Title: Beyond the Cedar Gate: Elizabeth and The Savages – Unchained
Author: Wendy J. Hatfield
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1665547123
Pages: 128
Genre: Adventure
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Pacific Book Review
Beyond the Cedar Gate: Elizabeth and The Savages – Unchained by author Wendy J. Hatfield is a riveting yarn which follows a protagonist who builds dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear in her mind.
Elizabeth James is a puppy who was adopted at four months and who has been curiously wondering what lies beyond the cedar gates where Mommy occasionally goes to. Determined and excited to get a better look, she squeezes her eyes shut and pushes her nose through the slats of the gate only to find herself stuck. Her siblings, Sager and Wienie, come to her rescue, and to her amazement, they reveal crucial details about the cedar gate, which can foster an undetected exploration of the world beyond.
Elizabeth is joined by her sister, Sager, also known as ‘babysitter’ in her first mission outside their familiar dwelling environment. They are fortunate to come across a well- traveled gopher who suggests The Field of Mystery and Wonderment as a stunning spot that will take their breath away. They however have to pass through The Great Stone Ruins where many brave skunks are said to have failed. Elizabeth is forced to decide whether to go back home or let go of her fears and be that adventurous fun- seeking puppy she was before coming to this locale.
Beyond the Cedar Gate: Elizabeth and The Savages – Unchained is an exciting read, packed full of twists and turns which take readers on a white-knuckle journey of discovery. The animal characters are awesome and inspiring, especially when confronting their fears with energy and imagination. The rhythm of the language is pleasing and the words in the story flow naturally from page to page.
Author Hatfield’s book is bound to stand the test of time because of its universally relatable topics, as well as her brilliant mix of components which produce a story that is very much as enthralling as the classics. This is an irresistible page-turner readers will find themselves engaged well into the wee hours of the night.
