Book Review: "Stargazer" by Patrick Carman

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Alexa finally arrives at the Five Stone Pillars. She may have defeated Abaddon, but he is back, in the form of a sea monster. And he is determined to destroy the pillars.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Alexa and Yipes are our only returning characters. And they are separated for a small portion of the book. Although the books doesn't emphasize their relationship, it still mentions their unique bond.

NEW CHARACTERS

Matilda is the first person Alexa meets, and she becomes like a big sister to her. Physically, she is as quite small, but she can often be bold, which surprises Alexa. Upon meeting Yipes, she seems to have a slight crush.

Jonezy is the same little boy who was at the orphanage as Roland and Thomas. But now he is all grown up. He is a leader to the people on the pillars. He is at first upset with Alexa and confused to why she is here, and why she brought a monster with her.

Alistair Wakefield is just a legend to Alexa. She learns about how he lived here but eventually went to live and be alone on another pillar, and died long ago.

Marco is a young boy who dislikes Yipes, causing Alexa to become suspicious of him when a secret attempt is made on her life.

PACING

The pacing isn't all that fast throughout, but it enters fast enough. We only get two chapters before disaster strikes. Carman shows he isn't afraid to kill off his characters, once again. And we still get a few of his good chapter endings that force you to read on.

ALEXA'S RELATIONSHIP-SPOILERS

Throughout each book so far, I have felt there has been something lacking: a friendship with someone Alexa's own age, and a love interest. And it seems we finally have one of those in this last one. Unfortunately, it comes a little too late. And Marco really isn't in the book that much. Mostly in the second half, and slightly throughout.

A character named Phylo plays an important part in the book, although he, himself, really isn't in the book much. I would have liked Marco to play that role instead, and maybe have Alexa have to learn to trust him gradually, instead of, all at once, which happens instead.

The majority of Alexa's relationships have been mentoring relationships: Armon, John Christopher, Warvold, and even Pervis Kotcher. Although Kotcher started out as an antagonist, he became an ally. Besides, Yipes, all of her friends were animals, which I think limited her experiences slightly.

Even Carman seems to notice that, and inserts a scene where Alexa makes friends with girls her own age. But they are nameless and have no part in the story.

PRINCESS ALEXA-SPOILERS

When Alexa tells Jonezy who her father is, he is shocked. He says that Thomas Warvold was their leader and who they relied on to bring supplies. Alexa is overwhelmed at the idea of being so important. Jonezy says her father was like a king, which would make her a princess. Even so, she rises to the challenge, revealing their plan to defeat Abaddon, knowing only her lineage will give her the credit she needs to be believed.

ALEXA'S SECRET

In the beginning of the story, we learn that Alexa can now how hear Abaddon, instead of Elyon. I thought this really should have affected her more, psychologically. After all, replacing Elyon with Abaddon seems like a big deal. But there is never a scene where Alexa wonders how long she will hear it, how much, and what that says about her.

A SATISFYING ENDING?-SPOILERS

The story goes on a few chapters after the climax: defeating Abaddon. Not a surprise. Carman tends not to let any loose endings go untied. The plan itself enfolds well, forcing Alexa to take the lead and still reply on her friends. But it was the chapters after that I'm mostly critiquing. Carman summarizes Alexa's new friendship with Marco, saying they become great friends. I wish this had been developed throughout the book, and not simply summarized as an afterthought.

Also, Alexa was very hesitant to reveal her lineage, and it takes an emergency for her to do so. But when it comes to what she will do now, she takes on the role of the next leader and transporter of goods without any hesitation. I found this slightly puzzling, assuming her hesitation of revealing her lineage had to to do with her not wanting to take the responsibility. Instead, it's revealed she does this for years to come and was always meant to do this. It felt too neat to me.

And what about home? What about her foster father? Her two mothers? Pervis Kotcher? Her stepbrother? I do wish these characters had scenes or mentions. I felt so far away from the first book and Alexa's family. She feels rather young, but seems to have found an occupation for the rest of her life. It just felt forced. Maybe a little too perfectly tied up with a bow. When it says she found her way home, I remember thinking, she was lost? I guess I didn't realize how unhappy she was at her home with her family.

EXPLICIT CONTENT

A character dies. It isn't described in detail. Another character has a knife used on her.

CONCLUSION

Alexa's journey comes to an end, defeating Abaddon for a second time, and discovering a new world. But the character development felt all at once, and slightly unrealistic. The same with her relationship with Marco. But the world Carman paints is original and he manages to bring Elyon back into the story, weaving together the pillars in an ending that only a Creator could foresee. I give “Stargazer” three 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: "Into the Mist" by Patrick Carman

SPOIL-FREE SUMMARY

Before Alexa was born, the Warvold brothers, Roland and Thomas lived in an orphanage. There they are treated like slaves and made to hunt through trash heaps to earn their meals. One day they find an item that urges them to leave and discover the unknown. From there they go to amazing places, like an underground lake of fire, a towering building of a maze, and a place outside of time.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Thomas is the more adventurous of the two brothers. He often acts first and thinks later. He loves to draw and paint. He has a blank book that's special to him, as its the only thing that is really his since growing up in an orphanage.

Roland is more cautious than Thomas, and it's through his eyes that we see the story. He admires his brother and wants more for them. Often times, Roland compliments his brother by being the one to stop and examine things, while Thomas would rather just barge in.

Thorn is a wild cat that was found and tamed by a cruel man, who uses her for his own purposes. She is rather curt with the brothers at first, but eventually opens up and tells them her past. She learns to respect and care for them, putting her life on the line. Her blunt way of speaking is rather distinct, but its her past and her confusion over her freedom that endears her to the reader.

PACING

The pacing is decent. By chapter three they have found the odd item that will push them to their journey. By chapter five the boys decide they are leaving. Carman creates many good cliff-hanger endings for his chapters that urge you to turn the page. Only near the end of the book did this taper off and leave me a little restless.

NO SET VILLAIN

The story is really a discovery story. We don't go on a quest to defeat an enemy, but to gain knowledge. At first, it just involves the item, but it evolves into something much more important. The story doesn't suffer for it, because we understand that this all happened before Alexa. And to me, solving the mystery of the item was enough to sustain my interest.

BACK AND FORTH

The story sometimes goes back and fourth, from the main story of the brothers, to Alexa being told the story on the ship with the present day Roland. These chapters were very short, but I still felt they were kind of unnecessary. I skimmed them, knowing nothing of any real significance was going to occur. I think perhaps Carman wanted to remind the reader that this book was just an interlude, and Alexa is still our main character. But I'm not sure that it was needed.

RELATIONSHIPS

Carman does a good job of portraying the relationship between Thomas and Roland. We see their personalities contrasted in many situations. And both develop as the journey progresses. But there are a few occasions where the writing seems awkward, and their is a time or two when the phrase “brotherly love” is used. It just feels clunky, like he's trying to explain what he should be showing.

As for Thorn, she is used as more than a guide and an informant about Elyon and Abaddon. She is the first being the boys have meant that actually puts herself into harms way for them. Roland explains how this changed him and his brother and I thought that was significant. Two often in stories I read, characters almost die for their friends, and no one seems to react like a real person. They just say thanks and the author hurries onto the next action-packed scene, not wanting bore us with a characters feelings and reactions.

THE CLIMAX

If you are reading the story alone, without the previous books, I understand how the climax may feel underwhelming. Put in context, it sets up the next book, where we learn about the origin of where Alexa is heading. Even so, I thought it dragged on a bit too long, a whole five chapters before coming to a close.

THORN'S WISDOM

As I mentioned, Thorn is also an informant on Elyon. Her information is never boring, but I thought it was rather odd when she said that Elyon and Abaddon could not exist without one another. It seems obvious that Carman is drawing on the Judaeo-Christian tradition, and yet here he seems to get rather Eastern in his philosophy. I don't feel it was intentional, as there were no other elements of Eastern philosophy in any of the other books.

On a positive note, I fully enjoyed Thorn's tale about the chained bear. I thought it was rather insightful about her character, that she would tell a story to relate her feelings, instead of simply stating them outright. It was a simple tale, and still I realized I have read many childrens' books that never put in little nuggets like this, things to get you thinking. Although it was rather blunt, and a more poetic way might have been to have the story being told actually being witnessed first hand, and then applied to the main characters.

EXPLICIT CONTENT

There are two dogs that are kept as pets by the owners of the orphanage and it is referenced that sometimes they may harm children. They are used as threats.

CONCLUSION

Carman creates a prequel with likable characters that grow and change as the story progresses as well as an original tale with fantastic places. A feat that is surprisingly rare. The pacing is good, but the climax is slightly too slow in my opinion. The highlight for me was the relationship between the boys and Thorn. I give “Into the Midst” 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: "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!