Scan barcode
scostner's review
4.0
Zed, Brock, Liza, Micah, and Jett are back to survive dangers and deceptions. Spoiler Alert - At the end of the first book in the series the elves arrived to report that their city had fallen. The town of Freestone allowed the refugees inside its walls, but the situation is uneasy (and that is putting it mildly). The Rangers of the elves have taken shelter with the Adventurers Guild and their youngest member, Fel, has joined the five friends in their training. When a party is sent to scout a possible return to the elven city of Llethanyl, the youngsters find themselves outside the safety of Freestone and in the wilderness where Dangers could be behind every bush or stone.
Besides the creatures who try to kill them(ranging from shapeshifting things with really large teeth to deadly spores and even banshees), there are also plenty of intrigue and cross-purposes to ruin everyone's day. The shadowy figure who wants Brock to discover secrets, Zed's desire to learn more about his elven father, the prejudices within the elven party against some of their own people, the elven queen's true agenda...all of these push and pull at the characters and influence their actions. And within this fantasy setting, there are still everyday themes of friendship, family, belonging, identity, prejudice, and the stirrings of teenage romance as the adventurers make their way toward Llethanyl.
Readers who enjoyed the first outing and have been waiting for the next installment in the series will be glad to reunite with the characters they know and to learn more about the newcomers. Those who are just discovering the Adventurers Guild can jump in and give this a try, and then they will probably want to go back and read about how this crew got their start once they reach the end of the book.
Highly recommended for middle grade readers who enjoy fantasy adventure. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Besides the creatures who try to kill them(ranging from shapeshifting things with really large teeth to deadly spores and even banshees), there are also plenty of intrigue and cross-purposes to ruin everyone's day. The shadowy figure who wants Brock to discover secrets, Zed's desire to learn more about his elven father, the prejudices within the elven party against some of their own people, the elven queen's true agenda...all of these push and pull at the characters and influence their actions. And within this fantasy setting, there are still everyday themes of friendship, family, belonging, identity, prejudice, and the stirrings of teenage romance as the adventurers make their way toward Llethanyl.
Readers who enjoyed the first outing and have been waiting for the next installment in the series will be glad to reunite with the characters they know and to learn more about the newcomers. Those who are just discovering the Adventurers Guild can jump in and give this a try, and then they will probably want to go back and read about how this crew got their start once they reach the end of the book.
Highly recommended for middle grade readers who enjoy fantasy adventure. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
jilljemmett's review
5.0
This is a fun story in the Adventurers Guild series.
I love the group of kids who form the Adventurers Guild. They are like a bunch of misfits because they don’t really belong anywhere else. There was a lot of tension between Zed and Brock, the two main characters, because they are both keeping secrets from one another. The characters got a little confusing at times because there were so many new ones, such as the elves they travelled with, and some characters have similar names.
I was reminded of Game of Thrones throughout this story. There were different creatures and species, such as dragons. The elves play an important role in this story. The Adventurers Guild has to try and help the elves get rid of the Lich, which is causing all of their dead to spring to life and attack. Their trek reminded me of when the characters in Game of Thrones go beyond the wall. This story is like a kid-friendly version of Game of Thrones.
I really enjoyed this action-packed story! This is a great series!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I love the group of kids who form the Adventurers Guild. They are like a bunch of misfits because they don’t really belong anywhere else. There was a lot of tension between Zed and Brock, the two main characters, because they are both keeping secrets from one another. The characters got a little confusing at times because there were so many new ones, such as the elves they travelled with, and some characters have similar names.
I was reminded of Game of Thrones throughout this story. There were different creatures and species, such as dragons. The elves play an important role in this story. The Adventurers Guild has to try and help the elves get rid of the Lich, which is causing all of their dead to spring to life and attack. Their trek reminded me of when the characters in Game of Thrones go beyond the wall. This story is like a kid-friendly version of Game of Thrones.
I really enjoyed this action-packed story! This is a great series!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
tenzin_wangchuk's review
5.0
The second book is a great follow-up. We get new characters who play vital roles in the story. I would totally love to pick the next book, but unfortunately, it isn't out yet.
ddkeac's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
joy761's review
4.0
Another cracking installment in The Adventurers Guild. Can’t wait to read the next!
sabrinamae's review
4.0
I enjoyed this even more then the first. So much fun and adventure. The friendships have really grown.
I also appreciated that they dealt with the topic of refugees, racism and discrimination in a really respectful way. Perfect for a middle grade audience.
I also appreciated that they dealt with the topic of refugees, racism and discrimination in a really respectful way. Perfect for a middle grade audience.
samwise's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
3.5
Compared to the first one, this one was less engaging plot-wise but it was easier to get through because I’m already attached to the characters.
It was a fun book and it expanded the world, which I appreciated. As with the first book, the villain has no real depth or motive but they serve their purpose.
I did enjoy the book and am excited for the culmination of the series!
doyoudogear's review
4.0
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
Twilight of the Elves was like Lord of the Rings, but MG. I loved it! There were elves, dwarves, and even a necromancer! Seriously, it's like this book was made for me. I really enjoyed reading this one to my son, and we've already gone online and ordered the first book, The Adventurer's Guild. Even though this is the second book in a series, we didn't feel lost or confused by the world or the characters. The authors were informative, but not overly so. You shouldn't feel bombarded with facts if you've read the first book, but you'll feel adequately informed if you haven't.
I really enjoyed the story and how relatable the characters were. The more mundane aspects of their lives were things my son could understand, while we simply enjoyed the magical and fantastical elements. For example, one of the characters mentioned not having time to brush his teeth, and my son thought that meant he should be able to skip brushings every once in awhile. I had to tell him that he wasn't actively fighting monsters, and therefore had no excuse not to brush his teeth.
This book prompted a lot of conversations between me and my son, and I liked how involved he was with the story. I've been reading chapter books aloud to him for awhile now, but this is the first time he's played an active role in the story. I think that alone says something about the quality of this book. He wanted to pay attention and ask questions instead of simply drifting off to sleep. More often than not, I would leave his room with him still awake and asking me to read just one more chapter.
Twilight of the Elves was a really fun and enjoyable read! The world-building was amazing, the characters were believable (wish there had been more character development since this was the second book), and there was plenty of action and adventure! Like I said, very Lord of the Rings. I cannot wait to see what this duo comes up with next! The ending definitely left room for more.
Originally posted at Do You Dog-ear? on November 15, 2018.
Twilight of the Elves was like Lord of the Rings, but MG. I loved it! There were elves, dwarves, and even a necromancer! Seriously, it's like this book was made for me. I really enjoyed reading this one to my son, and we've already gone online and ordered the first book, The Adventurer's Guild. Even though this is the second book in a series, we didn't feel lost or confused by the world or the characters. The authors were informative, but not overly so. You shouldn't feel bombarded with facts if you've read the first book, but you'll feel adequately informed if you haven't.
I really enjoyed the story and how relatable the characters were. The more mundane aspects of their lives were things my son could understand, while we simply enjoyed the magical and fantastical elements. For example, one of the characters mentioned not having time to brush his teeth, and my son thought that meant he should be able to skip brushings every once in awhile. I had to tell him that he wasn't actively fighting monsters, and therefore had no excuse not to brush his teeth.
This book prompted a lot of conversations between me and my son, and I liked how involved he was with the story. I've been reading chapter books aloud to him for awhile now, but this is the first time he's played an active role in the story. I think that alone says something about the quality of this book. He wanted to pay attention and ask questions instead of simply drifting off to sleep. More often than not, I would leave his room with him still awake and asking me to read just one more chapter.
Twilight of the Elves was a really fun and enjoyable read! The world-building was amazing, the characters were believable (wish there had been more character development since this was the second book), and there was plenty of action and adventure! Like I said, very Lord of the Rings. I cannot wait to see what this duo comes up with next! The ending definitely left room for more.
Originally posted at Do You Dog-ear? on November 15, 2018.
More...