Book Review: "The Tenth City" by Patrick Carman

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Alexa and her friends are pursuing Grindall his ogres and on a rescue mission to save Yipes. Sometimes Alexa has Armon by her side, other times she is forced to go it alone. But along the way, she reunites with Pervis, her father, and Ander the bear. And now Alexa has a new ability, hearing the voice of Elyon himself. But she might not like everything she hears.

RETURNING CHARACTERS

Alexa goes through ups and downs. She is just as down-to-earth as in book two. More than once, she believes that she will die. Other times, she wonders what on earth she is doing, and if she can really do what Elyon says. But she acts anyway, showing a bravery and an acceptance in her fate. She doesn't go blissfully unaware, thinking that her belief in Elyon will protect her.

Armon is in the majority of the story, always Alexa's close friend and protector. He senses things that no one else does, most likely because of his ancestry and his closeness to Elyon.

Victor Grindall returns as our villain. He is rather stereotypical in some ways and I do wish he had made some more eloquent arguments about his opposition to Elyon. He seemed to recognize that he was evil, and enjoy it, instead of thinking of himself as a hero, rationalizing his selfish behavior, which would have been more convincing.

Warvold isn't in a large portion of the book but when he returns, Alexa is grateful for his reassuring presence.

PACING

The pacing in this book is just as good as book two. We start with swarming bats and a massive storm and everything takes off from there. Carmen often ends his chapters in cliff-hangers, very effectively. Although I didn't mention if before, he did the same thing in book two.

REVELATIONS-SPOILERS

Alexa is told something by Elyon that shocks and upsets her. Eventually, it turns out to be not what she thought, although it is still sad.

At the very end of the book, Alexa learns a very big secret. She handles it well, and places all of the pieces together. Her maturity is revealed in this scene. Although I do wish more hints had been given, I felt completely surprised.

FORESHADOWING

In the very beginning, Alexa and Armon see something that we don't get to see. Carmen keeps this a secret from the reader, and it's not revealed until the end. I don't think I have ever read a story like that.

Usually, it works like this: nearing the climax, the characters make a plan that we are not let in on. So while they act it out, it is a surprise and the reader is left to see it happen in real time. But this happens right after we are left in the dark, so we are not left to wonder for very long.

ALEXA & ELYON

Alexa and Elyon further develop their relationship, as she can now hear his voice. Instead of becoming best friends however, on almost all occasions, Alexa is left confused about what she hears, not knowing what will come of obeying. One time, she hears something that breaks her heart.

Carmen captures the relationship between the individual and the idea of a Judaeo/Christian God perfectly. Alexa has to keep believing there is a plan and purpose even when she doesn't understand at all. She has faith in what she doesn't know, something that is mocked in our modern age where knowledge is so abundant.

DEUS EX MACHINA?

I didn't mention it in the review, but in book 1, Alexa is about to be attacked by Sebastian when out from a hiding place, springs Darius, who Yipes has brought into the tunnels. Alexa may have gone after Sebastian, being a large part of the climax, but the resolution, had nothing to do with her. I hesitated to call that Deus ex Machina, because, after all, we already know of Darius and Yipes, and they know of the tunnels. But I would have preferred it if Alexa had managed to outsmart him herself, or her friends had merely worked with her, not come in and saved her.

As for this book, I mentioned that Armon and Alexa see something that the readers don't see in the beginning of the book. We don't get let in on the plan. So when we see it come to pass, at the end of the book, it feels weird. I almost didn't know how to feel. I didn't have the normal experience of expecting to be surprised. So when I was, it wasn't exactly pleasant. I felt kind of cheated. Like, oh, that was the plan. I kind of forgot we had a plan.

This cant really be called Deus ex Machina, but I don't know what to call it. Maybe just forgetfulness on the part of the reader.

EXPLICIT CONTENT-SPOILERS

Some ogres are killed. But nothing is explicitly described. A main character is killed, but we don't see it.

CONCLUSION

The story is fast paced, Alexa matures and grows as a character, and the story is still original. Although I have mixed feelings about the climax I would still recommend it, as it is essential to the series. I think the unique relationship between Alexa and Elyon is what makes the story. I give “The Tenth City” three and a half stars.

What do you think? Have you read this book? Agree or disagree with me on any of my points? Or just have an insight? Please let me know, by commenting.

Book Review: "Beyond the Valley of Thorns" by Patrick Carman

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Alexa thought that her troubles were over, but it turns out she was wrong. After receiving a letter that Warvold left for her, she heads to the Dark Hills to find a hidden object. After finding it, she must venture beyond the valley of thorns, to where Warvold previously traveled.

NEW CHARACTERS

John Christopher is one of the convicts who has previously lived in the caves of the dark hills. He was a petty criminal and Warvold and him became close. Although Alexa is hesitant to trust him, she eventually learns that he is willing to protect her no matter the cost.

Armon is one of the last race of the giants. He hasn't yet been turned into the ogres that the bats create by attacking them. He once lived and took care of two girls named Catherine and Laura. It has been his job to protect the stones of Elyon.

Victor Grindall is the tenth of all of the Grindalls that works with Abaddon. It is discovered to have been behind the trouble that Sebastian and the convicts planned. He commands an army of ogres and swarming bats.

Odessa, Darius' wife joins Alexa on her travels. She seems alittle stoic, and lacking in character, although she does make a few sarcastic remarks.

Balmoral, is the wife of a woman who helps Alexa and John. He knows a lot about Elyon and shares a lot of information about the deity. He also has knowledge of the ogres that hunt them, and is a very useful guide.

PACING

The pacing in this story is much better than the first. The story is put into motion almost right away, when Alexa hears knocking in the secret passage, then travels through it. By chapter four, we have been presented with what the book will be about.

ARMON & JOHN

Both characters were presented as mentors and protectors of Alexa. And both were not exactly what she expected, John being an ex-convict and Armon being from a race of giants. And both are crucial members of the team, Armon with his knowledge of the land and John with his knowledge from Warvold. Although most of this book focuses on Alexa's relationship with John, for reasons that will be obvious to the reader.

CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Alexa Daley is now a year older, and ready for an adventure. She doesn't hesitate to search out an item left for her by Warvold. But traveling beyond home still feels daunting. Only with the reassurance of John Christopher does she decide to venture out. Alexa is honest, admitting when she is scared and hesitating more than once. She learns more about Elyon and her faith in him grows.

STRATEGY & MATURITY

Alexa and her group have to defeat a huge number of ogres in order to get to Grindall, in his tower. A large amount of strategy goes into the plan with a complexity that was missing from the first book. I thought that, and the death of a character, as well as the kidnapping of another, added a maturity to Alexa and a forced development of her character.

EXPLICIT CONTENT

Many ogres are killed. But nothing is too graphic.

CONCLUSION

Carmen creates a sequel that is actually superior to its predecessor. The story is not only faster paced, with a more complex plot, but also deals with deeper issues, like sacrifice, and faith in God, even when you don't understand his plans. I give “Beyond the Valley of Thorns” four stars.

What do you think? Have you read this book? Agree or disagree with any of my points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "The Dark Hills Divide" by Patrick Carman

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

In the Land of Elyon all of the cities are surrounded by a massive wall. Alexa Daley has grown up with it her whole life. But she secretly dreams of finding out what exactly is outside. Is it really as dangerous as people say? She ends up investigating, and discovers a plan to invade her city.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Alexa Daley is the daughter of the mayor of Lathbury. She secretly desires to know about the world beyond the walled towns. She is small for her age of twelve years and cannot imagine anything is special about her. But she is an inquisitive girl, and her desire to learn helps push her forward.

Yipes is the small, agile man that guides Alexa when she gets out of the walled area. He is quiet at first, but eventually talks more after the truth is revealed. He and Alexa become close friends. Yipes is rather blunt and tends to say things no one else does.

Pervis Kotcher is the head of the city guard. He does his job well, but is such a disagreeable person that Alexa goes out of her way to avoid him. Even so, he manages to cause trouble for her. In the beginning, he comes across as the main villain.

Darius is a wolf that Yipes leads Alexa to. In turn, he leads her to a small tunnel. Although Alexa is intimidated by him, and doubtful about his trustfulness, eventually she comes to trust and rely on him.

Murphy is a squirrel who Alexa meets. He has a hard time staying still and is rather excitable.

PACING

Pacing is really the only criticism I have for the story. The beginning may start with a drastic event, but it then flashes back for four chapters to give us some background of Alexa and Bridewell, as well as the story behind the walls that surround all the cities. And there is five more chapters before Alexa makes a discovery that sets the rest of the story in motion. I understand why this was done, but I think it could have been shortened and the information condensed better.

ANIMAL CAST

One of my favorite aspects of this story were the animals. They don't all have a big part, but in the woods we are introduced to a massive amount of animals. Some might be annoyed by this list of seemingly inconsequential creatures, but I loved it. I wanted Carmen to go on and name more. I think this comes from reading so many books about animals as a child.

ECHOES OF NARNIA

I thought it was obvious once we meet the creatures, who talk of Elyon, that he is similar to C.S. Lewis' Aslan. They say he is on the move, a line straight from the fantasy novels. Also, they call the Land, the Land of Elyon, implying that Elyon is the ruler and creator of all. There isn't any preaching in this book though, so if you are an atheist or agnostic it shouldn't bother you. The villains are not people who hate Elyon, and the good guys don't seem to have enough knowledge to follow him.

THEME

I would say a large part of the story is realizing that God(Elyon) can use anyone to do great things. Throughout the book it is clear that Alexa does not think highly of herself. She considers it incredible that she should be put in such a situation to do amazing things. And yet she always at least tries. There is nothing amazing about her. She is not particularly smart, athletic, bold, or pretty. She seems quite average. And yet she is the key to protecting a city.

GENRE

I mentioned how the pacing is rather slow in the beginning. Well, this really isn't a action story, but more of a mystery with puzzles to solve. Alexa finds various clues through the Jocasta during the story. Most don't make sense right away, and we are left wondering what things mean. This, more than fast pacing, pushes our desire onward to read. Although there are many chapter endings that are cliff-hangers, they are ones that leave us confused, so we want to read on. Not the classic-something really drastic and action-packed has happened, what will happen next-kind of thing.

CONCLUSION

Carmen creates an original story with charming animal creatures and a likable heroine. The very slow pacing in the first part is the only thing that affects the story negatively. I give “The Dark Hills Divide” three and a half stars.

What do you think? Have you read this book? Agree or disagree with any of my points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "The Wrath of Mulgarath" by Holly Black

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

When the Grace children discover who the hostage of Mulgarath is, they know they must mount a rescue mission. They must finally find Arthur Spiderwick, and get some answers. And they must go to where the hostage is being kept, a castle among a massive junkyard. But there is more than Mulgarath and goblins to deal with, but dragons as well.

RETURNING CHARACTERS

Jared resolves his issues his his father by the end of the book. I thought for a main character, it made sense why all of the character development was focused on him.

Simon actually gets another opportunity to be a crucial part of the story. He has to do something very difficult for him, in particular. It's obvious when this happens.

Mallory plays the part she usually plays, the girl with the sword. She is useful, and she protects her brothers while harming a dragon. I appreciate how she is important to the story, but I still thought we never got to learn about her that much.

NEW CHARACTERS

Mulgarath is a massive ogre, almost resembling a tree. He is rather two dimensional. I can understand why he would hate humans because they rule the world and are much weaker. And the magical creatures must hide. But when he explains why he killed the dwarves, it doesn't make much sense. Perhaps if the story had been longer, we would have learned more about him.

Arthur Spiderwick finally makes his appearance. We know he cannot simply step and solve all of Jared's problems. He merely offers advice and shares some information about Mulgarath that later comes in handy. I appreciate that he wasn't built up, and then knocked down. Instead he was simply portrayed as an innocent man with an interest in faeries.

PACING

The pacing is good. Just as fast as the previous two rescue books from the series.

MEETING ARTHUR-SPOILERS

Jared goes to Arthur with mixed feelings. He previously wanted to hate him for abandoning his daughter, but now he needs him. Suddenly Arthur has risen much higher in his opinion. So to see it all come crashing down is sad, but not surprising. When Jared shows his desperation, we know that he must go on his own. He must face his fears.

Perhaps it would have been nice for Arthur to become a mentor character, but it was just too late in the story for that.

FAMILY TIES-SPOILERS

I appreciate that their mother was brought into the story in the last book. Most fantasy books I read have the parents completely in the dark about the activities of their children. Their interaction with their kids is minimum at most. I appreciate that Black realized that since the kids were going through a lot already, with the divorce and relocation, that there needed to be healing and closure in the family before the story ended.

THEME-SPOILERS

One theme that reoccurs is letting go of anger and moving on. For the entire book, Jared has held onto his anger to his father. Something happens in the climax in which Jared is forced to admit the truth: his dad is not going to change, realize he has been selfish and destroyed his family, and come home. And Jared has to recognize that and try to move on. It's terrible that a nine year old has to do that. I do wish that forgiveness would have been emphasized a little more. But it seems implied: when He see's how Lucinda treats her father, not with anger and a desire for revenge, but forgiveness and love.

CLIMAX

The location of the climax is a blend of a medieval castle and a junkyard. And instead of a long, drawn out battle with a beast that the kids probably wouldn't stand a chance against, we finally get to see Byron the Griffon in action. And Jared and Thimbletack have to think of a way to outsmart the giant ogre. Although the use of the sword does come into play.

CONCLUSION

Mulgarath was kind of a generic villain, but I appreciate the resolving of family issues, as well as including their mother in the story. I give “Mulgarath's Wrath” three and half stars.

What do you think? Have you read this book? Agree or disagree with any of my points? Please let me know!

Book Review: "The Ironwood Tree" by Holly Black

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Mallory is excited to have her first fencing competition, but Jared notices some odd behavior around him at the school. He investigates, but only finds trouble. He and Simon end up having to go underground and face a bunch of dwarves.

RETURNING CHARACTERS

Jared and Simon are the two main characters. The contrast between the brothers is on full display. We witness Jared giving into his temper, but for the first time, apologize instantly. He seems more aware of it. Also, we learn that Jared thinks of Simon is much smarter than him. Simon does get a chance to shine, where previously Jared was the one who solved most of the problems.

NEW CHARACTERS

Lord Korting is the king of the dwarves, who seems to think little of humans. Apparently, dwarves live much longer than humans, maybe forever, if kept from harm. I would have liked to learn more about them.

The knocker, a strange creature that resides underground and can hear information through the stones. He was barely in the story, and he seemed to come out of nowhere, make himself useful and then leave.

PACING

The pacing is just as good as the previous rescue mission in book two. There is a small part that relies on Simon solving a puzzle, but the rest of the book is more action.

THEME & PATTERN

The genre, not the theme, is a rescue mission. We tend to go from mystery to action and back again. Book one: mystery. Book two: rescue mission. Book three: mystery and confrontation. Book four: rescue mission.

CLIMAX

After finding what they came for, they still have to escape from the quarry. It's no easy feat, as its a maze. A knocker comes in and helps. And although I would have liked to learn more about it, we move onto the next problem fast. I expected more. But the chase scene was exciting and the resolution of the robot dogs was amusing.

CONCLUSION

Jared is developed slightly more and we gain insight into his feelings of abandonment by his mom. We learn more about Mulgarath, and the pacing is good. I give “The Ironwood Tree” three and a half stars.

What do you think? Have you read this book? Agree or disagree with any points I made? Please let me know!