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The Guardians #1
Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King
Before SANTA was SANTA, he was North, Nicholas St. North—a daredevil swordsman whose prowess with double scimitars was legendary. Like any swashbuckling young warrior, North seeks treasure and adventure, leading him to the fiercely guarded village of Santoff Claussen, said to be home to the greatest treasure in all the East, and to an even greater wizard, Ombric Shalazar. But when North arrives, legends of riches have given way to terrors of epic proportions! North must decide whether to seek his fortune…or save the village.
When our rebellious hero gets sucked into the chaos (literally), the fight becomes very personal. The Nightmare King and his evil Fearlings are ruling the night, owning the shadows, and sending waves of fear through all of Santoff Clausen. For North, this is a battle worth fighting...and, he's not alone. There are five other Guardians out there. He only has to find them in time.
When our rebellious hero gets sucked into the chaos (literally), the fight becomes very personal. The Nightmare King and his evil Fearlings are ruling the night, owning the shadows, and sending waves of fear through all of Santoff Clausen. For North, this is a battle worth fighting...and, he's not alone. There are five other Guardians out there. He only has to find them in time.
228 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
361 people are currently reading
7890 people want to read
About the author
William Joyce
165 books1,500 followersWilliam Joyce does a lot of stuff—films, apps, Olympic curling—but children’s books are his true bailiwick (The Numberlys, The Man in the Moon, Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King, Toothiana, and the #1 New York Times bestselling The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, which is also an Academy Award–winning short film, to name a few). He lives with his family in Shreveport, Louisiana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,274 reviews
January 30, 2026
Long ago, there lived a swashbuckling swordsman under the name of Nicholas St. North - North to his friends - who would one day be known to the world as Santa.
"The possibilities were endless. Battles would be fought. Wonders revealed. Many journeys. Many lands. Many joys. Many sorrows."
North in his youth ran with the roughest lot - always looking to make a buck. When he stumbles upon the village of Santoff Claussen, he must (for the first time) decide what the true treasure is - gold and glittering gems or is it friendship?
Ombric, the wizard of Santoff Claussen, has noticed that the Nightmare King (Pitch) along with the Fearlings (evil underlings) are once again wreaking havoc across the land.
It's going to take far more than an old wizard to take down the King - but will North be enough?
ButLet me start with - I LOVED the Rise of the Guardians movie and every 6 months, I desperately search the internet for hint of a sequel.
The books that go along with the Rise of the Guardian are set far before the movie. Keep in mind, I have not read this series before, so it's entirely possible that the books will eventually work their way up to where the movie began.
One thing that really stood out to me was the pacing - it was quick, staccato plot development. We are constantly leaping from one idea to the next, the world expanded by leaps and bounds.
I think it worked for what it is - a middle grade book where you don't necessarily want to spend chapters unfolding characters and the world - but as an adult, I wish there was a bit of a slower development. I could've used a bit more back story and longer transitions.
But overall, I did enjoy this book - it was fun and fierce. I'm excited to see where it goes next!
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December 17, 2021
I discovered this book series quite by accident thanks to the movie adaptation (Pixar) but was smitten right away. So a re-read at least of this Christmas-y one was in order!
This is the story of how Nicholas St. North, the swashbuckling adventurer, became Santa Claus, the toymaker spreading joy each winter.
Originally, he had sought adventure and treasure but once he gets to a mythical village plagued by the Nightmare King, he decides that saving the children is much more important and a much worthier cause. Thus, he teams up with Yeti and shows that you don't mess with Santa!
I love how we get the origin story as well as an interconnected mythology of the Guardians of Childhood (the other guardians have their own books, of course).
Moreover, the children themselves aren't damsels either, they just needed a little help to help themselves, which is as great a message as the one that these beings aren't just ideas and ornamental but kick-ass.
The writing is fast-paced while also being enchanting - and full of magic! As for the illustrations ... well, see the gorgeous and quirky examples above. AToo bad these books aren't more widely known because they are worthy of being highly regarded classics!
Original review:
I must admit I didn't know the books about The Guardians of Childhood until I had seen the movie. But as soon as I had realized where the story came from, I bought all of them and thought that December was the perfect time to start reading the series. I started with The Man in the Moon, which is more like a picture book for really small children. "Nicholas St. North" however is more of a storybook, with less pictures. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it tremendously. The story is funny and full of wit as well as instructive and the drawings are simply magnificent. The author really put his heart into it, one can tell. Moreover, what is good if you're reading the book as several bedtime stories to a child is that the chapters are almost all relatively short. Also, I'm glad that this story as well as the ones to come (which I have already started) are longer than the first. :-)
This is the story of how Nicholas St. North, the swashbuckling adventurer, became Santa Claus, the toymaker spreading joy each winter.
Originally, he had sought adventure and treasure but once he gets to a mythical village plagued by the Nightmare King, he decides that saving the children is much more important and a much worthier cause. Thus, he teams up with Yeti and shows that you don't mess with Santa!
I love how we get the origin story as well as an interconnected mythology of the Guardians of Childhood (the other guardians have their own books, of course).
Moreover, the children themselves aren't damsels either, they just needed a little help to help themselves, which is as great a message as the one that these beings aren't just ideas and ornamental but kick-ass.
The writing is fast-paced while also being enchanting - and full of magic! As for the illustrations ... well, see the gorgeous and quirky examples above. AToo bad these books aren't more widely known because they are worthy of being highly regarded classics!
Original review:
I must admit I didn't know the books about The Guardians of Childhood until I had seen the movie. But as soon as I had realized where the story came from, I bought all of them and thought that December was the perfect time to start reading the series. I started with The Man in the Moon, which is more like a picture book for really small children. "Nicholas St. North" however is more of a storybook, with less pictures. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it tremendously. The story is funny and full of wit as well as instructive and the drawings are simply magnificent. The author really put his heart into it, one can tell. Moreover, what is good if you're reading the book as several bedtime stories to a child is that the chapters are almost all relatively short. Also, I'm glad that this story as well as the ones to come (which I have already started) are longer than the first. :-)
September 28, 2016
4.5
Que livro maravilhoso!
Fiquei impressionada com a carga emocional que esse livro teve em tão poucas páginas. O autor consegue dar vida e personalidade PRA UM RAIO DE LUA! A escrita é muito bonita e as ilustrações complementam a história muito bem. Eu me apeguei a todos os personagens e fiquei preocupada com eles, torcendo… É uma história bem mágica mesmo, com cara de conto dos Grimm com pitadas de emoção e bom humor. Além de me fazer quase chorar, eu ri alto com esse livro! E são 200 páginas!! Como isso é possível?
O livro é bem diferente do filme, que eu gostei tbm, mas aqui a carga emocional e o desenvolvimento dos personagens é muito maior.
Eu já tinha uma expectativa alta com esse livro e achava que iria gostar, mas eu gostei MUITO! Foi uma ótima surpresa e quero muito continuar.
Que livro maravilhoso!
Fiquei impressionada com a carga emocional que esse livro teve em tão poucas páginas. O autor consegue dar vida e personalidade PRA UM RAIO DE LUA! A escrita é muito bonita e as ilustrações complementam a história muito bem. Eu me apeguei a todos os personagens e fiquei preocupada com eles, torcendo… É uma história bem mágica mesmo, com cara de conto dos Grimm com pitadas de emoção e bom humor. Além de me fazer quase chorar, eu ri alto com esse livro! E são 200 páginas!! Como isso é possível?
O livro é bem diferente do filme, que eu gostei tbm, mas aqui a carga emocional e o desenvolvimento dos personagens é muito maior.
Eu já tinha uma expectativa alta com esse livro e achava que iria gostar, mas eu gostei MUITO! Foi uma ótima surpresa e quero muito continuar.
July 17, 2018
This was a great story and yet there was something about it that didn't fully hook me. After reading his other books like the Sandman, I know William Joyce can weave a crafty tale that carries you along on wings of silver and this story was missing something to bring it fully to life.
Santaff Clausen is the name of the city this takes place and there is magic in the world that this place harnesses. The imagination behind the book is fantastic as usual. I do plan on going on with this story and I hope it gets better with each book.
Santaff Clausen is the name of the city this takes place and there is magic in the world that this place harnesses. The imagination behind the book is fantastic as usual. I do plan on going on with this story and I hope it gets better with each book.
April 6, 2017
Okay, first of all, I feel it necessary to establish that I think William Joyce is an American treasure. A top-tier illustrator of many, many children's books, overflowing with imagination. Check out Santa Calls, or Dinosaur Bob, or the Rolie Polie Olie books (and associated television show, which worked a sort of throwback to the early Disney stuff). Joyce is amazing, and his Moonbot Studios is responsible for this year's Academy Award Winning short film, The Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore.
All that to say, William Joyce, you are very good at what you do.
Except for the writing part.
Because YIKES! The lesson was right there in the title of your Award-winning movie; in the name of your main character. Less is more! Less is more!
In order to achieve that "magical" quality, a good story has to be lightly seasoned with it. Joyce upended the whole spice rack, creating a nearly undigestible stew of . . . things. Giant bears, sentient moonbeams, mystical forest spirits, an ancient wizard, walking trees, a ghostly boy, a robot djinni, devilish spells, astral projection, spaceships, moonbots, a monastic order of lunar lamas, an army of abominable snowmen . . . and that's just a warm-up.
But the writing is never really "magical" and the story never feels "magical." It's magical because Joyce fills the books with magical things.
Joyce also never slows down. This happens, then that happens, then this, and it's on to that. It's less a novel than an outline of a novel with some connecting phrases.
At about the half-way point, the book seems to decide it has a plot -- a sort of quest -- and the antagonist (a fallen "angel" named Pitch) does his level best to stop Our Heroes. But when everything is neatly solved by magic (a tragic incident early in the book is easily "fixed" with a spell or two) it's hard to feel any sort of peril.
An inside-cover blurb promises that this book is the story of Santa Claus before he was known as Santa Claus. And that blurb is the last time you'll have any suggestion of it. When he's first introduced, Nicholas St. North is a legendary Cossack bandit. By the end of the book, he's a reformed bandit, and . . . that's it.
Granted, this is the first book in the series, so Joyce probably gets around to establishing North's ultimate destiny by the finale, except the future books are supposed to focus on other "Guardians of Childhood." (The second book, recently out, focuses on the Easter Bunny.)
Ironically, one of the problems here is that less isn't always more. In this case, the book could have used more of a focus, more detail, "more matter, less art!" I'm not sure I'll bother with the rest of the series. A book this short shouldn't also be this tedious.
All that to say, William Joyce, you are very good at what you do.
Except for the writing part.
Because YIKES! The lesson was right there in the title of your Award-winning movie; in the name of your main character. Less is more! Less is more!
In order to achieve that "magical" quality, a good story has to be lightly seasoned with it. Joyce upended the whole spice rack, creating a nearly undigestible stew of . . . things. Giant bears, sentient moonbeams, mystical forest spirits, an ancient wizard, walking trees, a ghostly boy, a robot djinni, devilish spells, astral projection, spaceships, moonbots, a monastic order of lunar lamas, an army of abominable snowmen . . . and that's just a warm-up.
But the writing is never really "magical" and the story never feels "magical." It's magical because Joyce fills the books with magical things.
Joyce also never slows down. This happens, then that happens, then this, and it's on to that. It's less a novel than an outline of a novel with some connecting phrases.
At about the half-way point, the book seems to decide it has a plot -- a sort of quest -- and the antagonist (a fallen "angel" named Pitch) does his level best to stop Our Heroes. But when everything is neatly solved by magic (a tragic incident early in the book is easily "fixed" with a spell or two) it's hard to feel any sort of peril.
An inside-cover blurb promises that this book is the story of Santa Claus before he was known as Santa Claus. And that blurb is the last time you'll have any suggestion of it. When he's first introduced, Nicholas St. North is a legendary Cossack bandit. By the end of the book, he's a reformed bandit, and . . . that's it.
Granted, this is the first book in the series, so Joyce probably gets around to establishing North's ultimate destiny by the finale, except the future books are supposed to focus on other "Guardians of Childhood." (The second book, recently out, focuses on the Easter Bunny.)
Ironically, one of the problems here is that less isn't always more. In this case, the book could have used more of a focus, more detail, "more matter, less art!" I'm not sure I'll bother with the rest of the series. A book this short shouldn't also be this tedious.
December 15, 2012
This book was exactly the sort I love to find in the children's section: it had the wonder and imagination of childhood while still offering danger and adventure. It kept me turning pages and the illustrations were gorgeous.
There were so many things about this book that I loved. All the twists given to childhood characters was one of the best. The Man in the Moon, the Boogeyman and of course Santa Claus were all done in fresh ways. I even liked how djinns and Abdominable Snowmen were used in the story. By far I have to say I'm most intrigued to read more about Nicholas and the journey he will take that leads him to his future role.
The community of Big Root was fascinating as well, and all the spells put in place to keep it safe were later used with great effect when Nicholas and his bandits came by.
I can hardly wait to see how the author deals with the Easter Bunny and the Toothfairy in the next installments. I almost feel like I read this book too quickly. I was anxious to see what would happen but am a little sad that it's over. I'm just grateful that the story isn't over yet.
I would recommend this to all those who are young at heart. I promise that you will be enchanted.
There were so many things about this book that I loved. All the twists given to childhood characters was one of the best. The Man in the Moon, the Boogeyman and of course Santa Claus were all done in fresh ways. I even liked how djinns and Abdominable Snowmen were used in the story. By far I have to say I'm most intrigued to read more about Nicholas and the journey he will take that leads him to his future role.
The community of Big Root was fascinating as well, and all the spells put in place to keep it safe were later used with great effect when Nicholas and his bandits came by.
I can hardly wait to see how the author deals with the Easter Bunny and the Toothfairy in the next installments. I almost feel like I read this book too quickly. I was anxious to see what would happen but am a little sad that it's over. I'm just grateful that the story isn't over yet.
I would recommend this to all those who are young at heart. I promise that you will be enchanted.
December 16, 2021
Unfortunately, I've read a number of weak Santa-origin tales in the past, so I guess I wasn't really expecting all that much from this.
Boy, was I surprised. Not only was I hooked on the prose, the strange, gentle directions it took, but I was thrilled by the story. Aye, not only me, but my daughter as well. We read it together and both of us enjoyed it so much that we excitedly planned to read all five books to match the seasons.
I'll just say that this book is rich, fantastical, magical, and full of wonder.
For someone as jaded as me, this is a wonderful and happy occasion that left me gobsmacked.
I totally recommend this.
Boy, was I surprised. Not only was I hooked on the prose, the strange, gentle directions it took, but I was thrilled by the story. Aye, not only me, but my daughter as well. We read it together and both of us enjoyed it so much that we excitedly planned to read all five books to match the seasons.
I'll just say that this book is rich, fantastical, magical, and full of wonder.
For someone as jaded as me, this is a wonderful and happy occasion that left me gobsmacked.
I totally recommend this.
June 11, 2021
Amo la película de El origen de los guardianes, por eso tenía ganas de ponerme con estos libros y la verdad es que me arrepiento de no hacerlo antes. Es una historia corta, pero muy bonita.
Sombra despertó de su sueño y él y sus temores quieren volver a atormentar a todos los niños, es por eso que Ombric le pide ayuda al hombre de la luna y este le señala a un famoso bandido. Norte se dedica a robar y es el mejor, pero cuando su historia se mezcla con al de Ombric y Katherine, decide ser una persona diferente de quién siempre soñó.
Norte es el mismo que conocemos en la cinta, solo que es la historia de su origen y del por qué era ese personaje tan rudo, distinto al que siempre nos presentaron como Santa Claus. Me gustó mucho su origen, su personalidad y cómo poco a poco se va ablandando, en especial por la manera en que Katherine lo quiere con su inocencia de niña.
Todo el tema del Zar de la Luna, la luz de luna y Sombra me encanta, de verdad disfruto mucho de la construcción de este mundo. Sigue siendo una historia para niños en la que la magia de tener fe es mucho más poderosa que cualquier hechizo, pero por eso es una construcción muy bonita. Los personajes también me gustaron mucho, los niños, los adultos y ya quiero ir conociendo a los demás guardianes.
Nicolas San Norte y la batalla contra el Rey de las Pesadillas es la primera entrega de Los Guardianes que nos presenta el despertar de Sombra y cómo se comienza a armar este equipo de personas dedicadas a cuidar a los niños. El primero es el origen de Norte como un bandido que termina encantándose con la magia y el cuidar de los demás.
Sombra despertó de su sueño y él y sus temores quieren volver a atormentar a todos los niños, es por eso que Ombric le pide ayuda al hombre de la luna y este le señala a un famoso bandido. Norte se dedica a robar y es el mejor, pero cuando su historia se mezcla con al de Ombric y Katherine, decide ser una persona diferente de quién siempre soñó.
Norte es el mismo que conocemos en la cinta, solo que es la historia de su origen y del por qué era ese personaje tan rudo, distinto al que siempre nos presentaron como Santa Claus. Me gustó mucho su origen, su personalidad y cómo poco a poco se va ablandando, en especial por la manera en que Katherine lo quiere con su inocencia de niña.
"Entonces el sueño hizo algo que solo los sueños pueden hacer: pasó a formar parte de Norte, se convirtió en su propio sueño. Comenzó a vivir en su corazón y ya nunca moriría"
Todo el tema del Zar de la Luna, la luz de luna y Sombra me encanta, de verdad disfruto mucho de la construcción de este mundo. Sigue siendo una historia para niños en la que la magia de tener fe es mucho más poderosa que cualquier hechizo, pero por eso es una construcción muy bonita. Los personajes también me gustaron mucho, los niños, los adultos y ya quiero ir conociendo a los demás guardianes.
"Solo hace falta soñar la libertad para empezar a romper el conjuro de la esclavitud"
Nicolas San Norte y la batalla contra el Rey de las Pesadillas es la primera entrega de Los Guardianes que nos presenta el despertar de Sombra y cómo se comienza a armar este equipo de personas dedicadas a cuidar a los niños. El primero es el origen de Norte como un bandido que termina encantándose con la magia y el cuidar de los demás.
July 22, 2018
Okay so I saw the film and wondered what the books where like. Can you say I am the only one?
So I went looking for the books and here is the first one. It is not what I was expecting and to be honest I am very glad. This book has not only the same feel as the film but a lot of the graphics have made the transition too.
However this is the story of St Nick master swordsman and master of the north. This is the very beginning of the story where as the film in rights is the very end.
So what of this book- yes its aimed at a certain age group (no wonder I enjoyed it so much) but the artwork and imagery is incredible creative but also atmospheric - its one of those stories (supported by the illustrations) which is ageless and I suspect stand the tests of time.
Yes there is a rip roaring adventure which rattles along at such a pace but there is also creativity and a sense of wonder which just makes you want to reach for the next instalment even though you can pretty much guess how it will be.
This is one of those books that when you are not sure what you want to read next and dont really feel like diving in to anything too heavy or demanding and yet you want a fun adventure this is the sort of book I would look for. Now I know its only me but there are only a few such books I would go back to like that (Before Tomorrowland is another example).
The only problem now is I have to go looking for the next one on the series.
So I went looking for the books and here is the first one. It is not what I was expecting and to be honest I am very glad. This book has not only the same feel as the film but a lot of the graphics have made the transition too.
However this is the story of St Nick master swordsman and master of the north. This is the very beginning of the story where as the film in rights is the very end.
So what of this book- yes its aimed at a certain age group (no wonder I enjoyed it so much) but the artwork and imagery is incredible creative but also atmospheric - its one of those stories (supported by the illustrations) which is ageless and I suspect stand the tests of time.
Yes there is a rip roaring adventure which rattles along at such a pace but there is also creativity and a sense of wonder which just makes you want to reach for the next instalment even though you can pretty much guess how it will be.
This is one of those books that when you are not sure what you want to read next and dont really feel like diving in to anything too heavy or demanding and yet you want a fun adventure this is the sort of book I would look for. Now I know its only me but there are only a few such books I would go back to like that (Before Tomorrowland is another example).
The only problem now is I have to go looking for the next one on the series.
May 16, 2021
5/ 5 stars
I did not know I needed this book, but I am sure everyone does. This story makes my soul ache and fills me up with wonder. I need some kind of cartoon about this story (also giving it a proper ending) Also go and watch the movie about those books.
Plot
Basically, it is about the origin of the figure Santa Claus/ Father Christmas. I love how this book adds so much lore and answers some questions I had from the movie. I love the story about the Man in the Moon and I love Ombric and Kathrine and the magic. It is BEAUTIFULLY written.
Sorry, but the ending is eh. It feels like one small part of a big story. Literally, in the book the Main Cast makes plans to defeat the Nightmare King for all time, but not even half of the plan gets executed (hope it will in the rest of the books) I would have loved seeing more of North's character development, him becoming Santa and also him beating Nightmare- men with his cool double swords.
Edit: the word "Indian Trails" came up and as a non- American and not native to English language I assumed it was some kind of racial slur, but it is a REAL place. My bad.
I did not know I needed this book, but I am sure everyone does. This story makes my soul ache and fills me up with wonder. I need some kind of cartoon about this story (also giving it a proper ending) Also go and watch the movie about those books.
Plot
Basically, it is about the origin of the figure Santa Claus/ Father Christmas. I love how this book adds so much lore and answers some questions I had from the movie. I love the story about the Man in the Moon and I love Ombric and Kathrine and the magic. It is BEAUTIFULLY written.
Sorry, but the ending is eh. It feels like one small part of a big story. Literally, in the book the Main Cast makes plans to defeat the Nightmare King for all time, but not even half of the plan gets executed (hope it will in the rest of the books) I would have loved seeing more of North's character development, him becoming Santa and also him beating Nightmare- men with his cool double swords.
Edit: the word "Indian Trails" came up and as a non- American and not native to English language I assumed it was some kind of racial slur, but it is a REAL place. My bad.
February 16, 2016
This reminds me so much of classical children's books. It's very different from the movie, but in a good way that I appreciated. I think it could have focused a bit more on the problem of Pitch rather than North just hanging out in Santoff Claussen, but I really enjoyed it. Definitely a book to read to young children, and for children to pick up when they're just discovering their own love of reading.
March 17, 2016
“The possibilities were endless. Battles would be fought. Wonders revealed. Many journeys. Many lands. Many joys. Many sorrows." -William Joyce, Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King (The Guardians,#1)
In the center of a large forest, protected by a spirit that tempts trespassers with glittering jewels, and guarded by a ferocious bear that stalks the shadows, lies the hidden village of Santoff Claussen. This strange place is hidden from the world and is home to an odd group of individuals, including families with children that are capable of speaking to insects and an old wizard from Atlantis, Ombric Shalazar, who is able to perform amazing magical feats. Deep within the shadows an evil stirs, an evil that is both ancient and terrifying. Pitch, the Nightmare King, and his Fearlings have awoken and Ombric cannot defeat them on his own. He needs the help of a brave warrior, who may not know just how special he is. This is where Nicholas St. North enters the picture. A bandit who knows the way of the sword is the only one with the power to help save Santoff Claussen and destroy Pitch once and for all. The only problem, however, is getting North on their side. North loves adventure and is soon lured to the illusive village. His men all easily fall to the traps that protect the people and North is the only one who enters Santoff Claussen. This one man is pure of heart and becomes Ombric's apprentice. North begins to display some interesting talents and builds a creature unlike any other, a mechanical djinni. This creation may be his undoing, as Pitch will use anything to rid the world of Nicholas St. North. Will North be able to defeat the Nightmare King or will his own handiwork be his undoing?
William Joyce has crafted a delightful children's story filled with adventure and inspiring characters. He removes all previous notions of how old St. Nick should be portrayed. North is nothing like the jolly, white-bearded, elderly gentleman that we often picture as Santa Claus. He has crafted North in such a way that he is seen as a warrior, but a warrior that still holds the desire to save children and their happiness within his heart. I love the fact that Joyce has created such interesting origins for famous holiday icons and beings that many children believe in. The series itself is a great concept and I cannot wait to read the stories of the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and Sandman. I have to say that this series definitely piqued my interesting after I was able to see the movie "The Rise of the Guardians". Both are severely dissimilar, but it's great to be able to see where the movie's inspiration arose. My only qualm with this book, however, would be the fact that it was not as in depth as I had hoped it would be. It is a Middle Grade novel, therefore the characters are not as deep and the adventures are quite short. I wonder what the story would have been like if it had been a Young Adult novel?Overall, it was a great book and it head breathtaking illustrations!.
In the center of a large forest, protected by a spirit that tempts trespassers with glittering jewels, and guarded by a ferocious bear that stalks the shadows, lies the hidden village of Santoff Claussen. This strange place is hidden from the world and is home to an odd group of individuals, including families with children that are capable of speaking to insects and an old wizard from Atlantis, Ombric Shalazar, who is able to perform amazing magical feats. Deep within the shadows an evil stirs, an evil that is both ancient and terrifying. Pitch, the Nightmare King, and his Fearlings have awoken and Ombric cannot defeat them on his own. He needs the help of a brave warrior, who may not know just how special he is. This is where Nicholas St. North enters the picture. A bandit who knows the way of the sword is the only one with the power to help save Santoff Claussen and destroy Pitch once and for all. The only problem, however, is getting North on their side. North loves adventure and is soon lured to the illusive village. His men all easily fall to the traps that protect the people and North is the only one who enters Santoff Claussen. This one man is pure of heart and becomes Ombric's apprentice. North begins to display some interesting talents and builds a creature unlike any other, a mechanical djinni. This creation may be his undoing, as Pitch will use anything to rid the world of Nicholas St. North. Will North be able to defeat the Nightmare King or will his own handiwork be his undoing?
William Joyce has crafted a delightful children's story filled with adventure and inspiring characters. He removes all previous notions of how old St. Nick should be portrayed. North is nothing like the jolly, white-bearded, elderly gentleman that we often picture as Santa Claus. He has crafted North in such a way that he is seen as a warrior, but a warrior that still holds the desire to save children and their happiness within his heart. I love the fact that Joyce has created such interesting origins for famous holiday icons and beings that many children believe in. The series itself is a great concept and I cannot wait to read the stories of the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and Sandman. I have to say that this series definitely piqued my interesting after I was able to see the movie "The Rise of the Guardians". Both are severely dissimilar, but it's great to be able to see where the movie's inspiration arose. My only qualm with this book, however, would be the fact that it was not as in depth as I had hoped it would be. It is a Middle Grade novel, therefore the characters are not as deep and the adventures are quite short. I wonder what the story would have been like if it had been a Young Adult novel?Overall, it was a great book and it head breathtaking illustrations!.
December 11, 2021
The sinister Pitch, the terrible Nightmare King whose depredations brought about the end of the interstellar Golden Age, and resulted in the last scion of the great House of Lunanoff becoming the fabled Man in the Moon, above a small green planet called Earth, is freed from his ages long imprisonment in this engrossing middle-grade fantasy novel from William Joyce and Laura Geringer, immediately setting out to conquer the planet and terrorize its residents (especially its children) with his Fearlings. When Pitch and his men come upon Santoff Claussen, a magical and well-protected village in the isolated wilds of Siberia, protected by the spells of the great wizard Ombric, they are at first repelled. When they try again, this time possessing the great bear which (amongst other things) protects the village, it seems like they will have more luck. Then a dream summons Nicholas St. North, the most famed thief and adventurer of the age, to Santoff Claussen's defense, leading to a sequence of events in which Pitch is temporarily defeated, and North finds that he has a higher destiny...
Having read and enjoyed all three of William Joyce's Guardians of Childhood picture-books - The Man in the Moon , The Sandman: The Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie , and Jack Frost - I have long been meaning to read the series of fantasy novels involving the same cast of characters. Much of the back story here - the battle between Pitch and the Lunanoff Family, during the Golden Age, and the partial destruction of the Moon Clipper that led to the formation of Earth's moon - were covered in those books, but it was good to get more details. I really enjoyed the cast of characters here, from the wise Ombric to the intrepid North, not to mention the courageous Katharine, and hoped I will see all of them again, in subsequent entries in the series. My only disappointment, with Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King, is that although Nicholas' eventual role as Santa Claus is hinted at, that transformation isn't actually covered in the story, something I was rather expecting, given the book's description. Still, that is a minor complaint, as I otherwise greatly enjoyed this one, and am now eager to track down and read the sequels. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed the picture-books mentioned above, and to all middle-grade readers who enjoy fantasy fiction.
Having read and enjoyed all three of William Joyce's Guardians of Childhood picture-books - The Man in the Moon , The Sandman: The Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie , and Jack Frost - I have long been meaning to read the series of fantasy novels involving the same cast of characters. Much of the back story here - the battle between Pitch and the Lunanoff Family, during the Golden Age, and the partial destruction of the Moon Clipper that led to the formation of Earth's moon - were covered in those books, but it was good to get more details. I really enjoyed the cast of characters here, from the wise Ombric to the intrepid North, not to mention the courageous Katharine, and hoped I will see all of them again, in subsequent entries in the series. My only disappointment, with Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King, is that although Nicholas' eventual role as Santa Claus is hinted at, that transformation isn't actually covered in the story, something I was rather expecting, given the book's description. Still, that is a minor complaint, as I otherwise greatly enjoyed this one, and am now eager to track down and read the sequels. Recommended to anyone who has read and enjoyed the picture-books mentioned above, and to all middle-grade readers who enjoy fantasy fiction.
February 10, 2015
I gave this book a 2-star rating because it means I thought the book was "ok," and that's pretty accurate.
I expected to like the story a lot more, based on my enjoyment of some of Joyce's delightful picture books; also, I think the idea of the Guardians of Childhood sounds really exciting.
However, the writing in this book seems a bit shallow and hurried to me, and I felt didn't quite do justice to the grand concept. I kept wanting more character development. I wanted to linger in the imaginative landscape, and know more about what the characters were thinking and feeling through their actions and dialogue. The dramatic scenes didn't have much impact for me because I didn't develop any strong feelings about the characters.
Distracting spelling errors suggest the book was edited in a hurry. For instance, page 147 refers to a gift wrapped in "muslim" instead of "muslin"; page 135 has a sentence which reads, "If adventures were to be had, she wanted to see them and drew them in her sketchbook;" shouldn't it read "draw" instead of "drew?"
One strong point of the book was the pencil drawings--Joyce's artwork is always playful and full of detail, and he is great at designing unique characters. I especially enjoyed his drawings of Ombric the wizard and Big Root, the tree he lives in. I found myself wishing this was a picture book so I could enjoy the artwork in full color!
I think children who like fantasy will probably enjoy this.
I expected to like the story a lot more, based on my enjoyment of some of Joyce's delightful picture books; also, I think the idea of the Guardians of Childhood sounds really exciting.
However, the writing in this book seems a bit shallow and hurried to me, and I felt didn't quite do justice to the grand concept. I kept wanting more character development. I wanted to linger in the imaginative landscape, and know more about what the characters were thinking and feeling through their actions and dialogue. The dramatic scenes didn't have much impact for me because I didn't develop any strong feelings about the characters.
Distracting spelling errors suggest the book was edited in a hurry. For instance, page 147 refers to a gift wrapped in "muslim" instead of "muslin"; page 135 has a sentence which reads, "If adventures were to be had, she wanted to see them and drew them in her sketchbook;" shouldn't it read "draw" instead of "drew?"
One strong point of the book was the pencil drawings--Joyce's artwork is always playful and full of detail, and he is great at designing unique characters. I especially enjoyed his drawings of Ombric the wizard and Big Root, the tree he lives in. I found myself wishing this was a picture book so I could enjoy the artwork in full color!
I think children who like fantasy will probably enjoy this.
November 10, 2020
★ 2016 AtY Reading Challenge ★: A childhood classic.
I saw Rise of the Guardians multiple times and I love that movie. I didn't know there was a series before the movie... There were a few differences but the ending, I assume, it's going to be the same.
What I normally appreciate about middle grade books is that they're always an adventure in itself. Getting into this one I was sure it was going to be intense and fast-paced.
Compared to other middle-grade books, this felt pretty chill.
I saw Rise of the Guardians multiple times and I love that movie. I didn't know there was a series before the movie... There were a few differences but the ending, I assume, it's going to be the same.
What I normally appreciate about middle grade books is that they're always an adventure in itself. Getting into this one I was sure it was going to be intense and fast-paced.
Compared to other middle-grade books, this felt pretty chill.
January 23, 2023
YOUTUBE / INSTAGRAM
La película El origen de los guardianes me encanta y se ha convertido en una película que reveo todas las Navidades. No obstante, en mi opinión, el título en español no acaba de ajustarse bien a la historia que vemos, que más bien sería el origen de uno de esos cinco guardianes. Los otros cuatro digamos que ya están bien establecidos y llevan mucho tiempo siendo guardianes de la infancia.
Por ese motivo, me hacía ilusión conocer el origen del resto de guardianes, así que supe que tenía que leer los libros. No obstante, mis expectativas me jugaron una pequeña mala pasada, y es que yo creía que en cada uno de los libros de los cuatro otros guardianes encontraríamos su historia y el momento en el que efectivamente se hacen guardianes, para luego pasar al siguiente libro y presenciar cómo el siguiente se hace guardián. Pero la cosa no ha ido exactamente así, sino que aquí conocemos a Nicolás San Norte antes de convertirse en el guardián Norte, pero no llegamos a ver cómo se convierte en guardián, sino que solo presenciamos una parte de su historia. Por lo tanto, tenemos a un personaje que deduzco que va a seguir desarrollándose en los siguientes libros y que llegará a ser guardián más adelante.
Pero pasemos al libro en sí: me ha gustado, pero ha habido algo (o ha faltado algo) que me ha impedido amarlo por completo (puede que sea por mis circunstancias personales en el momento en el que lo leí). Me ha parecido interesante saber más sobre la importancia de la luna en la historia de los guardianes. Ha estado guay saber lo que hay detrás, porque es algo que en la peli no se ve en ningún momento.
Por otro lado, si en este libro solo íbamos a tener una parte de la historia de Nicolás, me habría gustado ver con más detalle su etapa como Rey de los Ladrones. Al empezar el libro, se nos dice que es el rey de los bandidos, y al final del libro es un bandido reformado (que no Santa Claus, aún no). Pero aparte de ver ese arco de redención, me habría gustado ver su vida de bandido también. Te explican cómo llega a ella y algunas cosas que hace, pero no entre en profundidad en ello.
Y creo que esa ha sido otra parte del problema. Hay muchas cosas en las que no entra en profundidad, personajes que no he podido llegar a entender bien, magia, etc. El estilo es bastante lírico, pero yo habría preferido menos concentración en la forma y más en el fondo.
Pero me ha gustado el mundo, el lore, me ha gustado la magia, al ambientación y los personajes (aunque me habría gustado conocerlos un poco mejor). El final es un poco precipitado y hay varios hilos que quedan sueltos, pero bueno, hay más libros que vienen detrás de este.
La película El origen de los guardianes me encanta y se ha convertido en una película que reveo todas las Navidades. No obstante, en mi opinión, el título en español no acaba de ajustarse bien a la historia que vemos, que más bien sería el origen de uno de esos cinco guardianes. Los otros cuatro digamos que ya están bien establecidos y llevan mucho tiempo siendo guardianes de la infancia.
Por ese motivo, me hacía ilusión conocer el origen del resto de guardianes, así que supe que tenía que leer los libros. No obstante, mis expectativas me jugaron una pequeña mala pasada, y es que yo creía que en cada uno de los libros de los cuatro otros guardianes encontraríamos su historia y el momento en el que efectivamente se hacen guardianes, para luego pasar al siguiente libro y presenciar cómo el siguiente se hace guardián. Pero la cosa no ha ido exactamente así, sino que aquí conocemos a Nicolás San Norte antes de convertirse en el guardián Norte, pero no llegamos a ver cómo se convierte en guardián, sino que solo presenciamos una parte de su historia. Por lo tanto, tenemos a un personaje que deduzco que va a seguir desarrollándose en los siguientes libros y que llegará a ser guardián más adelante.
Pero pasemos al libro en sí: me ha gustado, pero ha habido algo (o ha faltado algo) que me ha impedido amarlo por completo (puede que sea por mis circunstancias personales en el momento en el que lo leí). Me ha parecido interesante saber más sobre la importancia de la luna en la historia de los guardianes. Ha estado guay saber lo que hay detrás, porque es algo que en la peli no se ve en ningún momento.
Por otro lado, si en este libro solo íbamos a tener una parte de la historia de Nicolás, me habría gustado ver con más detalle su etapa como Rey de los Ladrones. Al empezar el libro, se nos dice que es el rey de los bandidos, y al final del libro es un bandido reformado (que no Santa Claus, aún no). Pero aparte de ver ese arco de redención, me habría gustado ver su vida de bandido también. Te explican cómo llega a ella y algunas cosas que hace, pero no entre en profundidad en ello.
Y creo que esa ha sido otra parte del problema. Hay muchas cosas en las que no entra en profundidad, personajes que no he podido llegar a entender bien, magia, etc. El estilo es bastante lírico, pero yo habría preferido menos concentración en la forma y más en el fondo.
Pero me ha gustado el mundo, el lore, me ha gustado la magia, al ambientación y los personajes (aunque me habría gustado conocerlos un poco mejor). El final es un poco precipitado y hay varios hilos que quedan sueltos, pero bueno, hay más libros que vienen detrás de este.
December 15, 2022
This was just magical. I don't entirely know how else to explain it.
I needed a new audiobook and wanted something fluffy, and whilst perusing my library wishlist, found this. So I checked it out, figuring, "It's Santa's origin story, right, so that's Christmas-y. Right?"
No, it really wasn't. But it did make me feel happy. And that's the next best thing.
The book begins with an innocent moonbeam who accidentally awakens an ancient evil. You know, the typical stuff.
From there, we follow the wizard Ombric and his young ward Katherine (or possibly Catherine... idk, I listened to the audio) in the utopian village of Santoff Claussen. Unfortunately, nothing can stay perfect for long and that ancient evil is bent on spreading fear through the whole world, and when it hits too close for comfort, Ombric asks the Man in the Moon for help.
The Moon's solution comes in the form of Nicholas St. North, a Russian bandit with a thirst for adventure and a sweet spirit under his huge coat and sabres. North comes to truly care for the people of Santoff Claussen, and he quickly became my favorite character (although it's hard to pick one, tbh). The whole story was so wonderful and just... magical. I will definitely be keeping this in mind for any kids in my future, and I will be picking up book 2 soon.
re-read 2022: I decided to pick this up again this holiday season when I just wanted something fluffy and light. It's perfect for that, very cozy and full of friendship. I love the relationships in this book very much. 10/10 would re-read again.
I needed a new audiobook and wanted something fluffy, and whilst perusing my library wishlist, found this. So I checked it out, figuring, "It's Santa's origin story, right, so that's Christmas-y. Right?"
No, it really wasn't. But it did make me feel happy. And that's the next best thing.
The book begins with an innocent moonbeam who accidentally awakens an ancient evil. You know, the typical stuff.
From there, we follow the wizard Ombric and his young ward Katherine (or possibly Catherine... idk, I listened to the audio) in the utopian village of Santoff Claussen. Unfortunately, nothing can stay perfect for long and that ancient evil is bent on spreading fear through the whole world, and when it hits too close for comfort, Ombric asks the Man in the Moon for help.
The Moon's solution comes in the form of Nicholas St. North, a Russian bandit with a thirst for adventure and a sweet spirit under his huge coat and sabres. North comes to truly care for the people of Santoff Claussen, and he quickly became my favorite character (although it's hard to pick one, tbh). The whole story was so wonderful and just... magical. I will definitely be keeping this in mind for any kids in my future, and I will be picking up book 2 soon.
re-read 2022: I decided to pick this up again this holiday season when I just wanted something fluffy and light. It's perfect for that, very cozy and full of friendship. I love the relationships in this book very much. 10/10 would re-read again.
December 24, 2017
Plot-wise, it was a bit chaotic. There's a lot going on--ancient spaceships, the magical haven of Santoff Klaussen, nightmare creatures, moonbeams, a robotic djinni, wizards, Santa's origin story, Russian bandits, Yetis... But the wild imagination of it all is precisely what I would've loved as a child, if this book had been published a decade earlier!
What made me love it now, as an adult, were the sweet characters: mainly North himself, a dashing and daring bandit king who realizes he has a heart, and young Katherine, a foundling (aka orphan) with a serious mind and a love for adventure. They're adorable friends, and I love the age gap! Oh, and the old wizard Ombric was a fun character as well. So was Nightlight, the merry spectral boy who so often came to the rescue.
Overall, it was a lovely Christmas read. I'll be continuing this light, magical series for sure!
What made me love it now, as an adult, were the sweet characters: mainly North himself, a dashing and daring bandit king who realizes he has a heart, and young Katherine, a foundling (aka orphan) with a serious mind and a love for adventure. They're adorable friends, and I love the age gap! Oh, and the old wizard Ombric was a fun character as well. So was Nightlight, the merry spectral boy who so often came to the rescue.
Overall, it was a lovely Christmas read. I'll be continuing this light, magical series for sure!
February 18, 2017
An old man. A young man. A boy. A djinni (sort of a robot-golem blend, assigned all the cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing, incidentally). An evil man. A ton of father-or-son male extras. A ton of evil spirit male extras. The man in the moon. Even a male horse and bear.
Plus, one girl-child protagonist and, briefly, one disempowered female walk-on. That's it.
Books like this are how you train a class of third grade boys that girls don't matter, except as sources of naive adulation and objects to infantilize.
Good: the Russian setting (riding caribou) and Russian fairy tale inspiration...except for how Russian fairy tales tend to have a better gender balance.
Plus, one girl-child protagonist and, briefly, one disempowered female walk-on. That's it.
Books like this are how you train a class of third grade boys that girls don't matter, except as sources of naive adulation and objects to infantilize.
Good: the Russian setting (riding caribou) and Russian fairy tale inspiration...except for how Russian fairy tales tend to have a better gender balance.
December 4, 2023
I enjoyed this though I found it didn’t quite have the magic of the picture books by William Joyce. But it’s imaginative and enjoyable and I’m looking forward to the next books in the series.
December 24, 2020
Ilustraciones hermosas y una linda historia para salvar al mundo del rey de las pesadillas. En este libro conocemos a Nicolás San Norte y sus orígenes, que nunca me hubiera imaginado, a Ombric, un mago, y a Katherine, una niña con mucho valor, al hombre en la luna, a un niño misterioso y a Pich, el malo del cuento.
Una excelente historia para niños!!!
Una excelente historia para niños!!!
February 29, 2012
The illustrations are breath-taking, the basic characters are intriguing. I would have loved this when I was a kid. But I find there are some concepts, phrases, ideas and such that just come out of nowhere and are there solely to be "unique". There's even a paragraph at the end where Katherine "thinks" about them all: a recap of sorts. I felt like that reading the book -- few concepts were delved into with any depth and seemed to exist just to sound awesome.
Santoff Claussen is a painful name for a town. And it's hard to tell whether this is supposed to be an alternate reality, an alternate fantasy history, or a retelling of a bunch of different childhood myths into their own cohesive story (which is what I took it for initially); will North eventually, take the name of the town? Become the rotund, jovial figure of children's dreams? Or should we just forget about Santa Claus as we know him? If so, that's perfectly fine, but it's not clear. Also, the writing is stilted. It doesn't flow. There are some fantastic set-ups and really abrupt let-downs. The relationship between North and Katherine could have been transformative and sweet, but instead the sparse language and matter-of-fact way the characters all talk and think made it seem...vaguely creepy. I hesitated to even review this because I get that it's for a younger audience. But it was hard for me to lose myself in the world (and I am easy to lose, because I adore fantasy and read Oz and Narnia and Wonderland when I was younger...) because the world felt shallow. I think it will lend itself well to a film adaptation, because the ideas are flashy and beautiful by turns.
Santoff Claussen is a painful name for a town. And it's hard to tell whether this is supposed to be an alternate reality, an alternate fantasy history, or a retelling of a bunch of different childhood myths into their own cohesive story (which is what I took it for initially); will North eventually, take the name of the town? Become the rotund, jovial figure of children's dreams? Or should we just forget about Santa Claus as we know him? If so, that's perfectly fine, but it's not clear. Also, the writing is stilted. It doesn't flow. There are some fantastic set-ups and really abrupt let-downs. The relationship between North and Katherine could have been transformative and sweet, but instead the sparse language and matter-of-fact way the characters all talk and think made it seem...vaguely creepy. I hesitated to even review this because I get that it's for a younger audience. But it was hard for me to lose myself in the world (and I am easy to lose, because I adore fantasy and read Oz and Narnia and Wonderland when I was younger...) because the world felt shallow. I think it will lend itself well to a film adaptation, because the ideas are flashy and beautiful by turns.
February 28, 2018
Review en ESPAÑOL:
Review in ENGLISH
Review in ENGLISH
December 29, 2020
This enchanting tale glitters with the magic of the far north. An ancient evil has been unleashed on the unsuspecting village of Santoff Claussen: the evil Nightmare King and his army of Fearlings have come to steal the dreams of innocent children and replace them with terrors of the night. It’s up to the learned wizard Ombric, his young protégé Katherine, and the swashbuckling theif-turned-hero Nicholas St. North (who will one day be known as Santa Claus) to save the day.
The story unfolds in a world of magic and wonder, but as fantasy worlds go it’s surprising and unusual. There are aspects that are recognizable as our own world: the village of Santoff Claussen is set in old Russia, a battle takes place in the Himalayas, and the characters are familiar with Leonardo da Vinci. At the same time, it’s a fairy tale world, full of wizards from Atlantis, protective moonbeams, fighting fireflies, and benevolent bears. Then the fairy tale world blends with science fiction when space travel and talking robots arrive on the scene. Not to mention the fact that Santa Claus and the Man in the Moon make an appearance. It’s an engaging and interesting world, but an odd mix of genres.
The tale is filled with action and adventure, and good triumphs over evil. Themes of friendship, imagination, and facing one’s fear are strong in the book. While at times the plot and setting seem a bit forced, it’s overall an enjoyable read.
The story unfolds in a world of magic and wonder, but as fantasy worlds go it’s surprising and unusual. There are aspects that are recognizable as our own world: the village of Santoff Claussen is set in old Russia, a battle takes place in the Himalayas, and the characters are familiar with Leonardo da Vinci. At the same time, it’s a fairy tale world, full of wizards from Atlantis, protective moonbeams, fighting fireflies, and benevolent bears. Then the fairy tale world blends with science fiction when space travel and talking robots arrive on the scene. Not to mention the fact that Santa Claus and the Man in the Moon make an appearance. It’s an engaging and interesting world, but an odd mix of genres.
The tale is filled with action and adventure, and good triumphs over evil. Themes of friendship, imagination, and facing one’s fear are strong in the book. While at times the plot and setting seem a bit forced, it’s overall an enjoyable read.
December 18, 2019
I believed in Santa until I was 12. Seriously. The guy is a real live person in my head, and he's squeaky clean safe and all he is supposed to be. So when this came across my library list, I was on it and it was in my list.
Nicholas St. North, of the title, is Himself. SC. The Dude. This is his backstory, and I dug it. He is a thief with a heart so pure he passes all the magic tests, and that makes him a little cranky because he really wants his crew to buy his story and continue to follow his every I'm-the-leader-of-this-gang order, but the pure heart business gets in the way. (I'm sure you know what I mean. . .you want to be the bad boy, but you can't because you are just too good. It happens.)
Anyway, it's a story my 12 year old self would have demanded all the books at the top of my list (Dad carried our lists around for years. . . .and big 'ol tears fell when I found the box he kept them in after his death. He was serious about our Christmas lists.) As it went on into minutae I did grow a tad weary, but then I am sure all of those details were pertinent and necessary.
From this 12-year old (x 5), 3 stars. If it was the original 12-year old there would be 5. Trust me. Maybe 6.
Nicholas St. North, of the title, is Himself. SC. The Dude. This is his backstory, and I dug it. He is a thief with a heart so pure he passes all the magic tests, and that makes him a little cranky because he really wants his crew to buy his story and continue to follow his every I'm-the-leader-of-this-gang order, but the pure heart business gets in the way. (I'm sure you know what I mean. . .you want to be the bad boy, but you can't because you are just too good. It happens.)
Anyway, it's a story my 12 year old self would have demanded all the books at the top of my list (Dad carried our lists around for years. . . .and big 'ol tears fell when I found the box he kept them in after his death. He was serious about our Christmas lists.) As it went on into minutae I did grow a tad weary, but then I am sure all of those details were pertinent and necessary.
From this 12-year old (x 5), 3 stars. If it was the original 12-year old there would be 5. Trust me. Maybe 6.
March 23, 2015
I love the concept, not the execution. The story is an odd mish-mash of confusing details, weird backstories and convenient plot twists. It is clearly unsure of what it wants to be. The sad thing is that every so often throughout Nicholas St. North there's a sentence of pure beauty; a flash of brilliance which only serves to highlight the inferiority of the rest of the writing. When I bought this book for my ten year old I thought I had a sure winner. She read 4 or 5 chapters and had no desire to finish it. I figured I'd read the book and rekindle her interest, only to find out that it was indeed kind of a slog to get through.
October 17, 2015
LOVED this one! I was so unbelievably excited when the box set came in at work that I just had to buy it.
Way back when (2013) when I was living with my cousin and his family 'Rise of the Guardians' was my favourite movie to watch with his little boy (and also one of the only ones I could tolerate repeatedly) so I was super excited to read the children's books.
This is easy to read, absolutely enchanting and engaging I really didn't want to put this one down.
Highly HIGHLY recommend to all children and adults alike who can't help but believe.
Way back when (2013) when I was living with my cousin and his family 'Rise of the Guardians' was my favourite movie to watch with his little boy (and also one of the only ones I could tolerate repeatedly) so I was super excited to read the children's books.
This is easy to read, absolutely enchanting and engaging I really didn't want to put this one down.
Highly HIGHLY recommend to all children and adults alike who can't help but believe.
February 25, 2019
This book is such a hodge-podge of common children's fantasy elements. It was so chaotic and random that just a few days out from finishing it, I really can't tell you what all went on in the story. It was basically the bio of young Santa Claus, a bad guy turned good, and he ends up saving the day (of course). Really don't recommend this very unoriginal tale. Watch Rise of the Guardians instead.
December 29, 2018
This made me feel like I was reading a classic fairytale. Big on plot, not so much character, but very enjoyable.
January 3, 2021
The art in this book is gorgeous and I adore the style, the writing is a mix of whimsical fairytale and adventure story. This is the first book in the series and definitely reads as a set up for the rest. I loved the characters and the setting of the world they have created but didn't enjoy the lack of consequences for characters, I feel children can deal with the lose of characters better than authers give them credit. I would love to know what I looked like in this art style. My only problem was I felt left wanting throughout, wanting more Information on the world the side characters, more plot, it's so enjoyable yet I fely it could of been expanded into a much larger novel. Though I hope the rest of the series helps to quench what left me wanting. The novel suffers simply as I felt is confined itself to be an almost fairytale of a much larger story the reader isn't privy to. I think everyone should have a little of the character North in their life.
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