Kendra Kandlestar and the Door to Unger

by: Lee Edward Fodi, author and illustrator

Published by: Brown Books Publishing Group

Reviewed by Carrie Spellman

The Eens, of the land of Een, are protected from outside creatures by a magic curtain–or at least they’re supposed to be. Which is why Kendra Kandlestar and her wizard uncle Griffinskitch are more than a little surprised to find a Giant Unger on their doorstep in the middle of the night. Oroook, the Unger, tells them that Kendra is part of an Unger prophecy. She is marked with a star that denotes her as the key to the Door to Unger. Kendra must find the door by the night of the first summer moon to find out the truth about the Een race, and her missing family. After sharing this shocking information, Oroook promptly dies–and disappears!

Before Kendra and Uncle Griffinskitch can even think about beginning their quest, there are many questions that need answering. One of the main concerns is: What and where is the Door to Unger? Things are further complicated by the new leader of the council of Elders who is overly suspicious and power hungry, and has sealed the magic curtain completely. Anyone caught attempting to enter or leave faces immediate imprisonment! Still, Kendra and Uncle Griffinskitch and their strange band of recruits are determined to get to the bottom of this mystery, and hopefully find Kendra’s family.

Finding a way out of Een is the first order of business. After that, they cannot even begin to imagine what, or whom, to expect. Friends sometimes come in odd and surprising packages, but so does danger. They definitely have their work cut out for them in this adventure.

This is the second Kendra Kandlestar book, but it definitely stands alone. This is a great adventure, full of excitement, creativity, logic, and lessons about judgment and prejudice. Well written, with interesting characters, and illustrations that made me wish for a box of crayons! I loved every minute of it, and I think you will too.

Armchair Interviews says: Lee Fodi does it again with his excellent storytelling and amazing illustrations.

Author’s Web site: http://www.LeeFodi.com