Realm of Shadows: The Sun Amulet Chronicles

By Alma G. Finnson

Realm of Shadows: The Sun Amulet Chronicles

is a captivating middle grade novel that takes readers on an unforgettable hero's journey. Filled with magic, friendship, and the power of self-discovery, this enchanting tale reminds us that even the most ordinary among us can become extraordinary heroes. Join Zoe as she embraces her destiny and illuminates the world with her courage and light.

 

In the quiet town of Willow Grove, ten-year-old Zoe longs for excitement and adventure. Little does she know that her ordinary world is about to be turned upside down. When a mysterious letter arrives from the distant kingdom of Valeria, Zoe is thrust into an extraordinary journey to restore light and defeat an evil sorceress.

 

Guided by the wise mentor Alaric, Zoe faces trials, discovers her own magic, and uncovers the truth about her inner strength. With the fate of a kingdom in her hands, Zoe must overcome her doubts and fears, embracing her destiny as the chosen Bearer of the Sun Amulet.

 

As she navigates treacherous forests, battles dark forces, and confronts her own shadows, Zoe's courage and resilience grow. Along the way, she finds allies and faces enemies, but her determination never wavers. With the Sword of the Heavens in hand, she confronts the sorceress in a final, epic showdown.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alma G. Finnson
• Release date: Jan 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9798223426158

Alma G. Finnson

Welcome to the world of imagination and wonder created by Alma G. Finnson. As an avid dreamer and storyteller, Alma weaves enchanting tales that transport readers to magical realms, distant lands, and heartwarming adventures. ==== About the Author Alma G. Finnson has always been captivated by the power of storytelling. From a young age, she found solace and excitement in the pages of books, which fueled her passion for crafting her own stories. With a degree in Creative Writing and years of honing her craft, Alma brings her imaginative worlds to life with vivid prose, relatable characters, and engaging plots. ==== Inspiration and Themes Alma's stories often explore themes of courage, self-discovery, and the extraordinary potential within seemingly ordinary individuals. Drawing inspiration from nature, myths, and folklore, her writing captures the essence of magic and wonder that exists in the world around us.

Book preview

A Bright Beginning

A Summer Adventure Unfolds in Willow Grove

Sunlight streamed through the curtains, landing softly on Zoe’s face. She scrunched her eyes at the brightness, reluctant to leave the comfort of sleep. Lazily, she reached her hand out from under the covers to hit snooze on her alarm clock, but found only empty space on her nightstand.

That’s when she remembered it was the first day of summer vacation. No more alarms or hurried morning routines getting ready for school. Zoe sat up with a grin, taking in the dust particles floating through the beams of light in her bedroom. Summer’s golden days had finally arrived.

Stretching her arms, Zoe hopped out of bed and padded over to the window. She leaned on the sill and breathed in the fresh summer air. Outside, the neighborhood was just beginning to wake up. Station wagons backed carefully out of driveways while yawning kids in pajamas retrieved newspapers on front stoops.

From an open window across the street, the scent of frying bacon wafted out, making Zoe’s stomach rumble. She realized she was starving. Rushing through her morning routine during the school year often meant no time for breakfast. But now she had all the time in the world.

After quickly washing her face and throwing on some clothes, Zoe bounded downstairs taking the steps two at a time. In the kitchen, she found her dad whistling cheerily over the sizzling stove while her mom sipped coffee at the table, already dressed in her office attire for work.

Good morning, sunshine! Dad said brightly, dishing up pancakes, eggs, and bacon onto a plate for Zoe. Ready to start the first day of vacation?

You bet! Zoe declared, drenching her short stack with syrup. Where’s Ben? she asked, noticing her older brother’s absence.

Oh, he left early to play basketball with his friends, Mom replied. I’m sure he wants to enjoy as much summer freedom as possible before college.

Zoe nodded, suddenly feeling a twinge of melancholy at the thought of Ben leaving soon. She would miss her brother’s spirited energy around the house. But at least for now, she could look forward to lazy days spent with him and her best friends enjoying all the simple pleasures of childhood summer fun.

Wolfing down the last bites of her pancakes, Zoe jumped up to clear her plate and rinse off her sticky syrupy hands.

Thanks for breakfast, Dad! It was yummy, she said.

My pleasure, kiddo. Now go out and greet the day! he said, playfully ruffling her messy bedhead.

Zoe ducked away from his hand with a laugh and sat down to pull on her bright red sneakers. She breathed deeply, smelling the fresh rubber and anticipating the miles of sidewalks and bike paths she would explore. After double-knotting her laces, she bolted for the front door.

Wait just a minute, young lady! her mom interjected. Aren’t you forgetting something?

Zoe paused with her hand on the doorknob and looked back quizzically. Her mom nodded pointedly to Zoe’s bare knees and elbows.

Oh right...​sunscreen, Zoe remembered sheepishly. She backtracked to the bathroom, pumping thick white lotion onto her hands and hastily rubbing it into her skin. Her mother’s reminder annoyed her, but she knew it came from a place of caring.

OK, all protected from UV rays, Zoe announced, presenting her lotioned limbs. Can I go now, pleeease?

Mom smiled. Yes, you may. Just be home in time for lunch.

Will do! Zoe yelled over her shoulder, already dashing outside into the sunshine. She skipped down the front walk and opened the picket fence gate. As it swung closed behind her with a little creak, she felt like she was entering a new world full of possibility and adventure. No more pencils, no more books - just golden summer days stretching out before her.

Zoe decided to take the long way to her best friend Eva’s house, looping around the block so she could appreciate how lovely the neighborhood looked in summer. She admired lush green lawns and flowerbeds bursting with colorful blooms like gladiolas, hydrangeas, and coneflowers. The vibrant blossoms seemed to wave at her cheerily as she passed.

She peered into kitchen windows scented with aromas of brewing coffee and sizzling bacon. Tableaus of families gathering around breakfast tables reminded her of the cozy scene she had left at home. She felt a comforting sense of peace seeing these little insights into other people’s worlds starting their days.

Zoe began to skip, energized by the sunshine and summer spirit. She paused at one yard to admire a vibrant monarch butterfly flitting from flower to flower. Its wings shimmered like stained-glass windows. The delicate