The Journey Beyond

Universal Truths

Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
70 Pages
Reviewed on 04/18/2016
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Thank you for wanting to get to know me and taking the time to read this biography.
I grew up in Staten Island, New York, in a small town called Rossville. I am one of twelve children and the fifth child out of the twelve. Writing since I was little while talking and singing to the frogs and turtles in the pond. They were my best friends and the pond sparked my imagination and my creativity flourished. This was my happy place!
Let’s find your happy place and travel on this Journey Beyond together. Let’s do this!
Cheryl

    Book Review

Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite

In a lovely story for middle grade readers, The Journey Beyond: Universal Truths by author Cheryl A. Matsen-Nieves is a fun read that continues the story of siblings Raphael and Haniel as they attempt to rebuild their kingdom. Facing such obstacles as a witchy woman with a crystal broom, but surrounded by many magical friends, including a talking three-eyed frog, this excellent brother-sister duo is determined to make everything right for those they love. Will Raphael and Haniel be able to right all that has gone wrong? You'll simply need to read The Journey Beyond: Universal Truths to find out!

I very much enjoyed The Journey Beyond: Universal Truths. I felt that author Cheryl A. Matsen-Nieves has done a fantastic job in creating characters that her readers will be able to connect with, relate to and truly care about, and will continue to think about long after the story is done. If that isn't a hallmark of a great author, I'm not sure what is. Her use of magic and fantastical characters is delightful, and her world creation skills, even in a relatively short book, are simply second to none. Any middle grade reader who enjoys fantasy, or who is just looking for a great read of fiction in general, should absolutely read this book. I highly recommend The Journey Beyond: Universal Truths. I look forward to reading more from the very talented author, Cheryl A. Matsen-Nieves, as soon as possible. If her next work is anything like this one, it will certainly be worth reading!

K.C. Finn

The Journey Beyond: Universal Truths is a middle grade fantasy novel by author Cheryl A. Matsen-Nieves. Another instalment in The Journey Beyond, this story sees brother and sister Raphael and Haniel facing new trials and tribulations in the quest to recover and rebuild their kingdom. Determination fuels the youngsters and they are supported by an adorable cast of friends and allies, including Frogeye, a charming three-eyed frog with a penchant for getting into trouble. Their adversary is a woman on a crystal broom, whose witchy ways pose a threat to the siblings’ wishes coming true. Magic, fortitude, and friendship will be required for them to overcome evil and continue their quest.

Cheryl A. Matsen-Nieves knows her middle grade audience well and creates a simple but imaginative tale that is certain to delight the target audience. The world in which the adventure is set is vibrant, colourful and interesting, as are the animal servants who accompany and aid our central heroes. I preferred Haniel to Raphael, finding her strength and willpower very inspiring, but the best developed character by far was the villain. The scenes, including the murderer of the siblings’ mother, leapt off the page with a sinister note that doesn’t permeate the rest of the book. Overall, I feel that The Journey Beyond: Universal Truths contributes a small part to a greater narrative, which is going to get better and better as it unfolds. For now, it’s definitely recommended for parents looking for a short, enjoyable fantasy read to inspire their children’s imaginations.

Lisa McCombs

“I will not take any more of your poison! I know what you did to my mother and her servants. I know how you fed and poisoned many in the castle. But you did not succeed in poisoning me. My mother warned me about you and your broth. I welcome battle with you and I challenge you now, old woman. You and your evil will not walk this universe as long as I live! You will be defeated so we can travel through the next geode. We will reach the castle and conquer all!” This young Haniel proclaims in the wake of an attack against the old woman responsible for her mother’s death. Haniel is determined to regain and rebuild the kingdom once ruled by her parents. With the aid of loyal servants - Frogeye, Wise Old Owl, and Wolvarith - Haniel and her brother Raphael must defeat the old lady on the crystal broom in order to reclaim their inheritance and keep the forest and its creatures safe. Can they succeed?

The Journey Beyond: Universal Truths is a middle grade fantasy written by Cheryl A. Matsen-Nieves. With the addition of character pencil sketches, this makes for a winning tale for fantasy-loving young readers. The vocabulary Matsen-Nieves employs in her descriptive passages brings an enchanted world to life in an infectious style that leaves the reader wanting a continuation of this well-written story. A sincere lesson in loyalty provides a combination of mature thinking with the innocence of youth. This is a lovely story for middle grade youngsters.