Zeke Zooter and the Eye of Balor

An Irish Fantasy for Young Readers

By: Bruce Jacobs

Narrated by: Bruce Jacobs

The Eye of Balor is pure, evil power. She can’t wait to use it.

With this magic weapon, Ireland’s Phantom Queen—the Morrigan—will overthrow the Emerald Isle and claim it for her legion of evil fairies. But first, she has a grudge to settle and a prophecy to thwart.

Zeke Zooter is the fourth-great grandson of the Morrigan’s nemesis, the Irish cobbler Riley Brogan. Through Riley’s line, Zeke has inherited a talisman that grants the rightful bearer 13 wishes. But Zeke’s first few wishes backfire, and using the magic lands the Morrigan on his trail.

As the Phantom Queen’s forces close in, Zeke and two gifted friends follow a cranky leprechaun to the land of his forefathers. There, they meet others who join the cause, and together they set out to pass the Three Tasks that will lead Zeke to Balor’s prison lair and a showdown with the Morrigan.

If he is to triumph, Zeke must make the right choice with his final wish and learn which friends to trust by unraveling the prophetic riddle spoken to him in the Hall of Whispers:

One guards a secret that governs your life,

Painful and sharp like the cut of a knife.

Two of your number are not who they seem.

Two steal away as the dawn robs a dream.

One will abandon the cause near the end.

One has judged right between villain and friend.

Five will be gone ere the struggle is done,

’Til one friend remains, to stand with The One.

©2023 Bruce L Jacobs (P)2023 Bruce L Jacobs

Fun & Unique

This book is a perfect middle grade read for all kids, but as a mother of young boys I especially enjoyed reading it with my boys!

And it's a SUPER fun book to read in March for St Patrick's Day!

Zeke learns the importance of family, how to believe in himself, to do hard things, and that people, like anything, aren't always what they seem. And sometimes it's the hardest choices that bring the most reward, but the knowledge & experiences gained along the way are priceless.

Great Middle Grade Read

I really enjoyed learning more about Irish lore! I got a little lost when the story is more about his great grandfather Riley, but it just took me a second to get back on track! A really fun listen.

That twist at the end

I found this book on bookstagram and thought the cover and story blurb were interesting. It was a very good read and I enjoyed how relatable the characters are. While one twist, I saw coming as it was obvious to me, the other had me gasping. It was super unexpected. A great read for anyone looking for a non-romance fantasy novel.

Great Fun! Highly Entertaining and Immersive.

Zeke Zooter and his friends find themselves headed to Ireland to defeat the Phantom Queen, the Morrigan, and keep Baylor from getting his eye of power back. Their magic-riddled journey is fascinating and highly entertaining. Of course, there are a few times when their moments of inspiration and assumption backfire on them!

Bruce Jacobs is both the author and narrator. This is not always a good combination as few authors are skilled at presenting characters with different voices and having continuity. Jacobs delivers on a well-written, magical adventure filled with unique and entertaining characters. He also slips into each character smoothly and flawlessly while providing a consistent sound for each character. I have to say, I love the “rapping” contest – what a hoot! The mystery as well as the development of each character are vividly detailed.

This is one of those rare books that allows the listener to become completely engaged and immersed in the storyline. As the narrator and author, Bruce Jacobs did an excellent and entertaining job! I highly recommend this audiobook!

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.