July 19, 2012

Blog Tour Book Review: Heirs of Prophecy


On Tuesday I had a great guest post by Michael Rothman author of Heirs of Prophecy plus a fantastic giveaway for a Kindle.  
You can check it out HERE.

Today I share my thoughts on the book.

About Heirs of Prophecy  - Goodreads | Amazon | IndieBound | B&N

The Riverton family had been enjoying a simple summer vacation when, through a fluke of nature, they found themselves in a strange new land.
The Riverton brothers quickly realize that in this world, they have gained unusual powers. Powers that their parents fear will attract the attention of Azazel himself - the merciless wizard who brutally controls this world. 
The two brothers soon learn that an ancient prophecy has finally been initiated by their arrival in Trimoria. As the heirs of this prophecy, they are destined to lead the armies of men, dwarves, elves, and even a misfit ogre against the prophesied demon horde. 
Only one thing stands in their way. 
The evil wizard who has learned of their presence, and has sent assassins to wipe them from existence.


My Review

Ok I'll be honest.  When I first got this book I wasn't sure I was going to like it.  And when I first started reading it I still wasn't sure.  If you read Michael's guest post on Monday you'll hear his thoughts on families in middle grade stories.  But I really kept waiting for something to happen to the parents or for their to be a huge divide between them and when it didn't happen I was kinda left lost! Stupid I know but it does show what my expectations are for middle grade lit sometimes! But once I started to get further into the story I really started to enjoy it!!

As the story starts out there are several strands of events happening separate from each other.  At first I struggled keeping them all in order in my mind, but that didn't last long.  Immediately my mind was working on figuring out how all these strands would start to come together in the story and how they could affect each other.  I was cool to actually watch it play out.  And by the end they seamlessly came together as a full story.  I'm always amazed when authors can pull that off!

Ok about the plot.  I loved the concept of a family being transported to a time and place they didn't know.  Haven't we all thought of that happening???  Especially to a land where magic is real!!  And how this played out was good.  I did thought, think they adjusted a bit too quickly.  I think for most of us we'd be a bit more freaked out.  They just accepted it and jumped right in.  I could put this aside and just enjoy the story. As the story came to a head with all the strands of stories coming together, the action was great and I was fully engaged.  I really wanted to see how this family worked together to succeed!

The characters were good.  The author used 3rd person and would change who the narrator was telling the story from.  So at one point we might be hearing about Aaron and what he's thinking and doing, but they it would switch to his brother.  At first I had to get use to this, but I ended up really liking it because I got to know each character really well.  It also allowed me to care about each character and see how they grew throughout the story.  For example Aaron was more timid at the start of the story, and I could really see how he changed.  This was true for many of the characters.  I did also like the role the parents played in the story and in the lives of the boys.  They weren't just these side characters.  They had a strong role and were solidly part of the boys' lives.  It was a great thing to see!  Beyond all that I liked the side characters especially ones that don't exist in our world.

I do have to say one thing about the cover of the book.  Ryan is suppose to be 14 in the book and Aaron 12.  When I look at the cover that is not at all what I see.  The boys look much much younger.  When trying to get some of my boy students to read this book I'm going to have to convince them of the main characters' ages.

Final Thought:  Great action, nice plot and love that it shows families can work together!
Best stick-with-you image: The sad home life of the ogre Ohaobbok
Best for readers who: Like new worlds
Best for ages: 9-13

For the Guys?  YES! Strong boy characters that really step up and do the right thing!

Now don't forget to read Michael's guest post and enter the giveaway for a Kindle!! 
Go HERE!

And to see what other bloggers have to say about the book check out the rest of the tour.

Monday, July 16th -  Mundie Kids Tuesday, July 17th -  Owl for YA Wednesday, July 18th - Chapter by Chapter Thursday, July 19th - Book and A Latte Friday, July 20th -  Sweeping Me Monday, July 23rd - Reading in the Corner Tuesday, July 24th - Soul Unsung  Wednesday, July 25th - Proud Booknerd Thursday, July 26th - Bitter Sweet Enchantement  Monday, July 30th - My Reading Room  Tuesday, July 31st - Book Brats  Wednesday, August 1st - Paranormal Indulgenlence  Thursday, August 2nd - Mandy Kay Reads Friday, August 3rd - Snowdropdreams

2 comments:

  1. Thanks for the review. I've been seeing Michael's book around and have been intrigued. If I get a chance, I'll check it out.

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  2. Thank you for the kind words. You aren't the first person to also note the detail of the parents being a bit laissez faire about switching worlds. I actually had a scene written which had them exploring for a way back, but that had fallen on the editing room floor. When/If they reprint, I hope to bring that scene back. ;-)

    I was wondering if you might be willing to post your review on Amazon as well? I've found that collecting reviews there ends up being useful for many people.

    Nonetheless, I am cross-linking your review on my blog.

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