The Mage and the Magpie by Austin J. Bailey

Brinley knows the story of how the bell in the church in her town rang and brought her father to find her left there as a baby.  Now the church bell is ringing again, calling Brinley toward it.  The confusing thing, however, is that the church has no bell.  So, what is calling Brinley toward the church?  Should she follow?

In the first book of the Magemother series, The Mage and the Magpie by Austin J. Bailey (Lexile: Unknown; Interest Level: Grades 4-7), two worlds are joined in the craziest of ways.  One world is full of magic, but the magic is slowly being corrupted as the mages and the Magemother disappear.  The other world is the familiar one of Colorado, where Brinley has lived as long as she can remember.  When Brinley is called toward the church and whatever lies beyond it, she is unsure if she is ready for the challenge ahead of her, but the call of adventure is fierce.

Readers of fantasy who have always wondered where their imaginations may be able to take them will enjoy Brinley's journey past the known world.  Those of us who enjoy adventures safe in our homes find ourselves wondering if we would make the same choices as Brinley. (366 p.)

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