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New World #1
New World
Across the sea lies a newly discovered continent, a world whose forests and beasts are unknown to the recorded memory of elves, dwarves, or men.
In this land called Mira, the brutal sacking of a young colony links the fates of two opposite characters: a twelve-year-old printer's son named Simon Jones and his long-lost uncle Tiberius Bogg, one of Mira's legendary mountain men.
Simon is small, but smart; scared but determined. Bogg, with his raccoon-skin cap and smart-talking grammar abuse, is fast as a splintercat and stealthy as a hidebehind. Together, they turn the tables and pursue their attackers (a cruel knight and his soldiers from the old country) through a wilderness full of extraordinary creatures – jackelopes and thunderbirds, fur-bearing trout and four-legged hills – all culled from American tall tales, Indian legends, and backwoods folklore.
In this land called Mira, the brutal sacking of a young colony links the fates of two opposite characters: a twelve-year-old printer's son named Simon Jones and his long-lost uncle Tiberius Bogg, one of Mira's legendary mountain men.
Simon is small, but smart; scared but determined. Bogg, with his raccoon-skin cap and smart-talking grammar abuse, is fast as a splintercat and stealthy as a hidebehind. Together, they turn the tables and pursue their attackers (a cruel knight and his soldiers from the old country) through a wilderness full of extraordinary creatures – jackelopes and thunderbirds, fur-bearing trout and four-legged hills – all culled from American tall tales, Indian legends, and backwoods folklore.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
284 people are currently reading
988 people want to read
About the author
Steven W. White
8 books22 followersSteven W. White has written science fiction and fantasy since he was a teenager. Along the way, he's been a Christmas tree farmer, a rocket scientist, and a snake handler. Lately, he's earned a Fiction MFA from the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts on Whidbey Island, Washington. He writes, teaches, and occasionally plays with fire in the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 13, 2012
The author takes elements of the American frontier, mixes well with intriguing elements of a fantasy world and comes up with a quirky, fun read. Great characters that could have walked out of a frontier novel, fantasy beasts that work anywhere and a quest plot that is never boring.
It is truly delightful when one of the 'free downloads' end up being one of my 5-star reviews and I have another author to put on my 'look for' lists.
It is truly delightful when one of the 'free downloads' end up being one of my 5-star reviews and I have another author to put on my 'look for' lists.
September 10, 2021
Great little quick coming of age read. This was a fast paced enjoyable story. It was fun to watch Simon grow and find his strengths. My only complaint is that there is no sequel. I would enjoy reading more about Simon and his uncle.
July 7, 2015
This novel is an easy and relatively entertaining read. Don't let the synopsis' brief mention of dwarves and elves mislead you- this is no kind of high, epic fantasy. It certainly falls more in the Folktale vein.
Generally I found the plot to be composed of many overused story-writing tropes (i.e. scrawny character tormented by bullies but later comes into his own, quest in pursuit of vengeance, unlikely traveling companions develop reluctant bond, etc). The author does present some interesting visuals and ideas in terms of the creatures that inhabit this new world, however, little creativity seems to have been spared for the intricacies of plot, world-building, or character development. The dialogue, while carrying some interesting inflections/vocabulary of the local dialect, is mostly straightforward. Even some of the new words and languages come off as unimaginative and direct replacements of normal English words. As a whole I'd say the author missed the forest for the trees, which in this case leaves you with some fun details and not much in terms of the big picture. There is some thinly veiled preaching about respecting the natural world & indigenous cultures, but it's mostly half-hearted.
All in all, a bearable book that will take you away from reality while you eat your lunch. Easy to walk away from - I doubt that I will bother with book 2.
Generally I found the plot to be composed of many overused story-writing tropes (i.e. scrawny character tormented by bullies but later comes into his own, quest in pursuit of vengeance, unlikely traveling companions develop reluctant bond, etc). The author does present some interesting visuals and ideas in terms of the creatures that inhabit this new world, however, little creativity seems to have been spared for the intricacies of plot, world-building, or character development. The dialogue, while carrying some interesting inflections/vocabulary of the local dialect, is mostly straightforward. Even some of the new words and languages come off as unimaginative and direct replacements of normal English words. As a whole I'd say the author missed the forest for the trees, which in this case leaves you with some fun details and not much in terms of the big picture. There is some thinly veiled preaching about respecting the natural world & indigenous cultures, but it's mostly half-hearted.
All in all, a bearable book that will take you away from reality while you eat your lunch. Easy to walk away from - I doubt that I will bother with book 2.
December 11, 2019
This is a lovely and unique book. Well written and extremely creative, I found the characters and story engaging. This is one of those books that rewards you in the end, and surprises you along the way!
August 1, 2011
Steve White is one of the new brilliant creators in fiction. New worlds, unseen and yet vaguely familiar. He is able to carry us into other worlds believable and yet unfamiliar.
June 22, 2021
Easy entertaining read.
I don't really understand why some fantasy books must have their own words to replace perfectly normal words.
It's fine to have fantastic vocabulary for non existent criatures, devices or situations - since they don't exist in the real world, there are no names for them. But I don't see the point in saying eost instead of east.
Does it sound fancy? No, in my humble opinion it just sounds silly.
The main characters are fine, quite stereotypical but not too dull, although their rivals were so cartoonish that I did not enjoy them at all.
The first half of the story is quite cool, but the second half is just a bit too unbelievable. Fantasy allows for a lot of stretch, but too much is too much.
So overall it was not a bad book, I quite enjoyed it at points.
I don't really understand why some fantasy books must have their own words to replace perfectly normal words.
It's fine to have fantastic vocabulary for non existent criatures, devices or situations - since they don't exist in the real world, there are no names for them. But I don't see the point in saying eost instead of east.
Does it sound fancy? No, in my humble opinion it just sounds silly.
The main characters are fine, quite stereotypical but not too dull, although their rivals were so cartoonish that I did not enjoy them at all.
The first half of the story is quite cool, but the second half is just a bit too unbelievable. Fantasy allows for a lot of stretch, but too much is too much.
So overall it was not a bad book, I quite enjoyed it at points.
July 20, 2020
World building
This is a fantasy novel that takes the idea of explorers crossing the ocean to find and settle the Americas and adds magical creatures to the mix. Simon is a young boy living in a small village, working as an apprentice to his father and dodging local bullies. Then giant, violent marauders appear and slaughter half the townsmen. Close upon thrir heels is Bogg, a mountain man related to one of the slain. He sets after the murderers in search of bounty, and finds himself saddled with young Simon, his nephew. Simon is determined to become his own man by journeys end, while Bogg just wants to break free of the responsibility of watching over him. Their adventures include many run ins with magical creatures, and requires all of their will to live and skills to survive.
The world building done here is completely immersive, with only a few modern references which temporarily break the mood set by the author. For the most part you can imagine Bogg and Simon trekking through the as yet untamed US, searching for vengeance. Fantasy and adventure abound.
This is a fantasy novel that takes the idea of explorers crossing the ocean to find and settle the Americas and adds magical creatures to the mix. Simon is a young boy living in a small village, working as an apprentice to his father and dodging local bullies. Then giant, violent marauders appear and slaughter half the townsmen. Close upon thrir heels is Bogg, a mountain man related to one of the slain. He sets after the murderers in search of bounty, and finds himself saddled with young Simon, his nephew. Simon is determined to become his own man by journeys end, while Bogg just wants to break free of the responsibility of watching over him. Their adventures include many run ins with magical creatures, and requires all of their will to live and skills to survive.
The world building done here is completely immersive, with only a few modern references which temporarily break the mood set by the author. For the most part you can imagine Bogg and Simon trekking through the as yet untamed US, searching for vengeance. Fantasy and adventure abound.
June 16, 2017
Refreshing
A breath of fresh air in this genre, let's put it this way I had never read any of this authors books or so much as heard his name I stumbled across it on my kindle, as soon as I have finished typing I will be downloading the sequel and looking at his other offerings if you enjoy a great original thought provoking story then read this,
and five gets you ten you buy the sequel!
A breath of fresh air in this genre, let's put it this way I had never read any of this authors books or so much as heard his name I stumbled across it on my kindle, as soon as I have finished typing I will be downloading the sequel and looking at his other offerings if you enjoy a great original thought provoking story then read this,
and five gets you ten you buy the sequel!
June 20, 2018
Interesting concept
This was my first "fantasy" novel to read and complete. It definitely takes some getting used to. In saying that, I actually enjoyed the story. The dynamic between Simon and Bogg was a little better than I'd expected. I have it 3 instead of 4 stars because there were some parts (no spoilers) as a new fantasy reader that I couldn't buy. All in all, a decent book and I won't give up on reading the next in the series.
This was my first "fantasy" novel to read and complete. It definitely takes some getting used to. In saying that, I actually enjoyed the story. The dynamic between Simon and Bogg was a little better than I'd expected. I have it 3 instead of 4 stars because there were some parts (no spoilers) as a new fantasy reader that I couldn't buy. All in all, a decent book and I won't give up on reading the next in the series.
April 4, 2019
Paul Bunyan meets J. K. Rowling...
...or any other contemporary author of fantasy. Digging deeply into the oldest colonial and frontier folklore, the author builds a fantastic new world in which to set his tale. And he sets current fantasy tropes on their ear as he spins a cracking good yarn. It's as if Jim Bridger or Joe Meek were to sit down and try to write a fantasy novel. This is something truly fresh in the genre.
...or any other contemporary author of fantasy. Digging deeply into the oldest colonial and frontier folklore, the author builds a fantastic new world in which to set his tale. And he sets current fantasy tropes on their ear as he spins a cracking good yarn. It's as if Jim Bridger or Joe Meek were to sit down and try to write a fantasy novel. This is something truly fresh in the genre.
February 5, 2020
A fun little quick read that kept me engaged and interested. The plot arc wasn’t revolutionary nor will it bring you to deep thought but you will enjoy the pleasant journey this book takes you on. Filled with unique and interesting creatures and characters, though a bit stereotypical at times, you will enjoy the journey the two main characters are on.
October 28, 2024
Grippingly fun read.
It’s like a fairytale for grownups that I’d happily read to my grandkids. I absolutely loved Simon’s pluck, and the whimsical names of places and creatures totally upped the fun factor. I’ll be needing a hard copy of this book for my shelves. To read again. (;
It’s like a fairytale for grownups that I’d happily read to my grandkids. I absolutely loved Simon’s pluck, and the whimsical names of places and creatures totally upped the fun factor. I’ll be needing a hard copy of this book for my shelves. To read again. (;
May 31, 2017
Not too shabby
Quality read about a new-ish world, but similar to North America. Tendencies of American folklore mixed with fantasy fiction. Characters are way more intriguing than the story and realm. Would be interested to read about Tiberius' past or future endeavors.
Quality read about a new-ish world, but similar to North America. Tendencies of American folklore mixed with fantasy fiction. Characters are way more intriguing than the story and realm. Would be interested to read about Tiberius' past or future endeavors.
August 21, 2018
Excellent story
An excellent story and I found myself immersed in the world created. Wonderfully written and keeps you glued until the end. Definitely a must read. And safe for anyone any age.
An excellent story and I found myself immersed in the world created. Wonderfully written and keeps you glued until the end. Definitely a must read. And safe for anyone any age.
December 12, 2018
A nice tale
This book was a departure from my normal choice of book. It started out very slow and I had a hard time getting sucked in. I love the character Bogg and the way he talks reminds me of my grandpa. It really is a sweet sorry but could have been a bit more exciting.
This book was a departure from my normal choice of book. It started out very slow and I had a hard time getting sucked in. I love the character Bogg and the way he talks reminds me of my grandpa. It really is a sweet sorry but could have been a bit more exciting.
March 9, 2020
Imaginative page turner
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
I don’t like to give spoilers on the books that I read. I believe the blurb on the back is enough for you to decide if you will read the book or not. If you choose to read, enjoy!
February 17, 2024
so so
I suppose this book was written for young lads with a great imagination.I am not into fantasy tales however I decided to read.I think that it had its charm and I wouldn’t go for the next one!,
I suppose this book was written for young lads with a great imagination.I am not into fantasy tales however I decided to read.I think that it had its charm and I wouldn’t go for the next one!,
May 14, 2017
Great fantasy book
Fantasy books are great to read no matter the fantasy is about.I choose this rating on the story itself.New World great reading.
Fantasy books are great to read no matter the fantasy is about.I choose this rating on the story itself.New World great reading.
January 2, 2018
A quick read with some interesting creatures. I couldn't really warm up to the story, but did read it through to a rather predictable ending.
August 30, 2019
Fun and different
This was a fun read. Different from the usual. The author dreamed up a new world and added plenty of humor.
This was a fun read. Different from the usual. The author dreamed up a new world and added plenty of humor.
October 11, 2020
A fun read. Really good book.
February 18, 2017
Really good.
Colonial Fantasy. Maybe I like it because both of the main characters don't think much of other people, and are only mainly interested in surviving independently of civilization.
Colonial Fantasy. Maybe I like it because both of the main characters don't think much of other people, and are only mainly interested in surviving independently of civilization.
July 19, 2012
Well, I got it free for the Kindle, because it was auto-recommended as similar to Pat Wrede's Thirteenth Child books which I like a lot. Sadly, the resemblance was superficial: this book consisted essentially of violence, travelogue, and corny dialect. The fantasy creatures were interesting, but there wasn't enough in the way of plot or non-nasty characters to sustain the book.
Also, the only women in the book were briefly-appearing plot devices at the beginning and the end: a mother who hands off the plucky orphan main character so he can go have a quest, and a whore who [spoiler]helps the plucky orphan kill the main villain who has nastily kidnapped her, tied her up in his cabin, and is preparing to rape her when the plucky orphan makes his presence known.[/spoiler] One of the fantasy creatures, Ee, seems perhaps to be a prepubescent girl of some sort. Oh, and he decides that the animal he rides on is a girl too.
It gave me something to read during lunch, but I sure have no inclination to visit this world again.
Also, the only women in the book were briefly-appearing plot devices at the beginning and the end: a mother who hands off the plucky orphan main character so he can go have a quest, and a whore who [spoiler]helps the plucky orphan kill the main villain who has nastily kidnapped her, tied her up in his cabin, and is preparing to rape her when the plucky orphan makes his presence known.[/spoiler] One of the fantasy creatures, Ee, seems perhaps to be a prepubescent girl of some sort. Oh, and he decides that the animal he rides on is a girl too.
It gave me something to read during lunch, but I sure have no inclination to visit this world again.
May 3, 2017
Downloaded this book a while ago because it was free, and sounded interesting. It ended up being one of the few free books that really hooked my interest, and, while not perfect, it's really worth a read.
First, this sort of "New World" or "Frontier Fantasy" isn't that common, and I found it quite refreshing. The wildlife and survival elements were nicely woven in, and the incorporation of American mythology made me realise how rich and fantastic it is. It tends to be ignored in most of fantasy in favour of European-based traditions and settings, and I'm now surprised we don't see more of this New World influence given how much fantasy comes out of America.
I also found the style and voice compelling, especially relating to the marvelous Tiberius Bogg. The villains are also interesting characters, though the young boy is perhaps the weakest element, mostly due to being such a familiar trope. The only other criticism is that some elements of the ending feel a bit rushed, but there's a lot of really unique, well-written and downright enjoyable elements to this that mean I heartily recommend it. Especially at the price!
First, this sort of "New World" or "Frontier Fantasy" isn't that common, and I found it quite refreshing. The wildlife and survival elements were nicely woven in, and the incorporation of American mythology made me realise how rich and fantastic it is. It tends to be ignored in most of fantasy in favour of European-based traditions and settings, and I'm now surprised we don't see more of this New World influence given how much fantasy comes out of America.
I also found the style and voice compelling, especially relating to the marvelous Tiberius Bogg. The villains are also interesting characters, though the young boy is perhaps the weakest element, mostly due to being such a familiar trope. The only other criticism is that some elements of the ending feel a bit rushed, but there's a lot of really unique, well-written and downright enjoyable elements to this that mean I heartily recommend it. Especially at the price!
January 10, 2017
Fun
What a fun book. It's basically a tale of a foreign land, could be Australia or America, b u t I tend more to America. It's filled with American Tall Tales about the animals and natives already here. The author mixes in prehistoric animals like the Sabre-tooth Tiger and wholly mammoths, and giant Thunderbirds. There's pirated, errant knights murdering villages, weird natives, and lots of wildlife previously in tall tales. It's a hoot. And the two main characters, a young orphan boy and his grand-uncle - one of the original mountain men explorers from days past, are developed as very believable, and lovable characters. So m much, that I'm sure you'll want the sequel as soon as you're finished.
It's a fun book and I highly recommend it. My only quibble is that I think the author tried too hard in his creations. Some characters were introduced then gone before finding out more about them. Let's say many times I wanted to learn more, to know more, only to be left bereft and empty.
What a fun book. It's basically a tale of a foreign land, could be Australia or America, b u t I tend more to America. It's filled with American Tall Tales about the animals and natives already here. The author mixes in prehistoric animals like the Sabre-tooth Tiger and wholly mammoths, and giant Thunderbirds. There's pirated, errant knights murdering villages, weird natives, and lots of wildlife previously in tall tales. It's a hoot. And the two main characters, a young orphan boy and his grand-uncle - one of the original mountain men explorers from days past, are developed as very believable, and lovable characters. So m much, that I'm sure you'll want the sequel as soon as you're finished.
It's a fun book and I highly recommend it. My only quibble is that I think the author tried too hard in his creations. Some characters were introduced then gone before finding out more about them. Let's say many times I wanted to learn more, to know more, only to be left bereft and empty.
July 13, 2015
I am always wary of free kindle books but I try to take a chance on them every once in a while. I am glad that I took a chance on New World. The ebook was actually proofread and there were very few grammatical errors with the exception of when Bogg spoke, but those were intentional. The story was exciting and moved at a very good pace. The characters were believable and interesting. I was initially annoyed by the world building because in the beginning of the book it seemed unnecessary. The "excerpts" from the guide to Mira were my least favorite part of the book. The tales told by Bogg would have been sufficient.
The story starts off as a revenge tale but becomes a magical journey through a harsh land filled with familiar and unfamiliar beasts. The reason for the journey also moves beyond a simple revenge plot. Overall the book was fun to read and was certainly not a waste of my money or time.
The story starts off as a revenge tale but becomes a magical journey through a harsh land filled with familiar and unfamiliar beasts. The reason for the journey also moves beyond a simple revenge plot. Overall the book was fun to read and was certainly not a waste of my money or time.
January 28, 2013
This is a fantasy novel about a young boy and his adventure in the company of his “Uncle” as they pursue a group of armed men who had attacked the boy’s village, killing many including the boy’s father. The “Uncle” was loner (mountain man) who had come to the village in need of supplies arriving just after the marauders had left. Not liking what he found and with the promise of a reward he vows to find and kill the marauders. The young boy, thin and not very strong but with a sharp mind requests to be taken along on the quest and eventually prevails although his “Uncle” is not happy about it. The rest of the story details their trek through the wilderness populated with strange and mystical beasts and other natural hazards. I think I will leave the outcome to those who wish to read for themselves, but just say that it was an enjoyable read.
September 23, 2016
Soooo...I kind of enjoyed this book, but I'm not sure I can call it good.
First and foremost, there's some blatant racism. The land appears to be some sort of alternate, magical America, and the colonists are human, but all the natives are some kind of elvish creature. I mean it's possible that there are human Native Americans around somewhere and there are just some Fae in addition to them, but we don't see any. And I don't like the implications of that. Calling Native Americans magical and inhuman? That's just...
The main characters and the villains are enjoyable if a bit flat, and the plot isn't awful, but it feels like a magical version of an old adventure novel about settlers, except even more racist because the natives might not be enemies but, I repeat, they ARE NOT HUMAN. Like. What's with that?
First and foremost, there's some blatant racism. The land appears to be some sort of alternate, magical America, and the colonists are human, but all the natives are some kind of elvish creature. I mean it's possible that there are human Native Americans around somewhere and there are just some Fae in addition to them, but we don't see any. And I don't like the implications of that. Calling Native Americans magical and inhuman? That's just...
The main characters and the villains are enjoyable if a bit flat, and the plot isn't awful, but it feels like a magical version of an old adventure novel about settlers, except even more racist because the natives might not be enemies but, I repeat, they ARE NOT HUMAN. Like. What's with that?
November 14, 2015
Good
Fascinating plot. People are landing in the new world and settle along it's shores. The interior is considered very dangerous. The little people live there, deep green and intelligent. Simon and his uncle, the wilderness man, track down the pirate killers is Simon' father and the murdered brother of great uncle Bogg. A classic coming of age plot with 12 year old Simon not only learning how to survive , but teaching his old uncle a few new tricks. Simon learns to communicate with the green people, tames a mammoth, and dreams of a terrifying future that will happen if he doesn't kill the head pirate. Hogg., for his part, bargains with an intelligent Dragon and wins loved the book.
Fascinating plot. People are landing in the new world and settle along it's shores. The interior is considered very dangerous. The little people live there, deep green and intelligent. Simon and his uncle, the wilderness man, track down the pirate killers is Simon' father and the murdered brother of great uncle Bogg. A classic coming of age plot with 12 year old Simon not only learning how to survive , but teaching his old uncle a few new tricks. Simon learns to communicate with the green people, tames a mammoth, and dreams of a terrifying future that will happen if he doesn't kill the head pirate. Hogg., for his part, bargains with an intelligent Dragon and wins loved the book.
February 28, 2015
A great read! A mix of Frontier, Fantasy, and Pirates. A combination I wasn't sure about until this author put them all together. I can't wait to read more of his work. I even signed up for his newsletter. I wasn't sure when I first read the reviews. If your looking for romance your in the wrong book I only remember three women in the whole book and they were supporting characters that made brief appearances. The majority of the book Bogg and the boy are in the wilds of a fantastic world. I can't wait to see what other odd creatures this world holds and would love to see more about the dragon.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews