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A review by engpunk77
Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire by John August
3.0
Nature survival meets demigod adventure.
The plot has elements of a Riordan novel, in that a tween boy finds he is of a different realm and life within that realm often crosses over (as does he) into the earthly world and adventure, battles, and suspenseful scenes ensue with the protagonist and his close friends. However, I think this book will appeal to a new type of reader: those who love books like the Hatchet novels by Gary Paulsen, [b:My Side of the Mountain/On the Far Side of the Mountain|8695048|My Side of the Mountain/On the Far Side of the Mountain|Jean Craighead George|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327785721l/8695048._SX50_.jpg|13567637], [b:Weasel|425599|Weasel|Cynthia C. DeFelice|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348023840l/425599._SX50_.jpg|414659], and other outdoorsy-survival books.
Arlo and his scouting troop, the Rangers, support each other (as a team) as they strive to live up to their Ranger Promise which includes loyalty, bravery, kindness and "being true," so good role models abound in this book. They learn to tie knots, refer to their field guides and bestiary to learn what they need to know to face certain challenges as they arise and as they prepare for the big Ranger derby competition. I struggled to stay awake reading about these things, but any kid who is into campouts, scouting, fishing, hiking, etc. will probably be glued to the page. However, there is a lot more of this and a lot less adventure and action than in a Riordan novel, and a lot less humor, which is probably why I didn't like it so much (along with my nitpicking about the plot and character shortcomings).
While I didn't enjoy it much (I give it a 2.5), I know exactly which students to whom I will promote it.
Format notes: the audiobook is pretty bad; had to abandon and resume with the print version. Pretty good book group discussion questions included in the appendix.
The plot has elements of a Riordan novel, in that a tween boy finds he is of a different realm and life within that realm often crosses over (as does he) into the earthly world and adventure, battles, and suspenseful scenes ensue with the protagonist and his close friends. However, I think this book will appeal to a new type of reader: those who love books like the Hatchet novels by Gary Paulsen, [b:My Side of the Mountain/On the Far Side of the Mountain|8695048|My Side of the Mountain/On the Far Side of the Mountain|Jean Craighead George|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1327785721l/8695048._SX50_.jpg|13567637], [b:Weasel|425599|Weasel|Cynthia C. DeFelice|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348023840l/425599._SX50_.jpg|414659], and other outdoorsy-survival books.
Arlo and his scouting troop, the Rangers, support each other (as a team) as they strive to live up to their Ranger Promise which includes loyalty, bravery, kindness and "being true," so good role models abound in this book. They learn to tie knots, refer to their field guides and bestiary to learn what they need to know to face certain challenges as they arise and as they prepare for the big Ranger derby competition. I struggled to stay awake reading about these things, but any kid who is into campouts, scouting, fishing, hiking, etc. will probably be glued to the page. However, there is a lot more of this and a lot less adventure and action than in a Riordan novel, and a lot less humor, which is probably why I didn't like it so much (along with my nitpicking about the plot and character shortcomings).
While I didn't enjoy it much (I give it a 2.5), I know exactly which students to whom I will promote it.
Format notes: the audiobook is pretty bad; had to abandon and resume with the print version. Pretty good book group discussion questions included in the appendix.