"Dara's mission is very gripping - the adventure and escapes are most engrossing..."

"[Curse of the Shamra] will especially inspire our young women to challenge their fears and greatest obstacles to reach their full leadership potential."

- John Trautwein, Parjaro Valley Unified School District

"This is a rousing adventure novel that address the nature of personal responsibility and cultural prejudices while entertaining the reader from first page to last."

"A fine fantasy that will inspire many young women. Curse of the Shamra is a top pick and is highly recommended for those looking for a new fantasy series."

- Midwest Book Review

"Barry Hoffman's latest book... (deals) with the lethal possibilities of refusing to recognize a threat when it exists. Curse of the Shamra, aimed at younger readers, is entertaining enough to engage adults..."

- Lisa DuMond, SF Site, MEviews.com

"Curse of the Shamra is a wondrous odyssey, abloom with magic and heart. Barry Hoffman's writing binds spell, takes breath and weaves dreams."

- Richard Christian Matheson, Knight Rider, The Incredible Hulk

"I loved the Curse of the Shamra! It keeps you guessing. I also loved the characters because they were all different. Dara was adventurous, but Pilla was more calm and ladylike."

Write your own review for Curse of the Shamra and get a signed hard copy of the short story "Glimmer" free! Send your review to BarryHoffman@gauntletpress.com. If you would like help with writing your review, you can email the author for tips and tricks!

- Kathy, 6th grade, Horizon Middle School, Colorado Springs, CO

"I enjoyed Curse of the Shamra because it was the kind of book that pulls you in. It made you not know what was coming next. I liked the twists the book had. Dara was an awesome character. When no one in the swamps knew what to do, Dara did."

- Katie, 7th grade, Horizon Middle School, Colorado Springs, CO

"I loved the Curse of the Shamra! It keeps you guessing. I also loved the characters because they were all different."

- Marissa, 6th grade, Horizon Middle School, Colorado Springs, CO

"I thought Curse of the Shamra was great because it showed that girls can do anything boys can do, and they’re not going to be a maid for the boys."

"Dara was a strong-willed and spirited girl who did not bend to the status quo. I liked that she did not back down on her beliefs and that she was brave in the face of evil. Dara was not like the typical Shamra girls who were timid and afraid to speak up."

"My daughter knows I love a good adventure novel, and suggested Curse of the Shamra. It was just as enthralling as any adult fiction title I have come across! Great for all ages."

"I began reading Curse of the Shamra to my students the first week of school. After that week, I turned them into the library and told my students that those who would like to finish the book would be able to check them out. They were gone by the end of the week [a class set of 30 copies]. Each child that checked out a book was given one of the bookmarks that you sent. Personally, I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series and sharing it with my students as well."

- R. Cochran, West Lauderdale Middle School, Collinsville, MS

"Dara of the Shamra has always been different. She has never enjoyed the same things the other Shamra girls enjoy, such as sewing, cooking, and knitting. She prefers the athletic competitions against the guys such as running, so she can feel the wind in her hair. Dara always feels trapped if she is forced to do something girl-related. Her best friend Pilla, however, is the exact opposite. Pilla is the model of the perfect Shamra female. She sews, she knits, and she's going to wed when she's fifteen, as is tradition. They have been best friends practically since they were born. Everything seems to be going according to plan. Unfortunately, it doesn't last. On the day of Pilla's wedding, the peaceful country of the Shamra is invaded and they become enslaved by creatures known as the Trocs. Dara manages to escape to the woods, but Pilla does not. Dara soon finds herself in charge of a resistance movement to free the Shamra from the Trocs. Can the 'ragtag' group of people band together and free the Shamra from the rule of the Trocs?

"I loved this book! The real action doesn't start until somewhere around page 75, yet I found I was captivated the entire time. There were several things that I did not like when they happened but later realized they were vital to the story. I loved Dara's character and really enjoyed her relationship with Pilla. Her journey to free the Shamra was a tale that enthralled and excited. I would definitely recommend this one."

- Flamingnet Student Book Reviewer, Westerville, OH

"Most people know Barry Hoffman as the genius behind Gauntlet Press, the man who published many Richard Matheson rarities and the limited editions of the Repairman Jack series by F. Paul Wilson.

"Now he enters the world of young adult fiction. In the world of the Shamra, he has created a fascinating universe that wildly bucks many YA tropes. Slated to be the first of many in a series, Curse Of The Shamra whisks readers off to places more alive than most characters, and characters more deeply drawn than the typical stereotypes flooding the vampire and sword and sorcery stories today.

"Young Dara exists in a world where men rule and women are relegated to domestic duties. She bucks the status quo as a child until she comes into her own as a teen. Nothing new, right? Same old, same old? Maybe so, until one learns about the world of the Shamra where nothing is what it seems. Simple plants attack and cry as they attempt to devour the unwitting. Creatures which defy logic and imagination leap and crawl out of every corner and page, yet each retains a shred of what readers might call human-like tendencies or feelings. This may make up for the soulless existence of the Shamra people, who go about their daily lives in a state of quiet desperation (to borrow a line from Pink Floyd). That is, until those said people are threatened with slavery from a dark force. Dara takes off and leads a resistance to free her people.

"This book tackles gender issues for young adults but as with all good novels of its kind appeals to the adult with that inner child who refuses to die. Hoffman handles difficult subject matter and society with a deftness missing from some of the more popular titles and series in this age group (yes, those titles). The concept of how society can be so blind has been done to death, but what about when it cannot recover from that ignorance? Hoffman tells a tale of how a fresh mindset can transform a culture. A happy ending might not be in sight, but a change for the better through some tough blood, sweat, and tears is a welcome read compared to the pat formulaic novels churned out by the masses these days.

"Better yet, Hoffman offers something truly special to the masses with this soon to be series. As a former middle school teacher, he knows how pathetic public school libraries have become and has offered 10,000 copies to any school who requests them. If any teachers read this, please go to Barry Hoffman’s site and do yourself a favor. There’s no catch – just tell him what you need and for what purpose. This could be expected from a King, Rowling, or other literary deity who feels for the coming generation."

Praise for

SHAMRA DIVIDED

"With great humor and high adventure, SHAMRA DIVIDED demonstrates how young girls must stay strong and rely on their best judgment to navigate successfully through life. Young readers will be swept away by Dara’s heroic story, and it is a perfect opportunity for parents and educators to encourage discussions about personal responsibility and life’s choices."

"A novel that is spellbinding, captivating and well written. I recommend it to readers of fantasy, paranormal, and adventure epic. I enjoyed it a lot and believe YA are a prefect audience for this type of noel and I would recommend it to my high school."

"Hoffman is a gifted storyteller. Every page seems to hold a life lesson or sliver of advice for young women, and I think this book would be an excellent read for any pre-teen or teenage girl."

Praise for
CURSE OF THE SHAMRA: CRYSTAL CAVE STORIES

"In each these stories, Dara makes choices and chooses paths that all children must tackle as they pass from childhood into adulthood. The author does not preach or push the reader, but rather explores possibilities and options with young readers."

Praise for
CURSE OF THE SHAMRA: LIFE LESSONS STORIES

"Never preachy, always entertaining, the Life Lesson Stories provides a solid groundwork for making sound choices while thoroughly entertaining young fantasy readers."

"Both adults and kids can learn a thing from the manner in which Hoffman deals with each. Never preachy, he tells his tale and give each one an alternate ending, allowing the reader to choose their way. Even better yet are the comprehension questions and discussion ideas included at the conclusion of each story. Perfect for any classroom or family, Life Lessons truly are that and suggest solutions but only point readers and families in a direction. Hoffman makes it very clear he only wishes to give ideas for solving these problems which are too prevalent in today’s society. Extremely recommended reading for students of any age."