The Guardian of Whispers

by B E Padgett

Overview

Not long into fifth grade, ten-year-old twins Frank and Jon Reed undergo extraordinary changes: Frank starts reading minds. Jon can see the future. But every magical gift has a cost.

The constant voices whispering in Frank's head won't stop. He can't sleep or even think. Horrifying nightmares plague Jon, making it harder and harder for him to wake up.

Their hope lies at West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted, a boarding school in the Pacific Northwest, and the only place they can learn to control their powers.

Moving to a new school means making new friends, meeting new teachers, and being required to live thousands of miles from their family. At least they have each other . . . until a dangerous relic, the Guardian of Whispers, goes missing. All evidence of the theft points to Jon.

With the school board on the verge of expelling Jon for the crime, Frank, his friends, and a grouchy old gifts teacher must catch the real culprit and clear Jon's name.

The Guardian of Whispers is the first book in the middle grade kid's fantasy series The Reeds of West Hills. Fans of Rick Riordan and TJ Klune's The House in the Cerulean Sea will enjoy this book.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798986162904
Publisher:	Emerald Forest Books
Publication date:	02/01/2023
Series:	The Reeds of West Hills , #1
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	298
Product dimensions:	5.06(w) x 7.81(h) x 0.74(d)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

B. E. Padgett is a poet and children's author in the Pacific Northwest. She was a student affairs professional at Everett Community College before pursuing her passion for writing and storytelling. She graduated with a B. A. in English: Professional and Creative Writing at Central Washington University. She was editor-in-chief at Manastash Literary Journal and event coordinator for Poetry Northwest. Growing up in a loud and chaotic family of eight inspired her to create stories about sibling connections and challenges. Although she enjoys many things in life, she considers being an auntie one of her biggest joys. She is best known for her series The Reeds of West Hills. Her hobbies include crocheting stuffed animals, dress up tea parties, graphic design, illustration, whistling and reading.

Editorial Reviews

01/09/2023

In this charming middle-grade fantasy, Padgett weaves a thrilling tale of family, friendship, and magic. After twins Frank and Jon discover that they have magical abilities, they are sent to a special school all the way across the country—the West Hill School for the Perceptually Gifted—to learn how to control their powers. As Frank strives to wield his gifts in a class of telepathic students, Jon must learn how to control his visions of the future with seemingly the only other living oracle in the world, Professor McClery. When an important magical relic, the Guardian of Whispers, is stolen, it is up to Frank, Jon, and their newfound friends—Mira, Nate, and Damien—to locate it and save Jon from being expelled, or worse. Meanwhile, Jon must figure out why he keeps having nightmares where Frank leaves him to be choked by an enemy, and whether it is truly possible to change the future.

Padgett expertly crafts a magical environment while simultaneously ensuring that the characters’ actions and motivations are rooted in reality. Frank shines as a kind and understanding friend and brother willing to do what it takes to help those he loves. Jon stands out as a troublemaker, however, underneath this exterior, he deeply cares for his friends and family and is silently struggling with his predictions of the future and feelings of loneliness. Readers will cheer on Frank and Jon as they navigate childhood and the fallout after a rare magical relic, The Guardian of Whispers, is stolen —and one of the brothers is framed for the theft.

This story is well thought out, engaging, and magical; this adventure, the magic system, and the characters are appealing and engaging, sure to spark joy in lovers of the genre. For people who want to enjoy a fascinating, fast paced narrative, The Guardian of Whispers is an ideal fantasy, polished and accomplished.

Takeaway: This standout middle-grade fantasy exemplifies its genre and will appeal to readers of all ages.

Great for fans of: Rick Riordan, TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea.

Production grades Cover: A- Design and typography: A Illustrations: N/A Editing: A Marketing copy: A

BookLife Reviews

"Engaging, and magical; this adventure, the magic system, and the characters are appealing and engaging, sure to spark joy in lovers of the genre. For people who want to enjoy a fascinating, fast paced narrative, The Guardian of Whispers is an ideal fantasy, polished and accomplished. This standout middle-grade fantasy exemplifies its genre and will appeal to readers of all ages." - BookLife Reviews

From the Publisher