Captured

by Maggie L. Wood

When Willow’s Nana starts talking about a “summoning,” she assumes her grandma is having some sort of mental breakdown. It wouldn’t be the first time. Willow has been listening to Nana’s stories of another realm that involves magic, castles, and the crystal on her nightstand for as long as she can remember, but always thought they were just meant to entertain her. Unfortunately, the night Nana gets excited about the summoning is also her last, and after Willow calls 911, she sees the crystal glowing, grabs it, and wakes up in another world. In Mistoreal, she’s a princess. A spell has been cast over the citizens, forcing them to play in a human chess game. Willow’s parents have been captured, and it’s up to her to save them. The plot loses a little steam after the set up of the chess, and the too large cast of characters falls flat. However, as a light, fun, fantasy, it serves its purpose. Loose ends are tied up neatly even though this is the first of a planned trilogy. Fans of fantasies with modern ties, such as City of Bones, may find something here.