Title: The Journey They Never Expected
Author: Evelyn Carter
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media, LLC
ISBN: 979-8-88622-953-0
Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 278
Reviewed by: Allison Walker
Hollywood Book Reviews
Readers who enjoyed The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien, will find a new fantasy to love in author Evelyn Carter’s The Journey They Never Expected. Creatively inspired by the classic fantasy favorite, both novels feature an unexpected journey, cheerful but exceedingly short main characters and of course, dragons.
The Journey They Never Expected takes readers on an enchanting voyage through a realm of magic, destiny and mystical encounters. Carter’s story-weaving immerses readers in a fantasy land where mythical creatures roam and the bonds of friendship are forged.
The story follows the adventures of Sirra and Threngrin. Like most young people, the pair love nothing more than traveling to new places with no certain destination in mind. When Sirra and Threngrin embark on what is supposed to be a fun and easy adventure together, they have no idea their path will take them on a journey of increasing peril.
Sirra and Threngrin are an odd and endearing pair of fast friends. Sirra is bold, bossy and a determined heroine. She is driven by insatiable curiosity to follow in her father’s footsteps and become an adventurer. Threngrin is a cheerful travel partner, resourceful and unlikely to back down from a challenge. The characters are richly imagined and captivating, ever more likable as their adventure progresses. If Sirra and Threngrin asked you to accompany them on the next journey, you would be hard-pressed to refuse.
Carter’s writing is nothing short of magical. She narrates vibrant descriptions in fantastical landscapes, creating a world not unlike our own but with breathtaking possibilities and wondrous surprises. It is a land that seamlessly blends past, present, and fantasy. Despite her detailed world-building, Carter doesn’t linger forever on descriptions and her story strides forward with a perfect balance between character introspection and breathtaking action. The advantage to this novel is its length. It’s an easier and quicker read, ideal for impatient readers who don’t want to commit to hundreds of pages. Since the story is aimed at young adults, a shorter novel does make sense in the context of its audience.
Teenagers who read fantasy will enjoy The Journey They Never Expected. The themes of self-discovery, overcoming adversity, embracing your potential, and the enduring power of friendship resonate throughout the story. Sirra and Threngrin are a reminder that we shape our own destinies, if only we are brave enough to pursue our dreams.