I posted late last year about how much I enjoyed “The Crown Conspiracy” as it was fantasy, but not “take myself seriously” fantasy.

“Shadowmagic” and it’s sequel “A Prince of Hazel & Oak” are two books in the same vein.

The stories revolve around Conor, a seventeen-year-old boy from Scranton who is pulled into the mythical world of Celtic legend, Tir-na-Nog. The adventures are fun, but what’s truly entertaining is Conor’s modern American sensibilities in this archaic world. It’s funny and poignant all at the same time.

He still has all the things we expect of a teenager, needs his parents, wants to impress them, bu also wants to stand on his own. Conor makes mistakes, some big, some small, but they stem from his inexperience, not trite emotional outbursts or stupidity. He’s a fish out of water and is doing the best he can.

Something, I think, we can all empathize with.

So, long story short (too late!) go grab the newest book by John Lenahan, “A Prince of Hazel and Oak.” If you haven’t picked up “Shadowmagic” yet, do it first and then get the sequel. He’s promised a third (and it sounds like final) book to the series. Get writing John!

Tags: Podiobooks, Shadowmagic