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Thuan Doan is an award-winning author of the Sophia Freeman series. He conceived his first middle-grade fantasy novel, Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain, during a trip to Gabriola Island, British Columbia in the summer of 2013. Then he took his work and settled in a small town of Enderby, where it’s peaceful and quiet. 4 years later, the story was complete. While book one, two, three and four are being shared with the world, he's writing and illustrating the last book of the series.
Thuan is writing under a pen name of T.X. Troan. “X” stands for Xu, his grandmother’s name who passed away. And “Troan” is a combination of his parents' names.
“No matter how this turns out, I want my family to be a part of this wonderful journey.”
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Sophia Freeman and the Gate of Jade by T.X. Troan follows Sophia Freeman and Tim Charnal, provisionally pardoned and paired together in the Beyond Event, a competition where their survival depends on teamwork. They are thrust into a series of grueling challenges, including a massive, magical maze and dangerous treasure hunts guarded by formidable creatures. Along the way, they face hostile rivals, rule enforcement by the arbiters, and unexpected supernatural events affecting Sophia. Together, they train, strategize, and use their unique skills and magical outfits to advance through the competition’s rounds, aiming to secure a coveted jade stone that can grant forgiveness for their past crimes. Their partnership and resilience are continuously tested as they contend with the physical dangers and political tensions within the event.
T.X. Troan’s Sophia Freeman and the Gate of Jade showcases excellent writing and exceptional world-building that truly brings its setting to life. The magic elements are wonderfully creative, especially Sophia’s Phantomation spell that creates illusions enhanced by emotional connection. One of my favorite moments is the “Hunt for the Legend” round, where contestants cross a rope bridge and face giant sky creatures before entering a snowy mountain to search for golden sculptures guarded by enormous green giants. Troan's ability to use splashes of original artwork in the book is brilliant. Although this is the second book in the series, it reads comfortably as a standalone; however, missing the build-up would be a shame. Overall, between detailed environments, imaginative magic, and exciting contests, this is a series worth following. Very highly recommended.
