Amelia and her best friends, Gabe and Sara, are young wizards-in-training who yearn for a magical adventure. Their chance arrives when they visit the awe-inspiring Magical World Library, where bookshelves move by themselves and enchantment waits around every corner.
One day, a strange book mysteriously appears on Amelia’s doorstep, revealing the story of Xovius, a dark wizard who once escaped justice through a forbidden room. Driven by curiosity and determination, the trio delve deeper into the library's mysteries, encountering fascinating creatures and ancient inscriptions. Discovering the forbidden room hidden within the library's enchanted walls.
In this new world, they meet fascinating creatures, decipher ancient inscriptions, and confront powerful magical forces. Embarking on a quest to rescue a new friend and escape the book's clutches, they must harness their growing magical abilities and conquer their fears to combat the evil trying to stop them.
Will they succeed and return before sunrise, or will they be trapped forever within the story's pages?
'Secrets of the Forbidden Room' is a captivating tale filled with magic, friendship, and bravery, perfect for young readers eager for adventure. Join Amelia, Gabe, and Sara as they uncover the wonders and dangers of this spellbinding world.
Amelia and her best friends, Gabe and Sara, are young wizards-in-training who yearn for a magical adventure. Their chance arrives when they visit the awe-inspiring Magical World Library, where bookshelves move by themselves and enchantment waits around every corner.
One day, a strange book mysteriously appears on Amelia’s doorstep, revealing the story of Xovius, a dark wizard who once escaped justice through a forbidden room. Driven by curiosity and determination, the trio delve deeper into the library's mysteries, encountering fascinating creatures and ancient inscriptions. Discovering the forbidden room hidden within the library's enchanted walls.
In this new world, they meet fascinating creatures, decipher ancient inscriptions, and confront powerful magical forces. Embarking on a quest to rescue a new friend and escape the book's clutches, they must harness their growing magical abilities and conquer their fears to combat the evil trying to stop them.
Will they succeed and return before sunrise, or will they be trapped forever within the story's pages?
'Secrets of the Forbidden Room' is a captivating tale filled with magic, friendship, and bravery, perfect for young readers eager for adventure. Join Amelia, Gabe, and Sara as they uncover the wonders and dangers of this spellbinding world.
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the forest, creating an uneasy feeling among the towering trees. Further down the path, Amelia heard heavier steps growing closer as she sprinted away.
Concealed from prying eyes. Her heart racing as she weaves along the path with the rustle of leaves underfoot. Wildflowers and small shrubs marking the edges, while the trees stand tall and proud. Bouquets of oysterling mushrooms splatter the trunks of the trees, reacting as Amelia hurried by, with each delicate cap closing in a swift, coordinated dance.
The young wizards had turned the woods into their secret hideout. It was a special place where Amelia and Gabe, her best friend, could explore their magical abilities. As they played, their spells whoosh and crackle as they shoot through the air, blending with their laughter.
Amelia leaped and twirled, casting sparkles at Gabe in one graceful motion. The spell reached Gabe, causing a burst of sparkling lights and magic dust to explode on his forehead, sending him tumbling off the path and into a shrub. Giggling as she dashed away, Amelia could hear Gabe’s startled ‘Ahh!’ as he stumbled to the ground. ‘Amelia! I’ll get you for that!’ he yells with laughter in his voice as he picked himself up and chases after her again.
‘Amelia, wait up,’ Gabe begged for her to slow down, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
Caught up in the excitement, Amelia was oblivious to Gabe’s calls and the curious eyes watching her from the shadows. Among the ferns and wildflowers, tiny Twiglets peeked out, their twig-like bodies blending seamlessly with the foliage. Nearby, Twiglings gracefully flitted through the air, their leafy wings shimmering in the sunlight as they watched her with playful curiosity. Sprites darted back and forth along the path’s edge; their delicate forms were barely visible as they danced in the dappled light. High above, in the canopy of the trees, fairies flitted from treetop to treetop, leaving trails of glistening fairy dust in their wake.
In the darker part of the forest, a flash of gold sparkle caught Amelia’s eye, drawing her attention away from her playful audience. Meanwhile, mischievous pixies giggled and whispered amongst themselves, their translucent wings catching the sunlight as they watched Amelia’s every move with wide-eyed wonder. These magical beings formed a silent audience, captivated by the sight of the young girl dancing among the wonders of the enchanted forest.
With every beat of her heart, excitement surged through her, while the scent of magic filled the air. Sunlight filtered through the leafy canopy above, casting intricate patterns on the forest floor. The earthy fragrance of soil, moss, and wildflowers combined, creating a tapestry of scents that whispered secrets known only to the woods.
Amelia, breathless, comes to a stop, her eyes wide with awe as she takes in the surrounding wonders. Finally catching up, Gabe hunches over with his hands on his knees, attempting to catch his breath.
‘See? I told you I could catch you,’ Gabe announces, as a grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
‘I never doubted you,’ Amelia assures him, her gaze drifting to the pixies fluttering through the leaves. ‘Sara would love it in here,’ she adds, a smile of awe on her face. ‘She adores fairies.’
‘Oh yeah, she does, hey? Well, I’ll be certain to Sara all about them next time I see her,’ Gabe said mischievously. Earning one of Amelia’s trademark disapproving looks.
‘You and Sara should try to get along better. She’s my friend too!’ Amelia teased Gabe as she dashed off once more. Gabe grinned and chased after her, shouting, ‘I’m not sure about that! She can be really irritating!’
Amelia smiled as she raced away. Her long, unruly curls flowed, catching the light and adding a sparkle to her eyes. She wore her favourite flowing dress, adorned with whimsical accents, paired with her beloved cropped denim jacket. It swirled around her, looking like a kaleidoscope of dreams. Tattered knitted stockings clung to her legs, enhancing her charm with their imperfections. Each step she took fused her with the woods, creating a harmonious melody that blended her essence with the ancient spirits.
Gabe hurried after her, exuding effortless style. His smart casual attire blended smoothly with worn-out details, forming a distinctive visual harmony. A loosely knotted tie added a charming touch of casualness to his outfit, perfectly complementing Amelia’s eclectic dress sense.
As they delved deeper into the woods, an uneasiness crept over Gabe. His steps faltered as he glanced around at the shifting shadows that danced among the trees. Something tugged at the edge of his perception. A fleeting movement that sent a chill down his spine. For a moment, believing he glimpsed someone lurking behind a nearby tree, he turned to look directly at it. After a moment, certain there was nothing but the whispering leaves and dappled sunlight.
He brushed off the unease. Attributing it to his overactive imagination, Gabe raced to catch up to Amelia. The sense of being watched lingered in the back of his mind as they continued their journey, their steps resolute, and hearts brimming with curiosity. As he gained on Amelia, the veil between reality and another realm grew thin. Shadows transformed into swirling tendrils, merging into the shape of a cloaked figure reaching out for Amelia.
In that moment, time seemed to slow, and Gabe’s protective instincts for Amelia took over. With a surge of adrenaline, Gabe instinctively stepped between the dark entity and Amelia. With his wand in hand, Gabe’s mind soared beyond the physical realm as he sensed the looming danger. He felt the weight of the otherworldly presence, the chilling touch of its outstretched hand, and the icy shiver that ran down his spine returned. His every fibre resonated with heightened awareness, a connection to forces beyond his understanding.
Gabe wields his wand as a glowing trail of magical energy extending from the tip, like a sharp, shimmering blade. This ethereal blade slices through the air with precision, cutting through the outstretched arm of the shadowy entity like a beam of light piercing through darkness. Recoiling in agony, the creature let out a piercing scream. Its eyes shimmered with an eerie glow before dissolving into nothingness. The air crackling with energy, and for a fleeting moment, Gabe glimpsed fragments of a distant reality. A world of ancient magic, hidden dangers, and glowing red eyes in the darkness.
The sudden vision disappeared, leaving Gabe standing in front of Amelia, his heart pounding. He blinked, returning to reality, but the memory of what had happened clung to his mind like a spooky echo.
Amelia, noticing Gabe’s sudden look of unease. Concerned, places her hand on his shoulder, ‘What’s wrong, Gabe? You look like you have seen a wraith?’ she asks, her voice laced with genuine worry.
Gabe shook his head, trying to brush off his apprehension. ‘I’m. I’m not sure. It’s probably just my imagination playing tricks on me,’ he replies, his voice tinged with uncertainty. Looking back at Amelia, giving his best impression that all is good. Reassuring her with his trademark mischievous smile, a smile she knew all too well. Shrugging off the eery feeling, they continued their journey. The setting sunlight filtering through the canopy casting playful patterns on their faces.
As the sun began its descent, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange, Amelia’s heart swelled with a mixture of contentment and bittersweet realisation that their blissful time in the secret sanctuary was drawing to an end. Her mother’s voice, like a melodic siren, carried through the trees, urging them to return home for dinner. It was a call they could not ignore, as much as they wished to linger in these enchanted woods forever.
Amelia’s footsteps quickened, not only in response to her mother’s beckoning but also in a rush to hold on to the remnants of magic that clung to her skin. Gabe walked by her side, his presence a comforting reassurance. The sight of her mother, standing at the threshold of their humble home, greeted them with a knowing smile. It was a smile that spoke volumes. A silent recognition of the joy and mischief painted on Amelia’s dirt covered face. In the eyes of her mother, Amelia glimpsed a reflection of her own spirit, an unspoken connection that confirmed her belonging in this enchanting realm.
With Gabe headed home, Amelia, breathless and exhilarated, hurried upstairs to her bedroom, shed her dirt and magic dust-covered jacket, and collapsed onto her bed. Like every other thirteen-year-old, Amelia filled her room with everything she loves. Amelia’s bedroom is her sanctuary, reflecting her love for magic and her dreams. Posters of mythical creatures and distant realms adorn the walls, adding a touch of enchantment to the space.
Her writing desk sits by the window, bathed in soft natural light filtered through delicate lace curtains. Resting amidst her journals and scattered pages on the desk is her cherished snow globe. This special gift displays a scene from a distant realm and holds a mysterious enchantment. When shaken just right, at the perfect time, it can make a star fall. And if you glance outside at that moment, you might catch that shooting star streaking across the real sky, blending the magic of the globe with the world beyond.
The well-loved spines of her favourite books on a nearby shelf tell tales of adventure and wonder. The bed, adorned with several pillows in various patterns and plush toys, invites relaxation and daydreaming. Her bedside table holds an antique lamp and an alarm clock. A soft floor rug in pastel hues complements the cosy atmosphere, providing a warm place for Amelia to sit and read.
Above her bed, fairy lights twinkle softly, casting a magical glow that mirrors the enchantment found in her beloved stories. Across the room, a closet holds her school uniforms and an array of enchanting garments with a bohemian flair, hinting at Amelia’s adventurous side that she doesn’t always show at school.
The whispers of adventure still echoing in her ears. Her mind buzzed with the memories of the afternoon’s magical triumphs, each one etching itself into her very being.
She cradled her cherished wand, carved from cherry wood, and imbued with the essence of stardust. Finding comfort by its smooth surface and gentle warmth. It was more than a mere wizard’s tool, but an extension of her essence, a conduit for her dreams and desires. A cherished gift from her parents on her eleventh birthday.
As Amelia’s fingers caressed the wand’s familiar contours, a surge of anticipation washed over her. The promise of a visit to the legendary Magical World Library. A place where ancient knowledge and spellbinding secrets lay dormant, waiting to be discovered, filled her thoughts. With every heartbeat, she envisions the contents of the library calling out to her. Their mysteries beckoning to the young wizard on the cusp of her destiny.
Knowing Gabe and their friend Sara will be by her side when they visit the library. Amelia felt ready to embark on this new adventure. Side by side, they would unravel the mysteries and unearth the enchantments concealed within the magical realms. Their shared dreams, pulling them into a journey intertwined with destiny’s intricate pattern.
Secrets of the Forbidden Room is just as enchanting and intriguing as the title displays. Reminiscent of the Harry Potter series, yet with its own completely original plot line, characters, and twists, this middle-grade fantasy will have its readers immersed in a world of magical trouble, and fantastical adventures.
The three friends, Amelia, Gabe, and Sara, prove the depths of their friendship in this exciting tale. From playing in the enchanted forest to traversing through a written and mystical one, their friendship is tested and tried to see where loyalties lie and how well their discernment of others protects each other. Amelia is a witty, intelligent, and playful character that is the glue between her and her two friends. Gabe is the comedic relief of the group, while holding loads of untapped wisdom and quick thinking to get them out of any situation. Sara is Amelia's support and Gabe's biggest rival, if only in the realm of teasing. This gang takes on the evils of the magical world and uses their childlike charms to prevail through any circumstances and learn with and from each other along the way.
Middle-grade readers can take away the value of friendship and trusting your gut. Amelia, Gabe, and Sara meet adults that they know they can trust, and adults that leave them feeling unsettled and uneasy. Between their knack of going places they shouldn't and exploring realms that are explicitly named forbidden, this trio in all innocence and good fun find themselves in an adventure of a life-time.
The world-building of this tale is easy to understand, and the lush descriptions of landscape and person aid to the immersive and atmospheric feel of the overall story. Each character has their own distinct flavor, and all of them work together in harmony to create great lines and funny moments. The healthy familial bonds between characters and family members adds a sweet hue to the overall message, a safety that is reliable to the reader. This book is the beginning to what is sure to be an exciting and novel time for young readers, and is an overall enchanting read!