![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-pRhWXxxLLOSxo7WEnCRhomTdF1g3YFTFZYv0i3jl1lTlhPGOIuhmw3tkAwcV1NFW8vvrntCQaXCrv4PJDpVJUbmqgQVepwzUi7losJElTZKM2fv5MFQkWfXsSRw0pvEcFKAkjQGSZZDYB-moPDfkTffmiTU5FHi-IemaDn2t-cPm8xxXkBipai9Galeo/w400-h146/Sophia-Freeman-series-covers.jpg)
The Sophia Freeman Series
by T.X. Troan
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GENRE: Middle-Grade Fantasy Mystery
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BOOK BLURB:
What begins as a special trip for eleven-year-old SOPHIA FREEMAN and her billionaire father, leaves her trapped on a mysterious island with a tree boy and other fantastical creatures.
The moment Sophia thinks her situation can’t get any crazier, she is shocked to learn the island is under a deadly eternal curse. All living things are rapidly decaying and soon nothing and no one—including herself—will be left alive.
From competing in a three-round yearly held competition to reviving a long-lost magical spell, Sophia and her new companions must gather every ounce of courage, wit and skill as they are stepping closer to breaking the 150-year-old curse. But will they make it in time while surrounded by enemies and traitors aiming to stop them at any cost?
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EXCERPT THREE:
From Book Three - Sophia Freeman and the Era of Darkness:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbsCRGI1XGIZzHIrioFJIuJhzQwlSsL_8mv9c1iP-w3BKv18s_NSRKlHYqTGLlpJoPR-ND6XjxoybEvVJswGoN9gVb-yBq6UkJ6zmiVJzgBMzjVcTmkV5jADCF199NjOm_UeHbmwdnI2rz9GSM6Il42RRa-yOUXZeeKptyYE8Y5y1Vyc-GntHiYptOr0Z/s320/3BookCover.jpg)
Another flaming whip slashed between Sophia and Tim, and they swiftly dodged it. Who could possibly be using Dark Art spells? They looked over and saw Allen’s smoking wand in one hand and Sophia’s scroll in the other.
“S-sorry, guys—I got curious,” said Allen, trembling.
Tim roared, “Curious? You’re not supposed to—”
Sophia raised her hand like Dad did to her, to silence him.
“Allen, can I have my scroll back?” she asked calmly, easing toward him.
Staring at it, he said, “Um … yeah,” and handed it to her.
“Did you hurt yourself?” Sophia asked. “Do you feel any different?”
“I’m fine—actually, I feel good,” said Allen, with a tiny grin.
“Interesting—could you show us how you did that spell?”
Allen gave her a puzzled look. “You mean I’m not in deep trouble? Uh … sure.” He shifted into the attack position and shut his eyes.
“Sophia, I don’t understand—why are you wasting our time?” Tim demanded.
“Shh … Mona was right—you should really work on your temper.” She kept staring at Allen without blinking. “Just watch.”
A moment later, a strong gust howled past them as his wand lit up.
“Allen, break that tall boulder with roots wrapped around it!” Sophia shouted.
He struck with an aggressive roar. “HELLFIRE LASH!” The third flaming whip was unleashed, and it was much bigger than the previous two. It struck directly at the target.
KABOOM!
The spell left a hole through the boulder the size of Allen’s fist.
“Wow, that was impressive,” Tim mumbled.
Sophia handed him the scroll and turned to Allen. “Do you feel any different this time?”
Admiring his wand, he said, “Yes, I felt … confident. Something I didn’t think was possible.”
I get it—he’s attracted to Dark Art spells! At that instant, an absurd idea came to her mind.
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GUEST POST:
Inventing and Developing Mystical Creatures
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQoPJ15rVAgr6QYOCRznidI2tJ75xgNQehNGD4uIR9glOj0eggF-HuQkXHgxn3zNH98s5-_6xdINswQBlBQUE_87c-9YJgQt_cxd7fMge24kzgUDB7pKrEWtpIfLIB9qITH3lNqO-0TK2MUDSoPKy_8lUogIVNJOJhO8BVAcndiHnu55I8-q_STg8xJs3/s320/Screenshot_20240501-005701_Chrome.jpg)
Creature creation is a huge part of the Sophia Freeman series. For each unique character, I would start out by researching two or more animals I want to combine. Once that part is done, I would outline the appearance, habits and make sketches of the new creature (with many references). Then I would come up with a name. The creature creation part is so much fun!
To check out some of the sketches, please go to: https://txtroan.com/sketchbook
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxPgAZyfTwhK_uNxo_fJ0LMxHYnat8x8G0ZLv2k8-5dsT_ekredqoJ9nkWHf3KFBJ2mZa8xJuXpOJ8ppqDR0Ys48jRtLtoLW4LqU0x3u_gZL-BG-Cx5x2OBTdS8njzSHlGoFuFHbUqbkg1gSZWJa-kE7iJxSPqUvKp88eM9Xr5tgHelNfykwjZKpfFuXq/s320/Screenshot_20240501-005558_Chrome.jpg)
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AUTHOR BIO:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33dY_fyjBD28Y9kJvmqnEe2BUAjy1ah6Cu3Ar8aqIWUvHHKG_Q2DdoHSomXzeCYr7tEp8ifB77gS01SdAIxL_9i2zUf1EpRxFPQID5AMqh9RX7Wj5ZqSJfhud1EMOu58GGbDaTO3KSqSZoaBCgcTkpCNdrsYku3dTjdoOu5kPSW7BA7ibD3h5MmZNwA8s/s320/author%20pic.jpg)
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.
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.”
T.X. Troan married Sarah, his original fan and longtime love, in 2016. They live in Enderby with their pack dogs!
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CONNECT WITH T.X. TROAN:
Author Website:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/TXTroan
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/txtroan
Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18815756.T_X_Troan
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BOOK SERIES BUY LINKS:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Cj532-XCDHsVNPZglVliSzQOyJUmYkZQ7-ogka0KzLA0vy4ScFP7VNyNycEksTxEf2ytxOAEsqArbVnclpNojcpC1S9uT25wlUzKRIO7zEIjfVkjd9_FGA9YKxjAY_bNjzbScM2_mQ1gI_5gks5fxwnNcGTvCjpPS8EHE_L5cDOs_JTzxeZ_A5VPRm_k/s320/Sophia-Freeman-series-covers.jpg)
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B5M559C1
Barnes & Noble:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/t.x.%20troan
BookShop:
https://bookshop.org/p/books/sophia-freeman-and-the-mysterious-fountain-book-1-t-x-troan/9222735
Walmart:
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GIVEAWAY INFO:
T.X. Troan will award a $10 Amazon OR Barnes and Noble Gift Card (Winner's Choice!!!) to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour.
Thank you so much for hosting today!
ReplyDeleteVery cute artwork
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nancy :)
DeleteI like the blurb and excerpt. Sounds really good.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marcy. Have a great day!
DeleteThis looks like a fun read. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michael. Enjoy the series!
DeleteSounds like a great book to read.
ReplyDeleteHow do you know when a story is finished?
ReplyDeletePinned the cover, congratulations!
ReplyDeleteImpressive work
ReplyDeleteReminds me of the Arnold cartoon.
ReplyDeleteHope you're enjoying your book tour.
ReplyDelete