"Amethystia": Hansel & Gretel Retold? Not Exactly!

United States, June 22, 2015 (Newswire.com) - A young girl and her brother wander too far from home, become lost, and encounter a deadly witch.  Sound familiar?  Sure, that's the story of "Hansel and Gretel."  However, it's also the plot line for Amethystia, a fantasy novel written by Bob Albano for young readers (ages 9-12).

Inspired by the classic fairy tale, Albano populates his modern novel not only with the wicked witch but also with a kindly wizard, a helpful but somewhat crabby elf, a troublesome brownie, and a host of other fantastic characters as two very human children, Becky and Toby Austen, embark upon a dangerous quest to restore a kingdom that has been devastated by a witch's terrible curse.

The powers of fate and family strengthen the two children and provide them with the courage to face the frightening dangers along the way.  And, in the process, the two kids learn that their coming to Amethystia was not an accident or a chance occurrence.  Destiny brought them there!

Becky and Toby's fantastic journey is now available at Amazon Books.

The adventures of the Austen kids continue several months later when they return to the magical land.  However, the siblings become separated and end up traveling in opposite directions.

Becky Austen travels north to the land of Rubia and encounters two deadly factions of witches who are engaged in a civil war for power and prestige.  Becky's tale appears in Amethystia II (also available at Amazon Books).

Meanwhile, Toby Austen takes a journey to the lands south and east of Amethystia to assist two powerful wizards in their showdown against a powerful demon.  Toby's story appears in Amethystia III.

Drawing inspiration from fairy tales, mythology, and epic literature, Albano creates a fantasy world that is both very familiar and refreshingly new.