Out of the Caves

by: Mel Lees

Published by: Central Coast Press

Reviewed by C. L. Rossman

Twelve-year-old Elizabeth, who is practicing her art of glassblowing, accidentally releases a fairy who was captive in the glass rod. The fairy, Tut, tells her all the fairies except for their king Oberon are trapped in different places by the evil being, Thygerod. She takes Elizabeth, via eagle, back to visit Oberon, where he tells her she must release the captives, including his queen, Titania–for without fairies, humans will not know happiness or hope.

Elizabeth set off on a grueling task to release fairies imprisoned in seven hills called the Seven Sisters. She must climb steep mountainsides, face a number of mythical monsters like trolls, kobolds, harpies, and finally Thygerod himself, in order to free the fairies.

The book is divided into three parts: Elizabeth’s story, Zach’s story (a boy who will in later years become her husband,) and finally the story of Elizabeth’s daughter Molly. It is written in easy-to-understand language for young readers.

Mel Lees started writing late in life, “Like Grandma Moses and her painting,” he jokes. He has also written several other books: A Bard on Broad Street, Mariposa and Gold, and The Wheeler Saga,” all presumably for adults.

He takes just the right tone in this one, however, and youngsters may read it without their parents’ concern.

Be aware that after you reach page 70, pages 67-69 reappear. This should have been caught in the proofreading. If you get a copy with this error, you can rectify it by simply cutting them out–however it does not affect the content.

Armchair Interviews says: Suitable book for children from age 8 and up.

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