SYNOPSIS
What fate awaits a girl who hears monsters at night…
Sixteen-year-old Jaclyn looks up to her father. An honest man who once fought for the king, he now teaches Jaclyn how to use her wits—and her sword.
But he has a secret. And his secret may have a connection to the one thing Jaclyn is hiding from him.
Sixteen-year-old Jaclyn looks up to her father. An honest man who once fought for the king, he now teaches Jaclyn how to use her wits—and her sword.
But he has a secret. And his secret may have a connection to the one thing Jaclyn is hiding from him.
Upon hearing “monsters” are terrorizing the small villages around Black Mountain, Jaclyn’s father and his friends head out to hunt them … but they don’t return.
Armed only with her sword and three magic beans—a gift from a mysterious old woman—Jaclyn sets out for Black Mountain to save her father.
On her climb, one bean drops and grows into a beanstalk, catching her when she falls.
She isn’t the only one that takes the ride. Jack, her childhood friend and secret crush, is following her.
Jaclyn and Jack will have to work together to save not only their fathers, but the townspeople the beasts plan to lay waste to before it’s too late.
Praise for JACLYN AND THE BEANSTALK
A mash-up of "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Lord of the Rings" ... RECOMMENDED ―School Library Journal
"Keenly descriptive and eloquently written with touches of sixteenth-century language, the story takes the reader into the world of monsters controlled by a diabolical villain, and into a land of mystery and magic beans." ―Readers' Favorite Review
"Mary Ting managed to surprise me at every turn, even though I must have read this story a million times as a kid. The most impressive surprise was the creation of a girl protagonist who is so much better than the original Jack. Then she brings in the boy, Jack, as the love interest. Sheer genius and a great idea. The writing is great. The plot is good, and the various themes woven throughout the story make it a very compelling tale." ―Readers' Favorite Review
Mary Ting writes with an adventurous heart, a clever pen, introducing young readers to a classic that meets fantasy, shedding light on the family devotion and a love story that buds to completion by the end. This short novel comes as a highly recommended read for parents and young adults that prefer fantasy fiction with a Christian-based theme and a creative perspective. Mary Ting is one of those writers to notice and watch. ―Kingdom's Review
TEASER – JACLYN AND THE BEANSTALK
Mother crinkled her nose. “Don’t fret.
You’re of marriageable age now. We must think of finding you a husband or your
time will pass. I’m only thinking of your future, Jaclyn. I want to see you
settled soon. Your father and I are not getting younger.”
“Getting married and bearing children is
not for me. There’s much work to be done.”
I slipped my arms around her waist and
pressed my head to her back. I inhaled deeply as warmth enveloped me and her
love replaced the fright from my nightmares.
Safe.
I am safe. No monsters.
“Our life is good here. Why would I want
to fix what is not broken?”
“’Tis what we do. People will talk.”
“Let them.”
I scowled, anger boiling through my
veins. I tended to not raise my voice, so I softened my tone out of respect.
“I will not be handed to a suitor I do
not love.”
Mother patted my arm. “My child, you have
much to learn. Love comes later. I did not love your father at first.”
“I will not follow other people’s ways.”
Pouting, I shuffled my feet on the dirt.
She released a deep sigh. “Oh, Jaclyn.
Your time will come. Everyone has a destiny. Everyone has a story to tell. Some
more than others. We shall see what lies ahead for you. Fate will lead you to
the path you are meant to take.”
I wished I had eyes for the future. I
wanted to know a demon would not seize my soul, and I wanted to see a path
without the nighttime cries. They must be monsters. I’d never heard a human
throat make such tortured sounds.
What
fate awaits a girl who hears monsters at night?
Illness swept through my stomach. A
shudder racked me, beginning in my gut, forewarning me.
Copyright © 2018 by Mary
Ting
My Review
A fairytale retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, Jaclyn and the Beanstalk puts a whole new twist that is full of mystery, fantasy, and biblical concept.
Jaclyn is a strong female lead in this story. She is well trained by her father, while living in isolation from the rest of the village. When word of monsters are starting to terrorize the small villages around the mountain, Jaclyn's father, along with very few men, decide to ride off into the night to try and stop the destruction. When they don't return, Jaclyn decides to take matters into her own hands and put her training to use. She can not abandon her father.
As darkness grows, so does Jaclyn's will. Her confidence grows beautifully as the story progresses, with twists and darkness. But with the darkness of despair, so shines the power of unconditional love and forgiveness.
Through the evil, Jaclyn finds comfort in her childhood friend, Jack. I fell in love with their chemistry immediately. Their bond unites them to stay strong and powerful as a team....and their banter back and forth is a ray of bliss.
This story will entice your imagination with creative imagery and a dynamic plot. It will dominate your emotions.....from start to finish.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary Ting is an international bestselling, award-winning author. She writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers around the world. Her books span a wide range of genres, and her storytelling talents have earned a devoted legion of fans, as well as garnered critical praise.
Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching after twenty years. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book: No Bullies Allowed.
Mary resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two little dogs, Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Being a huge Twilight fan, Mary was inspired to make book-themed jewelry and occasionally gives it away as prizes to her fans.
Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching after twenty years. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book: No Bullies Allowed.
Mary resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two little dogs, Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Being a huge Twilight fan, Mary was inspired to make book-themed jewelry and occasionally gives it away as prizes to her fans.
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TWITTER: @MaryTing
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