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pridiansky's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
thatgirlinblack's review
4.0
Perused this in a few hours and came away impressed by a strong Christian message in a children's fantasy book by Scholastic. The heroine Alexa must make a journey with John her protector, Yipes a small energetic man, her pet Murphy, and good giant Amnon, against evil Grindall, his master Abbadon, and his evil giant ogres. Elyon, the Creator God of the world, the angelic Seraphs, Abbadon the Lucifer, good against evil, being on Elyon's side and doing what He says, are all beautiful parts of this allegory. I'll close with some of my favorite quotes from the book.
"It is a bit daunting. But you must never forget that Elyon, in his own mysterious way, a way which we cannot understand, is on our side. The creator of both human and Seraph has chosen us, and I can only hope than in his vast wisdom he will show us how we might prevail against all odds."
"We have been in the midst of an immense evil for a very long time, and no one has come to help us. But, in its way, the evil has been a comfort, as if by its very presence we know the stories that have been passed on are true. Elyon is among us, close by, waiting in the shadows, until the cruelty runs its course and he returns to claim us."
"On Abaddon's side are Grindall and the ogres; these are the things of evil, things like rage, malice, and deceit. But we cast our lot on a different side, a side controlled by Elyon, who is just, wise, and kind."
""Elyon is near." ... It was the most unusual feeling, both comforting and frightening at the same time. I felt as though some new presence had moved suddenly closer, a wonderful presence, but a dangerous one as well."
"/It is you who must go, you have I chosen. There is no other./ I heard the words as clear as a bell. They were firm, and they were not a request - they were an order."
"It is a bit daunting. But you must never forget that Elyon, in his own mysterious way, a way which we cannot understand, is on our side. The creator of both human and Seraph has chosen us, and I can only hope than in his vast wisdom he will show us how we might prevail against all odds."
"We have been in the midst of an immense evil for a very long time, and no one has come to help us. But, in its way, the evil has been a comfort, as if by its very presence we know the stories that have been passed on are true. Elyon is among us, close by, waiting in the shadows, until the cruelty runs its course and he returns to claim us."
"On Abaddon's side are Grindall and the ogres; these are the things of evil, things like rage, malice, and deceit. But we cast our lot on a different side, a side controlled by Elyon, who is just, wise, and kind."
""Elyon is near." ... It was the most unusual feeling, both comforting and frightening at the same time. I felt as though some new presence had moved suddenly closer, a wonderful presence, but a dangerous one as well."
"/It is you who must go, you have I chosen. There is no other./ I heard the words as clear as a bell. They were firm, and they were not a request - they were an order."
coco_lolo's review against another edition
2.0
Better than the first, but still? I'm not feeling the magic.
riestenberger's review
3.0
Getting rid of books, reading them first, not the intended audience, blah blah...
I had a really hard time caring about this story for some reason. As with the first book, I was not a fan of the first person narration. Added to that, the plot of this story was just kind of ridiculous. Everything was just so perfectly choreographed. As much as I love fantasy, I just couldn't get into the lore behind this.
I had a really hard time caring about this story for some reason. As with the first book, I was not a fan of the first person narration. Added to that, the plot of this story was just kind of ridiculous. Everything was just so perfectly choreographed. As much as I love fantasy, I just couldn't get into the lore behind this.
oceanoruins's review
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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? No
5.0
I enjoyed this book. Good world-building and a lot of twists.
chelseaclif7's review
3.0
I did like this one, but I wish it was written for an older audience. There are themes that would be great to explore with an audience that doesn't mind heavy subjects.
hoosgracie's review
4.0
Alexa's adventures continue as she travels out of the walled city. Good children's fantasy.
corkykat's review
4.0
I loved this series when I was younger. It's a great introduction to fantasy for younger readers, and when I reread it, I still enjoyed it. It has some great detail and characters, and it's appropriate for little kids and bigger kids alike. Give it a try.
beccasbooks234's review
adventurous
3.5
As an adult rereading a book I read as a child, I’m constantly surprised that a 13-year-old is going on this dangerous adventure. I don’t remember questioning Alexa’s age when I read it the first time and I probably dreamed of going on adventures like her. Now that I’m basically double her age, I’m shocked that an old man would send a child on a quest that could get her killed.
This is the second book in the series and it ended on a cliffhanger, leaving me with questions unanswered, unlike the first book that ended cleanly. Definitely leaves me needing to read the next book!
This is the second book in the series and it ended on a cliffhanger, leaving me with questions unanswered, unlike the first book that ended cleanly. Definitely leaves me needing to read the next book!