Author: A.M Veillon
Publishers: Parity Press
ISBN 0-9762015-4-2

The following review was contributed by: Mary Simmons: To read more of Mary’s Reviews CLICK HERE

'Shelby and the Shifting Rings' is the first instalment in A.M. Veillon's
Defender of Time series for young adults.

It tells the story of 12-year-old Shelby Shodworth, an orphan who lives with
her uncle, Leviticus Pottsworth, until she is shipped off to Ms. Peabonnet's
Academy for Girls, a stipulation of her mother's will. At the academy,

Shelby meets Molly MacPac, her new roommate, who is the genius behind the
formula for the well-known Sebastian's Bubble Drinks. Together, the two
girls embark on an adventure after Shelby realizes she has a natural ability
to fence and that something mysterious is going on at the school.
As the mystery unfolds, Shelby learns the answers lie within her own
family's history. She also gets the opportunity to travel back in time and
save the world.

In Shelby, Veillon has created a strong, female protagonist, who, like
Pollyanna, always looks for the good in things. But there the similarity
ends. Shelby is not meek or mild. She is a defender of time, wielding a
magical sword which enhances her own innate talent. Using intelligence and
strength, Shelby follows the clues set before her to find the legacy of her
ancestors.

Shelby will be the envy of young readers. After all, who among us has not
wished to find a mysterious sword, travel back in time and defend the
universe?

But Veillon also points out that in spite of the thrilling, fun adventures
of time travel, there are also rules to follow and everything must be done
with the good of humankind and the balance of the universe in mind. In doing
so, she offers a structure and balance to the fantasy, reminding us that
even the most exciting experiences come with boundaries and to disobey is to
wreak havoc on the natural order of things.

While reading this book, I was impressed with the strength of the
12-year-old protagonist. On thinking over the books I enjoyed most as a
child, one common theme is that of a strong, independent young hero or
heroine. Shelby has now taken her place in this company of characters.
Suspenseful and mysterious, with an ending that will leave readers anxiously
awaiting the next instalment, 'Shelby and the Shifting Rings' is an
intriguing new fantasy series for young adults.