Children's Book Review

The Scepters of Time: The Adventures of Captain Stormbold
by Hugh Mannfield
ISBN-10: 1410777456
Review by Heather Froeschl

An adventure is about to begin. Jonathan Stormbold thought he was born to be a man of the sea...a merchant ship captain with destinies dealing in monstrous waves and perhaps a pirate or two. What the fates have in store for him are far greater adventures and far more dangerous perils.

In the year 1822, Stormbold is not quite the man in charge of the Cassiopeia, but when death threatens the captain he must take command of the ship. It is his birthright and in truth it is the path that was chosen for him. Sailing out of a dense fog Jonathan soon comes to realize that the world has changed. History is not as he knows it to be. With guidance from a mysterious man who appeared in the fog and a letter from his grandfather, Stormbold's true destiny is revealed, little by little.

In a hidden temple, high in the mountains of India, are the secrets that will guide Jonathan on his life's quest. He will learn the secrets of the temple, of his family and of the world as we know it. The wheels of time have gone off center and it is up to Jonathan to set them straight.

Hugh Mannfield shares a story that will leave you in wonder and appreciation for his work. I have not read a more thought provoking, intellectual, all the while entertaining and delightful book in a very long time. I delight in the ideas presented in this book and only wish that such a place, as the hidden temple and its mission were in fact a reality.

The author's use of technical descriptions aboard the ship provide an authenticity that adds much to the story. The plot is full of adventure and intrigue, enticing the reader to turn to the next page well into the night. "The Scepters of Time" will leave you wondering if perhaps it is possible and give you a new appreciation for moments of de'ja vu'. Written for the young adult audience the book is easily a recommended option for all readers ages 11 to 111. With a traditional theme of good vs. evil, this story is a fresh new classic that should be on every best seller list.