On Yore Side

Fun Read!, October 19, 2007
By Shirley Priscilla Johnson “Author/Reviewer -… (USA)

I don’t know about you, but since I was a child, I have loved to pretend that birds, frogs and all kinds of animals and insects have their own little world; one we know nothing about. A world where they have families and friends, do their work and play and live their lives; much like we do our own. In this delightful tale by author, J. Lyon Layden, we are taken into such a world, one of frogs, mice, and rats. Ah! what a combination. It seems the rats are on a mission of war and the frogs are determined to stop them at all costs.

We meet some delightful characters and some nasty ones as well. For instance, Dr. Croaks, who sets off to protect the lands of Terramore against the invasion of mice, and treat any possible wounded. We share his adventure as he battles the rats, whom we find out are behind all the terror in the land, and who are very hateful, nasty, and dangerous. Dr. Croaks is captured, nearly killed and finally rescued by a frog, a kind that Dr.Croaks has never seen before; one that is strong, brave and magical. He is taken to a peaceful forest where he dreams mystical dreams and awakens to find himself safely back home among his friends, healing and ready for the next adventure.

I have to say this is truly a fun and adventurous tale. It has great characters that are developed fully where you have a good mind vision of them. The author uses the characters to show loyalty, friendship, compassion, fear, and also hate, as is found in the rats. The story has interesting locals, and a storyline that keeps your interest and leaves you wanting more. Very well done; very enjoyable read for both the young and young at heart.