The ice gate of Spyre by Allan Jones

150 pgs.
Target audience: Middle Reader
Rating: Wizard

Trundle, a valiant hedgehog, teams up again with his friend, Esmerelda, Jack the minstrel, and a dopey ex-pirate named Ishmael to find the fourth legendary crown of power. According to legend they must head to the Ice Gate of Spyre. So they set off in their sky boat to the floating island of Spyre where they crash land into a tree full of vampire bats. After they narrowly escape exsanguination, the group discovers one of the legendary galleons assigned to deliver the crowns long ago. However the ship and crew was turned to stone before delivery was made. In order to get to the icy peak of Spyre for the crown, they must fight mobs of monastic llamas and enormous, ravenous, snow snakes. Snappy pirate dialogue, inane proclamations from Ishmael pepper this fantastic animal adventure. Kids will enjoy finding and following the many clues in the prophecies that guides the quest. Readers do not need to read the books in order, the author provides a short summary in the form of a prologue. (This book provided for review by Children's Lit - www.childrenslit.com)