The Golden Spark honored by Underground Book Reviews as “Pitch Perfect Pick”

The Golden Spark has been selected as a “Pitch Perfect Pick” by Underground Book Reviews!

This is a special independent honor for The Golden Spark“Underground Book Reviews is an online magazine that puts a spotlight on the emerging world of independent, e-publishing and self-publishing.” Here is the notice I received:

gh2_261x377_3e-r-FINThe Golden Spark was selected as a Pitch Perfect Pick Finalist!

Our judges analyzed your book’s pitch, sample content, and several other factors and found it’s initial presentation comparable to other quality books in its genre and market. Once qualified, it had to finish in the top five of all our weekly qualifiers. This is an honor not given lightly.

Next week I’ll share their official Facebook post for voting!

The Golden Spark wins 1st Place in 2012 Written Arts Awards!

The Golden Spark has won in a 2012 Written Arts Award, placing 1st in Science Fiction/Fantasy!

The Golden Spark bookcover;The Golden Spark" bookcover (2011)The Golden Spark by John Royce won a 2012 Written Arts Award, placing 1st in Science Fiction/Fantasy!

The Written Arts Awards are an annual literary awards program hosted by Rebecca’s Reads. The awards were founded to pay tribute to authors who are independently published.

Rebecca’s Reads reviewers conducted the initial evaluation of title entries, followed by a final round held by jury of judges.

The Golden Spark Award Review:2012 Written Arts Awards

So begins “The Golden Spark,” John Royce’s 2nd book in “The Legend of the Great Horse” trilogy. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the 1st book in the series, “Eclipsed by Shadow” as the author provides a special note to those who haven’t in the beginning of the book. He gives a brief summary and then reprints the last chapter of the first book so that those who are unfamiliar with the tale can get caught up. I found this to be a nice touch.

Another helpful addition is the seven page glossary at the end of the novel. Being that the story is set in time periods long ago there are many unfamiliar terms used throughout the book. The glossary is extremely helpful in deciphering the meaning of these words that are not used often today.

“The Golden Spark” is a tale that will appeal to young readers of fantasy and particularly readers interested in horsemanship. The story is magical and enchanting and the writing moves along at a nice pace as we follow Meagan on her journey through history. I think that it could easily be turned into a movie. I look forward to the continuation of Meagan’s story in Book 3. — Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads

Book II: The Golden Spark is the 2nd book of The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy, an intriguing and fun time-travel adventure through history — on horseback.

Book I: Eclipsed by Shadow won national awards including the Eric Hoffer Award for best Young Adult Fiction, and the 2010 Mom’s Choice Award for best family-friendly Young Adult Fantasy.

Written Arts Awards: The Golden Spark is “Magical and Enchanting”

“The Golden Spark” is a tale that will appeal to young readers of fantasy and particularly readers interested in horsemanship. The story is magical and enchanting and the writing moves along at a nice pace as we follow Meagan on her journey through history.—Kam Aures, Written Arts Awards – Rebecca’s Reads

The following review of The Golden Spark was given by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads. The title was honored by selection for their literary contest, the Written Arts Awards:

Written Arts Award logo

Rebecca’s Reads | Kam Aures

“The floor rolled sharply and Meagan fell hard against a wall. A tide of cold water sloshed over her feet. All around in the darkness were piercing screams of horses and the thudding concussion of hooves. The floor rolled the other way and Meagan felt herself sliding. She leaned to stay against the wall…”

So begins “The Golden Spark,” John Royce’s 2nd book in “The Legend of the Great Horse” trilogy. Don’t worry if you haven’t read the 1st book in the series, “Eclipsed by Shadow” as the author provides a special note to those who haven’t in the beginning of the book. He gives a brief summary and then reprints the last chapter of the first book so that those who are unfamiliar with the tale can get caught up. I found this to be a nice touch.

Another helpful addition is the seven page glossary at the end of the novel. Being that the story is set in time periods long ago there are many unfamiliar terms used throughout the book. The glossary is extremely helpful in deciphering the meaning of these words that are not used often today.

“The Golden Spark” is a tale that will appeal to young readers of fantasy and particularly readers interested in horsemanship. The story is magical and enchanting and the writing moves along at a nice pace as we follow Meagan on her journey through history. I think that it could easily be turned into a movie. I look forward to the continuation of Meagan’s story in Book 3.

graphic image of knight chesspieceThe Golden Spark is the 2nd book of The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy, an award winning time-travel adventure through history—on horseback! The story follows the journey of a modern horsewoman lost in the distant past.

The trilogy books have won multiple national awards including the 2009 Eric Hoffer Award for best Young Adult Fiction, and the 2010 Mom’s Choice Award for best family-friendly Young Adult Fantasy.

Further information about this unique ‘creative non-fiction’ novel can be found at  TheGreatHorse.com.

‘The Golden Spark’ featured in Midwest Book Review Bookwatch

Trapped in time, all she has is her will and her equine knowledge to try to guide her home … With a good focus on history and horses, THE GOLDEN SPARK is a fun and enjoyable read, highly recommended.”—Midwest Book Review ~ Children’s Bookwatch

The Golden Spark bookcover;The Golden Spark" bookcover (2011)
The Golden Spark, Book #2 of The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy, is being featured in the current Midwest Book Review – Children’s Bookwatch selection. The selected titles are chosen from an average 1,500 books submitted each month.

Midwest Book Review | Children’s Bookwatch

Trapped in time, all she has is her will and her equine knowledge to try to guide her home.

Book II: The Golden Spark is the second book in John Royce’s series (The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy) following a young teenage girl who is lost in the Renaissance and trying to put it all together to find her way home.

With a good focus on history and horses, The Golden Spark is a fun and enjoyable read, highly recommended.

* Recommended for Ages 14 & Up

» See original review online

graphic image of knight chesspieceThe Golden Spark is the 2nd book of The Legend of the Great Horse trilogy, an award winning time-travel adventure through history—on horseback! The story follows the journey of a modern horsewoman lost in the distant past.

The trilogy books have won multiple national awards including the 2009 Eric Hoffer Award for best Young Adult Fiction, and the 2010 Mom’s Choice Award for best family-friendly Young Adult Fantasy.

Further information about this unique ‘creative non-fiction’ novel can be found at TheGreatHorse.com.