Name: A Magical Adventure (Magical Awakening Book 1) by Nicole Beyer
Availability: InStock
Author: Nicole Beyer
ISBN: 0349426384

About This Book

Breen Kelly had always been a rule follower. So, when her father left when she was twelve years old, promising to return, she waited. Now, more than a decade later, she's working at a job she hates and is tired of the life that playing by the rules has dealt her. It's time to make a change. Breen makes a leap into the unknown with a summer trip to Ireland - her father's homeland. Little does she know how much of a leap until a walk in the woods leads her through a portal into another world - Tal

Our Review

This fantasy adventure follows a young woman's journey from mundane reality into a magical realm, offering readers an escape into a world where following the rules gives way to discovering one's true potential. When Breen Kelly trades her disappointing life for a trip to Ireland, she stumbles through a woodland portal into the enchanted world of Talamh, setting the stage for a classic hero's journey. The narrative thoughtfully explores themes of self-discovery and courage as Breen navigates this unfamiliar territory, blending real-world emotional struggles with fantastical elements that will captivate middle-grade readers.

What distinguishes this coming-of-age story is its authentic portrayal of a protagonist learning to trust her own instincts after a lifetime of playing it safe. The portal fantasy elements provide just enough wonder and danger to keep the pages turning, while the emotional core remains grounded in Breen's relatable quest for purpose and connection. Young readers navigating their own transitions toward independence will find inspiration in Breen's transformation from rule-follower to adventurer, making this an engaging choice for those drawn to friendship stories and magical world-building.