Reviews for It Is Said (MBKS 1)
"As part of my `Snagging an Author' Reviews, I peruse the internet, secretly looking for books that deserve to have a spotlight put on them. I am not paid for these reviews and the author is unaware that I am even reading their book, until I post my reviews. That is why I am so happy to bring this book to your attention. If I can help shed some well deserved light on this dazzling piece of work, I will go to bed with a smile on my face. While reading It Is Said I embarked on a journey I will not soon forget. In fact, I even urged my eldest daughter to read this stunning gem of a book.

I have decided not to reiterate the plot in this review, but instead I want to concentrate on conveying this message: how fervently I want people to read this book. By the end of my adventure into this wondrous world, I sat back, thinking, "Wow!" How's this for an idea: Imagine taking your imagination for a walk in its own imagination...I'll give you a moment to let that sink in...

Now, imagine your imagination living in a world where imagination is not allowed. It's not a tongue twister, it's a brain twister and that's what I absolutely loved about this book. It makes you stop and think. The scenes make you scratch your head (in a good way), as you try to figure out what is real and what isn't. Beware, though, because once you think you have things figured out, something else creeps up to completely twist things around. This story is so out of the ordinary, it's Alice in Wonderland stuck in Dorothy's tornado from the Wizard of Oz, and by the end of the book, I wanted more!

What I also loved was the constant play of opposites. The scenes are whimsical and dark, the characters are wild and fun and the writing...let me say this about the writing: The chemistry of the words blend into an alchemical potion that makes the writing sing straight off the page with such lyrical sweetness. The story emanates a force that pushes the mind to read faster and faster, yet there's an ease imposed on the words, so that you simply glide along as you read.

I have to share my absolute favorite passage:

`A life is an amazing gift. It's not something to be lost or wasted or forgotten about. It's an adventure to be grasped. You must be big and bold in the choices you make. Strong in your convictions. You will gain wisdom but you must retain a child-like fascination with everything new. And you must always see beyond your limitations.'
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Heck, that's my life's motto! I had to reread this passage quite a few times, that's how much it resonated with me.

There is only one thing I regret with this book. That I didn't have the chance to read it all in one sitting, as life usually tends to get in the way! There aren't enough hours in a day, but you know what? I will reread this book, and to be able to do it in one sitting will be worth it for the ride that Edward Medina takes you while you're reading.
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And so, I take to my feet and give a standing ovation to the author for such brilliant writing, and gladly hand over 5 dazzling stars."

Author, Natasha Slight
"This book started out solid, and you know you're in the hands of a storyteller. I'm not going to summarize the plot or give anything anyway. I will say that halfway through I realized what this book reminded of Alice in Wonderland. No, not the Disney version, the literary work. We follow Mathias into a whimsical world of quirky characters, fantastic landscapes and a full formed mythology that is slowly, lyrically revealed. There are many morals here, along with allegories. There is a message for the reader, not just for Mathias. This is a fable that you will need to become pleasantly lost within so that it can carry you away. This is a book for readers who remember what stories can do when in the hands of an author who knows a little magic."
J. Fields
"Edward Medina is a new author to me. I was given both "Awilda", which I simply inhaled, and "A Murder of Crows", which I read twice, in return for honest reviews. Then I saw "It is Said", a steampunk fantasy, which I bought because I wanted to read it right away. And, by the way, I'm almost 70 and the word "steampunk" seldom arises in my vocabulary. In fact, I had to look it up.
That being said, I was at first confused by and then consumed by "It is Said". I read it in one sitting. Many times, I wanted to call my 25 year old and read aloud to him. It is just that powerful. You want to share the words. They just fly off the page and are oh so lyrical !
The story is a journey, a search, a dream, a nightmare. It's about creativity and imagination. Characters are real, fantasies, and maybe both. I highly recommend this book to thoughtful, insightful readers. It is simply stunning."
Babs Z.
"An enchanting, lyrical, and thoughtful allegory written by Edward Medina, this work will seduce even the most discerning reader with its intricately woven tale. Prepare for an action filled, fantastic journey with the young protagonist Mathias Bootmaker as he draws the reader into his paradoxical world where young and old, darkness and light, and dreams and nightmares blend together seamlessly."
Belladonnalatte
"This book drew me in slowly, and before I realized it I was addicted to it. It weaves good, old fashioned storytelling with darkness in a mesmerizing tone that really brings you into the story. As a teacher, I love that it could be used for all grade levels and uses vocabulary that is both fresh and classical. As a reading addict, this authors imagination takes me on an unforgettable journey. I can't wait to read the next creation of Mr. Medina."
Kymdragon
"Ed Medina has spun a fascinating yarn, wasting no time in drawing the reader under his spell. Best book I've read this summer. Couldn't put this one down."
Bluezman
"This book was so good. Author Medina rocks. It's nice that there are still real writers with imagination in this world. Can't wait for part 2."
Denise
"I've heard many exciting things would be arriving soon from author Edward Medina, but I didn't expect this. Its always breathtaking to find a book you have been eager to read and when you finally get a hold of it, you are blown away. To find a book that you've started and finished in the same day and didn't take any breaks away from it is truly something special. Only a few books have done that for me and this was one of them. "
Ashley
"I highly recommend this book to everyone. It has great story telling that will keep you on the edge of your seat and wanting more. I am not a book reader, but the idea of the story got me interested. In one day I have read 4 chapters, and that is a lot for me. The layer of story telling is something that can't be matched in other books. I can't wait to get home from work so I can read more. If you are looking for a great story that will take you away from your own reality and into someone else's fantasy, this is the book for you."
Elizabeth M.
"The story is effortlessly compelling, blending the best elements from classic books into a wonderful new adventure that shares a brilliant message while it entertains you."
Sora
"I can easily see myself reading this book again and again, not only to try an discover more puzzle pieces but because it's just that good. I can't wait until the next book is released!!!"
Natalee
"The book is beautifully written. The detail that goes into describing a room or a character's clothing is outstanding! The characters are wonderful and the imagination involved in creating this work is superb! I'm very excited for the next one!!!"
Elyse
"Be prepared to fall down the rabbit hole, again. A wonderful fable, fairy tale that keeps all those delightful secrets to being happy and living a good life. Only Mathias has forgotten and now must move through a fantastical world of nightmares and dreams to rediscover himself and who he wants to be. An entertaining read for all ages."
Alchemyofscrawl
"There are several different qualities to this book, half way through the first chapter your imagination starts rolling, the book is very inviting. One of the things that I love the most, is how visual the book is; Edward Medina describes characters and locations with such detail that it is not hard to visualize what is happening in the story. This book is definitely at the top of my list of favorite books. Buy the book... Read the book and you'll find the treasure that Mathias Bootmaker and the Keepers of the Sandbox really is."
Eddie G
"Highly Recommended Must Read!! Great characters, great story line, great imagination!! Whether your 10 years old or 75 years old you need to read book 1 of 3!! I can't wait till the other books are done!!"
Samantha M.
"Was a book that kept you wanting to read more. I was drawn into it right away. Cant wait to read more by Edward Medina"
Christine H.
It Is Said (MBKS 1) is available on Amazon.com