Amelia Maylock, Book Two: Hidden In The Amethyst
Jason Ellis
ISBN: 9781430305330
JT Publishing
Reviewed By Chelsea Perry
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 
As Amelia Maylock, Book Two
opens, the reader finds the brave protagonist beginning her eighth year
at Crown Meade Grammar School. Anxiously awaiting her thirteenth
birthday, Amelia is also anticipating the various unknown adventures
upon which she will soon embark. Her evil twin sister, Erryaz, is still
wreaking havoc in other dimensions, and Amelia has still been charged
with the recovery of the remaining hidden jewels scattered throughout
the universe, without which the battle to end her sister's tyranny is
inevitably lost.
So, while her schoolmates all reflect on the
various countrysides, beaches, and other getaways they traveled to over
the course of their summer vacations, Amelia reflects on the multitude
of dimensions that she explored, the mystical languages she studied,
and the daunting monsters she battled in her ongoing quest for cosmic
justice. Little does she know, though, her true tests & trials have
yet to begin.
Although the responsibility for the defeat of her
sister rests squarely on her solitary shoulders, Amelia begins to
receive increased assistance in preparing herself for the ultimate
showdown. This assistance comes primarily in the form of a mysterious
voice that seemingly guides her through challenge after challenge,
apparently with her best interests at heart. The owner of the voice
never reveals himself, though, and, even when Amelia consults with the
trusted old hag, as well as her friend, Anin, not even they can shed
greater insight on the true nature of the emergent helper. Despite her
lingering reservations, though, Amelia proceeds with caution in
accepting the voice's advice & counsel, laying the foundation for
their budding relationship.
The balance of action in Ellis'
enjoyable novella tracks Amelia's increasingly harrowing adventures,
including dangerous dimension-jumping, startling revelations, and the
survival of serious personal injury. Much like the first book in the Amelia Maylock
series, Ellis' imagination and creativity shine as bright spots in a
luminescent tale of unchecked bravery and courage under fire. The
collective appeal of his supporting cast of characters adds genuine
flavor to an already enjoyable tome, and his compelling storytelling
keeps the reader engaged as each new flip of the page reveals an even
deeper hidden truth.
Amelia Maylock, Book Two
is sure to please readers of all ages, from young to old and everyone
in-between, and Ellis' growing fan base will surely stand at rapt
attention in anticipation of the next volume in this delightful series.
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Jason Ellis (The Amelia Maylock Series)
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Jason. We're looking forward to learning more about your book.
Like Book One of the Amelia Maylock series, Hidden In The Amethyst finds Amelia continuing to prepare for deadly warfare against her evil twin sister, Erryaz. Why is Erryaz so determined to spread chaos & destruction throughout the cosmos?
Jason Ellis: Well, Erryaz is pure evil ... she really is a nasty piece of work and has only one aim; total control of everything and everyone. Nothing can get in her way ... if it does, she will destroy it. In later books, readers find out more about why Erryaz is like this, but she is driven by her goal of ultimate power.
AR: In the book, Amelia begins to undergo personal changes as she approaches her teenage years. How do these changes affect her in her mission against Erryaz?
JE: By the end of the series, Amelia will be much older ... I'm thinking early-mid twenties but am unsure yet as to a definite age. The books will follow Amelia as she herself grows up, as well as her 'mystical' life. Issues faced by everyone will and have been included in the books. Sometimes these will cross over in to both lives or be seperate.
AR: Why does the owner of the mysterious "voice" that assists Amelia throughout the story choose to remain anonymous for so long?
JE: He is such an important person that by revealing himself, Amelia would be in danger from Erryaz. More will unravel about him and he is actually met in person in Book 4, released September, 2008. He holds many secrets too and will be a vital character.
AR: Please explain to our readers the significance of the precious jewels that Amelia must obtain in order to defeat Erryaz.
JE: More about the jewels are revealed in later books, but immense power is gifted to the one who possesses them all. I'll leave it at that for now haha!
AR: As our reviewer noted, your imagination always shines brightly in your stories. Where do you get your inspiration from?
JE: I wish I could answer that! It's such a difficult question because I can see stories in so many moments, every day. With Amelia, I try to take a normal, every day situation or familiar issue and blend it with Amelia's story.
AR: Please share more with our readers about your new publishing company, JT Publishing.
JE: I've changed the name to JTT Publishing now. It's going very well. I have re-released all the Amelia's so far through it and will release all upcoming books that way too. I've also had the pleasure of working with quite a few amazing authors already.
AR: How many books do you plan to release in the Amelia Maylock series?
JE: At the moment, it is 9. If that changes, it will only be more. I'm releasing the illustrated, hardcover version of Amelia book one in July 2008. I'm illustrating that, too.
AR: What are your future writing aspirations, beyond the Amelia Maylock series?
JE: I'm working on another illustrated book with a friend. He will illustrate that one. It is aimed at the young reader and will be very colourful, funny, scary etc. It is about a family who move to an enchanted, very strange mansion. It's on Amazon now, here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wonderful-Frightening-Totally-Stories-Crunchbottom/dp/190652906X/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1209497901&sr=1-7
Apart from that, I'll be carrying on with other books. It's difficult to find time for all the books I want to write but I usually manage what I want to. There will be contemporary, fantasy-comedy, many genre really.
AR: How can people learn more about your writings and other efforts?
JE: I am on facebook, myspace and also freewebs. That site is under development at the moment. I'm on the internet a lot though, mostly on author sites.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
JE: Just thanks for taking an interest! I write so that others can enjoy my stories. When I know I've given a reader a great book, I'm happy.
AR: Thanks again, Jason, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!