"The Amulet Book" is a fantasy novel written by author Kurtis Scaletta. The story revolves around the adventures of twelve-year-old Leo and his best friend, Steve, as they embark on a thrilling journey filled with magic and mystery. In this captivating tale, Leo discovers a hidden amulet in his attic, which possesses incredible powers. As he puts on the amulet, he is transported to a mystical world known as Mynus, where a war is raging between the animals and the humans. With the help of his newfound abilities, Leo must navigate through this fantastical realm, battling dangerous creatures and solving puzzles to restore peace. Along the way, Leo encounters unique characters, both friendly and villainous, who aid or hinder him on his quest.
Might a superhumanizing bias help explain this persistent trope? In another experiment in the new paper, white undergrads were asked to press computer keys to place words quickly into one of two categories: superhuman or human. (The superhuman words were ghost, paranormal, spirit, wizard, supernatural, magic, and mystical; the human words were person, individual, humanity, people, civilian, mankind, and citizen.) Before each word appeared, a black or a white face appeared on the screen for 35 milliseconds, not long enough for someone to recognize it consciously, but just long enough to subconsciously prime thoughts about race. After black faces, subjects processed superhuman words faster than human words, while no difference existed after white faces.
As for the hocus pocus, I suspect it s a form of cinematic affirmative action, a way to couch minorities differences as something more than rather than less than. Inspired from an early age by the imagery and mythology of the Nahuas, whose pictographic writing system culminated in a conceptualization of painting that was synonymous with poetry, Josiah Gagosian s current artistic practice has become rooted in the worlds of the literary and the linguistic.
Along the way, Leo encounters unique characters, both friendly and villainous, who aid or hinder him on his quest. From talking animals to powerful wizards, each character adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. Leo's journey also unveils the secrets of the amulet and its connection to the history of Mynus, making for an engaging and suspenseful read.
The Mystical, The Esoteric, & The Magical at Kolaj Fest New Orleans
Flower Dream I: The Wayfinder by Josiah Gagosian
10″x10″; acrylic, ink, yupo, collage on cradled panel; 2021. Courtesy of the artist.
SYMPOSIUM AT KOLAJ FEST NEW ORLEANS 2023
Scaletta's writing style is captivating, immersing readers in the richly imagined world of Mynus. His vivid descriptions bring the enchanting realm to life, allowing readers to visualize the fantastical landscapes and creatures. The plot is well-paced, keeping readers engaged from start to finish, and the suspenseful twists and turns ensure there is never a dull moment. One of the novel's strengths is its exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the power of imagination. Through Leo's bond with Steve and their unwavering support for each other, readers are reminded of the importance of true friendship. The novel also emphasizes the transformative power of imagination, as Leo's ordinary life is forever changed by the discovery of the amulet. Overall, "The Amulet Book" is a thrilling and enchanting adventure that will captivate readers of all ages. With its imaginative world-building, engaging plot, and relatable characters, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impact on those who embark on Leo's magical journey..
Reviews for "Rediscovering the Magic of Childhood: Nostalgia and "The Amulet Book"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to read "The Amulet Book" based on all the positive reviews, but I found myself disappointed. The characters felt flat and underdeveloped, and the plot was predictable and lacked originality. I also found the writing style to be dry and lacked any sense of excitement or suspense. Overall, I was left feeling bored and unengaged with this book.
2. James - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "The Amulet Book" but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The concept was interesting, but the execution fell short. The pacing felt off, with some parts dragging on for too long while others were rushed. The dialogue also felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters. Additionally, the world-building was lacking, leaving me with a lack of understanding and investment in the story. Overall, I felt let down by this book.
3. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "The Amulet Book" was a huge disappointment for me. I found the writing to be clunky and full of unnecessary descriptions that slowed down the pacing. The characters were shallow and lacked depth, making it impossible for me to care about their journey. The plot felt disjointed and there were many loose ends left unanswered. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in this book and I would not recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "The Amulet Book" but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype. The story felt unoriginal and lacked any real surprises or twists. The characters were one-dimensional and their actions often felt inconsistent. I also found the writing to be overly descriptive, which made it difficult to immerse myself in the story. Overall, I was left feeling unfulfilled and unsatisfied with this book.