Book Review of Children of the Ancient Heroes
The Children’s Book Review
Children of the Ancient Heroes
Written by Russell Fellows
Ages 8+ | 346 Pages
Publisher: Monarch Educational Services LLC (2026) | ISBN-13: 978-1971855073
What to Expect: Portal fantasy, magic, siblings, ancient legends, dragons, courage, family secrets, magical creatures, friendship.
Two young siblings are pulled into a magical realm where they must embrace their heroic legacy, navigate dangerous monsters, and face ancient family secrets to save a kingdom.
When thirteen-year-old Tirza and her nine-year-old brother Eli discover a mysterious old book in their family’s new bookstore, reading a forgotten poem transports them to the Lighted Lands—a vibrant, parallel world filled with magic, wondrous creatures, and ancient legends. When the siblings are swept into the strange realm, they discover it’s more dangerous than they ever imagined, and it turns out they have unexpected ties to its past. To navigate the unknown landscape and face rising threats, Tirza and Eli must rely on their courage, emerging gifts, and unbreakable sibling bond.
In this thrilling middle-grade fantasy, author Russell Fellows crafts an immersive, fast-paced adventure. Rich with classic fantasy elements, high-stakes mystery, and genuine emotional resonance, the pages are filled with an expansive world, distinct magic systems, intriguing lore, and a colorful cast of allies and adversaries. Balancing thrilling action sequences with thoughtful character growth, Fellows’s authentic portrayal of Tirza and Eli’s sibling dynamic—their banter, mutual support, and contrasting personalities— grounds the magical narrative in relatable realism while exploring themes of courage, legacy, and overcoming fear.
Children of the Ancient Heroes is an enchanting, action-packed start to a series that will captivate young readers who love immersive portal fantasies, magical creature companions, and epic quests driven by family loyalty—perfect for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia and Keeper of the Lost Cities.
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About the Author
Master of illusions, Captain of industry, a leader of leaders. Russell J. Fellows is none of these.
He is a storyteller, however.
Russell believes that stories weave magic into everyday life, especially the magic of faith, hope, love, and family in its myriad forms.
Deep in the heart of Oklahoma, Russell lives with his beautiful wife and two amazing children. When he’s not dreaming of new stories to tell, he loves spending time outdoors with his family, playing Everdell or many other family games.
Visit his website and share your stories.
He would love to hear from you.
