"Kids and kids at heart are going to love Sophia Freeman. She's adventurous and solves mysteries, learning lessons along the way. Her adventures are unbelievable and her experiences are wild, and writer T.X. Troan captures it exquisitely, delivering a protagonist that people are going to remember for some time. Troan also builds a world out of the story's mysterious island that readers will want to explore further with each book. In addition to the wonderful prose, the book contains gorgeous artwork as well.
One of the only downsides to this story is that it will be over quicker than you realize as you tear through pages trying to find out the answer to the mysteries. Filled with magic and mystical creatures, there's always something new to be impressed by, and Troan explores everything with rich detail. Though it is intended for tweens and early teens, everyone can enjoy it, as it captures the childlike adventurer in all of us."
- Michael DeAngelo, Creator of Tellest
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"I was immediately struck by the relatable storyline in the opening chapters of Troan's book. Young readers who find themselves with preoccupied parents will sympathize with Sophia. Her desire to bond with her widowed father is strong, and readers will root for a happy ending to Sophia's story.
Admittedly, I didn't immediately see the book taking a turn toward fantasy. I assumed from Sophia's grandfather's comments about a haunted island that readers would be treated to a mystery. The quick move toward fantasy was surprising yet refreshing. The illustrations depicting the creatures throughout Troan's work are nothing less than phenomenal. I found myself lingering over them and can see younger readers losing themselves in the imagery.
Sophia Freeman and the Mysterious Fountain is a quick read, appropriate for tween readers, and contains a highly engaging fantasy plot. Between the stunning illustrations and the battle between good and evil that permeates the plot, Troan is handing young readers a story to remember."
- Literary Titan Review
