Janet Beasley

“Do not bow unto me; I am simply the messenger.” So says Carbreyghal, who may or may not be related to the Biblical angel Gabriel. Chukkon Charleo falls into bed, surrounded by sparkling dust, and struggles to to trust his Grand Wizard.

The Irish accent of the chukkons is well-rendered in this second volume of the Janet Beasley’s Maycly series, giving them a hobbit-like innocence crossed with a leprechaun’s voice. Meanwhile neatly drawn illustrations show readers what all the creatures and plants of Maycly will look like, as this story follows the fates and fights of its inhabitants, and riddling rhymes might show the way.

The tale might seem a little dark for children, though the chukkons are fun, and sprites lighten the mood. Strange names remind readers of Lewis Carroll’s dark allegories too, and etherealians, mandibs, towdies and more keep Biblical and mythological echoes well couched in fantasy.

There are some nice images of redemption and forgiveness, but the balance between allegory and fantasy, both Biblical and mythological, may feel slightly awkward at times. Games and recipes at the end of the book are a pleasingly light touch, and there’s even a promise of places to buy Maycly items on the internet.

Of course, the longer tale’s still incomplete, and interested readers will want to read the whole series.

Disclosure: I bought this when it was free and I offer my honest review… (más)

There are some lovely touches of description in Janet Beasley’s allegorical Hidden Earth, volume 1 of the Maycly trilogy. Echoes of Tolkein and C.S. Lewis abound—of Lewis Carroll too— with strangely named, child-centered creatures on a separate earth, bound to ours by angelic and demonic terrors, while a real-world woman deals with real-world issues of depression, chronic health issues, and desertion.

The mythology of this earth’s creation is filled with detail, told with weighty, sometimes lyrical prose, rich with Biblical allusion and mythical echoes. Of Maycly itself, the creator, SUL, sings “...eternal land of enchantment. You shall be My ever-after world. You shall represent the center of all My creation.”

As the story progresses, complex names begin to resound with an odd familiarity. Carbreyghal might be Gabriel, and his watching offers intriguing imagery. Readers wanting to know what a mandibleron gryphon looks like might turn the pages eagerly for another illustration. And the Irish accents of the chukkons will amuse, while fantasy torture darkens the mood.

In all, Hidden Earth offers an intriguing allegory of the Fall, wrapped up with lots of side stories, all promising to come together in the end. The end won’t come until the trilogy’s done, but there are plenty of bedtime tales to slow the evening hours in this first volume.

Disclosure: I bought this when it was free and I offer my honest review.… (más)

The Chukkons Say, "Ye Need ta Be a-Seein' Maycly" is a wonderful addition to Hidden Earth, Volume 1, Maycly Parts 1, 2, and 3. It is printed in landscape format - fun for kids of all ages. It is a companion book--a matching guidebook--to the characters, creatures, plants, maps, etc found in your Maycly novel. While the illustrations in the novel are miniaturized and appear in black and white, the ones in this companion book are full-sized and in full color (the way they were drawn). In addition, each of the illustrations offers an in-depth description not found in Maycly's text. They are presented in approximately the same order as they are found in the story, so you can follow along as you read using this companion book to gain extra insight into the finer points of each illustration, helping you better enjoy your journey throughout Maycly.… (más)

More Than Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup is truly one of a kind, far more than you would ever expect from a cookbook. Histories of five select restaurants on Maycly and stories about their chukkon or wightling owners, along with menus and a multitude of captioned photos and illustrations, provide entertainment before, during, and after food preparation. This cookbook can be used by anyone from kids to codgers. The recipes cover the gamut from fun to fancy, garden-variety to gourmet, and kitchen to camp out. There are recipes especially for kids to make and eat, meat and meatless recipes, and even recipes you can make for your pets! EVERY RECIPE can be MADE AND EATEN right here ON EARTH. You say you have not read HIIDDEN EARTH, Vol. 1, MAYCLY? No problem. Just spend a moment thumbing through More Than Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, and I guarantee you will be hooked when you discover such recipes as Slop in a Pot, Best Darn Brownies...EVER!, Gramma Hildas Peanut Butter and Honey Doggie Delights, or Focaccia Fantastique! (Not all menu items appear as recipes.)… (más)