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Mike was born in California and has lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. He cannot remember a time when he wasn’t reading a book. At school, home, on vacation, at work at lunch time, and yes even a few pages in the car (at times when he just couldn’t put that great book down). Though he has read all sorts of genres he has always been drawn to fantasy. It is his way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women.
Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.
Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys – writing!
Reviewed by Erika Grediaga for Readers' Favorite
The Dragon Orb, the first installment of The Alaris Chronicles by Mike Shelton, follows the story of three teenagers: Bakari, a scholar wizard; Allison, or Alli, a battle wizard apprentice; and Roland, a counselor apprentice. These three kids have shown immense powers and promise as students, Bakari being the youngest confirmed wizard. Alaris is a society that rests on the balance of power between wizards and regular people through a judicial system. There’s no king of the land, but appointed judges that rule in an almost democratic society. However, the balance of power is being threatened, as the magical barrier that protects all of Alaris is failing, and there’s rebellion and turmoil among the wizards, who want to impose a king and get rid of the political system.
The Dragon Orb is full of magic and adventure, and a way for younger readers to get a peek into the world of politics. The book is a strange combination of a Dungeons and Dragons adventure with Game of Thrones, but with kids as the movers and shakers of the story -- and with a PG rating. It is a very easy read, a page turner. I love the fact that the protagonists of this story come in all colors, shapes and sizes, and that our leads are not your usual all-white characters. As mentioned before, the world our characters inhabit borrows from already established fantasy folklore; from Lord of the Rings to the Wheel of Time series. The biggest innovation on these series by Mr. Shelton is the inclusion of how politics work (hence the Game of Thrones reference), but accessible for a younger audience.
This book is perfect for older elementary school children, from tweens to teens. Fantasy lovers will enjoy the read, the younger focusing on the adventure and its young characters’ feats. It does have a few emotionally charged parts and violence, so I’d recommend caution for the youngest readers. For my part, as a fantasy fan, I will very much enjoy seeing how this series evolves and I can't wait for my daughter to read it too.
