Absolutely magical!

Pringle Prawn, the new urban fantasy by veteran author Michael Scott Clifton, was a delight to read and absolutely magical. The highly engaging characters are thrust into worlds not their own, where dangers lurk, and love saves the day.

When the story opens, college professor Ben Hastings was a likable, almost sad sack, of a character. He seemed trapped by his relationship with his beautiful and entitled girlfriend, Cara, and by the purchase of the strange, decrepit old mansion. I was glad that as the story progressed, he became more proactive and less reactive in managing his life. Pringle, the forest prawn, was a delight from start to finish for me. I liked her even more as she became more human-like, and her stubborn streak started to show. Archimedes "Archie" Jones is the perfect "ride or die" friend who happens to be a millionaire. I felt like his story is just beginning, though, and maybe a sequel is planned to give readers the rest. Hank Harper seems to be holding out on how he fits into the big picture. As for the bad "guys," the author gave us some really evil villains and a truly obnoxious HOA president.

The adventure begins immediately, and sequences of heart-pounding action will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The author's writing style is easy to read, and I was drawn into the story completely, finishing the book in two "Where did the time go?" sessions. The interactions between characters and dialogue were often humorous and added much to the book's fun. We don't spend a lot of time exploring Pringle's world; most of what we know about it was gleaned while Ben is fleeing certain death atop a T-rex-like mount. I can't help but wonder what Ben, Pringle, and Archie would find should they ever return to Almeera.

With its fast-paced plot and engaging central characters, I recommend PRINGLE PRAWN to readers who enjoy urban fantasy, fairies, and magical realism. ( )

The Short Story: Full of amusing characters, Pringle Prawn is a fun, light-hearted story with an imaginative plot and a sprinkling of fairy dust.

Ben has a problem. A girlfriend problem. A girlfriend with a rich daddy and a taste for the good things in life. Ben struggles to give her what she thinks she deserves, including a big house. He surprises himself by buying an old mansion in a new neighborhood. A grandfather clock and a key lead to a door to another world. Chased by strange creatures intent on killing him, he takes refuge in a treehouse where he meets Pringle, a childlike pixie-sized prawn with wings, magical dust and a very sweet tooth. Meanwhile…his girlfriend has been kidnapped by some very bad characters.

Pringle immediately attaches herself to Ben and returns to his world, where after a sugar fueled night she grows into a scantily clad, well endowed woman. Ben’s girlfriend problems have doubled.

A quick, fun read, I enjoyed Pringle Prawn and laughed at Pringle’s antics as she wreaked havoc on Ben’s shrewish neighbor and the bad guys who’ve taken his girl. Recommend this entertaining tale to those who enjoy a lighthearted fantasy story or ever had a crush on Tinkerbell. ( )