, and she rises to meet
the responsibilities thrust upon her with new-found inner strength and
determination. Author Julie Anne Grasso has woven a wonderful story with all
the elements to intrigue young readers and keep them turning those pages.
There’s danger, a test of our heroine’s courage and resourcefulness,
intergalactic travel, super-science, geek talk, and a mission to accomplish.
Caramel is a lovely, real character, and touches such as her limp emphasize the
importance of believing in yourself and being … well, yourself! Family
relationships and friendships are also precious to the elves. There are some
humorous touches parents will enjoy such as references to modern culture. Mentions
of delicious food abound and one wonders why the author did NOT include the
recipe for sticky date and chocolate cake with caramel cardamom syrup. (Pass
the pudding please!) 5 Stars. Ages: 9+
Julie Anne Grasso is an Australian author with a background in paediatric nursing.
She spent many years literally wrapping children in cotton wool. Every day she
witnessed great courage and resilience from the tiny people she cared for,
which inspired her to write stories about a little girl elf just like them. Add
in some very funky technology, her love of science fiction and desire to impart
great values through her little girl elf named Caramel and there
you have it,
the Adventures of Caramel
Cardamom Trilogy was the result. Julie lives in Melbourne with
her husband Danny and their little elf Giselle. Most days she can be found
sipping chai lattes, chasing a toddler, and dreaming up wonderful worlds that
often involve consumption of cupcakes. Visit her blog and book site for details
of upcoming books.
Watch out for my book review on the next in the trilogy: Return to Cardamom (20 July) and Julie's Q and A (29 July).
1 comment:
Thanks so much Fiona for a lovely review. You really made my week.
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