Description: Defiant is about a 12-year-old warrior who goes against her family and her Queen, risking everything including her own life, to save her brother. This book the prequel teaser to the Nature Knights series for kids ages 9+. As such it is four chapters long and ends on a cliffhanger. Of interest to readers of Eoin Colfer, Rick Riordan, John Flanagan.
Brief description: Valerie Francis has been writing her entire life and completed her first book at the age of seven. She now works as indie author and runs Bocereas Press, her independent publishing company. Prior to establishing Bocereas Press, she worked in the field of media and corporate communications for twenty years. As part of that career, she worked for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and it was there that the idea for the Nature Knights series was born. When she saw a photo of a turtle that had died because of plastic garbage it ingested, she wondered what would happen if nature could fight back. That evening she began writing the Nature Knights series.
Review Quotes: "Clancy, Eric, John and Audrey will become fast favourites of young and old readers alike. Valerie Francis's Nature Knights are bold and brave, and a little flawed. Just like we all are. Her tale will leave you wanting more, and it will make you stop and think about the world around you. Bravo!" Victoria Barbour, USA TODAY Bestselling author "I just finished reading "Crossing the Rubicon" with my son. It is SO GOOD. We really, really liked it. We couldn't put it down in the last half." Stephanie, mother of a 9-year-old boy "A fantasy with substance, sure to have middle school age readers waiting for the completion of the trilogy. As a St. John's reader I enjoyed the many local references. The cover design, colors and chapter logos all enhance. I am very pleased to add "Crossing the Rubicon" to my shelves of Newfoundland and Labrador authors. Well done." Marilyn, former elementary school teacher and Amazon reviewer "I really enjoyed CROSSING THE RUBICON, first book in the Nature Knights series, written by Valerie Francis! It's the perfect story for pre-teens aged 9-12, but readers of all ages, will love it too." Nicole, Amazon reviewer "What a fantastic debut in the middle-grade fantasy world! This book has it all! Dragons! Magic! Quests! Arthurian mythology! But that's just skimming the surface. The characters are compelling and real (I love John!) and it's a truly modern fantasy, with a thoughtful but not heavy-handed message about protecting the environment. I loved this book. Whether you're 9 or 99, check out Valerie Francis' Nature Knights series. You won't be disappointed." Vicki, Amazon reviewer "I liked the book, it kept me thinking and I liked that there were things that reminded me of NL in it." William, age 11 "That book [Crossing the Rubicon] was just awesome!" Alex, age 12