Books

The Amulet of Amon-Ra

Twelve-year-old Jennifer Seeley travels through time to the reign of Hatshepsut, the famous woman Pharaoh. She discovers a conspiracy against the Pharaoh’s life and must somehow find a way to stop it -- as well as figure out how to return home.

Leslie’s second children’s novel, The Amulet of Amon-Ra, was was published by CBAY Books, a division of Blooming Tree Press, in December 2009.

It was nominated for a 2010 Prix Aurora Awards, which is a Canadian award for speculative fiction. It was also nominated for a 2011 Golden Eagle Book Award, a children’s choice award for Southern Alberta.

Note: As of August 2020, The Amulet of Amon-Ra is out of print.

Lyranel's Song

Lyranel of Trioste, a Duke's daughter, wakes on her twelfth birthday to a terrible discovery -- she has become a Singer. This ought to be a wonderful event. Singing is a magical talent that allows Lyranel to alter the world around her. But her father, the Duke, has forbidden its use and has banned all Singers from his duchy. The only people who know her secret are the kitchen boy, Paul, and Old Cate, a shepherdess whom Lyranel has befriended, who spins stories of olden times as she spins wool on her wheel. Lyranel has to decide whether to reveal her ability in order to save her father's life. When Lyranel sets off to master her talent, she is waylaid by bandits. She must escape from them in order to deal with a mysterious ecological disaster that threatens both her home and the lands beyond.

Lyranel’s Song, published by Blooming Tree Press in 2005, was nominated for a 2008 Golden Eagle Book Award, a children’s choice award for Southern Alberta.

Note: Lyranel's Song is out of print.

Reviews for The Amulet of Amon-Ra and Lyranel's Song

“This is a fast-paced time travel adventure; the plot is intriguing and the characters are unique and well-developed. THE AMULET OF AMON-RA is a great blend of science and historical fiction. Readers who enjoy science fiction, historical fiction, adventure, and stories with action and mystery will all highly enjoy reading this book.” -- Kira M at Teensreadtoo

“So, for actual reading, I just finished The Amulet of Amon-Ra by Leslie Carmichael. It was a quick read that is sure to please lovers of anything ancient Egyptian. And it throws in a great deal of history to boot.” -- From Donna St. Cyr's blog

“From the beginning, it's Jennifer's curiosity and passion for ancient Egypt that drives The Amulet of Amon-Ra. Her detailed descriptions of all that she encounters enrich the text conveying the reality of this time and place. It's with the aid of historical fact that Leslie Carmichael expertly weaves this tapestry of ancient Egypt. The merit of her story is also strengthened by her depiction of the beliefs and customs of the time. Recommended.” -- Inderjit Deogun, CM Review,Volume XVI Number 27, March 19, 2010

Surprise between the covers. “This book was given to me as a gift. Once I read the book I was wonderfully surprised. Between the cover were pages woven with mystery, history, and even science. I enjoyed it so much that I passed it on to my daughter and she loved it.” 5.0 out of 5 stars -- Sarah's Mom (Amazon)

“Author Leslie Carmichael has created a strong female lead and endearing supporting characters in her medieval fantasy, Lyranel's Song. Similar in theme to Kate Constable’s more mature “Chanters of Tremaris Trilogy,” this book will appeal to younger fantasy readers of admirers of Tamora Pierce and who enjoy a determined female protagonist. The themes of good versus evil and benevolence versus greed are played out when unexpected characters reveal their dark side to challenge Lyranel's burgeoning powers, thereby creating an exciting climax and a rewarding conclusion.” Recommended. -- Libby McKeever, CM Review, Volume XIII Number 10, January 4, 2007

“I enjoyed Lyranel's Song from start to finish. Lyranel is an engaging and plucky heroine, and the dangerous and damaged world she must traverse and set to rights is made utterly believable by Leslie Carmichael's clever imagining of it, and especially by her careful seasoning of the tale with gritty details of medieval life. Highly recommended!” -- Edward Willett, author of J.R.R. Tolkien: Master of Imaginary Worlds (a 2004 VOYA Non-fiction Honour Book)

“Lyranel's Song was great. I think that this book shows that love and beauty comes in all shapes and forms, just like people... But most of all that friendship is something that can never be replaced.” -- Tegan L., age 11

“... a book that thoughtful children can relax into and enjoy. The action is steady without being relentless, leaving room for characters to have lives that young girls, in particular, could imagine themselves living. The two young readers (age 11) that I field-tested the book on often interrupted t supplement the commentary or make suggestions for what characters might do, which I always consider a good sign. They also enjoyed the full page illustrations by Elsbet Vance. The fantasy setting of the novel is a modified medieval one in which women can inherit titles and be powerful Singers (the magicians of Lyranel's world) but are still different enough from boys to make typical boy-girl interactions meaningful. . . The evil battled by the young heroes of the book is one we can all recognize as far too real: arrogant self-absorption and exploitative greed. An interesting aspect of the story is Lyranel's physical disability, which is made no more nor less of than necessary to make it a consistent aspect of her personality and the challenges she faces." -- Lynda Williams, author of The Courtesan Prince, OnSpec, Dragon Page

“In 'Lyranel's Song', Leslie Carmichael pulls you into her wonderful world with her evocative writing. Compelling, multi-faceted & thoroughly believable characters in interesting, often fascinating, situations & predicaments, along with lush descriptions, make it almost impossible to put down! My 11 year old daughter, as well as myself, both thoroughly enjoyed it & went back for a second read! Greatly enjoyed the plucky young female heroine. Lyranel uses creativity, resourcefulness & a little help from her somewhat unusual friends to triumph through adversity & adventures galore, despite the handicaps of her time, world & physique. Interesting Medieval references sprinkled throughout also add enjoyment.” -- Alison Whitley.

“Lyranel’s Song is a wonderful book. I especially loved the fact that the book has new ideas of singing being able to do so many things and that the character Lyranel has such an important part in the book. I love stories that have a female as the hero. Lyranels song kept me fascinated chapter by chapter. Leslie Carmichael is a great writer. I would recommend this book to everybody to read.” -- Tehya B., Age 11