Elissa's Odyssey

I just finished reading Elissa’s Odyssey by Erica Verrillo. It’s the second book of the Phoenix Rising Trilogy, a fantasy about a girl who can talk to animals. I found it very enjoyable. The dialogue is smart and funny, the characters memorable, and the plot engaging. What I really like about both books is the blend of mythology and anthropology. The cultures and places are described so thoroughly they seem real. Although this is a children’s book, I’d recommend it for any age group.