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Maradonia and the Seven Bridges by Gloria Tesch by Leah G. Dallaire Young author’s debut novel is not just kid stuff Tampa Bay, FL -- Murder, revenge, intrigue, conspiracy. All these little nuggets that take a novel from being just a mere story to becoming an epic journey are packed into “Maradonia and the Seven Bridges.” The mystical Maradonia is a world between worlds, a Technicolor place filled with more magic than Harry Potter could shake his wand at. And… the author is just 14 years old and has already finished her second novel, “Maradonia and the Gold of Ophir.” From the never-ending imagination of young Gloria Tesch comes an adventure of legendary proportions. Two ordinary teens, Maya and her brother Joey, discover the way to the Land of Maradonia while on a Goonies-like expedition to the forbidden Pebble Beach. The world they uncover is full of turmoil, its people in peril from the evil King Apollyon. Up until this, Maya and Joey had led ordinary lives in an ordinary place, where their greatest challenge had been the everyday minutia of fitting in at a new school, a trial most children can readily identify with. Now, the fate of an entire kingdom and its faithful dwellers is up to them. In this, Tesch explores the very adult issues of responsibility and faith, and the age-old theme of enduring strength in the face of temptations and tough tests. Maya and Joey discover their true inner selves along the way, battling an underworld capable of deceit, revenge and murder. “Maradonia and the Seven Bridges” is a story of substance, richly written with lush description and imagination. Its visual nature begs for the cinema. Plan to invest time in this saga, though: your trip to Maradonia will run over 800 pages, ninety chapters full of twists and turns and surprises around every magical corner. And while Tesch provides a satisfying ending for readers, don’t get comfortable just yet. Not all loose ends have been neatly tied; “Maradonia and the Seven Bridges” is the first leg in a trilogy. Filled with mystical illustrations and scenes of pure whimsy, this debut novel is aimed at an audience of young adult readers. However, the timeless theme of good versus evil will appeal to any age group. And through this, a lesson: ordinary people can do the extraordinary. Children can lead a nation of people. Hefty issues for such a young author to tackle, but Tesch smoothly accomplishes this and more in her freshman novel. No doubt, more fantastic tales are to come from this untapped talent! Maradonia and the Seven Bridges by Gloria Tesch by Mary F. Dado “Maradonia and the Seven Bridges” is a classic but contemporary story depicting the battle between good and evil. This morality tale is about two people who literally have greatness thrust upon them one sunny and unassuming day when the fate of an entire civilization is handed to them. When Maya and her brother Joey stumble upon a secret portal, they are transported to a mysterious place called Maradonia. Their appearance in this World between the Worlds fulfills a prophecy which propels them into a strange and very dangerous world of power and magic. Here, they are believed to be the leaders whose arrival was foretold. They are heralded as saviors destined to defend a nation and protect it from destruction and domination.What makes the sage really interesting is that the two protagonists are siblings. Their natural rivalry and animosity as brother and sister creates a perfect foundation for the dramatic tension; not to mention their preconceived notions of how the other will handle crisis situations. What ensues is a brilliantly told fable full of well-crafted characters and jaw dropping twists and turns. This is not a typical adventure yarn but a taut and provocative parable that is pure entertainment. Maradonia itself is a completely new world painted with magnificent detail and color. The book very believably inserts the newcomers into the plot and the setting. This is one of those books that will completely transport the reader to an “other worldly” experience. Another element that makes this book so enthralling is the portrayal of the teenagers. In their own world they content with all the high school and adolescent pressures that shape and scar them emotionally and socially. But with no warning and little life experience, they are placed in very perilous positions where their confidence in one another and their perceptions of themselves are tested. What this book does very well (without being heavy-handed) is to illustrate how the characters contend with the challenge of dealing with situations that are so much larger than any troubles they ever had in school. These characters are fresh and genuine and are not born heroes. This work is actually an allegory for growing up and learning to see beyond selfish needs. It also illustrates the experience of suffering social indignities endured by young adults and depicts how strength of character is built when the needs of others surpass your own. For the young reader, “Maradonia and the Seven Bridges” offers insight into life beyond our borders and takes an authentic look at real struggles and social mores with the simplicity and clarity of the innocent. This extraordinary narrative is not just a book for younger readers, though. It divulges many different levels of insight and can be appreciated by anyone for its spectacle and its entertainment value. Fans of Stephen King, Anne Rice, Stephanie Meyer and J.K. Rowling will have to prepare another shelf to collect the treasured works of this outstanding new author. The story behind the story is just as riveting. Gloria Tesch started writing when she was eleven years old. She wrote short stories, poems and was a frequent visitor at the local library. Her love for fantasy and fiction inspired her to write her debut novel. Gloria is an intuitive storyteller who writes from the heart and charts her complex characters and ambitious storylines with talent and a gusto that is rivaled by few. Gloria celebrated her thirteenth birthday with the printing of her first book, “Maradonia and the Seven Bridges.” Her entire family is part of the experience. Her mother, Marina Terkulova Tesch is a gifted painter and illustrator of books. She created all of the art for the book covers and all of the illustrations for each chapter. Gloria’s father, Dr. Gerry Tesch, is a teacher upon who she relies for research of her works. Her brother Jonathan contributed many dialogue suggestions while their youngest brother Benjamin will be old enough by Book Nine to bring his talent to the mix. Gloria dedicated her first book to this talented family. With the second book, “Maradonia and the Gold of Ophir,” completed and her third novel, “Maradonia and the Battle for the Key,” in progress, this nine book series is already mapped out for an unbelievable thrill ride in sweeping epic style! |
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