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Long, long ago, before humans ever walked the Earth, magical energy was created by and protected by a race of fairies. Each fairy had its own power and gift to share with the planet and the others, and they would spend their time cheerfully spreading that gift and enjoying each other's company. One fairy, Pekial, was different from the others, primarily because her gift was to know the exact moment when an asteroid would strike the Earth and destroy all life and energy on the planet. However, she was also given the ability to know that while this crisis could not be completely prevented or averted, it could be prepared for. And so it came to pass that while other fairies would dance and sing, Pekial would have to prepare, unifying all of the fairies into one defense that could keep Earth alive.
When the cataclysmic event came to pass, Pekial's plan worked, and though there were terrible losses and damage done to the planet, the fairies' magic lay dormant deep in the ground while the planet was given time to heal. Today, ecological disasters are increasingly threatening to cause more damage to the Earth, including hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and droughts. But in pure-hearted, unselfish wishes made by humans and even animals to have their needs met, the wish that was imprinted into the Earth by Pekial millions of years ago finds a way to deliver magic to those that need it most. In their desire to make the world a more loving and hospitable place, individuals unknowingly create a conduit that can heal themselves, others, and even the entire planet.
Framed in a mythical, historical fantasy, the individual chapters of this book form a sort of anthology about people in desperate situations who remain true to their values and genuinely strive to make a difference. This story stands out in the realm of fantasy fiction, creating scenes of heartwarming determination and feel-good outcomes that are uplifting and entertaining. Though there are massive stakes introduced with each story, the text focuses on the individual whose wish is granted through magic, and happy endings are easily found for even dangerous or bleak situations. Magic is a unifying constant element in each of these stories, but values such as kindness, compassion, and community are consistently embodied by the characters in focus.
The ancient magical mythology pairs well with modern human situations, and while neither really steps on the other's toes, it does create an easy-to-follow premise that gives each story some connectivity, at least regarding theme. The content of the stories is largely appropriate for even young readers, paralleling the morality and conflict of classic fairy tales in its darker moments. Each story's independence from the others makes this a good book for bedtime reading, as situations cleanly resolve and leave the reader on a positive note time and again. Utilizing elements of the fantastical and the realistic, this collection entertains and offers healthy role models that demonstrate how people can flourish on an individual level while being responsible members of a community or stewards for the planet itself.