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Vermonia #6: To the Pillar of Wind

written by YoYo

Published by Candlewick Press
Paperback
ISBN: 978-0763659172

The Demon General Uro rebelled against Queen Fransinella and destroyed the planet Vermonia. Not satisfied, he now has set his eyes on the Turtle Realm, targeting the infinite power of the queen’s sacred Bolirium, rumored to be hidden there. What hope does the Turtle Realm have? It was once prophesized that four warriors would appear from the planet Blue Star (Earth, perhaps?) and defeat Uro’s forces. As prophesized, the “warriors” appeared, four teenage bandmates named Doug, Jim, Mel, and Naomi, and as expected, they are more than just musicians. Each is endowed with an elemental power and must use it to rescue the Turtle Realm’s four pillars, or legs. Yes, the Turtle Realm is really a giant turtle with legs of fire, wind, thunder, and water.
 
Previously, Mel was captured and imprisoned in a hidden prison by Uro, and in order to fight off Uro’s invading armies, she must escape and rejoin her friends. The demonic swarms are bearing down on the last remaining pillar, the Pillar of Wind. The heroes’ warship’s power supply has been secured, but in order to repel the forces of the evil army, they need to rescue Mel first. In order to do that, the heroes decide to split up their forces to accomplish their goals of saving their friends Mel and Satorin and attempting to convince the Wind to leave the pillar to prevent Uro from getting his hands on her, but with Uro’s forces closing fast, it may already be too late for the weary comrades in arms.
 
This series is a perfect example of how people of many different races, both humanoid and not so humanoid, can come together and join forces in spite of their differences. Humans, the Umli, the Potowari, the Aquami, and many more must unite to stop the power- and blood-hungry demons from sending another planet in the Yami into the darkness. Then, there is the recurring theme of staying true and loyal to your friends and never giving up when one of them needs you. Truly an inspiration!

-- David Gromer

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