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The Gladius Adventure Series #1
Gladius and the Bartlett Trial
Run with Gladius on this epic adventure through the daunting pillars of Longwood Forest, past the beasts of lore and fancy, to the shadowy Hills of the Moon. Feel the creepy twinges of the nefarious tyrant Mulhurt pull and twist at Gladius' instincts. Crave the raw emotions as a budding friendship blossoms into young love when Ellie captivates his heart. Embrace and experience heartache and humor, fear and courage, doubt and confidence. Come along -- join Gladius on this tantalizing fantasy adventure sure to appease your inner soul!
242 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2011
About the author
J.A. Paul
5 books67 followersAll my life I have loved stories, whether told to me as I sat on my grandfather's lap or the one's I later discovered in my school's library. So naturally I started writing short stories and have ever since been learning and developing the craft of writing and storytelling.
One night after a long bedtime story, one of my sons challenged me to write a 'real' book. So I borrowed an idea from a writer friend and asked my boys to choose three things to go in the story. They chose a dragon, a tree, and a ruby, and from the seed of that idea, the story of Gladius grew.
I set out to show my sons that if you put your mind to something, it can be done. Once I started writing the Gladius series, I knew I wanted to create a fantasy adventure novel that would encourage preteen and teenage boys to read more.
One night after a long bedtime story, one of my sons challenged me to write a 'real' book. So I borrowed an idea from a writer friend and asked my boys to choose three things to go in the story. They chose a dragon, a tree, and a ruby, and from the seed of that idea, the story of Gladius grew.
I set out to show my sons that if you put your mind to something, it can be done. Once I started writing the Gladius series, I knew I wanted to create a fantasy adventure novel that would encourage preteen and teenage boys to read more.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
July 29, 2011
Dragons and Trolls and magic. Not writing too much on this, its for the younger readers or teens and I think they would probably enjoy it, maybe get a life lesson or two out of it.
August 22, 2017
This book was enjoyable enough, but nothing special. I liked the story, but I found the writing failed the story in some places. It might work better for younger audiences. Usually, I love middle grade fantasy. This one was just okay, though.
I may read more in the series because the author shows some promise at telling a story, mostly through keeping the pace going. I also think the characters will appeal to middle grade audiences.
My biggest issue reading this was that I found quite a few minor grammatical mistakes. None of them were glaringly bad. It was mostly missing commas or improperly punctuated dialogue. I also found the dialogue at times just didn't sound right. It's difficult to put my finger on it.
Overall, a solid read. Enjoyable enough. It would probably work well for younger readers, who are more likely to overlook some of the minor flaws.
Rating: 6/10
I may read more in the series because the author shows some promise at telling a story, mostly through keeping the pace going. I also think the characters will appeal to middle grade audiences.
My biggest issue reading this was that I found quite a few minor grammatical mistakes. None of them were glaringly bad. It was mostly missing commas or improperly punctuated dialogue. I also found the dialogue at times just didn't sound right. It's difficult to put my finger on it.
Overall, a solid read. Enjoyable enough. It would probably work well for younger readers, who are more likely to overlook some of the minor flaws.
Rating: 6/10
July 23, 2012
For the record, this review is wrought with spoilers.
I sincerely debated giving this novel one star on the principle that I was forcing my way through to the end, but Paul knows how to write a sentence, he just didn’t catch the flow on how to tell a story. All of the reviews tell me this novel is written for young boys, but honestly, what age group? This novel is a mish-mash of wanting to be more adult and acting entirely too childish. “No, this character can’t die like this,” “No, let’s wait for the contrived story-telling,” and then in the same breath quite brutally kills off another character. The worst part about this novel is that when it is interesting the title character is nowhere to be found. Gladius is bland to the point of he could have been anyone else and been more interesting. Gladius also has this way of tripping over someone who can help, just in the nick of time.
The Bartlett Trial itself is barely explained, even though for the first 30% of the novel Paul was spoon-feeding us plot instead of letting it develop naturally. When it did develop naturally it was by the coincidence that, hey, there’s someone to help. We get a damsel who needs rescuing who should be dirtier and has absolutely not discernible reason ever given throughout the novel as to how she would be “helpful” later locked away from someone to just happen to trip over. Birds and bats can talk but the giant cat that attacked Gladius in the first scene can’t, why is that? We hear a very long story about a dragon that has nothing to do with anything other than the person works with dragons.
Oh, my favorite, “Gladius’ weight sent him falling past Elle and landing hard against the cliff fifteen feet below.” Someone ignores physics. If she is lower than him there is no way by simply falling he ends up under her “because of his weight”. No. Way. Speaking of no way moments, Albino bats? Kind of cool. Except they only come out in the day. You do know there are other problems with albino than that they are white, correct? The other being the sensitivity to light. So the author wanted day bats and for them to be white, that would have worked, but to call them Albino is just again going for the cool word rather than the logistics of the creature.
All of this honestly just makes me angrier because I can tell Paul can write, but to be honest it just was hardly worth the effort here. Does it mean I would never read anything by him again? No. I’d like to see him write something and just go for what it is he wants and not for what he thinks will sell.
Reasons to Read:
- Doc and the storyline between the two brothers are interesting
Reasons Not to Read:
- All of that stuff up there
I sincerely debated giving this novel one star on the principle that I was forcing my way through to the end, but Paul knows how to write a sentence, he just didn’t catch the flow on how to tell a story. All of the reviews tell me this novel is written for young boys, but honestly, what age group? This novel is a mish-mash of wanting to be more adult and acting entirely too childish. “No, this character can’t die like this,” “No, let’s wait for the contrived story-telling,” and then in the same breath quite brutally kills off another character. The worst part about this novel is that when it is interesting the title character is nowhere to be found. Gladius is bland to the point of he could have been anyone else and been more interesting. Gladius also has this way of tripping over someone who can help, just in the nick of time.
The Bartlett Trial itself is barely explained, even though for the first 30% of the novel Paul was spoon-feeding us plot instead of letting it develop naturally. When it did develop naturally it was by the coincidence that, hey, there’s someone to help. We get a damsel who needs rescuing who should be dirtier and has absolutely not discernible reason ever given throughout the novel as to how she would be “helpful” later locked away from someone to just happen to trip over. Birds and bats can talk but the giant cat that attacked Gladius in the first scene can’t, why is that? We hear a very long story about a dragon that has nothing to do with anything other than the person works with dragons.
Oh, my favorite, “Gladius’ weight sent him falling past Elle and landing hard against the cliff fifteen feet below.” Someone ignores physics. If she is lower than him there is no way by simply falling he ends up under her “because of his weight”. No. Way. Speaking of no way moments, Albino bats? Kind of cool. Except they only come out in the day. You do know there are other problems with albino than that they are white, correct? The other being the sensitivity to light. So the author wanted day bats and for them to be white, that would have worked, but to call them Albino is just again going for the cool word rather than the logistics of the creature.
All of this honestly just makes me angrier because I can tell Paul can write, but to be honest it just was hardly worth the effort here. Does it mean I would never read anything by him again? No. I’d like to see him write something and just go for what it is he wants and not for what he thinks will sell.
Reasons to Read:
- Doc and the storyline between the two brothers are interesting
Reasons Not to Read:
- All of that stuff up there
November 26, 2011
Description:
Gladius and the Bartlet Trial is the tale of fifteen year old Gladius Oldmont's epic adventure into adulthood. The Bartlett Trial is a journey that all Wiggins must complete at the age of fifteen in order to be considered an adult. So Gladius, filled with his father's stories, believes he is ready to journey into the Longwood Forest and become a legend in his 17th century village and beyond. Besides the usual stresses of the trial, Gladius is also being relied on to win prize money so that his family can keep their farm, and he always lends a helping hand to those he meets along the way - taking on a lot of extra responsibilities. But somehow, he manages to keep up a steady pace and face every obstacle, (scimitar cats, death bats, dragons, etc.), with bravery, intelligence, and the survival skills he's been taught since childhood. He even manages to make friends along the way, including Elle, a beautiful girl. Unfortunately, he also runs into Mulhurt, an evil tyrant, who terrorizes all the surrounding lands in search of an ancient absolute power. Now he must decide whether to continue his trial, or join forces against Mulhurt and save everything he cares about. Can he find the ancient power before Mulhurt does, and prevent the destruction of his home?
Review:
For a first time author, J. A. Paul definitely knows how to craft an epic story-line, as well as fully developed characters and dialogue richly detailed in "story-teller" fashion. Even me, a college-aged woman, enjoyed the fast-paced and fantastical realm created by the author, so I know middle schoolers and older grades will be excited and entertained by this read; especially since I have already been begged by two cousins and a nephew, (ages 11, 13, and 15), to lend out this book. Not only is it a great book for kids, but I believe that it is a great opportunity for parents to read with their kids and get involved. There is so much to learn from this book, including survival skills and life lessons, that I think kids would be really interested in; I know I was! I hear that this is the first in a trilogy, so I can't wait for the next installment, and I will be passing my copy along to a few kids who I know will love it. I could see this becoming some sort of anime or graphic novel, and I will keep an eye out for any other books by J. A. Paul; another book to review coming soon, I hope? I recommend this action-packed adventure to kids 9 and up!
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Gladius and the Bartlet Trial is the tale of fifteen year old Gladius Oldmont's epic adventure into adulthood. The Bartlett Trial is a journey that all Wiggins must complete at the age of fifteen in order to be considered an adult. So Gladius, filled with his father's stories, believes he is ready to journey into the Longwood Forest and become a legend in his 17th century village and beyond. Besides the usual stresses of the trial, Gladius is also being relied on to win prize money so that his family can keep their farm, and he always lends a helping hand to those he meets along the way - taking on a lot of extra responsibilities. But somehow, he manages to keep up a steady pace and face every obstacle, (scimitar cats, death bats, dragons, etc.), with bravery, intelligence, and the survival skills he's been taught since childhood. He even manages to make friends along the way, including Elle, a beautiful girl. Unfortunately, he also runs into Mulhurt, an evil tyrant, who terrorizes all the surrounding lands in search of an ancient absolute power. Now he must decide whether to continue his trial, or join forces against Mulhurt and save everything he cares about. Can he find the ancient power before Mulhurt does, and prevent the destruction of his home?
Review:
For a first time author, J. A. Paul definitely knows how to craft an epic story-line, as well as fully developed characters and dialogue richly detailed in "story-teller" fashion. Even me, a college-aged woman, enjoyed the fast-paced and fantastical realm created by the author, so I know middle schoolers and older grades will be excited and entertained by this read; especially since I have already been begged by two cousins and a nephew, (ages 11, 13, and 15), to lend out this book. Not only is it a great book for kids, but I believe that it is a great opportunity for parents to read with their kids and get involved. There is so much to learn from this book, including survival skills and life lessons, that I think kids would be really interested in; I know I was! I hear that this is the first in a trilogy, so I can't wait for the next installment, and I will be passing my copy along to a few kids who I know will love it. I could see this becoming some sort of anime or graphic novel, and I will keep an eye out for any other books by J. A. Paul; another book to review coming soon, I hope? I recommend this action-packed adventure to kids 9 and up!
Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)
*** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
June 23, 2011
Gladius and the Bartlett Trial is a story about so many things and mainly it's a quest for our main characters. You find yourself holding your breath when things go wrong and smiling at the silly humor throughout. It is captivating and such a fun read for the entire family. It's the type of story different people will like for different reasons, there are so many rich elements that make it timeless and addicting.
Gladius is brilliant, at 15 he goes on an adventure during his Bartlett trial to help a man he just met reclaim his home and home to many others. It makes you wonder, could you have the heart and compassion he does? He takes on this challenge like a true hero. J.A. Paul made Gladius' character capable of being so three dimensional. He comes from this peaceful place where he lives under his remarkable brothers shadow and he blooms into this full on leader.
It was so interesting to read a book from a boys perspective, not that I haven't before but every time it's so refreshing when so many young adult books are written from a girls perspective. Sometimes I think I spend so much time reading about tough and strong girls that I forget, boys are pretty spectacular too. Gladius has that Upper elementary and middle grade boys will definitely love this heroic tale.
A lot happens in this story, Gladius, Flint, Elle, and everyone they meet on the way hold their own and are excellent well developed characters!
I've already recommended it to some of the older students and they are pretty excited to read it!
There is adventure, some magic, nonstop action, and more found in this journey that people of all ages will enjoy! I liked this book and know you guys will too!
Thank you to the amazing author for the chance to read and review this book. Check out J.A. Paul's website for a peek at Gladius and the Bartlett Trial!
Gladius is brilliant, at 15 he goes on an adventure during his Bartlett trial to help a man he just met reclaim his home and home to many others. It makes you wonder, could you have the heart and compassion he does? He takes on this challenge like a true hero. J.A. Paul made Gladius' character capable of being so three dimensional. He comes from this peaceful place where he lives under his remarkable brothers shadow and he blooms into this full on leader.
It was so interesting to read a book from a boys perspective, not that I haven't before but every time it's so refreshing when so many young adult books are written from a girls perspective. Sometimes I think I spend so much time reading about tough and strong girls that I forget, boys are pretty spectacular too. Gladius has that Upper elementary and middle grade boys will definitely love this heroic tale.
A lot happens in this story, Gladius, Flint, Elle, and everyone they meet on the way hold their own and are excellent well developed characters!
I've already recommended it to some of the older students and they are pretty excited to read it!
There is adventure, some magic, nonstop action, and more found in this journey that people of all ages will enjoy! I liked this book and know you guys will too!
Thank you to the amazing author for the chance to read and review this book. Check out J.A. Paul's website for a peek at Gladius and the Bartlett Trial!
June 13, 2011
Gladius and the Bartlett Trial is a fun and engaging story that kids, teenagers, and adults will love. It's full of action right from the get-go and hardly lets you take a breath. That's a good thing, especially for kids who may tend to get bored quickly with reading, this book should keep them entranced.
The characters are intriguing. Gladius is a wonderful young hero that grows in maturity as the story progresses. Elle is the strong female there to keep him in line with her witty repartee. I absolutely loved the death bats! They talk and acted just like the stereotypical mob gangster; it was hysterical!
This book is a great adventure The world J.A. Paul has invented is ripe for many more stories, and they will be forthcoming. So, grab a copy of Gladius and the Bartlett Trial and get started!
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review.
The characters are intriguing. Gladius is a wonderful young hero that grows in maturity as the story progresses. Elle is the strong female there to keep him in line with her witty repartee. I absolutely loved the death bats! They talk and acted just like the stereotypical mob gangster; it was hysterical!
This book is a great adventure The world J.A. Paul has invented is ripe for many more stories, and they will be forthcoming. So, grab a copy of Gladius and the Bartlett Trial and get started!
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author. I was not required to write a positive review.
November 6, 2011
Gladius and the Bartlett Trial is a great fantasy book. With so many imaginative and creative elements to it, it made for a very entertaining read. Although the genre is a bit of what I associate with "generic fantasy" - something that started with Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia and was carried on by many authors - it still held a uniqueness that I really enjoyed.
This book was greatly written, with wording that never left me bored. I really wanted to know this book. It was a great story that I loved!
Something I love about fantasy books: Dragons. I love it when an author includes a dragon or dragons in any story. And there was a scene including a dragon in Gladius that I loved. Very well written and timed.
All-in-all, this is a story about growing up. And it's a great book for any middle-grade readers who like the idea of sort of medieval fantasy. This is a good one that will keep you reading till the end! Excellent job Mr. Paul!
Austin
readingteen.net
This book was greatly written, with wording that never left me bored. I really wanted to know this book. It was a great story that I loved!
Something I love about fantasy books: Dragons. I love it when an author includes a dragon or dragons in any story. And there was a scene including a dragon in Gladius that I loved. Very well written and timed.
All-in-all, this is a story about growing up. And it's a great book for any middle-grade readers who like the idea of sort of medieval fantasy. This is a good one that will keep you reading till the end! Excellent job Mr. Paul!
Austin
readingteen.net
July 29, 2011
Gladius and the Bartlett Trial by JA Paul. I loved the book with the exception of the death of the cat like creature in the beginning. I'm a huge cat lover, and therefore the four star rating. This book is MG which when one considers the target audience it is spot on. Once Flint and Gladius meet up with Elle-she adds the endearing quality to the story-the book gets even better. I thought all the characters were very creative. I'd read another book by this author, and to think he started this book with just the three suggestions from his children- tree, dragon, and ruby. Very, very inventive!
LL Helland
PS I want to update this comment. I can't hold back on a perfect score just because I'm a cat lover, and the death at the begining has nothing to do with the over all story line. So this book deserves a five star.
LL Helland
LL Helland
PS I want to update this comment. I can't hold back on a perfect score just because I'm a cat lover, and the death at the begining has nothing to do with the over all story line. So this book deserves a five star.
LL Helland
December 28, 2020
This book has been living in my Kindle app for ages. From memory, it was the amazing cover (which I love) that caught my initial attention, and it finally made its way to the top of my reading list last month. Gladius is a coming of age story set in a fantasy world that is abound with magical creatures, dragons, and an evil tyrant, Mulhurt.
Gladius embarks on a journey of tradition, where he must endure a month in the forest to mark the milestone of moving from childhood into adulthood. His time in the Longwood Forest takes a turn when he encounters a magical creature and overcomes its attack. He befriends a traveller, Flint, and together they decide to take action against Mulhurt to free the people from his tyranny. They soon cross paths with another brave teen, Ellie, who joins their quest with her own brand of bravery and skills.
This is a classic quest of a protagonist on a life changing journey, where he must overcome a series of challenges in order to win a prize that will enable his family to pay their taxes. The rite of passage already provides enough stress for our young hero (given that his siblings before him set an outstanding precedent for him to live up to), but add in the future well-being of your family and you have another level of anxiety for him to deal with.
Although it’s not a new idea, and there was nothing that blew me away in terms of action or excitement, I did enjoy following Gladius on his journey. I think Gladius 1 is an engaging book that avid fantasy MG readers will enjoy. I am planning to read book 2 soon(ish).
In a Nutshell:
Gladius is a tale that I think the target audience of MG readers will enjoy. It’s an engaging opening to a series that is a satisfying read.
Gladius embarks on a journey of tradition, where he must endure a month in the forest to mark the milestone of moving from childhood into adulthood. His time in the Longwood Forest takes a turn when he encounters a magical creature and overcomes its attack. He befriends a traveller, Flint, and together they decide to take action against Mulhurt to free the people from his tyranny. They soon cross paths with another brave teen, Ellie, who joins their quest with her own brand of bravery and skills.
This is a classic quest of a protagonist on a life changing journey, where he must overcome a series of challenges in order to win a prize that will enable his family to pay their taxes. The rite of passage already provides enough stress for our young hero (given that his siblings before him set an outstanding precedent for him to live up to), but add in the future well-being of your family and you have another level of anxiety for him to deal with.
Although it’s not a new idea, and there was nothing that blew me away in terms of action or excitement, I did enjoy following Gladius on his journey. I think Gladius 1 is an engaging book that avid fantasy MG readers will enjoy. I am planning to read book 2 soon(ish).
In a Nutshell:
Gladius is a tale that I think the target audience of MG readers will enjoy. It’s an engaging opening to a series that is a satisfying read.
July 23, 2019
This book had promise but for me the writing was something else. Great premise and idea but delivery was not ideal. I don't know how many times I read a line in the book that said 'Oh never mind that for now' like a classic misdirection. Some of the dialogue was just cheesy and very stilted. Not well written at all. But that being said I am reading the second in the series. I got the first 2 or 3 for free so since I didn't pay for it I guess OK.
July 1, 2018
Fun book! Thanks so much. I enjoyed reading this!
March 1, 2019
Great read
I loved the Fablehaven series and this series is off to a great start! It was great! Can’t wait for the next one
I loved the Fablehaven series and this series is off to a great start! It was great! Can’t wait for the next one
August 31, 2019
Too much going on with virtually no character development. It was a struggle to finish.
October 24, 2020
As a mother of a 14 year old boy about to be 15 I could see my son as Gladuis in this wonderful story about a boy and his struggles to become a man.
September 15, 2014
Gladius is 15 and ready to take his Bartlett Trial, he will be spending one month in the Longwood Forest. His father and brother have huge adventure stories from their Bartlett Trial so Gladius is going to try and out do their stories. He also wants to win some money to help pay the taxes on the farm.
As Gladius starts he adventures, he runs into several different creatures, meets some great friends, and decides if he is going to help fight the people fight the tyrant Mulhurt who is intent on taking over all the lands.
I love when you can get wrapped up in stories about finding your own place in the world. Gladius is a wonderful, brave character. He goes on this adventure and it seems he just keeps finding people and different creatures. He seems to be collecting more and more people to take care of but in the end it helps him with his trial.
This is a great book for older kids to adults. Since it is the first book in a series I admit that I can’t wait to get into book two, Gladius and the Sea of Lost Souls.
I received this book ages ago from the Library Thing Early Reader Program in exchange for an honest review.
As Gladius starts he adventures, he runs into several different creatures, meets some great friends, and decides if he is going to help fight the people fight the tyrant Mulhurt who is intent on taking over all the lands.
I love when you can get wrapped up in stories about finding your own place in the world. Gladius is a wonderful, brave character. He goes on this adventure and it seems he just keeps finding people and different creatures. He seems to be collecting more and more people to take care of but in the end it helps him with his trial.
This is a great book for older kids to adults. Since it is the first book in a series I admit that I can’t wait to get into book two, Gladius and the Sea of Lost Souls.
I received this book ages ago from the Library Thing Early Reader Program in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2016
This is a youth fiction book, set in a different time and place with strange creatures and mystical powers all around. I think it is the kind of book that young people, especially boys, would love. It is not quite so much what I enjoy.
Gladius enters the forest to survive for a month on a trial for manhood. Along the way, he meets others who are rebelling against the evil ruler. He gets drawn in and commits to helping them. The good part of the character is the maturity that develops as he faces the various dangers and problems that befall him. I think young people would really like all the adventure and seeing how Gladius is able to face it all.
There are several other characters that prove interesting and add to the color in the story. I am not so into mythical characters - dragons, bats that talk, ghost-like walkers, etc. - but I suspect young people would be fascinated. The story is exciting and full of adventure, peril, and victory.
I would recommend to young readers. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for doing a review.
Gladius enters the forest to survive for a month on a trial for manhood. Along the way, he meets others who are rebelling against the evil ruler. He gets drawn in and commits to helping them. The good part of the character is the maturity that develops as he faces the various dangers and problems that befall him. I think young people would really like all the adventure and seeing how Gladius is able to face it all.
There are several other characters that prove interesting and add to the color in the story. I am not so into mythical characters - dragons, bats that talk, ghost-like walkers, etc. - but I suspect young people would be fascinated. The story is exciting and full of adventure, peril, and victory.
I would recommend to young readers. I received a free copy of the book in exchange for doing a review.
May 7, 2011
Now that I have read this book, I want to kick myself for taking so long to pick it up.
Gladius and the Bartlett Trial is a wonderful novel. It follows the journey of 15 year old Gladius Oldmont as he faces the challenging Bartlett Trails to achieve his place in adulthood. Paul brings forth elements of hardship, family obligation, and romance while still maintaining a heavy pulse of adventure throughout the novel.
I was very impressed with the writing. It was sophisticated and eloquent yet easy to follow. I gave this book to my 13 year old cousin to read on a 9 hour train trip and he was 80% percent done with it by the time we reached our destination! And that is saying something since he loathes reading.
Gladius and the Bartlett Trial is a fantastic book that encourage young teens into reading!
Gladius and the Bartlett Trial is a wonderful novel. It follows the journey of 15 year old Gladius Oldmont as he faces the challenging Bartlett Trails to achieve his place in adulthood. Paul brings forth elements of hardship, family obligation, and romance while still maintaining a heavy pulse of adventure throughout the novel.
I was very impressed with the writing. It was sophisticated and eloquent yet easy to follow. I gave this book to my 13 year old cousin to read on a 9 hour train trip and he was 80% percent done with it by the time we reached our destination! And that is saying something since he loathes reading.
Gladius and the Bartlett Trial is a fantastic book that encourage young teens into reading!
April 29, 2011
This is a magical story and it is essentially a children's book. I can see the boys loving this one! But don't worry, any girl with a sense of adventure and a little thing for romance will also like it. There is a magical "storytelling" quality to it. You could imagine sitting around a fire in a campsite telling this story to a group of children.
Read the full review here: https://www.ps-sobookish.com/post/boo...
Read the full review here: https://www.ps-sobookish.com/post/boo...
June 13, 2014
I loved it! This is a fun adventure, told well. The characters are well developed, I think, and the descriptions are good. During the climactic scene near the end, I felt almost as if I was there. The ending itself was quite satisfying for me, and I enjoyed the whole thing very much. I fully intend to read book two of Gladius' adventures, wanting to continue the fun!
I was given a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
I was given a copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
September 1, 2012
I believe this style of writing is similar to Christopher Paolini and T.A. Barron. Fast Paced and well written, I read two books in this series and know this is a definite adventure book for boys. Girls will enjoy them as well, but the genre is fitting for reluctant boy readers.
August 7, 2015
I received this through the Goodreads First Read giveaways. Its an adventure story with dragons and kings and giant day bats. Aimed at a younger reader this book would be great for children 8-12. A decent read and general all round bit of fun. Four stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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January 21, 2018DNF at 10%
Stilted dialogue, sudden leaps, and solid blocks of discourse. No plausibility to the progression (other than achieving the author's purposes) with both characters speaking in the same voice.
Stilted dialogue, sudden leaps, and solid blocks of discourse. No plausibility to the progression (other than achieving the author's purposes) with both characters speaking in the same voice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 26, 2018A coming of age magical adventure story with an interesting setting and reasonable characters. To be honest, I struggled through this one. It was hard for me to get invested in the plot and the writing was a little less subtle than my preference.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews