This author provides a very creative series!
Penny Preston and the King’s Blade
Misaligned, Book III
By: Armen Pogharian
Narrated by: Michelle Babb
Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins
Release date: 08-24-21
Publisher: Sue Arroyo
Genre: Fantasy, Teen and YA, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
Publisher's Summary
Eight-grader Penny Preston thought she knew how to handle the Bodach, the spirits from the fifth dimension. But suddenly something is attacking the structure of the multiverse. Left unchecked, the attack will tear the fabric separating the dimensions and destroy the universe in a cataclysmic cosmic crunch. As the stress on the fabric grows, higher-dimensional energy escapes into Piper Falls, NY, reenergizing the Bodach. Emboldened, they use their regained powers to wreak havoc on the small town. The extra energy draws several new higher-dimensional entities to Piper Falls. One of them, a former Bodach commander, seeks to rally her followers and avenge her defeat at the hands of King Arthur more than 1,600 years ago by reestablishing her rule. The energy also attracts an especially destructive ethereal Celtic spirit, which has a special taste for ancient artifacts and exotic nuclear particles. The last of the new arrivals is a mysterious and conflicted shape-shifter a spy known as Newiddyn.
The interactions of the newcomers and their empowered brethren with the town's residents results in chaos and brings paranormal researcher Darin Kolchak back to town. Teamed with the deputy sheriff, their high technology investigation leads them to the local lab conducting state of the art nuclear fusion experiments. The same lab where Penny's parents work. Penny and her friends must again dodge detection, as they sort out the capabilities and intentions of these powerful entities. One bad choice or wrong step risks unleashing the apocalypse of the Darkest Day.
Source: 8/26/2021 Audible Code Received from the Narrator for Review.
©2021 Armen Pogharian (P)2021 CamCat Publishing
Review:
Penny is a ‘misaligned’ girl with the ability to see and move in different dimensions. Since discovering her paranormal skills as a Dawnus, Penny has been busy fighting nasty Bodachs (monsters from the fifth dimension). She is guided by her science teacher, Mr. Myrdin, and his human-speaking Raven, Mr. Poe. Penny also gets help from her protector, Cate Sith, ‘cat’, Simon, and her classmate, Duncan. All of the friends are concerned as Mr. Poe explains that something is attacking the structure of the multiverse and could result in tearing the fabric that separates the dimensions and ultimately destroy the universe.
The leaking energy is drawing more supernatural spirits to the small town of Piper Falls. Some are annoying Bodach who are busy wreaking havoc on the town. Of greater worry are the high level entities that see the thinning fabric as a way to get back to the dimensions from which they have been banished. One of these is a shapeshifter (a Newiddyn, known to Simon as ‘the bird that isn’t a bird’) named Menw. Menw once spied for the Bodach against King Arthur until he changed sides. But there is another former Bodach commander who lost to Arthur and now seeks revenge if she can get it.
All of the strange activity in town causes amateur spirit hunter, deputy sheriff, Fred, to call in paranormal researcher Darin Kolchak with his van rigged with paranormal tools. They are trying to locate the causes of paranormal activity at the work site of Penny’s parents, who do not know about her special abilities.
I really enjoy all of the Celtic folklore elements, many of which are shared by Duncan’s Welsh grandmother who quickly recognizes Menw’s nature. The author also shares some thoughts on Ying and Yang while Penny and Duncan research their most recently assigned class project. Simon, “I am Cait Sith”, plays a strong character in this third installment which leads to a fun concluding line by Penny.
I find this series full of creativity, humor, and a good mix of legendary history with well-paced action. This is easy to listen to and good for the middle grade audience. I found it entertaining too and recommend it for family listening.
Audio Notes: Michelle Babb continues to do a lovely job with the narration. She portrays the children and adult voices with distinct and fitting accents and energy. The narration enhanced my enjoyment of the book and I appreciate having this on audio.
Source: Audible Credit from narrator. This qualifies for 2021Audiobook and Review goals.
Penny Preston and the Raven's Talisman, Misaligned Book I, by Armen Pogharian, My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
Penny Preston and the Silver Scepter, Misaligned Book II, by Armen Pogharian, 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
