Review Rating: 5 Stars! Reviewed By Tracy A. Fischer for Readers’ Favorite
In a lovely story for middle grade readers, The Journey Beyond: Universal Truths by author Cheryl A. Matsen-Nieves is a fun read that continues the story of siblings Raphael and Haniel as they attempt to rebuild their kingdom. Facing such obstacles as a witchy woman with a crystal broom, but surrounded by many magical friends, including a talking three-eyed frog, this excellent brother-sister duo is determined to make everything right for those they love. Will Raphael and Haniel be able to right all that has gone wrong? You'll simply need to read The Journey Beyond: Universal Truths to find out!
I very much enjoyed The Journey Beyond: Universal Truths. I felt that author Cheryl A. Matsen-Nieves has done a fantastic job in creating characters that her readers will be able to connect with, relate to and truly care about, and will continue to think about long after the story is done. If that isn't a hallmark of a great author, I'm not sure what is. Her use of magic and fantastical characters is delightful, and her world creation skills, even in a relatively short book, are simply second to none. Any middle grade reader who enjoys fantasy, or who is just looking for a great read of fiction in general, should absolutely read this book. I highly recommend The Journey Beyond: Universal Truths. I look forward to reading more from the very talented author, Cheryl A. Matsen-Nieves, as soon as possible. If her next work is anything like this one, it will certainly be worth reading


Review Rating: 5 stars! Reviewed By Lisa McCombs for Readers’ Favorite
“I will not take any more of your poison! I know what you did to my mother and her servants. I know how you fed and poisoned many in the castle. But you did not succeed in poisoning me. My mother warned me about you and your broth. I welcome battle with you and I challenge you now, old woman. You and your evil will not walk this universe as long as I live! You will be defeated so we can travel through the next geode. We will reach the castle and conquer all!” This young Haniel proclaims in the wake of an attack against the old woman responsible for her mother’s death. Haniel is determined to regain and rebuild the kingdom once ruled by her parents. With the aid of loyal servants - Frogeye, Wise Old Owl, and Wolvarith - Haniel and her brother Raphael must defeat the old lady on the crystal broom in order to reclaim their inheritance and keep the forest and its creatures safe. Can they succeed?
The Journey Beyond Universal Truths is a middle grade fantasy written by Cheryl A. Matsen-Nieves. With the addition of character pencil sketches, this makes for a winning tale for fantasy-loving young readers. The vocabulary Matsen-Nieves employs in her descriptive passages brings an enchanted world to life in an infectious style that leaves the reader wanting a continuation of this well-written story. A sincere lesson in loyalty provides a combination of mature thinking with the innocence of youth. This is a lovely story for middle grade youngsters.

Author Bio:
Thank you for wanting to get to know me and taking the time to read this biography.
I grew up on Staten Island, New York, in a small town called Rossville, the fifth of twelve children. Ever since I was little I’ve been writing, sometimes while talking and singing to the frogs and turtles in the pond. They were my best friends. The pond sparked my imagination and my creativity flourished. This was my happy place! Writing poetry and song lyrics also brought me great joy. Many of my poems are published by the Famous Poet Society. Writing for children and teenagers is my lifelong passion. I attended the Institute of Children’s Literature and studied Writing for Children and Teenagers. I hold a Bachelor of Science from Centenary College. I also attended nursing school and received my nursing license. I currently work as a Nurse and write when I come home in the wee hours of the morning!