Threats of Tartarus

Book Two of the Dragon Birthmark Series, Threats of Tartarus, continues our journey with The Adrastai warriors. Evil never sleeps. It is always lurking in the depths of darkness, waiting to rise up, and destroy all that is Good in the world. Now twelve-year-old Giovani, the newest dragon rider for The Order, must honor his oath to uphold and defend the virtues of the Adrastai Warriors: Strength, Wisdom, Courage..., and to protect the Light, as in Light over Darkness Darkness was coming, oozing up from the depths of Tartarus, threatening the very existence of the World. The Adrastai Council, leaders of The Order, and secret protectors of humanity, must act now to save us all from the unimagined horrors trying to escape from Tartarus. Giovani and his new friends must embark on a quest to obtain valuable tools to thwart the Threats of Tartarus and uphold the oath to defend us all Author Jennifer Phillips Russo held a student artwork contest for her second book of "The Dragon Birthmark" series. This challenge promoted visual literacy and confidence, as well as provided student artists with the opportunity to have their personal artwork published at no cost to them, if chosen. "Threats of Tartarus," Book Two of "The Dragon Birthmark Series, follows the story of an 11-year-old boy's journey to self-identity through a fantastic adventure, speckled with legend and lore, and offering a few great lessons and themes throughout the story. "'The Dragon Birthmark: World in the Shadows' is an entertaining, thought-provoking book that takes the reader into the world of imagination and fantasy through the eyes of an 11-year-old boy," said Amy Piper, Fredonia Elementary School Principal. Russo, a local resident of Fredonia, possesses an insatiable desire to spark imagination and creativity in her readers, she has created the art contest for students across the state and nation. She believes that imagination sparks innovation, and our world could use more innovative thinkers. This contest provided the opportunity to sketch characters or scenes from the second book, which will be featured and published in the book if chosen as a winner. All middle and high school students are eligible to enter the contest. Students were able to submit their artwork pieces through the novel's website. An online gallery is also available through the website, which gave contestants the chance to see examples of artwork that other students have created and submitted. A description of the characters to be sketched was provided at www.TheDragonBirthmark.com, as well as detailed rules and entry guidelines for this free contest.