Having his first book published last year was an exciting accomplishment for Manteca author John Rallios but when he learned recently that his book “The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard”, won the Maxy Awards Best Fantasy 2016, he was over the moon.
 The books publisher Black Rose Writing got the ball rolling last winter when they sent Rallios an announcement about Maxy House, an organization geared toward helping the developmentally disabled, having their first book contest dedicated to awarding excellence for indie and self-published authors.
 The award winning author will be holding a book signing this Saturday, May 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 pm. .at the Manteca Family Christian Bookstore located at 1015 S Main St. in Manteca.
Being a new author, Rallios wasn’t sure what to expect, nevertheless, he submitted his book for consideration. 
 “The Gopher and the Erstwhile Wizard”, is an enchanting story that tells of a gopher who accidentally eats a magic carrot from the garden of a recluse ex-wizard, giving him the ability to speak and in time befriend the former warlock. The two unlikely friends become separated when traveling to a nearby village and face many perilous adventures culminating in a battle between good and evil, in effort to be reunited.
 Rallios knew how special his story, which reveals how one’s heart makes all the difference, was for him personally and surely hoped it would have impact on readers, but never imagined that a panel of judges would read his book and recognize the intended value of the fantasy story to the point of honoring him with the top award in his genre.
“I’m honored that the Gopher story was esteemed so highly by the judges to have it in first place. It definitely validated the story itself as well as all my work in bringing it to life,” Rallios said.
The results of the contest were announced on May 2, which is the birthday of Max, a beautiful little girl who was taken to soon due to a severe developmental disability. and whom the foundation is set up in memory of.
 Rallios believes his fantasy story with its underlying message of hope, love, and friendship fits well with the purpose of Maxy House particularly as one of the main characters to the story, Gopher, doesn’t focus on his many limitations but rather on those things that really matter in life which is what Maxy House is all about.
 The panel of judges who read, reviewed and considered many story submissions had this to say about Rallios’ first book: “ ‘The Gopher and The Erstwhile Wizard’ is apleasant and quirky read, where the dialogue between gopher and wizard is priceless. The characters are lovable and unforgettable.” 
Although it was many years in the making, now that his book is here and thanks to the recognition of Maxy Awards, Rallios plans to continue to share the priceless tale of hope, love, friendship and a bit of adventure with readers everywhere.
To learn more about author John Rallios visit his website gopherfantasy.weebly.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter (@jrallios).