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istoleahalo's review
2.0
This is the second book in the Land of Elyon series, and I found it to be just okay. I think part of why I didn't like it more is because it ended with the dumbass "To be continued. . ." I realize that there are more books after this in this series and that the story will continue, but "To be continued. . ."? Seriously?
shurleyknot's review
3.0
This book was a great sequel to THE DARK HILLS DIVIDE. The jocastas still played an important part, and so did a former convict, Odessa the wolf, and Armon, the last remaining giant who isn't rotting from the inside out. Thou somewhat side 3/4 of the way through, there was a surprise in the ending.
swampdonk's review
2.0
The idea behind this book was full of potential but it didn't quite live up to it. I'm glad I read it and I'm already half way done with the third but I feel like I'm making myself continue on with the series just because I own them already.
luxorator's review
4.0
Beyond the Valley of Thorns, Patrick Carman's sequel to The Dark Hills Divide, is a fast-paced, enjoyable, and much darker read than its predecessor. The Land of Elyon is a very mysterious place, and readers of the first novel are only too aware of this. Many of these mysteries are revealed in Beyond the Valley of Thorns, yet even more remain unsolved. Readers learn about the history, tragedies, and the balance of good and evil of this troubled land. As much as I am fond of the first book of the series, the second installment is obviously a richer fantasy.
While delving through this intriguing novel, I sensed a Lord of the Rings-ish essence in the plot. Indeed, the Dark Tower of Victor Graindall was reminiscent of the two towers in the second of Tolkien's novels, save the second tower. Abaddon, the source of all evil in The Land of Elyon, could be compared to Sauron. Grindall could be seen as the counterpart of the wizard Saruman.
Indeed, this a fine fantasy. The only criticism I have is the lack of character in Alexa. The Dark Hills Divide portrayed her as a free-spirited, independent, and adventurous girl, but all of these qualities fell flat during the majority of the second novel. Even though this may be true for one character in the book, Patrick Carman successfully incorporates an array of new characters into the plot. Odessa, the quiet and thoughtful wolf, and Arman, the proud yet gentle giant, are only a couple of examples.
Beyond the Valley of Thorns has a very dark nature. The presence of evil is much more evident than the previous book. What really struck me was the sad state of the people living in Castalia. These suppressed and downtrodden citizens harbor a valiant and persistent nature that I really admire. They are governed by a tyrant and policed by foul ogres. The ogres, in my opinion, are the worst of the Castalians problems. These giant, ruthless brutes have been infected by Abaddon's evil and are literally rotting from the inside.
For readers of The Dark Hills Divide, Patrick Carman's second installment of the series will come as no disappointment. Though dark in nature, this is a very pleasant read that captures the spirit of adventure and the essence of faith its many allegories. Though the lack of character in Alexa is evident, this is an excellent read for fans of the series and fantasy alike.
While delving through this intriguing novel, I sensed a Lord of the Rings-ish essence in the plot. Indeed, the Dark Tower of Victor Graindall was reminiscent of the two towers in the second of Tolkien's novels, save the second tower. Abaddon, the source of all evil in The Land of Elyon, could be compared to Sauron. Grindall could be seen as the counterpart of the wizard Saruman.
Indeed, this a fine fantasy. The only criticism I have is the lack of character in Alexa. The Dark Hills Divide portrayed her as a free-spirited, independent, and adventurous girl, but all of these qualities fell flat during the majority of the second novel. Even though this may be true for one character in the book, Patrick Carman successfully incorporates an array of new characters into the plot. Odessa, the quiet and thoughtful wolf, and Arman, the proud yet gentle giant, are only a couple of examples.
Beyond the Valley of Thorns has a very dark nature. The presence of evil is much more evident than the previous book. What really struck me was the sad state of the people living in Castalia. These suppressed and downtrodden citizens harbor a valiant and persistent nature that I really admire. They are governed by a tyrant and policed by foul ogres. The ogres, in my opinion, are the worst of the Castalians problems. These giant, ruthless brutes have been infected by Abaddon's evil and are literally rotting from the inside.
For readers of The Dark Hills Divide, Patrick Carman's second installment of the series will come as no disappointment. Though dark in nature, this is a very pleasant read that captures the spirit of adventure and the essence of faith its many allegories. Though the lack of character in Alexa is evident, this is an excellent read for fans of the series and fantasy alike.
hannahlavinia's review against another edition
3.0
It was better than the first book for Suarez! Still not the best thing in the world.
its_jess24's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5