"A wonderful book for children of all ages." The Gift of Sunderland by @warriorechidna #fantasy

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The Gift of Sunderland

An Australian Fantasy Adventure

Written by J.E. Rogers

Genre(s): Fantasy, Young readers 8-12 years, middle grade



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A rift has been created in the Ayers’ lineage. Roland Ayers, Guardian of the Forest, knows that he must obey the voices of past Guardians and declare the next in line. When the announcement is made, two estranged brothers will be torn further apart, causing the Forest to rise from its long sleep. Follow Fergal, Waylond, and the rest of our heroes as they trek across Sunderland to the depths of Mt. Olga where evil dwells. It's there they will discover the importance of family and friendship!

An excerpt from

The Gift of Sunderland

Waylond Ayers stood on the banks of the Gabbling. The water of the river rushed by forming eddies around smooth rocks. Acadia and Demelza, territories within the realm of Sunderland, teemed with life, but today the Forest was quiet. Warm breezes blew through the trees and ruffled Waylond’s fur. A green leaf drifted down before him and dropped into the river. The current pulled it under. The leaf rose briefly to the surface, then disappeared beneath the dark water.

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Waylond scanned the woods on the far side of the Gabbling. Not another soul was in sight, and he was grateful for the solitude. He had not been to this embankment since the tragedy. The memory of what had happened at this spot on the river was clear in his mind, and it stung his heart like the poisonous bite of a brown snake. He bent a knee to the hard earth and thought about all that had passed between himself and his brother, Morlund. Then, slipping his claw beneath the gold clasp that held his cape around his neck, he released it and let the cloak fall to the ground.

A royal numbat, his family was composed of an ancestry of mighty marsupials, sworn to care for and protect the weaker inhabitants of the countryside. They made sure the cycle of life and death continued as the Forest intended, and maintained peace and harmony among all creatures. As in times gone by, Guardianship was passed down. The voices of the Forest’s former Guardians spoke the name of the next in line. He was chosen and would need to take on the obligations expected of him.

But those heavy responsibilities could not hold him in the present. Dark memories clouded his thoughts as the mighty marsupial squeezed his eyes shut. The breeze skittered across the river bringing painful recollections with it. Rising from the chattering waters, his memories arrived on the whistling wind.

***

“Waylond!” The boy’s shrill voice called out as he ran along the dirt path toward the river. “I’ll beat you there!” Leaving their mother behind to set up a picnic lunch, they hurried on toward the Gabbling. Waylond caught up to his older brother, Morlund, and tackled him. They rolled together in the tall weeds, giggling and nipping playfully at each other.

“Careful, boys,” their mother’s voice warned from within the trees. “Don’t get too close to the river. Stay near.”

Rising to their feet, both boys ignored their mother’s warning and headed closer to the rushing water. They played near the edge of the river and wandered too close to the Gabbling’s slick banks.

It happened in the blink of an eye. The riverbank seemed to reach out and take hold of Morlund’s feet, and he fell into the river. Waylond thrust out a paw, but he could not reach his brother in time.

Waylond screamed for help, and their mother sprinted to the spot. She raced down along the bank until she was close to her son. Jumping into the river, the current pulled her under. Rising to the surface, she clutched at Morlund, and gasped for air. Waylond watched helplessly as his mother shoved and pushed Morlund toward the bank. Finally, she lifted Morlund and dropped him in a heap onto a flat boulder. She tried to hold on to the smooth surface, but she was exhausted. Her paw slid off the edge and the swift current embraced her and carried her away.

“Mother,” Waylond shouted from the shore. “Mother!” He ran along the river, keeping her in sight for as long as he could. He lifted his paw, asking the Forest for help, trying to use his immature sorcery, but he couldn’t. A swift wind whistled through the treetops in response to his call. He stopped. He stood staring, his chest heaving. He no longer saw her head above the rolling water.

***

“Mother!” Waylond woke from his reverie. He was alone again on the bank of the river, staring out at the flat rock—the rock that had saved his brother. It was the same rock his mother could not hold on to. Sadness gripped him and he scolded himself, as he had done so many times before, for not being able to save her.

Here's what

Fans are saying

The two brothers are reminiscent of Kane and Able and there is a classic battle between good and evil.

The Gift of Sunderland by J. E. Rogers and illustrated by Guy Atherfold is an epic adventure in the fantasy world of Sunderland. Two brothers after the same artefact, but only one has the destiny to become Guardian of the Forest. Brothers Waylond and Kaylond are torn apart by family tragedy, and their lives take different journeys. Waylond sets off on his quest to fulfil his destiny and gathers various animals that need his help along the way. When the brothers finally meet again they will either be divided and be enemies forever, or unite to protect their world.

Following on from The Sword of Demelza, this book again uses native Australian animals as the protagonists. The two brothers are reminiscent of Kane and Able and there is a classic battle between good and evil. In spite of his personal mission and journey, Waylond always has the compassion for the other animals that need his help which earns their loyalty, so that their determination and courage overcome the mean-spirited animals that follow their dark leader.

Well written and enhanced by lovely illustrations, this book is a delight to read. I found myself thinking about the characters even after I had finished reading. As a lover of anthropomorphism I really enjoyed the way the author brought out the characters of the animals. A book that is crying out for animation. Highly recommended.

— Jane Finch

A wonderful book for 
children of all ages! 

I also highly recommend Ms. Rogers first book, "The Sword of Demelza". The books are set in an alternate Australia and the characters are animals, lizards, etc. that are indigenous to that continent. The characters come to life in a rousing adventure tale. There are lessons to be learned on the importance of taking care of our planet but you never feel as if you are being taught a lesson. You get to meet the characters in the beautiful artwork that graces the book. I am looking forward the another installment.

— miranda merry

Author Bio

J.E. Rogers

J.E. Rogers was born in the Bronx and raised in New Jersey. She graduated from Western Connecticut State University. Besides being an avid reader and writer, she also loves animals, and is especially intrigued by those found on the continent of Australia. Her compassion for endangered species led her to include them in her writing, where she hopes to spark a desire in middle graders to learn more about the environment and its effect on the planet's wildlife.

She is extremely active in the literary world. She is Vice President of the Connecticut chapter of Association of Publishers for Special Sales (APSS). The APSS is dedicated to helping authors reach their writing goals and dreams by providing education on the publishing industry. While she enjoys encouraging and helping fledgling writers, she also continues to work on her third book, The Last Ayer, which will introduce more endangered species to young readers.