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saarahn's review against another edition
5.0
An adventurous read
I don't usually go for the adventure - fantasy kind of books anymore, I tend to feel bored by the idea of werewolves, vampires, alpha males, evil fairy cults.... But this book was significantly different, there was none of that pure good or pure bad- there was confusion, suspicion and danger. For this reason it was hugely compelling. I haven't ventured down the path of reading these kind of books since I was a kid reading the works of Lemony Snicket.
This book is a lot like The Lord of the Rings in its central premise: that of an enchanted, powerful staff which served as a character, itself. Two brothers, Nestor and Nicholas, centuries ago, sought out this staff for he who has it, possesses immeasurable talent. This is what the writer Ingraham tells us in his book 'After the Bloodwood Staff'. Yep, this is one of those that has a book within a book. Sybil, a book lover, believes there is more to the book than what others see- there are clues. Requesting the company of Hoyle, a book lover and collector, she sets off on her own quest to bring out the staff. They meet some quirky characters along the way. Hoyle's character development was brilliant and completely unforseen.
I have to say, all the characters were developed to the extent that they weren't two dimensional gimmicks. They were the high point of this novel, I enjoyed their wit, their constant bickering, their discoveries, and how they seemed the strangest of friends but amounted to so much. I especially loved the dialogue of the characters Ada and Sybil, both were confident and assertive when they needed to be. Plus, they had a knack for saying the right things at the right time.
This book deserves attention.
I received this book through Odyssey Books for review consideration.
I don't usually go for the adventure - fantasy kind of books anymore, I tend to feel bored by the idea of werewolves, vampires, alpha males, evil fairy cults.... But this book was significantly different, there was none of that pure good or pure bad- there was confusion, suspicion and danger. For this reason it was hugely compelling. I haven't ventured down the path of reading these kind of books since I was a kid reading the works of Lemony Snicket.
This book is a lot like The Lord of the Rings in its central premise: that of an enchanted, powerful staff which served as a character, itself. Two brothers, Nestor and Nicholas, centuries ago, sought out this staff for he who has it, possesses immeasurable talent. This is what the writer Ingraham tells us in his book 'After the Bloodwood Staff'. Yep, this is one of those that has a book within a book. Sybil, a book lover, believes there is more to the book than what others see- there are clues. Requesting the company of Hoyle, a book lover and collector, she sets off on her own quest to bring out the staff. They meet some quirky characters along the way. Hoyle's character development was brilliant and completely unforseen.
I have to say, all the characters were developed to the extent that they weren't two dimensional gimmicks. They were the high point of this novel, I enjoyed their wit, their constant bickering, their discoveries, and how they seemed the strangest of friends but amounted to so much. I especially loved the dialogue of the characters Ada and Sybil, both were confident and assertive when they needed to be. Plus, they had a knack for saying the right things at the right time.
This book deserves attention.
I received this book through Odyssey Books for review consideration.
norwayjose's review against another edition
5.0
I discovered this book was available in Kindle format at bedtime and despite the hour, I read two chapters before I realized exactly how late it was. This is everything I look for in a book and more. It put me in that precarious state of both wanting to devour it quickly to find out what happens and reading it slowly to savor the experience. Only a few books have managed to affect me this way. They end up being favorite books I return to frequently.
After finishing the book and having loved it, I now find myself in a state of what I call "book hangover". That's the feeling I get after I finish a very satisfying book and have to struggle to find another that I connect with as deeply.
I hope these characters will be returning in a sequel soon as I'm left wanting to spend more time with them.
After finishing the book and having loved it, I now find myself in a state of what I call "book hangover". That's the feeling I get after I finish a very satisfying book and have to struggle to find another that I connect with as deeply.
I hope these characters will be returning in a sequel soon as I'm left wanting to spend more time with them.
rivqa's review against another edition
4.0
I read most of this charming book over a lazy Sunday, and it fit the bill perfectly. Delightful, pacy, and a great antidote to grimdark without being fluffy. The setting of Sydney and the Blue Mountains was an added bonus.
emmajanereads's review against another edition
5.0
Wonderful characters, excellent character development, and a highly enjoyable overall storyline - can definitely recommend!
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