Press
Featured Article in the Gainesville Times Get Out section (Aug. 4, 2016): Read Article Here
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Cambridge Blog - short play selected a favorite in "Channel the Bard" Competition (June 23, 2016): Read Article Here
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Interview on Book Nerd Paradise with author L.R.W. Lee (April 20, 2015): See Video Here
"Fang of Fenrir" Interview with Tony Birch for Education Forum Online (March 24, 2015): See Video Here
Featured Article in the Gainesville Times Get Out section (Jan. 8, 2015): Read Article here
Press Release about "Fang of Fenrir" Publication in Access North Georgia (Dec. 13, 2014): Read Article here
Radio Interview on "Buzz and Beats" WBCX 89.1 FM (Oct. 25, 2014): Listen to Interview here
"Shades of Nyx" Interview with Tony Birch at Education Forum Online (June 28, 2014): See Video of Interview here
Interview with publisher Tenebris Books (Nov. 29, 2013): Read Article here
Press Release for Book Launch of "Shades of Nyx" at Riverside Public Library in Illinois (July 2, 2013): Read Article here
Podcast with Knox Robinson Publishing, "Conversations about Fiction" (2013): Listen to Podcast here
Press Release announcing "Shades of Nyx" as the first YA publication by Knox Robinson Publishing (Oct. 17, 2012): Read Article here
Praise for "The Scholar, the Sphinx and the Threads of Fate"
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"A.R. Cook is a terrific writer. I was pulled in by the plot, which features a powerful cast of extraordinary characters. The characters are not only endowed with extraordinary abilities, they are thrust into a war against a powerful lord of the darkness, the kind that gives meaning to their existence and shapes a civilization... 'The Scholar, the Sphinx and the Threads of Fate' is a spellbinding fantasy that will entertain readers and leave them wanting more."
- Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
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Full review at: https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-scholar-the-sphinx-and-the-threads-of-fate​
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"In this the final installment of the beloved The Scholar and the Sphinx series, much as anticipated, expected even, and it did not disappoint... Recommended for YA Fantasy fans and beyond!"
-Gina Reba, Satisfaction for Instiable Readers blog
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Full review: http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-scholar-sphinx-and-threads-of-fate.html
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“Adventure awaits! Combining history, mythology, danger, and mystery, The Scholar, the Sphinx, and the Threads of Fate is a thrilling tale that you’ll gladly give up sleep to stay awake and finish.”
- Shaun Hutchinson, author of “The Five Stages of Andrew Brawley”, “FML” and “The Deathday Letter”
“Cook weaves a tapestry from magic, myth, madness, and mayhem that is the curtain between reality and everything else. Fascinating, engrossing, and a little bit frightening. What fun!”
- Chris A. Jackson, award-winning author of Pathfinder Tales “Pirate’s Honor” and “Pirate’s Promise,” the Weapon of Flesh trilogy, and the Scimitar Seas series
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"This continuation of the story of David Sandoval is so rewarding. The treatment is rather brilliant in creating a method of reminding us of all the wonderful creatures in the world of this series. I'd love to see this as a film because the writing is so vividly cinematic."
-Amazon.com Reviews
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More reviews: https://www.amazon.com/Scholar-Sphinx-Threads-Fate/dp/191028288X/
Praise for "The Scholar, the Sphinx and the Shades of Nyx"
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"Scholar and Sphinx (as I will refer to it throughout the review), is one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had with a fantasy novel, period. It’s a story which throws reality out the door and fully embraces the fact that fiction can do whatever it wants."
-David Brashier, Brashwrites.com
Full Review: https://brashwrites.com/blog/2017/6/1/book-review-the-scholar-the-sphinx-and-the-shades-of-nyx
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“The storytelling is imaginative, vivid in description, complimented with sparkling prose and shining vocabulary that a teacher would love. A.R. Cook's treatment of language is reminiscent of E.B. White (Elements of Style, Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little)…”
-Shelley Carpenter, reviewer for Toasted Cheese Literary Journal
"I really enjoyed the story, and seeing what is going to happen next, it left you in a lot of suspense throughout the book. I can not wait to read the second book..."
-Naomi Bray, Geeky Panda Reads blog
Full Review: http://geekypandareads.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-scholar-sphinx-and-shades-of-nyx.html
“…a great new Young Adult series that will cater to fantasy fans as well as those simply seeking a bigger understanding of the world and the relationships that life presents us with.”
-Gina Reba, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers blog
Full Review: http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-scholar-sphinx-and-shades-of-nyx-by.html#.UyroYPldWSo
“This is a fantastic new series for upper elementary and middle school students. The characters are well developed, go through changes, and find themselves, the settings are elaborate and detailed. The action is never ceasing and the magic seems real! Without a doubt I was hooked and other readers who enjoy this genre will be as well.”
-Novel Nutritious blog
Full Review: http://www.novelnutritious.com/books/the-scholar-the-sphinx-and-the-shades-of-nyx/
"You will enjoy the mythological characters in this book. One character that I particularly liked was the adorable Tanuki, a shape changing badger from Japan. He will definitely make you laugh at his funny antics. I hope to see him reappear in the next in the series. David Sandoval is an engaging hero, seeming a bit reluctant at the start of his journey. This is a wonderful new series and I strongly advise you to stick around for the Epilogue."
-The Best Kids Books blog
Full review: http://www.thebestkidsbooks.com/2014/05/review-scholar-sphinx-and-shades-of-nyx.html
"The Scholar, the Sphinx and the Shades of NYX (Scholar and the Sphinx, Book 1) by A.R. Cook is a charming story filled with fascinating and strange creatures. There is not just a Sphinx, but also a Tanuki and a Kappa (from Japan). I found the story that led from one part of the world to another via travelling through the curtain quite interesting and easy to read. There was not much violence, and the whole story is rather mild, so it is a pleasant read for in between "heavier" literature."
-Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite
Full review: https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/28316
"The book flows well... The writing is good, and there are some high-quality vocabulary words, which I appreciate when reading young adult novels...[it] reminded me of the Percy Jackson series."
-Fantastic Reviews blog
Full review: http://fantasticreviews.blogspot.com/2015/12/battle-of-2013-books-bracket-one-first_17.html
“This is a fun, well-crafted and intelligent book. The story gets your interest right from the start. I was entertained and involved in the story. The author references classical mythology and myths from several cultures. There were enough familiar references to make me comfortable and enough unfamiliar ones to make the reading a delightful adventure.”
“David Sandoval is an engaging hero, at first reluctant for the journey. Eventually, the author reveals something deep within the young man that I found quite satisfying. His memories were my favorite part of the book. Alison Reeger Cook entertains as well as teaches. Most of all, she weaves magic.”
-Goodreads.com reviews
More reviews: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16100578-the-scholar-the-sphinx-and-the-shades-of-nyx
Praise for "The Scholar, the Sphinx and the Fang of Fenrir"
"If you pick up this book, you are immediately drawn into a wonderful fantasy story with characters you'll either hate, love, or pity. It's definitely a series I'd recommend to readers who really love fantasy."
- Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite, 5 Star Review
Full Review: https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-scholar-the-sphinx-and-the-fang-of-fenrir
"I really enjoyed this book, I like how many new characters we got to meet...I can not wait for the next book it was such a thrilling ending I can not wait to see how the story continues."
-Naomi Bary, Geeky Panda Reads blog
Full Review: http://geekypandareads.blogspot.com/2016/01/the-scholar-spinx-and-fang-of-fenrir.html
"...a wonderful YA Fantasy read I would highly recommend...It has unexpected friendships and uncommon strength found in the most unlikely places. It'll keep you turning pages well into the night and leave you holding your breath as the last one turns."
-Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers blog
Full review: http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com/2015/03/fantasy-friday-with-scholar-sphinx-and.html#.VQwetY7F-So
"The characters are complex. Cook gives each a unique voice and manner. They are distinct and often humorous. Baba’s character in particular is a scene-stealer and compliments David’s seriousness and Gullen’s know-it-all-ness with her funny wit, her mannerisms, and voice."
-Shelley Carpenter, reviewer for Toasted Cheese Literary Journal
"Cook has a very lyrical voice and I love the way she incorporates so many interesting references to history and mythology into the plot. An exciting journey filled with magic, mystery and mythological creatures."
-Krista Russell, Author of Chasing the Nightbird and The Other Side of Free; Winner of the Parents' Choice Silver Honor Award
"Hang on for several wild rides--atop an eight-legged giant horse and a flying mortar and pestle to name just two. Cook transports us across time... across Europe... and beyond... with a cast of fantastic mythological creatures in her second novel in The Sphinx Series, The Scholar, the Sphinx and the Fang of Fenrir. She keeps us hanging by a thread from The Curtain until we skid into the end. A real pageturner! Bon voyage!"
-Karen Doornebos, Author of Definitely Not Mr. Darcy
"I loved the first book in the series, but this surpasses it. Maybe it's because I care about the characters. Maybe it's because I love the sense of humor. I devoured this book in a day . It kept me on the edge of my reading chair. I don't want to let these characters go. Bring on Number 3!"
"Great Read. A.R. Cook weaves a tale of mythical characters, magic, danger and excitement. She keeps you wondering what's going to happen next. Can't wait for her next book to see if the world can be saved."
-Amazon.com reviews
More reviews: http://www.amazon.com/The-Scholar-Sphinx-Fang-Fenrir/dp/1910282073
"The tale is well written and I really enjoyed the characters and found them easy to identify with. I read the story quite quickly as I kept wanting to know what happened next and I really enjoy this type of book."
-Goodreads reviews
More reviews: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23273499-the-scholar-the-sphinx-and-the-fang-of-fenrir#other_reviews
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Praise for "The Secrets of the Moonstone Heir"
"...the whole setup is creative and original, and the various races admirably vivid and authentic. Award: Most unique world."
-Fantasy Faction review for SPFBO 2016
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Full review: http://fantasy-faction.com/2016/self-published-fantasy-blog-off-2-farewell-to-another-five
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"From the start of the book to the end you see a strength and resolve begin to materialize, tempering her into a stronger character. It is written in a soft, easy flowing narrative, making it simple to follow and whilst there are scenes of violence they are handled in a suitable manner for a young adult audience, as is the suggestion of a sexual situation. A quest to drive back loneliness becomes a tale of friendship, action, and adventure that paves the way for the adventure to continue."
-K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite, 5 Star Review
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Full Review: https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-secrets-of-the-moonstone-heir
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"A.R. Cook has written a very interesting little tale with this one. She has crafted a world and peopled it with an amazing assortment of races and characters."
-Goodreads.com review
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More reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29898404-the-secrets-of-the-moonstone-heir​
Praise for "Legend of the Lightscale"
"As a fan of traditional RPG like Dungeons and Dragons, I loved this world so much that I wanted to step right in and have an adventure in it. Desert Rain is a powerful female hero who has flaws but who also has great strength and leadership skills, a really good example of how to write a strong female in epic fantasy these days."
-K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite, 5 Star Review
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Full Review: https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-legend-of-the-lightscale
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Praise for "Willow Weep No More"
"There's nothing I didn't enjoy about this book. The characters, writing, stories, all of it is strong and assured and packaged together in a gorgeous hardcover with slip cover and wonderful internal illustrations."
-Goodreads.com review
Full review: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19483533-willow-weep-no-more
(Excerpt from full review about "The Lady in the Moon and her Lantern")
"I loved the characters. The Cauldron Man was unique and I loved the imagery that was attached, it was very eerie. The story had a good `journey' feel to it too. I also liked the moral aspect of sacrifice and how in many ways we can all be lanterns to others if we try. The ending was distinct and very creative, which made the whole story even better."
-Amazon.co.uk review
More reviews: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Willow-Weep-More-Zoe-Harris/dp/1909845396/