AXEL
The Mysterious Tapestry
Three years ago on his 11th birthday, Axel was gifted with a mysterious tapestry that would alter his life, his future forever. At fourteen, this tapestry transported him to a faraway kingdom that was in danger of destruction by an evil force.
There he learned his true destiny: to collect twelve celestial gems from the kingdom’s twelve tribes – the first three being from the Cancer, Taurus and Libra tribes. For every gem that had to be collected, there were challenges to face and dangers to confront.
It was believed that retrieval of all these gems would create the strongest weapon to defeat the enemy and save this kingdom. As the prophesized Chosen One, will Axel show courage to face these trials, or will he refuse, leaving the kingdom to be ruined by outer realm forces?
About the Author
Adelpha L. DeGuzman, with a Bachelor of Business degree, embarked on her writing journey writing while juggling an active career and a family. She balanced her roles as a forensic accountant, naval wife and mother after relocating to the United States. Inspired by her father’s journalistic background, Adelpha nurtured a dream of becoming a writer.
Her literary aspirations took a backseat as she navigated the responsibilities of her profession and family life. Adelpha seized the opportunity to rekindle her passion for storytelling after retiring. A decade in the making, her book Axel: The Mysterious Tapestry is a testament to her dedication and determination. This enthralling tale, born from years of inspiration and unwavering commitment, invites readers into a world intertwined with mystery and intrigue.
Adelpha’s book is more than a story on paper; it is a meaningful journey of resilience and creative pursuit. She invites readers to partake in the adventure she meticulously built with “Axel,” hoping that many will discover delight and excitement within its pages. Adelpha DeGuzman, embracing her newfound authorship, invites you to enter the beautiful realms of her imagination, where mystery and wonder collide.
An imaginative fantasy adventure, Axel: The Mysterious Tapestry, by author Adelpha L. DeGuzman is playful, and filled with themes of family, destiny, and becoming a hero.
Axel received a strange gift on his eleventh birthday. A mysterious tapestry which he’s told will change his life and transform his future into something extraordinary. Now at fourteen, he discovers the true purpose of the gift: to whisk him away for an epic adventure in a magical kingdom on the verge of destruction thanks to an evil entity. Slowly his destiny comes together, and he learns that he is meant to gather twelve celestial gems with trips to twelve tribes and put them together to create a weapon powerful enough to save the kingdom from destruction. The first takes him to the Libra, Taurus, and Cancer tribes. Each retrieval comes with obstacles that could prevent him from putting the weapon together as he fulfills his role as the Chosen One.
The story begins with New Year’s Eve with Axel as a baby, which is a clever way to set the stage for changes that are coming and sets a tone for the following adventure. The story quickly sets up that Axel is a Chosen One figure as mystery revolves around him and this continues as events jump thirteen years later. Once again time is purposefully marked by New Year’s Eve which represents change and welcomes something new as the previous year is bid farewell. This becomes literal for Axel as he discovers the purpose of the tapestry and the kingdom that depends on him to save it. The tapestry is the catalyst for what whisks Axel into the adventure and bridges a way between his home and the kingdom. This unique foray sets the tone for the attitude and magical style of the kingdom. Axel’s journey is reminiscent of classic hero adventures such as King Arthur where the fate of a kingdom falls on a young boy’s shoulders.
The longing for home is a consistent theme throughout as he faces each challenge and the rise of his power. No matter the thrill, danger, or challenge he finds himself against, Axel is grounded in his desire to be home with his family. These relationships are a necessary part of any fantasy as they pull you away from the magical elements and remind you of what it means to be human. The sibling dynamic feels genuine as they tease each other yet there’s still plenty of love between them which pairs well with the overall joyful feeling of home. The warmth of home stems from the loving relationship between the parents which creates a place where Axel wants to return to because it’s safe and comforting. This allows for his motivation to be about helping the kingdom and fulfilling his destiny versus wanting to escape his home life.
The trip to another world creates a slight disruption as it places him on a path that is filled with magic, danger, and destiny. This is accomplished by fine details that weave in mannerisms, challenges such as riddles, and magical beings. These elements create a world that is imaginative and has a layer of playfulness to it that is woven throughout the danger. The illustrations woven throughout depict key moments that range from a heartfelt image of the family to a cheery one of a crab. These are snapshots from his journey that include a treasure chest, animal transformations, and even ducks. Through the images, you can feel the otherworldliness of the journey and the playfulness that works so well with a younger protagonist. The style is crafted so that it fits all ages with something for everyone to enjoy and creates something that families can enjoy together.
Axel: The Mysterious Tapestry is a compelling story that will delight fans of fantasy and adventure. Adelpha L. DeGuzman has written a story that is both entertaining and meaningful, leaving readers eager to explore more of her imaginative worlds. Highly recommended for those seeking a blend of mystery, magic, and adventure.