What comes to mind when I say "wide-eyed innocence"? Naive? Childish? Child-like? Too trusting? These characteristics are at times scorned at, and people having these traits are frequently taken advantage of. Children are the easy target of human nature because of their innocence and rose-colored views of the world. As people grow older, they learn the harshness of the world, becoming less trustful of others. Still, a small group is naive and gullible, possessing the wide-eyed innocence that many view as easy targets.
In my opinion, being wide-eyed innocent is an admirable trait. People who have the purest of hearts feel that many others must possess the purest of hearts, too. But in our world, this quality cannot thrive and not be ridiculed at the same time.
But in the world I created in Daring Quests of Mystics, such world exists in harmony. It is a mystical land where good is the best magic and where pure goodness is not too good to be true. It explores every aspect of beauty—from the beauty of life to the beauty of human beings, mainly focusing on the inner beauty. I've been told that the main characters are "too nice" which I take as a compliment. Is it undesirable to be "too nice"? One reviewer has titled her review "Sweetness for a little princess to endure" and mentioned that my book was written with a wide-eyed innocence. We obviously have different views on that term (I personally take that as a compliment). I know what is too sweet, too pure often nauseate people because they cannot comprehend the "reason" behind it; they cannot understand it because they are not too sweet or too pure themselves.
Another review found Princess Sophia, the protagonist in Daring Quests of Mystics, is dull. Yes, many would find Princess Sophia very dull if she lived in our world. 99% of the world's population would take advantage of her, but I'm happy to say that they wouldn't succeed. Princess Sophia is the purest of hearts, knowing right from wrong, treats everyone exactly the same no matter what their social status is, how they look on the outside (pretty, old, ugly, sickly, etc.), age, etc..
She is supreme, and only a supreme world would appreciate such a creation.
Daring Quests of Mystics is not for most people (how often do you hear authors say that about their own books?) and is not targeted to children, though people of any age and from all walks of life can enjoy it. If you're spiritual with a poetic nature, you would like it.
Shirley Cheng, www.ShirleyCheng.com
Review by Tyler May
Daring Quests of Mystics is a wonderfully written book. The writing itself is like poetry and paints the image of each scene vividly in your head. As for the stories they are like classic fairy tales and fables fabricated for the more mature mind. Not for inappropriate content of course but for themes, morals, and vocabulary that the little ones are not likely to understand. That said, through each story you will come to know and admire the main characters more and more as their moral values shine through and teach us lessons about life and how it should be lived. Although not for everyone, this book is a worthwhile read for those of us who just like to lay back with a cup of tea and read the afternoon away.
Review by Lin Fong-O'Neill, author
I like the basic framework of the story: empathetic characters, intriguing settings, sustained
drama and a satisfying conclusion.
I love the vision of Shangri-la in Shirley Cheng's book. I was enchanted by the descriptions of intriguing settings throughout, and I like how some of the rich details get wrapped around the dramatic moments. Each has a compelling lesson to which readers are drawn. It gives a good overall message - the power of a daring heart, magic and goodness defeating evil.
While I would like to see more plot twists in her stories, I understand Shirley's motivation to be simplistic. Her story is in sync with her motto of bringing hope and healing to this world. God knows we need them!
Review by Michelle Dunn, author, consultant
Daring Quests of Mystics by Shirley Cheng is a fun adventurous read for all ages. This is a fascinating book of short stories, each with a moral. I would recommend this book for all ages, I have passed it on to my teenage son to read, because the fun, magical story is also teaching while entertaining. Something that is hard to find. I look forward to the next book by this author.
Review by award-winning author Cheryl Kaye Tardif
Daring Quests of Mystics is a charming collection of short stories that is filled with quaint, old-world imagery and poetic visualization. Author Shirley Cheng has captured the hearts of youngsters who still beg for the fairy tale filled with Princesses, Kings and imminent danger.
Follow Princess Sophia as she foils evil plots with the help of the magical gifts given to her by Dawn, a soothsayer and wise woman. Learn the lessons of
betrayal and forgiveness, deception and honesty, loss and love. Daring Quests of Mystics may remind the reader of Aesop's fables-short tales that touch upon the importance of morals.
Shirley Cheng, an American author who has overcome great physical disabilities herself, is a 'princess' at heart, and one can only imagine some of the pain she has endured. However, with this wonderful collection of stories, she shares her inner world and exudes a radiant light that speaks volumes. Here is a young author who inspires. Hats off to Shirley Cheng for giving us Princess Sophia and the engaging world of Noxellia! Daring Quests of Mystics is a fantastic fantasy for the young…or the young-at-heart!
Review by award-winning author Marilyn Meredith
Daring Quests of Mystics by Shirley Cheng is for all lovers of fairy tales and fantasy-young and old. A dire warning leads Princess Sophia through a mystical and magical adventure that will delight the reader.
Review by W. R. Logan, author
This is a book that reminds me of bedtime stories when I was a child. All the stories have a moral. I found it to be wonderfully refreshing and look forward to seeing more books by this author.
A kid's review by Sophia Utpadel, age 12
Daring Quests of Mystics by Shirley Cheng is an enchanting story that will be loved by anyone who reads it. On a scale of a one to five stars, this book receives a ten! Most would say a sixth grader knows nothing about books but, believe me, I've read a lot and this is one of the best I've ever read. From the beginning to the end, this book keeps you on the edge.
This book is highly entertaining and I recommend it to everyone. From the strange beginning to the tearful end, this book is an excellent book for all ages (especially girls). I loved it very much. Many times when I read a book and recommend it to others, they aren't interested or say that I read too much. I think that most of those people would love this book and will read it once they start. Daring Quests of Mystics is very entertaining.
This exciting book has many interesting twists and many morals to share. In this book you will find romance, enchantment, and mystery at every turn. From Princess Sophia's kidnapping to Lord Veldolf's love for Princess Sophia, you can see that this book is unpredictable. Of the many messages in this story, the one that stands out to me is that good always conquers evil. I love this book very much and I hope whoever else reads this agrees.
