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Carlousia: The Passing of the Guard
Eddie Caskitt is filled with relief. The worries of moving into a new neighborhood, making friends, and starting a new school have been weighing him down. But after spending just a few minutes with the kids of Drayton Woods, Eddie realizes that the adventurous summer he was hoping for might just happen after all. Eddie hopes all the fun he anticipates will ease the pain of knowing his grandfather is dying.
With his last bit of strength before he passes away, Eddie 's grandfather whispers that he has left something for Eddie in his barn and that the tall tales he has been telling Eddie for years are true. With the help of a magic bracelet he finds inside a secret hole in the barn, Eddie and his two new friends, Dan and Scotty, enter a portal where they are suddenly thrust into roles guarding the world of Carlousia. Now the boys must conquer fear, outwit predators, unfold betrayal, and overthrow evil all while pretending everything is normal at home.
In this extraordinary adventure, three boys take a wild, coming-of-age journey that intertwines risk, honor, loyalty, and the kind of danger that unfortunately may lead to unimaginable loss.
With his last bit of strength before he passes away, Eddie 's grandfather whispers that he has left something for Eddie in his barn and that the tall tales he has been telling Eddie for years are true. With the help of a magic bracelet he finds inside a secret hole in the barn, Eddie and his two new friends, Dan and Scotty, enter a portal where they are suddenly thrust into roles guarding the world of Carlousia. Now the boys must conquer fear, outwit predators, unfold betrayal, and overthrow evil all while pretending everything is normal at home.
In this extraordinary adventure, three boys take a wild, coming-of-age journey that intertwines risk, honor, loyalty, and the kind of danger that unfortunately may lead to unimaginable loss.
340 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 29, 2012
“Carlousia: The Passing of the Guard” by E. G. Carter is a fun adventure set in a mythical land that creates engaging images and exciting thrills. While I normally read action/military style thrillers, I enjoyed this diversion into fantasy Juvenile Fiction. I believe many parents and children, especially young teens will enjoy this first of what is bound to become a popular series.
The story revolves around Eddie and his friends when Eddie discovers he's been chosen by his grandfather to be the next Guardian of Carlousia, an enchanted land that can only be entered by humans that are chosen through special portals. Once there, Eddie and his friends find themselves in a dangerous adventure that involves a rescue that could possibly be more dangerous than any of them thought possible.
It is a wholesome story about good vs evil, friendships and loyalty, and overcoming fears. It is set in a magical story that keeps the reader entertained right up to the very end. In fact, readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment of the adventures in Carlousia.
The story revolves around Eddie and his friends when Eddie discovers he's been chosen by his grandfather to be the next Guardian of Carlousia, an enchanted land that can only be entered by humans that are chosen through special portals. Once there, Eddie and his friends find themselves in a dangerous adventure that involves a rescue that could possibly be more dangerous than any of them thought possible.
It is a wholesome story about good vs evil, friendships and loyalty, and overcoming fears. It is set in a magical story that keeps the reader entertained right up to the very end. In fact, readers will be eagerly awaiting the next installment of the adventures in Carlousia.
February 15, 2012
I purchased the eBook on my nook & will be ordering an autographed copy for my bookshelf! What a fun and exciting read. With every chapter there came a new twist and turn, this book never had a dull moment and held my sons (14) attention and my attention. It’s rare for me to find a book that keeps a teens attention and creates the desire for him to continue to read. Thank you E.G. Carter for a fantastic energetic plot that touched my heart and provided a positive example of friendship and loyalty. I’m looking forward to the next book in the Carlousia series and recommend Carlousia, The Passing of the Guard to anyone who loves a great fiction story – all ages apply!
October 30, 2012
Engaging Vivid Adventure
It’s rare when an adventure takes me by surprise. I was excited to finally read Carlousia, The Passing of the Guard and I dove into the book with an open mind wanting to let the author engage me, which he did. E.G. Carter has written an adventure that doesn’t just engage the reader, it sucked me into the adventure where I actually felt like I was surging down the river with Eddie, Dan, Scotty, Sara Elen and the creature Wahhaha. I actually felt like I turned 16 again when the team landed in Carlousia.
The descriptions given for Carlousia painted an awesome new world that I wanted to visit and actually dreamed about. I loved the relationships between the three boys and had to laugh at the conflict between Dan and Sara Elen, it was like E.G. Carter watched me and my brother!
I also appreciated that E.G. Carter took the time to explain the time difference. I did the math and was shocked that it was actually right and not just an example of how it could be. It’s pretty cool that he included a math problem and solution. I also loved the other games they had to solve to recover the weapons needed to save Alorah.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get lost in a new world. I really felt like I was part of the story and allowed myself to simply have fun.
I can’t wait for the next book and hope that this book becomes mainstream, just so I can get my “sapphire of link!”
It’s rare when an adventure takes me by surprise. I was excited to finally read Carlousia, The Passing of the Guard and I dove into the book with an open mind wanting to let the author engage me, which he did. E.G. Carter has written an adventure that doesn’t just engage the reader, it sucked me into the adventure where I actually felt like I was surging down the river with Eddie, Dan, Scotty, Sara Elen and the creature Wahhaha. I actually felt like I turned 16 again when the team landed in Carlousia.
The descriptions given for Carlousia painted an awesome new world that I wanted to visit and actually dreamed about. I loved the relationships between the three boys and had to laugh at the conflict between Dan and Sara Elen, it was like E.G. Carter watched me and my brother!
I also appreciated that E.G. Carter took the time to explain the time difference. I did the math and was shocked that it was actually right and not just an example of how it could be. It’s pretty cool that he included a math problem and solution. I also loved the other games they had to solve to recover the weapons needed to save Alorah.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get lost in a new world. I really felt like I was part of the story and allowed myself to simply have fun.
I can’t wait for the next book and hope that this book becomes mainstream, just so I can get my “sapphire of link!”
January 19, 2013
This book is marvelous! Eddie is struggling with the fact that his grandfather is dying and that there will be no more stories told to him of the magical land Calousia that he has come to love. On his grandfathers death bead he tells Eddie of something he must find in his barn and that Carlousia is real and that they need his help. After finding what his grandfather left behind, a beautiful white gold bracelet, he is transported into the mystical land of Carlousia and an adventure that will change his life and the life of his friends forever.
From early on you know it is going to be a whirlwind journey and you are never going to want it to end. The boys are very relatable and it’s a joy to watch them turn into young men. Eddie is a natural born leader and you see him step into that roll in Carlousia. He has to live up to the family legacy and protect the people of Carlousia but he realizes he cannot do it alone. That is were Scotty and Dan come in. Scotty is the brawn and Dan is the brains of their trio. They have their disagreements and don’t get along at times but what group of boys doesn’t? In Carlousia they work together playing off of each other strengths and they become the best well rounded team!
The land of Carlousia has this enchanting feeling to it that makes you never want to go back to “the real world”. The picture that E.G.Carter paints is beautiful from the beautifully lit Ackari city that looks like it just sprouted from the ground in the middle of nowhere to the home of the Ormoks in the snow cap mountains with their shear cliffs and breathtaking views. My imagination ran wild and I felt like I was there right along with them seeing what they were seeing. This book is full of quests that every kid dreams of, loads of excitement, extremely funny, and totally got me hooked! I recommend this book to anyone that is in the mood for an adventure that keeps you on pins and needs at times and gives you a laugh or too. ☺ Wonderful book and I am so ready for more!! I need book 2! LOL
July 1, 2012
Awesome and fun read!
January 22, 2013
E. G. Carter's novel, Carlousia: The Passing of the Guard, is a coming of age story that will grab the attention of boys and girls everywhere. Carlousia can be classified in the Modern Children's Fantasy genre because it takes place in an imaginary world with unusual beings. The novel really has it all: action, adventure, good vs evil, and a new and exciting world. What makes it better is that the story is told from the point of view of 10 year old Eddie.
Eddie grew up with his Grandfather telling him stories of his crazy adventures in make-believe Carlousia. Eddie hung on every word of his grandfather's stories. However, on Pop's deathbed he made a secret confession to Eddie: all of his tales of Carlousia were real and it was up to Eddie to take up the family legacy and become the next Guardian of Carlousia. After being led through a secret portal by his protector, Wahhaha, Eddie found himself in the library of Torgy, a Chosen one whose job was to support the Guardians. Here, Eddie learned that he came from a long line of Guardians and it was his turn to save the inhabitants of Carlousia from an evil dictator that was intent on destroying first Carlousia, and next- our world.
Eddie quickly realized that he was going to need help and recruited his two best friends, hesitant Dan and outgoing Scotty. The three boys make several journeys to Carlousia in order to learn the ways of the people and prepare to battle in a war that they will be leading. For the first time Carlousia does not have one Guardian, they have three. Carter does an excellent job in creating a realistic bond between the boys.
Carlousia struck me as a cross between Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Pullman's His Dark Materials series. The three boys are 10 years old as they leave their home in small town America and travel to Carlousia. However, as they exit the portal they instantly become 16 year old men. Having the mind of a 10 year old but body of a teenager, Eddie soon realizes that many things are different in Carlousia. Eddie realizes that in order to save the world of Carlousia he is going to need to fight his fears and trust his friends.
With my experience as an elementary school teacher, I believe Carlousia is an excellent read-aloud for fifth graders and up. There are many lessons that children can take from Carlousia and the constant action will leave the kids begging for more. Additionally, Carter does a great job in creating characters who value loyalty and friendship.
E. G. Carter's, Carlousia: The Passing of the Guard, is a fresh fantasy story that I definitely recommend to lovers of Children's Lit. Carlousia is full of imaginative people, places, and objects that children, as well as adults, will find fascinating. Carlousia will definitely go on my bookshelf so that I can read it to my daughter in a few years! I look forward to the next installment in this great series!
I received a complimentary copy of 'Carlousia' from E.G. Carter for the purpose of review.
Eddie grew up with his Grandfather telling him stories of his crazy adventures in make-believe Carlousia. Eddie hung on every word of his grandfather's stories. However, on Pop's deathbed he made a secret confession to Eddie: all of his tales of Carlousia were real and it was up to Eddie to take up the family legacy and become the next Guardian of Carlousia. After being led through a secret portal by his protector, Wahhaha, Eddie found himself in the library of Torgy, a Chosen one whose job was to support the Guardians. Here, Eddie learned that he came from a long line of Guardians and it was his turn to save the inhabitants of Carlousia from an evil dictator that was intent on destroying first Carlousia, and next- our world.
Eddie quickly realized that he was going to need help and recruited his two best friends, hesitant Dan and outgoing Scotty. The three boys make several journeys to Carlousia in order to learn the ways of the people and prepare to battle in a war that they will be leading. For the first time Carlousia does not have one Guardian, they have three. Carter does an excellent job in creating a realistic bond between the boys.
Carlousia struck me as a cross between Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Pullman's His Dark Materials series. The three boys are 10 years old as they leave their home in small town America and travel to Carlousia. However, as they exit the portal they instantly become 16 year old men. Having the mind of a 10 year old but body of a teenager, Eddie soon realizes that many things are different in Carlousia. Eddie realizes that in order to save the world of Carlousia he is going to need to fight his fears and trust his friends.
With my experience as an elementary school teacher, I believe Carlousia is an excellent read-aloud for fifth graders and up. There are many lessons that children can take from Carlousia and the constant action will leave the kids begging for more. Additionally, Carter does a great job in creating characters who value loyalty and friendship.
E. G. Carter's, Carlousia: The Passing of the Guard, is a fresh fantasy story that I definitely recommend to lovers of Children's Lit. Carlousia is full of imaginative people, places, and objects that children, as well as adults, will find fascinating. Carlousia will definitely go on my bookshelf so that I can read it to my daughter in a few years! I look forward to the next installment in this great series!
I received a complimentary copy of 'Carlousia' from E.G. Carter for the purpose of review.
October 29, 2012
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I received an offer to review this book, I was incredibly excited. I love middle grade/ young adult fantasy and this book had a lot of praise from well known people. Unfortunately, I couldn’t share their enthusiasm. It was incredibly difficult for me to finish this book and it saddens me because it had the potential to be absolutely amazing. I felt like all of the pieces were there, but none of it was executed well.
The way the story was written bothered me from the beginning and it took me quite awhile to finally put my finger on what the problem was. Everything felt forced and I felt like every new thing was being explained to me in exhausting detail, sucking every bit of magic from it. I thought maybe I was being harsh at first because it is a middle grade book and perhaps some of the things needed to be explained in order for younger readers to make sense of it all, but then I realized that I’ve never read a middle grade fantasy that has made me feel this way. There was an entire chapter on figuring out the time difference between Carlousia and the regular world and how time elapses in each world. I’ve encountered this phenomenon in other books, namely those that deal with the world of faeries, and none of them have exhausted the explanation the way that Carlousia did for me. Another long section of a chapter deal with explaining a magical weapon in Carlousia that could have been summed up in less than a sentence. I usually praise books with detail and long, flowing explanations of new surroundings, but this felt different to me.
In addition, I was unable to connect with any of the characters. I felt like depth and conflicted was being presented, especially between Dan and his younger sister, but I still felt as if all of them fell short and ended up being pretty flat. I didn’t like the way dialogue was exchanged and the way the characters interacted. It seemed really hokey in many places and unrealistic.
I hate to be so critical of a book, but I was really disappointed with it and had such high hopes. Had the idea been executed differently and not so overly explained in minute detail, perhaps I would have given this a much better review. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
When I received an offer to review this book, I was incredibly excited. I love middle grade/ young adult fantasy and this book had a lot of praise from well known people. Unfortunately, I couldn’t share their enthusiasm. It was incredibly difficult for me to finish this book and it saddens me because it had the potential to be absolutely amazing. I felt like all of the pieces were there, but none of it was executed well.
The way the story was written bothered me from the beginning and it took me quite awhile to finally put my finger on what the problem was. Everything felt forced and I felt like every new thing was being explained to me in exhausting detail, sucking every bit of magic from it. I thought maybe I was being harsh at first because it is a middle grade book and perhaps some of the things needed to be explained in order for younger readers to make sense of it all, but then I realized that I’ve never read a middle grade fantasy that has made me feel this way. There was an entire chapter on figuring out the time difference between Carlousia and the regular world and how time elapses in each world. I’ve encountered this phenomenon in other books, namely those that deal with the world of faeries, and none of them have exhausted the explanation the way that Carlousia did for me. Another long section of a chapter deal with explaining a magical weapon in Carlousia that could have been summed up in less than a sentence. I usually praise books with detail and long, flowing explanations of new surroundings, but this felt different to me.
In addition, I was unable to connect with any of the characters. I felt like depth and conflicted was being presented, especially between Dan and his younger sister, but I still felt as if all of them fell short and ended up being pretty flat. I didn’t like the way dialogue was exchanged and the way the characters interacted. It seemed really hokey in many places and unrealistic.
I hate to be so critical of a book, but I was really disappointed with it and had such high hopes. Had the idea been executed differently and not so overly explained in minute detail, perhaps I would have given this a much better review. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
January 17, 2013
Eddie is the new kid in town, but it seems that he's lucky to start off right away finding the perfect group of friends to hang out with and immediately begins great adventures for the Summer. But when his grandfather “pop” dies he finds out that he is the successor to enter the world of Carlousia, as his father passed by the opportunity years ago. It's a magical world of different peoples, lands and creatures.
When Eddie first makes the trip to Carlousia there is an overwhelming amount of information given to the reader to introduce us to the workings and rules, and of course it's people. We soon find that there is a war brewing and the prophecy says that it's Eddie that will be the Hero.
There were a couple things that distracted me from the feeling of true adventure while reading. It stood out to me that the author chose to make the main character 10 years old. I have never known a 10 year old to be as intelligent, emotionally guarded and protective as Eddie is. There was no difference in his IQ either in or out of Carlousia, completely baffling me as to why he wasn't 16 in the first place. As that age would be more reasonable to visualize them (Eddie and his friends) fighting in a war.
Another set back was the first half of the novel in which there was an overwhelming amount of info dumps given to the reader. As an example I have put one of the most confusing parts of the story in the link here. It is the explanation that Torgey gives to a 10 year old Eddie when first traveling to Carlousia regarding the age of successors entering Carlousia and the time frames they are allowed to stay. Mostly I am referring to pages 50-54.
At the point when Eddie and his friends fall through the waterfall and end up in Carlousia (40% into the story), was when I was able to sit back and enjoy the roller coaster adventures of Eddie and his friends in the magical and new world of Carlousia.
Upon reflection of the story I find similarities to the tales of Narnia. It's a highly imaginative world with a lot of danger and when the pacing kicks up it's something the reader will fly through to the end. An ending that also leaves us with much to look forward to in the sequel.
When Eddie first makes the trip to Carlousia there is an overwhelming amount of information given to the reader to introduce us to the workings and rules, and of course it's people. We soon find that there is a war brewing and the prophecy says that it's Eddie that will be the Hero.
There were a couple things that distracted me from the feeling of true adventure while reading. It stood out to me that the author chose to make the main character 10 years old. I have never known a 10 year old to be as intelligent, emotionally guarded and protective as Eddie is. There was no difference in his IQ either in or out of Carlousia, completely baffling me as to why he wasn't 16 in the first place. As that age would be more reasonable to visualize them (Eddie and his friends) fighting in a war.
Another set back was the first half of the novel in which there was an overwhelming amount of info dumps given to the reader. As an example I have put one of the most confusing parts of the story in the link here. It is the explanation that Torgey gives to a 10 year old Eddie when first traveling to Carlousia regarding the age of successors entering Carlousia and the time frames they are allowed to stay. Mostly I am referring to pages 50-54.
At the point when Eddie and his friends fall through the waterfall and end up in Carlousia (40% into the story), was when I was able to sit back and enjoy the roller coaster adventures of Eddie and his friends in the magical and new world of Carlousia.
Upon reflection of the story I find similarities to the tales of Narnia. It's a highly imaginative world with a lot of danger and when the pacing kicks up it's something the reader will fly through to the end. An ending that also leaves us with much to look forward to in the sequel.
April 19, 2013
This book is marvelous! Eddie is struggling with the fact that his grandfather is dying and that there will be no more stories told to him of the magical land Calousia that he has come to love. On his grandfathers death bead he tells Eddie of something he must find in his barn and that Carlousia is real and that they need his help. After finding what his grandfather left behind, a beautiful white gold bracelet, he is transported into the mystical land of Carlousia and an adventure that will change his life and the life of his friends forever.
From early on you know it is going to be a whirlwind journey and you are never going to want it to end. The boys are very relatable and it’s a joy to watch them turn into young men. Eddie is a natural born leader and you see him step into that roll in Carlousia. He has to live up to the family legacy and protect the people of Carlousia but he realizes he cannot do it alone. That is were Scotty and Dan come in. Scotty is the brawn and Dan is the brains of their trio. They have their disagreements and don’t get along at times but what group of boys doesn’t? In Carlousia they work together playing off of each other strengths and they become the best well rounded team!
The land of Carlousia has this enchanting feeling to it that makes you never want to go back to “the real world”. The picture that E.G.Carter paints is beautiful from the beautifully lit Ackari city that looks like it just sprouted from the ground in the middle of nowhere to the home of the Ormoks in the snow cap mountains with their shear cliffs and breathtaking views. My imagination ran wild and I felt like I was there right along with them seeing what they were seeing. This book is full of quests that every kid dreams of, loads of excitement, extremely funny, and totally got me hooked! I recommend this book to anyone that is in the mood for an adventure that keeps you on pins and needs at times and gives you a laugh or too. ☺ Wonderful book and I am so ready for more!! I need book 2! LOL
From early on you know it is going to be a whirlwind journey and you are never going to want it to end. The boys are very relatable and it’s a joy to watch them turn into young men. Eddie is a natural born leader and you see him step into that roll in Carlousia. He has to live up to the family legacy and protect the people of Carlousia but he realizes he cannot do it alone. That is were Scotty and Dan come in. Scotty is the brawn and Dan is the brains of their trio. They have their disagreements and don’t get along at times but what group of boys doesn’t? In Carlousia they work together playing off of each other strengths and they become the best well rounded team!
The land of Carlousia has this enchanting feeling to it that makes you never want to go back to “the real world”. The picture that E.G.Carter paints is beautiful from the beautifully lit Ackari city that looks like it just sprouted from the ground in the middle of nowhere to the home of the Ormoks in the snow cap mountains with their shear cliffs and breathtaking views. My imagination ran wild and I felt like I was there right along with them seeing what they were seeing. This book is full of quests that every kid dreams of, loads of excitement, extremely funny, and totally got me hooked! I recommend this book to anyone that is in the mood for an adventure that keeps you on pins and needs at times and gives you a laugh or too. ☺ Wonderful book and I am so ready for more!! I need book 2! LOL
May 28, 2013
Carlousia:
The Passing of the Guard
By E.G. Carter
Ten year old Eddie is going through some major life changes, first his family moves to Drayton Woods, and then his Grandfather who was also his best friend passes away. After his Grandfather passes away Eddie soon learns that the stories his grandfather has always told him of a magical place called Carlousia were not fairy tales but in fact is an actual place. Carlousia is in trouble when Eddie first visits and needs his help as the new Guardian, with help from his Carlousian guide Torgy and his furry little friend Wahhaha can Eddie save Carlousia before it’s too late?
This was such a fun book! Eddie and his friends as well as the characters from Carlousia work well together as the story progresses each one bringing a new aspect to the storyline making it a truly fun read. The only real problem I had was in the edition I received there were so many typos, even though they were just little things like except instead of accept it is frustrating but hopefully this will be revised in later editions. That aside it’s a great story from the very beginning and E.G. Carter does remarkable job bringing to life an incredible young adult fantasy. With great fantasy, intense action scenes, and amazing characters I would rate this book five stars hands down if only the typos weren’t in the way.
Heather
For More Reviews Please Visit:
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
The Passing of the Guard
By E.G. Carter
Ten year old Eddie is going through some major life changes, first his family moves to Drayton Woods, and then his Grandfather who was also his best friend passes away. After his Grandfather passes away Eddie soon learns that the stories his grandfather has always told him of a magical place called Carlousia were not fairy tales but in fact is an actual place. Carlousia is in trouble when Eddie first visits and needs his help as the new Guardian, with help from his Carlousian guide Torgy and his furry little friend Wahhaha can Eddie save Carlousia before it’s too late?
This was such a fun book! Eddie and his friends as well as the characters from Carlousia work well together as the story progresses each one bringing a new aspect to the storyline making it a truly fun read. The only real problem I had was in the edition I received there were so many typos, even though they were just little things like except instead of accept it is frustrating but hopefully this will be revised in later editions. That aside it’s a great story from the very beginning and E.G. Carter does remarkable job bringing to life an incredible young adult fantasy. With great fantasy, intense action scenes, and amazing characters I would rate this book five stars hands down if only the typos weren’t in the way.
Heather
For More Reviews Please Visit:
http://bookwormrflects8.blogspot.com/
February 5, 2013
Review to come.
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