Why am I passionate about this?

Although I write in many genres, fantasy was my first love in reading. I fell in love with the possibilities of a boundless world. And as the years went on, I realized that fantasy could be more than just dragons and sorcery. Fantasy was this big umbrella that housed all the impossible dreams. So, I gravitated toward the genre. I also have an affinity for fun things. I don’t like to be sad, so I prefer movies, music, games, and books that revolve around fun and humor.


I wrote

The Psi-Chotic Adventures of Drew Darby

By Richard W. Kelly,

Book cover of The Psi-Chotic Adventures of Drew Darby

What is my book about?

Drew Darby was an average high school kid. Well, an average, dorky, loner, high school kid whose parents made him…

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The books I picked & why

Book cover of Off to Be the Wizard

Richard W. Kelly Why did I love this book?

There is something to be said about Dragons and sorcery. But throw in time travel and a bit of computer wizardry you end up with Off to Be the Wizard. This is one of those books that sticks with you and you end up recommending it to people constantly because it is so original, so witty, so stupidly fun that you end up thinking everyone will like it.

I like this one because it blends a bit of sci-fi into the mix, but you still get the classic Middle Ages adventure. I would be hard-pressed to find something wittier and more fun than this one.

By Scott Meyer,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Off to Be the Wizard as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An io9 Can't Miss Science Fiction and Fantasy title in March 2014.

Martin Banks is just a normal guy who has made an abnormal discovery: he can manipulate reality, thanks to reality being nothing more than a computer program. With every use of this ability, though, Martin finds his little "tweaks" have not escaped notice. Rather than face prosecution, he decides instead to travel back in time to the Middle Ages and pose as a wizard.

What could possibly go wrong?

An American hacker in King Arthur's court, Martin must now train to become a full-fledged master of his powers,…


Book cover of The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure

Richard W. Kelly Why did I love this book?

Anyone who has seen the movie understands how perfect a story this is. It has everything you could possibly want. It has love, death, torture, sword fighting, sorcery, pirates, giants, thieves, and so much more. Just as the movie is a cult classic that I am always up for a watch-through with a few friends over drinks. The book is just as good.  

In fact it is one of those books that elevates the movies. Knowing the little background pieces that didn’t make the film help flesh out the characters. 

By William Goldman,

Why should I read it?

19 authors picked The Princess Bride as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

William Goldman’s beloved story of Buttercup, Westley, and their fellow adventurers.

This tale of true love, high adventure, pirates, princesses, giants, miracles, fencing, and a frightening assortment of wild beasts was unforgettably depicted in the 1987 film directed by Rob Reiner and starring Fred Savage, Robin Wright, and others. But, rich in character and satire, the novel boasts even more layers of ingenious storytelling. Set in 1941 and framed cleverly as an “abridged” retelling of a centuries-old tale set in the fabled country of Florin, home to “Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest…


Book cover of Myth-ion Improbable

Richard W. Kelly Why did I love this book?

Although this isn’t the first book in the series, I find it the most fun. I have a deep love for the myth series because it was the first series of books I ever read. They are a very traditional fantasy story about a wizard, his dragon, and a demon he pals around with. But, it is a tongue-in-cheek comedy rather than a serious epic tale.

The series reads fine out of order and you could start anywhere, but this one is my favorite.

By Robert Asprin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Myth-ion Improbable as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Skeeve is feeling rather restless and suddenly remembers the treasure map he bought on his last adventure. Knowing Aahz's lust for money, he shows him the map. Quicker than a Deveel at the Bazaar of Deva can take your possessions, they were off to find the Golden Cow! There were a few problems, aren't there always. Tanda decides that she is in on the hunt; for a share, of course. Since Aahz is not too up on vortexes, just dimensions, they have to visit a shifter at the Bazaar for directions - he/she/it gets a five-percent cut of the treasure…


Book cover of Disney After Dark

Richard W. Kelly Why did I love this book?

If there is something I love outside of writing it is Disney. I won’t try and convince anyone these are great works of literature, but they do an amazing job of making the Disney magic come to life.  

Ever since I went to Disney World for the first time I imagined what it would be like to work there. To see the park at night with no one in it. To be alone in all that magic. So, when I read Disney After Dark I felt like a little kid having his ideas put to paper.  

By Ridley Pearson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Disney After Dark as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 10, 11, 12, and 13.

What is this book about?

Five young teens tapped as models for theme park “guides” (using a new hologram technology developed by the Disney Imagineers) find themselves pitted against Disney villains and witches that threaten both the future of Walt Disney World and the stability of the world outside its walls. Featuring a new cover design and additional content!


Book cover of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Richard W. Kelly Why did I love this book?

If there is any book that is the epitome of fantasy. A world where things that couldn’t normally happen come to life. A story that captures the minds of everyone who reads it. An idea so out there, but so attached to our basic psyche that it speaks to our dreams. That book would be Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Oddly enough out of all the books on this list it would easily be considered the most kid-oriented, but it also is probably the most fire and brimstone of them all. It is all tongue and cheek to the point that I think we can ignore the inferred violence and dark outcomes in exchange for its childlike humor and optimism.

By Roald Dahl, Quentin Blake (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A splendiferous new hardback of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, part of a collection of truly delumptious classic Roald Dahl titles with stylish jackets over surprise printed colour cases, and exquisite endpaper designs.

Mr Willy Wonka is the most extraordinary chocolate maker in the world.
And do you know who Charlie is? Charlie Bucket is the hero. The other children in this book are nasty little beasts, called: Augustus Gloop - a great big greedy nincompoop; Veruca Salt - a spoiled brat; Violet Beauregarde - a repulsive little gum-chewer; Mike Teavee - a boy who only watches television.
Clutching their…


Explore my book 😀

The Psi-Chotic Adventures of Drew Darby

By Richard W. Kelly,

Book cover of The Psi-Chotic Adventures of Drew Darby

What is my book about?

Drew Darby was an average high school kid. Well, an average, dorky, loner, high school kid whose parents made him get a part time job. Little did he know, when he stepped into the building for his new job, he was taking the first step on his way to becoming a soldier in the United States Army's Psychic Operations. Before long Drew would be facing an adventure that could change the face of the planet.

A fun young adult fantasy that turns up the fun and keeps the reader guessing as to what will happen next. A page-turner that draws you in before you realize it.

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By Eileen Goudge,

Book cover of All They Need to Know

Eileen Goudge Author Of All They Need to Know

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Why am I passionate about this?

Author Baker

Eileen's 3 favorite reads in 2023

What is my book about?

On the run from her abusive husband, Kyra Smith hits the road. Destination unknown. With a dog she rescued in tow, she lands in the peaceful California mountain town of Gold Creek and is immediately befriended by an openhearted group of women who call themselves the Tattooed Ladies. They’re there for Kyra—and for each other.

The maternal Frannie is a tattoo artist struggling with a troubled daughter. Suzy is a self-described fashionista grandma bearing a painful estrangement from her son. Then there’s Jo, whose storybook marriage is shadowed by a grim medical diagnosis. And bookstore owner Marisol. She longs for…

All They Need to Know

By Eileen Goudge,

What is this book about?

A woman escaping a violent past finds new friendships, romance, and tenuous sanctuary in an emotionally gripping novel by New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge.

On the run from her abusive husband, Kyra Smith hits the road. Destination unknown. With a neglected dog she rescued in tow, she lands in the peaceful California town of Gold Creek and is immediately befriended by an openhearted group of women called the Tattooed Ladies Club. They're there for Kyra-and for each other.

The maternal Frannie is a tattoo artist struggling with a troubled daughter. Suzy is a self-described fashionista grandma bearing a…


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