Gateskin Chronicles.
The Legend Of The Taken Ones by Janice Spina.
Gateskin Chronicles Book 1.
Fantasy Series For Ages 13-17.
This is Book 1 of a fantasy series that will have six books in all. In this book learn about the three children of King Gateskin and his wife, Queen Solinara. The children have had powers since they were quite young.
Serena was three years old when she learned of her power to move objects with her mind. Her brother, Simon, can fly and their sister, Catalina, can become invisible or blend into her surroundings. They live with their parents in Sovorotskina, the Land of Light.
With these powers comes responsibility. The children must try to use their powers for the common good and responsibly to help others. The three children befriend a Sprite named Spindle who accompanies them on their adventure. Along the way they meet up with their aunt and uncle, their mother’s brother and his wife, Wizard Hotenfaran and Fairy Procelina. The group must travel into the evil land of Parotovina, Land of Darkness, to save King Gateskin, who was kidnapped, and also rescue some of the descendants of their friends and fellow Sovorotskinans who were captured and taken by the Evil Ones. These descendants have been waiting a long time to be free to return to the villages of their ancestors.
The children have many trials and adventures along the way. Will they be able to rescue their father and fellow Sovorotskinans without endangering their own lives? Will the evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina stop Serena and her siblings from being successful or will they turn Serena and her siblings to their dark ways?
5 Stars: With powers comes responsibility!
‘THE LEGEND OF THE TAKEN ONES’ is book one of six planned in the ‘Gateskin Chronicles’. Award-winning Author , Janice Spina, is writing this fantasy series for ages 13-17, but I can attest to the fact, adults will enjoy it too.
Serena Anya (age 14 is the heroine of story, sister to Simon Andolferan (age 12) and Catalina Leahna (age 10). Their mother is Solinara; Queen Fairy of Sovorotskina. Their father is Gateskin; King Wizard of Sovorotskina. Serena, has the power to move objects with her mind. Simon can fly, and Catalina can become invisible. With these powers comes responsibility.
Sovorotskina (Land of Goodness & Light) was one of the villages that make up the Territory of Noella Province (later known as Votovia). The other villages are Votovia (Land of Magic & Mystery), Merona (Land of Peace & Harmony), Merlina (Land of Myths & Legends), Amora (Land of Faith & Love), and Parotovina (Land of Evil & Darkness).
I think to understand the story you must understand the ‘Votovians’. The Votovians were feared by other villages that did not have fairies and wizards. The Votovian children were taught these five simple rules in Votovian School from the age of four. They used rhymes and simple language so that the youngest children could understand the rules.
Rule#1: Never use your powers to hurt anyone (not even to injure, move or hurt even flowers).
Rule#2: Help your fellow villagers out in any way you can.
Rule#3: Always band together for the common good.
Rule#4: Above all, protect the children. If danger comes, fast we will flee, and stay together using our powers only in an emergency.
Rule#5: Powers are to be used in emergency situations if agreed upon only by the governing council with final approval of the King and Queen of Votovia.
The Votovians were all hoping they would never have to use their powers. Their powers collectively were so strong they could destroy everyone in their path. They were a peace-loving people, and this did not come easy for them , but they would do whatever they had to do to protect their children and the children of their friends in Sovorotskina and any of the other neighboring villages.
I will let you discover on your own ‘THE LEGEND OF THE TAKEN ONES’. I highly recommend Gateskin Chronicles, Book 1. Author Janice Spina always has valuable lessons in her storylines, which make her stories true ‘Jems’. Janice has written 19 children’s books and has multiple series, for ages 10 and up.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Trish: 5.0 out of 5 Stars: Pure magic! Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2021. Kings and Queens, Fairies and Sprites! This story has it all. Follow the King and Queen of the Land of Goodness and Light along with their amazing children, who are coming into powers of their own. They set out with their followers and some tenacious little sprites determined to rescue the Taken Ones from the land of Parotovina and it’s evil king. Their skills and powers come into action during their difficult quest. The author left us with a cliff hanger for the much-anticipated book 2! An enjoyable read of all ages.
Reviews by Canadian Reader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved the story. Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2021. I loved The Legend of the Taken Ones by Janice Spina. It is the first book in the Gateskin Chronicles and follows the adventures of the three children of King Gateskin and his wife, Queen Solinara. This is a fantasy book so of course one of the children can fly while another has what was once known as a cloak of invisibility. Not to be outdone the third child can move objects with her mind with some form of telekinesis.
I haven’t read a fantasy book since I was a child myself, which feels like a very long time ago. But I was pleasantly surprised by how easily Spina’s writing brought me into her fantasy world. And how much I enjoyed being there. I am looking forward to more adventures in this series as I travel along with the children through Sovorotskina, the Land of Light and other magical places.
Review by Michelle Clements James: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wizards, Fairies, Sprites, and Adventure. Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2021. The Taken are the children of the Provence of Noella who have been missing from their homes for many, many years. They were captured by the Parotovinans to be raised under the evil king wizard. Now, King Gateskin of Sovorotskina, Land of Goodness and Light, through his wizardry learns that the Evil Ones are planning to capture the children of the Provence of Noella once again. With the help of his children, a tree sprite named Spindle, wizards, and fairies, King Gateskin goes to Parotovina to gain release of the Taken Ones. Along the way they will encounter dangerous situations.
Those who enjoy stories of wizards, fairies, sprites, and adventure will find this un-put-downable! This is not my normal genre, but I was mesmerized. The characters are beautifully detailed, and the plot is captivating. The Legend of the Taken Ones: Gateskin Chronicles, Book 1 is a five-star book! The author gifted me an ARC and I have given my honest review.
Review by Mystery “Fran”: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wizards, fairies, and sprites, oh my! Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2021. If you are fascinated by the wizards, fairies, and little creatures who engage in battles of good versus evil, you will LOVE The Legend of the Taken Ones (Gateskin chronicles, Book 1). It has all of these and more. I quickly became engrossed in this enchanting story about King Gateskin, his family, and subjects, as they set out to rescue children who had previously been kidnapped by the evil king of Pantovina. The book is filled with memorable characters and suspenseful situations. It definitely cast a “spell” on me that kept me absorbed until the very last page! Can’t wait for the next episode of the Gateskin Chronicles!
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Very fun Wizard & Fairy book. Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2021. An awesome series starter that introduces King Gateskin, Queen Solinara & their 3 children: Serena, Simon & Catalina. They All are very powerful Wizards & Fairies in their own right & must help their parents defend their home & surrounding lands from evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina. The cliffhanger at the end leads perfectly into book #2.
Product Details:
Print Length: 500 Pages
Publisher: Janice Spina; 1st Edition (August 28, 2021)
Language: English
Fantasy (Fairy Tales and Myths)
Fantasy (Mythology and Folk Tales)
Reading Ages 13-17
Amazon Print:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736167332/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1630510265&sr=1-1
Ratings:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09DXJCVX1/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i8#customerReviews
The Unknown Territory by Janice Spina.
Gateskin Chronicles Book 2 by Janice Spina.
Fantasy Series for Ages 13-17.
The adventures continue in this addition of Gateskin Chronicles. Many new characters and creatures are introduced. Spells abound with magic all around. Many visitors come to Sovorotskina looking for asylum from the evil King Kaposkaran of Parotovina. Will King Gateskin accept them all or even be able to trust them not to be spies for the evil King?
Serena uses her powers to assist when wolves come their way. Other creatures are also about and threaten the safety of the village.
Kaposkaran finds himself in trouble when his village is attacked by creatures. Will he turn to Gateskin for help? If he does, what will Gateskin do?
There is a spy about in Sovorotskina. Will the spy be discovered and somehow stopped from undermining the magic of King Gateskin and his family?
5 Stars: Equally enchanting as the Harry Potter series.
‘THE UNKNOWN TERRITORY’ (Gateskin Chronicles Book 2) continues from ‘The Legend of The Taken Ones’ (Gateskin Chronicles Book 1). The Gateskin Chronicles can be read out of succession, but you will not want to miss any of this exciting, magical, fantasy series.
I believe ages 13+ will enjoy this series, as Award-winning author, Janice Spina has an amazing way of telling the story, and capturing the attention and imagination of her readers. ‘The Unknown Territory’ takes you to the TERRITORY OF NOELLA PROVINCE, which is made up of six villages, with the Sea of Shakelle off the southern borders. New characters, new creatures, new dangers, and new spells abound.
This book opens with a new breed of wolves stoking fear among the villagers, as they search for new hunting grounds. King Gateskin (powerful wizard of Sovorotskina) reassures his people; the wolves are kind and friendly. The province is not without danger though. Sovorotskina (Land of Goodness & Light), Votovia (Land of Magic & Mystery), Merona (Land of Peace & Harmony), Merlina (Land of Myths & Legends), and Amora (Land of Faith & Love), all had reason to fear Parotovina (Land of Evil & Darkness). I decided to share this quote so you will understand the true danger that exist for the TERRITORY OF NOELLA PROVINCE.
…King Gateskin created a Channel Spell to open a connection to all the other villages except Parotovina. He kept that window closed. Once he had all the rulers of the villages virtually in his Meeting Room, he called the meeting to order.
…He explained what had happened in the Village of Parotovina and the dangers they faced from the roaming Catlings.
… “We need to help Parotovina. I know all of you have had unfavorable treatment by King Kaposkaran and his guards, so have I. But we cannot let these people suffer like this. We have to do something.”
… “Will we have to use dark magic to take out these creatures, King Gateskin?” King Cavelan asked.
… “Never! We have to try something else. Please let’s use first names only here. We are all rulers and don’t need to use the pomp and circumstance in these serious times.”
… “I agree, Gateskin,” Cavelan said.
…Noderan of the Village of Amora asked, “Do you have something in mind, Gateskin?”
… “Well, I think I can come up with a few spells with the help of all of you and my Wizards. Please let me introduce you to the former Parotovinan Wizards.”
…Gateskin spread his hands across the table and pointed out the four Wizards to the rulers. They all nodded and waited for more information about what they would be doing.
It is up to you to discover. Who is the spy in Sovorotskina? Will the spy be discovered and somehow stopped from undermining the magic of King Gateskin and his family?
‘The Gateskin Chronicles’ will you on a magical journey, equally enchanting as the Harry Potter series. Once you begin, you will anxiously wait for the next book to be released.
Editorial Review (Book Marketing Global Network).
Review by Trish: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Pure magic! Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2021. Kings and Queens, Fairies and Sprites! This story has it all. Follow the King and Queen of the Land of Goodness and Light along with their amazing children, who are coming into powers of their own. They set out with their followers and some tenacious little sprites determined to rescue the Taken Ones from the land of Parotovina and it’s evil king. Their skills and powers come into action during their difficult quest. The author left us with a cliff hanger for the much-anticipated book 2! An enjoyable read of all ages.
Review by Canadian Reader: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Loved the story. Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2021 I loved The Legend of the Taken Ones by Janice Spina. It is the first book in the Gateskin Chronicles and follows the adventures of the three children of King Gateskin and his wife, Queen Solinara. This is a fantasy book so of course one of the children can fly while another has what was once known as a cloak of invisibility. Not to be outdone the third child can move objects with her mind with some form of telekinesis.
I haven’t read a fantasy book since I was a child myself, which feels like a very long time ago. But I was pleasantly surprised by how easily Spina’s writing brought me into her fantasy world. And how much I enjoyed being there. I am looking forward to more adventures in this series as I travel along with the children through Sovorotskina, the Land of Light and other magical places.
Review by Michelle Clements James: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wizards, Fairies, Sprites, and Adventure. Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2021 The Taken are the children of the Provence of Noella who have been missing from their homes for many, many years. They were captured by the Parotovinans to be raised under the evil king wizard. Now, King Gateskin of Sovorotskina, Land of Goodness and Light, through his wizardry learns that the Evil Ones are planning to capture the children of the Provence of Noella once again. With the help of his children, a tree sprite named Spindle, wizards, and fairies, King Gateskin goes to Parotovina to gain release of the Taken Ones. Along the way they will encounter dangerous situations.
Those who enjoy stories of wizards, fairies, sprites, and adventure will find this un-put-downable! This is not my normal genre, but I was mesmerized. The characters are beautifully detailed, and the plot is captivating. The Legend of the Taken Ones: Gateskin Chronicles, Book 1 is a five-star book! The author gifted me an ARC and I have given my honest review.
Review by Mystery “Fran”: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Wizards, fairies, and sprites, oh my! Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2021. If you are fascinated by the wizards, fairies, and little creatures who engage in battles of good versus evil, you will LOVE The Legend of the Taken Ones (Gateskin chronicles, Book 1). It has all of these and more. I quickly became engrossed in this enchanting story about King Gateskin, his family, and subjects, as they set out to rescue children who had previously been kidnapped by the evil king of Pantovina. The book is filled with memorable characters and suspenseful situations. It definitely cast a “spell” on me that kept me absorbed until the very last page! Can’t wait for the next episode of the Gateskin Chronicles!
Review by Michele Rolfe: 5.0 out of 5 Stars. Very fun Wizard & Fairy book. Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2021. An awesome series starter that introduces King Gateskin, Queen Solinara & their 3 children: Serena, Simon & Catalina. They All are very powerful Wizards & Fairies in their own right & must help their parents defend their home & surrounding lands from evil King Kaposkaran and his Queen Beregina. The cliffhanger at the end leads perfectly into book #2.
From The Author: This series began many years ago in 2009. A spark was created and my muse worked overtime to create two books simultaneously – a historical fiction and this fantasy series book 1. Once I began writing the story flowed and continued into book 2.
This isn’t my favorite genre but my muse seems to like it and keeps coming up with new ideas for the next book. It was fun coming up with strange and complicated names for these characters, creatures, lands, and spells. Sometimes I have no idea where they come from. All I know is that they pop into my head when I need one.
Watch for books 3-6 coming over the next few years. They are epic stories with hundreds of pages. Each book grows larger than the previous one. I hope you enjoy this fantasy series and forget your troubles and fly away with Gateskin Chronicles.
Product Details:
Paperback: 615 Pages
Publisher: Janice Spina (July 1, 2022)
Language: English
Fantasy (Fairy Tales and Myths)
Fantasy (Mythology and Folk Tales)
Reading Ages 13-17
Amazon Print:
https://www.amazon.com/Territory-Gateskin-Chronicles-Book/dp/1736167367/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
About The Author: Janice Spina is a multi-award-winning author with 43 books of which there are 21 children’s books,12 MG/PT books and two books in a YA series with four more coming over the next few years, seven novels and a short story collection for 18+ written under J.E. Spina. She is also a copy editor, blogger, book reviewer and supporter of fellow authors. Her husband, John, is her illustrator and cover creator. Watch for more books to come over the next few years.
Jance has received the following awards for her books:
8 Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medals, 5 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards – Silver Medal, Bronze Medal, Honorable Mention and Finalist, 19 Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, 1 AUTHORSDB – Cover Contest, 2 Book Excellence Award Finalists, 2 Top Shelf Awards – First Place & Runner up
Her logo is Jemsbooks – books for all ages! Her motto is – Reading Gives You Wings to Fly! Come soar with Jemsbooks! Happy reading!
Janice loves to hear from readers and appreciates and happily welcomes reviews.
CHILDREN’S BOOKS BY JANICE SPINA
Pre-School to Grade Three:
- Louey the Lazy Elephant (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
- Ricky the Rambunctious Raccoon (Mom’s Choice Award – Silver Medal)
- Jerry the Crabby Crayfish (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
- Lamby the Lonely Lamb (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
- Jesse the Precocious Polar Bea (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
- Broose the Moose on the Loose (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
- Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
- Colby the Courageous Cat (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
- Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
- Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
- Lucy the Talented Toy Terrier (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
- The First Star (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
- Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 1: Drystan and Durward Save the Day (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award & Top Shelf Runners-up Award)
- Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 2: Damara Helps Drystan Find His Roar (Pinnacle Book Achievement Award)
- Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 3 Delbert Finds Himself
- Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 4: Delfina Solves a Problem
- Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 5: Drago Does a Good Deed
- Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 6: Dragana Helps a Fairy Make Believe: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 1 (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
- Make Believe is Fun: Bedtime Stories for Children Books-1-4 (Mom’s Choice Awards – Silver Medal)
MG/PT BOOKS FOR 10+ BY JANICE SPINA
Middle-Grade/Preteen/Young Adult:
- 2014-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 1: The Case of the Missing Cell Phone- Readers’ Favorite Book Awards-Honorable Mention.
- 2016-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 1: The Case of the Missing Cell Phone-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2016: Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 2: The Case of the Mysterious Black Cat-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2016-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 3: The Case of the Magical Ivory Elephant-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Reader’s Favorite Book Awards-Silver Medal.
- 2016-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 3: The Case of the Magical Ivory Elephant-Readers’ Favorite Book Awards-Silver Medal.
- 2017-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 5: The Case of the Sad Mischievous Ghost-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2017-Jerry the Crabby Crayfish-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award
- 2017-Abby & Holly School Dance-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2018-Colby the Courageous Cat-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2018-Broose the Moose on the Loose-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2018-Jeffrey the Jittery Giraffe-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2018-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 5: The Case of the Sad Mischievous Ghost-Authorsdb Cover Contest-Silver Medal.
- 2018-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Book 6: The Case of the Mystery of the Bells-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2019-Abby & Holly School Dance-Readers’ Favorite Book Awards-Bronze Medal.
- 2019-Abby & Holly Series Book 2: Unfortunate Events-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2019-Abby & Holly Series Book 3: Secrets of the Trunk-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2019-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 6: The Case of the Mystery of the Bells-Book Excellence Award-Finalist.
- 2020-Ricky the Rambunctious Raccoon-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
- 2020-Sebastian Meets Marvin the Monkey-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2020-Abby & Holly Series Book 4: The Hidden Stairway-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2020-Abby & Holly Series Book 2: Unfortunate Events-Readers’ Favorite Book Awards-Honorable Mention.
- 2020-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Series Book 6: The Case of the Mystery of the Bells-Readers’ Favorite Book Awards-Finalist.
- 2020-Louey the Lazy Elephant-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
- 2020-Abby & Holly Series Book 5: The Copper Key-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2020-Jesse the Precocious Polar Bear-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
- 2021-Abby & Holly Series Book 6: Faulty Timeline-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2021-Lucy the Talented Toy Terrier-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
- 2021-Clarence Henry the Hermit Crab-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2021-Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 1: Drystan and Durward Save the Day-Top Shelf Awards-Runners up.
- 2021-Davey & Derek Junior Detectives Book 4: The Case of the Brown Scraggly Dog-Top Shelf Awards-First Place.
- 2021-The First Star-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
- 2022-Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 1: Drystan and Durward Save the Day-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2022-Make Believe (Bedtime Stories for Children)-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
- 2022-Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 2: Damara Helps Drystan Find His Roar-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2022-The Legend of the Taken Ones: Gateskin Chronicles Book 1-Book Excellence Award-Finalist.
- 2023-Make Believe in Fun (Bedtime Stories for Children) Book 2-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
- 2023-Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 4: Delfina Solves a Problem-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
- 2023-Make Believe Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 3-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
- 2023-Make Believe Once Again: Bedtime Stories for Children Book 4-Mom’s Choice Awards-Silver Medal.
- 2023-Drystan the Dragon and Friends Series Book 5 – Drago Does a Good Deed-Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.
YA BOOKS BY JANICE SPINA for 15+
- The Legend of the Taken Ones (Gateskin Chronicles Book 1)
- The Unknown Territory (Gateskin Chronicles Book 2)
BOOKS BY J.E. SPINA FOR 18+
- Hunting Mariah
- Mariah’s Revenge
- How Far is Heaven
- An Angel Among Us: A Short Story Collection
- In A Second
- Lubelia Alycea: One Hundred Years
- The Misunderstood Angel: Branyrd the Angel Series Book 1
- Mission of Mercy: Branyrd the Angel Series Book 2
Book Trailers:
- How Far Is Heaven: https://youtu.be/pLCjyc9Q9tQ
- Hunting Mariah: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZTu5R-kXhM
- Mariah’s Revenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DIawvOX9aw
Her logo is Jemsbooks – books for all ages!
Her motto is – Reading Gives You Wings to Fly!
Come soar with Jemsbooks!
Happy reading!
Janice’s hobbies besides writing are crocheting, exercising to keep in shape, going to the movies with her husband or out to lunch or dinner, reading, book reviewing, blogging, and spending time with her five grandchildren who are her writing inspiration.
Janice loves to hear from readers and appreciates and happily welcomes reviews.
Janice Spina aka J.E. Spina: Multi-Award-Winning Author
Jemsbooks for All Ages!
Mom’s Choice Award Winner!
Author’s Page At Book Marketing Global Network:
https://bookmarketingglobalnetwork.com/authors/janice-j-e-spinas-books/
