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Zoe & Zak Adventures #2
Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse (Volume 2) by Lars Guignard
Move over Percy Jackson. The Yogi's Curse has arrived...Zoe and Zak are back in India. Again. And this time they're attending Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school itself is a little strange.Students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and angry parrots monitor the halls. And even when they manage to get used to the wildlife, the food is absolutely terrible.But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe's roommate goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly through the clouds on their magic carpet to learn that the two of them have been chosen yet again. This time they've been asked to lift the Yogi's Curse.It's not going to be easy. Zoe and Zak don't even know what the Yogi's Curse is let alone how to lift it, but like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them.Now, if they're going to save the day, Zoe and Zak are going to have to fool the monkey guards, avoid the nasty parrots, and maybe even develop a supernatural ability or two. Because lurking beneath Moonstock is a powerful new enemy. And if Zoe and Zak can't stop him, nobody can.If you liked Ghost Leopard, you'll love The Yogi's Curse. Join Zoe and Zak on their new adventure today!
Paperback
First published July 23, 2013
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About the author
Lars Guignard
10 books405 followersLars Guignard is the author of the bestselling Zoe & Zak Adventure series and the Circuit series of novels.
Ever since attending high school in the Indian Himalayas, Lars has been an avid backpacker and traveler. After a stint spent circling the globe, he settled down long enough to attend the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. He then went on to work as screenwriter in the film and television industry.
After way too much California sunshine, Lars moved to the Pacific Northwest where he now devotes his time to getting rained on and writing books.
Lars can be contacted at his website (www.larsguignard.com) He would love to hear from you.
Ever since attending high school in the Indian Himalayas, Lars has been an avid backpacker and traveler. After a stint spent circling the globe, he settled down long enough to attend the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. He then went on to work as screenwriter in the film and television industry.
After way too much California sunshine, Lars moved to the Pacific Northwest where he now devotes his time to getting rained on and writing books.
Lars can be contacted at his website (www.larsguignard.com) He would love to hear from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 29, 2013
Zoe and Zak are back in India again. And this time they’re attending Moonstock Himalayan Academy for Boys and Girls, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school itself is a more than a little strange. This is no Hogwarts in the Himalayas, where with the wave of a wand one can conjure up delicious feasts and fun stuff. For one thing, the food is terrible, toilet paper must be purchased, the hot water is erratic, there’s no technology (like Internet) and the teachers are eccentric bordering on weird. Anyone who ever attended boarding school will remember how often reality diverged from the brochure. But attending the school might just be more important than the kids think; after all, Moonstock has the reputation for turning out achievers and those who go on to change the world in some way.
The crazy part of Moonstock becomes apparent when Zoe and Zak discover students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and vigilant (talking) parrots monitor the halls. But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe’s roommate Anita goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly off on their magic carpet to learn that they have been chosen yet again for an important mission. This time they’ve been asked to lift the Yogi’s Curse except that Zoe and Zak don’t even know what the Yogi’s Curse is, let alone how to lift it. But like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them. To make matters worse and just when they need all the extra help they can get, Zak’s whip Stryker (which turns into a two-headed cobra) and the magic carpet (masquerading as a humble Doormat to escape detection) are confiscated by the school owners as ‘prohibited items.’ The tension mounts as the kids are pursued by giant fire-winged birds with malicious intentions, a talking elephant informs them that elephants are on the brink of death unless the curse is lifted, and they have a formidable demon enemy to defeat. Can Zoe and Zak save the day?
I really enjoyed this read. For me, the second book has cemented the series and made a lovely springboard for Book 3. Zak and Zoe’s success in the first book created a domino effect of events that take them into this adventure. Back story keeps new readers attuned so both plots link up nicely. Zak really comes into his own here and takes the word ‘intrepid’ to new heights. He stares down Amanda Mean, the school bully; goes into partnership with another student running an informal tuck-shop (that stocks lots of decent toilet paper); starts a vlog; and has some really inventive ideas using whatever comes to hand (including a flying feather!). He may not have Zoe’s powers, but he makes some surprising decisions that work out just fine. Zoe stops being so self-pitying and starts to think about just why her mother chose Moonstock as a boarding school.
The action is non-stop and plot twists and turns keep readers hanging onto their magic carpets as they fly along with our heroes. The magicality is wonderful, using legends and fantasy elements from Indian culture. There are no instant spells ‘imported’ into the story: all the enchantment belongs firmly in India, using cultural aspects that will no doubt get young readers interested in reading up more about the background. I thought the constant reference to ghastly food making the students sick, and the chemistry teacher’s unfortunate tendency to flatulence a bit repetitive, but no doubt kids will just crack up laughing each time they read it, so this is a minor issue. Zoe narrates, as in Book 1, and the lovely dry humor in her comments will appeal to adults as well as kids. The ending wraps up nicely with both Zoe and Zak having grown and matured, and learned some important life lessons. I really am looking forward to reading Book 3.
The crazy part of Moonstock becomes apparent when Zoe and Zak discover students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and vigilant (talking) parrots monitor the halls. But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe’s roommate Anita goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly off on their magic carpet to learn that they have been chosen yet again for an important mission. This time they’ve been asked to lift the Yogi’s Curse except that Zoe and Zak don’t even know what the Yogi’s Curse is, let alone how to lift it. But like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them. To make matters worse and just when they need all the extra help they can get, Zak’s whip Stryker (which turns into a two-headed cobra) and the magic carpet (masquerading as a humble Doormat to escape detection) are confiscated by the school owners as ‘prohibited items.’ The tension mounts as the kids are pursued by giant fire-winged birds with malicious intentions, a talking elephant informs them that elephants are on the brink of death unless the curse is lifted, and they have a formidable demon enemy to defeat. Can Zoe and Zak save the day?
I really enjoyed this read. For me, the second book has cemented the series and made a lovely springboard for Book 3. Zak and Zoe’s success in the first book created a domino effect of events that take them into this adventure. Back story keeps new readers attuned so both plots link up nicely. Zak really comes into his own here and takes the word ‘intrepid’ to new heights. He stares down Amanda Mean, the school bully; goes into partnership with another student running an informal tuck-shop (that stocks lots of decent toilet paper); starts a vlog; and has some really inventive ideas using whatever comes to hand (including a flying feather!). He may not have Zoe’s powers, but he makes some surprising decisions that work out just fine. Zoe stops being so self-pitying and starts to think about just why her mother chose Moonstock as a boarding school.
The action is non-stop and plot twists and turns keep readers hanging onto their magic carpets as they fly along with our heroes. The magicality is wonderful, using legends and fantasy elements from Indian culture. There are no instant spells ‘imported’ into the story: all the enchantment belongs firmly in India, using cultural aspects that will no doubt get young readers interested in reading up more about the background. I thought the constant reference to ghastly food making the students sick, and the chemistry teacher’s unfortunate tendency to flatulence a bit repetitive, but no doubt kids will just crack up laughing each time they read it, so this is a minor issue. Zoe narrates, as in Book 1, and the lovely dry humor in her comments will appeal to adults as well as kids. The ending wraps up nicely with both Zoe and Zak having grown and matured, and learned some important life lessons. I really am looking forward to reading Book 3.
February 19, 2014
Adventures continue when Zoe & Zak are back in India but this time to go to a private school – Moonstock Himalayan Academy for Boys and Girls. Coming to new school is tough but soon Zoe meets her people that come all around the world. When her roommate goes missing, she knows something is not right at the school. After discovering their old friend, they are advised that they need to lift the Yogi’s Curse to stop bad things from happening.
I love Zoe & Zak, they are so much fun to read about! With Zak’s easy demeanor and Zoe’s “Yoginess”, they are the perfect kids to follow on magical adventures. I have to say that I liked this one better than the first book. Best parts about this book was definitely the Indian culture, the mystery, and the magical powers. Definitely perfect for MG and even some YA readers that want to take a break from werewolves and cheating boyfriends.
Audio Notes: Great performance by Sonja Field! Her voice was definitely perfect for Zoe & Zak and she knows how to do the Indian accent just right. There were some moments where her narration would get monotone but that would be during conversations when there was a lot of "he said, she said". Other than that, it was very enjoyable!
I love Zoe & Zak, they are so much fun to read about! With Zak’s easy demeanor and Zoe’s “Yoginess”, they are the perfect kids to follow on magical adventures. I have to say that I liked this one better than the first book. Best parts about this book was definitely the Indian culture, the mystery, and the magical powers. Definitely perfect for MG and even some YA readers that want to take a break from werewolves and cheating boyfriends.
Audio Notes: Great performance by Sonja Field! Her voice was definitely perfect for Zoe & Zak and she knows how to do the Indian accent just right. There were some moments where her narration would get monotone but that would be during conversations when there was a lot of "he said, she said". Other than that, it was very enjoyable!
January 29, 2014
I loved the faster pace of this second book. Zoe & Zak's adventures kept me turning pages to see what was happening next. One of my favorite parts of the story was the idea of this fabulous school at the foot of the majestic Himalayas. As a kid I would have loved that!
I was a bit bewildered at the horrible meals that were served to the kids, though. The task of protecting the egg and saving the elephants fired my imagination. Young readers will easily identify with the antics and personalities of Zoe and Zak which are more developed in this second book. Other favorite characters are sure to Mukta and the chemistry teacher. Can't wait to read Book 3! I give this 5 stars.
I was a bit bewildered at the horrible meals that were served to the kids, though. The task of protecting the egg and saving the elephants fired my imagination. Young readers will easily identify with the antics and personalities of Zoe and Zak which are more developed in this second book. Other favorite characters are sure to Mukta and the chemistry teacher. Can't wait to read Book 3! I give this 5 stars.
November 12, 2016
A second exciting adventure with Zoe & Zak in a weird Himalayan school with many more mystical events to get entangled in. Review to follow.
August 27, 2017
Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse is the second Zoe and Zak book. We didn’t read the first one so some things that were referred to, including how Zoe originally got her powers, we had no idea was the author was talking about, but that did not prevent us from enjoying the book. It’s a cute story with lots of action and quite a bit of humor, too. I highly recommend it to kids and adults. It makes a great family read-aloud! Clearly, you don’t have to read the first book first, but I would recommend you do to prevent confusion.
March 7, 2014
Zak and Zoe are back together for another fun filled escapade. This time they are attending the Moonstock Himalayan Academy for Boys and Girls, high in the mountains in India. Moonstock is very different than the school they attended in America; for instance, the student’s main source of transportation is riding on elephants; parrots monitor the halls and ornery, monkey security guards keep a watchful eye over the school. These kind of strange practices are not at all what Zoe was expecting and at first she feels quite homesick; however, Zack, her best friend, is attending the school as well, which is somewhat of a comfort to her.
At Moonstock, the boys and girls are separated, limiting Zoe and Zak’s time together. When they do see each other, usually at meal time, Zak seems preoccupied with his new past time―vloging: video blogging, though it won’t preoccupy him too long, once the real adventure starts.
There are many kids, from all over the world, at Moonstock and it isn’t long before Zoe meets some interesting acquaintances. A few of them are, her new roommate, Anita, from England, Jill her replacement roommate from Alaska, and Amanda … well, putting it lightly she’s kind of a jerk.
Though Zoe and Zak are getting to like the school, other than the crappy meals, strange things begin to happen. For instance, Anita disappears from the school―seemingly into thin air―and Mr. Muk is looking uncannily like the deceased Mukta, the yogi master from book 1, Ghost Leopard.
The adventure blasts into full gear when Zoe and Zak make it their mission to break the Yogi’s curse. They sneak out of the school and ride a magic carpet (doormat) into the easterly night sky, find a glowing elephant tusk which turns out to be a telephone, (you’ll have to read the book to find out what the mysterious voice says through this telephone) get chased by birds, mean monkeys, and rack their brains to solve a mysterious riddle.
Zoe will use her new yogi powers and Zak his dependable Stryker whip, to fight the evil forces they seem to be encountering on a regular basis.
Like Ghost Leopard (book 1) Yogi’s Curse is filled with nonstop action from beginning to end. There is lots of humor and a great deal of Lar’s fantastic imagination as well as the real culture, history, and mysterious beliefs of India described throughout the book. The story is fun and fasted paced and will keep you intrigued up until the last page. I recommend this book to tweens, teens, and adults who may want to unleash the adventurous kid trapped somewhere inside them.
About the Audio Book:
Listening to Yogi’s Curse, narrated by Sonja B'Field, was an enjoyable experience for me. I found myself getting caught up in the adventure all over again. It was like I was tagging along with Zak and Zoe through India.
If you have read the book, like I have, you’ll find that listening to the audiobook version; you’ll retain even more of the story and find yourself laughing at Lar’s very funny humor.
Another great thing about the audio book, is it’s perfect for those who don’t have much time to read or perhaps don’t like to read. You can listen just about anywhere; for instance, while you’re doing household chores, working on a hobby, in the car, or any place for that matter.
At Moonstock, the boys and girls are separated, limiting Zoe and Zak’s time together. When they do see each other, usually at meal time, Zak seems preoccupied with his new past time―vloging: video blogging, though it won’t preoccupy him too long, once the real adventure starts.
There are many kids, from all over the world, at Moonstock and it isn’t long before Zoe meets some interesting acquaintances. A few of them are, her new roommate, Anita, from England, Jill her replacement roommate from Alaska, and Amanda … well, putting it lightly she’s kind of a jerk.
Though Zoe and Zak are getting to like the school, other than the crappy meals, strange things begin to happen. For instance, Anita disappears from the school―seemingly into thin air―and Mr. Muk is looking uncannily like the deceased Mukta, the yogi master from book 1, Ghost Leopard.
The adventure blasts into full gear when Zoe and Zak make it their mission to break the Yogi’s curse. They sneak out of the school and ride a magic carpet (doormat) into the easterly night sky, find a glowing elephant tusk which turns out to be a telephone, (you’ll have to read the book to find out what the mysterious voice says through this telephone) get chased by birds, mean monkeys, and rack their brains to solve a mysterious riddle.
Zoe will use her new yogi powers and Zak his dependable Stryker whip, to fight the evil forces they seem to be encountering on a regular basis.
Like Ghost Leopard (book 1) Yogi’s Curse is filled with nonstop action from beginning to end. There is lots of humor and a great deal of Lar’s fantastic imagination as well as the real culture, history, and mysterious beliefs of India described throughout the book. The story is fun and fasted paced and will keep you intrigued up until the last page. I recommend this book to tweens, teens, and adults who may want to unleash the adventurous kid trapped somewhere inside them.
About the Audio Book:
Listening to Yogi’s Curse, narrated by Sonja B'Field, was an enjoyable experience for me. I found myself getting caught up in the adventure all over again. It was like I was tagging along with Zak and Zoe through India.
If you have read the book, like I have, you’ll find that listening to the audiobook version; you’ll retain even more of the story and find yourself laughing at Lar’s very funny humor.
Another great thing about the audio book, is it’s perfect for those who don’t have much time to read or perhaps don’t like to read. You can listen just about anywhere; for instance, while you’re doing household chores, working on a hobby, in the car, or any place for that matter.
December 17, 2013
Yogi’s Curse, the second book in the Zoe and Zak Adventure series by Lars Guignard, starts off where the first book Ghost Leopard leaves off. Zoe and Zak are reunited in India as their parents start work and send their kids off to a boarding school in the Himalayan mountains, Moonstock Academy. Ironically, as I am thinking to myself, “I would never send my kids on their own to a boarding school in India”, the author cleverly addresses this by having Zoe reflect on her situation:
I have to admit that this was effective in addressing the suspension of disbelief necessary to move the story along. Well done!
Guignard wastes no time in delving into the Indian mysticism introduced in Ghost Leopard. Students begin to disappear from the school and with the help of a familiar-looking ally, Mr. Muk, Zoe and Zak must discover a way to break the yogi’s curse and protect the Elephant Egg of Life at all costs. But it won’t be so easy as they are chased by giant flaming birds, some dangerous monkeys, and a new powerful villain who just happens to be a demon.
Yogi’s Curse has many of the same strengths as Zoe and Zak continue to be entertaining as they are thrust together into the same setting. They continue to play off each other’s strengths as they seek to break the yogi’s curse. Guignard once again immerses the reader in Indian culture and mysticism, making us feel as if we are there breathing in the beauty of the Himalayan mountainscape. And finally, the intricate plot features unexpected twists and turns; heart-stopping moments filled with danger; and, a great adventure and mystery that will keep the reader guessing throughout.
My Bottom Line:
Yogi’s Curse is a non-stop thrilling adventure featuring the ever-entertaining tweens, Zoe and Zak, now attending boarding school in India. Armed with Zoe’s growing yogi powers and Zak’s trusty whip Stryker, the duo must rely on their wits when a new evil descends on the school and students begin disappearing. Lars Guignard keeps up the pace with this second installment in the Zoe and Zak Adventure series. I recommend this series to tweens and teens who love a great adventure steeped with magic and mysticism. Ages 8+.
* I received a copy of this book free-of-charge from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
"I know, what were our parents thinking? Why didn’t they bring us to school themselves? Why didn’t they at least tell us which train to get on? Well, in their defense, the school brochure pretty specifically said that all that stuff would be handled. A teacher was supposed to meet us at the train station and escort us to school where we would arrive bright-eyed and bushy tailed for an exciting semester of life development and learning."
I have to admit that this was effective in addressing the suspension of disbelief necessary to move the story along. Well done!
Guignard wastes no time in delving into the Indian mysticism introduced in Ghost Leopard. Students begin to disappear from the school and with the help of a familiar-looking ally, Mr. Muk, Zoe and Zak must discover a way to break the yogi’s curse and protect the Elephant Egg of Life at all costs. But it won’t be so easy as they are chased by giant flaming birds, some dangerous monkeys, and a new powerful villain who just happens to be a demon.
Yogi’s Curse has many of the same strengths as Zoe and Zak continue to be entertaining as they are thrust together into the same setting. They continue to play off each other’s strengths as they seek to break the yogi’s curse. Guignard once again immerses the reader in Indian culture and mysticism, making us feel as if we are there breathing in the beauty of the Himalayan mountainscape. And finally, the intricate plot features unexpected twists and turns; heart-stopping moments filled with danger; and, a great adventure and mystery that will keep the reader guessing throughout.
My Bottom Line:
Yogi’s Curse is a non-stop thrilling adventure featuring the ever-entertaining tweens, Zoe and Zak, now attending boarding school in India. Armed with Zoe’s growing yogi powers and Zak’s trusty whip Stryker, the duo must rely on their wits when a new evil descends on the school and students begin disappearing. Lars Guignard keeps up the pace with this second installment in the Zoe and Zak Adventure series. I recommend this series to tweens and teens who love a great adventure steeped with magic and mysticism. Ages 8+.
* I received a copy of this book free-of-charge from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 10, 2014
This review and many others can be found on my blog - Best Kids' Reads.
I thought that Yogi's Curse was an excellent second book in the Zoe & Zak series. It had all of the adventure and Indian culture that Ghost Leopard had, but I found the boarding school setting to be even more fun and interesting than the hotel setting at the beginning of the first book.
This book could certainly be read on its own, but kids would benefit from reading Ghost Leopard first so that they could see how Zoe discovered her powers and how Zak got his magical items!!
The negatives:
No adults.
The adults in this book seemed like very minor characters (in fact, Zak's dad and Zoe's mom aren't seen at all). Considering that the book took place in a school, I wish we would have seen more interaction with the teachers and staff. I'm hoping that we will get to know them more in future books!
What I LOVED:
India's culture.
Once again, this book contained lots of information about India and its culture (though I think it was sprinkled in a little less obviously than it was in the first book). Kids who enjoy the Greek mythology roots of the Percy Jackson series will get some interesting enlightenment on the Hindi Gods and mythology in the Zoe & Zak series!
Moonstock.
The Himalayan boarding school that Zoe and Zak were sent off to was practically a character itself. It was such a fun and unique environment, even with its musty rooms, lumpy mattresses and horrible food! It was interesting to see how Zoe and Zak coped with suddenly being apart from everything they knew - it was great to see them forge some new friendships! We also got to see a little bit of the "mean girl" at school, but that storyline didn't overwhelm the more interesting mystery in the story.
The mystery.
Speaking of the mystery, I thought that Guignard did an excellent job of building up suspense and giving us little clues that something wasn't right at Moonstock (without making things too terribly obvious). There were a couple of fun twists that kept the story exciting too!
Zoe's powers and Zak's contributions.
We learned a bit more about Zoe's powers in this book, and there were some awesome action scenes. I loved that Zak learned that he wasn't a sidekick and that his role in everything was important too (he saved the day more than once with his snake whip!). We also got some more hints about exactly who (or what?) Zoe is - no actual answers yet, though. We'll have to read the next book to find that out!!
Yogi's Curse is a thoroughly engaging MG adventure novel! I highly recommend it! 4.5/5 stars.
I thought that Yogi's Curse was an excellent second book in the Zoe & Zak series. It had all of the adventure and Indian culture that Ghost Leopard had, but I found the boarding school setting to be even more fun and interesting than the hotel setting at the beginning of the first book.
This book could certainly be read on its own, but kids would benefit from reading Ghost Leopard first so that they could see how Zoe discovered her powers and how Zak got his magical items!!
The negatives:
No adults.
The adults in this book seemed like very minor characters (in fact, Zak's dad and Zoe's mom aren't seen at all). Considering that the book took place in a school, I wish we would have seen more interaction with the teachers and staff. I'm hoping that we will get to know them more in future books!
What I LOVED:
India's culture.
Once again, this book contained lots of information about India and its culture (though I think it was sprinkled in a little less obviously than it was in the first book). Kids who enjoy the Greek mythology roots of the Percy Jackson series will get some interesting enlightenment on the Hindi Gods and mythology in the Zoe & Zak series!
Moonstock.
The Himalayan boarding school that Zoe and Zak were sent off to was practically a character itself. It was such a fun and unique environment, even with its musty rooms, lumpy mattresses and horrible food! It was interesting to see how Zoe and Zak coped with suddenly being apart from everything they knew - it was great to see them forge some new friendships! We also got to see a little bit of the "mean girl" at school, but that storyline didn't overwhelm the more interesting mystery in the story.
The mystery.
Speaking of the mystery, I thought that Guignard did an excellent job of building up suspense and giving us little clues that something wasn't right at Moonstock (without making things too terribly obvious). There were a couple of fun twists that kept the story exciting too!
Zoe's powers and Zak's contributions.
We learned a bit more about Zoe's powers in this book, and there were some awesome action scenes. I loved that Zak learned that he wasn't a sidekick and that his role in everything was important too (he saved the day more than once with his snake whip!). We also got some more hints about exactly who (or what?) Zoe is - no actual answers yet, though. We'll have to read the next book to find that out!!
Yogi's Curse is a thoroughly engaging MG adventure novel! I highly recommend it! 4.5/5 stars.
December 23, 2013
Guignard has done it again! Yogi Curse is another great Zoe and Zak book that is not to be missed! Be prepared to enter into more fantasy and bizarre action-packed adventures.
Shortly after they returned to India the pair were sent off to a boarding school in Himalayan mountains as their parents have to work. As with the first book, I feel the cold and wetness of India's monsoon at the very beginning when both of them stepped off the freight train. The whole boarding house looks mysterious and sad, probably because Zoe is homesick thus she is looking at her new environment from that perspective. Things started to get weird when they reached the boarding school first with the disappearance of her new room mate Anita.
Soon they discovered that another mission awaits them, they must lift the Yogi Curse. What is the Yogi Curse? What has it got to do with flying elephants and a yogi who was taking a nap under a rhododendron tree? With a riddle and a map left by their old friend Mr Muk, they must try their best to protect the Elephant Egg of Life that contains a Noble Truth.
What has a mouth but does not speak?
What has a bed but does not sleep?
What always runs but never walk?
Gather me and watch your spots.
And what is a thrilling adventure if there are no villains? This time they are stronger and fiercer (and creepier if I may say); with shark lookalike Principal, ugly monkey guards & squawking loud parrots guarding the school's hallway, fire-wing birds attacking the pair, YIKES!
While reading this book I constantly have a feeling that Zoe is always lost and needed Zak's advice and leadership. I would expect her to be more decisive, afterall she is the one with the special birth mark and the special "yogination power" right? Perhaps its Guignard's intention to let Zoe take a back stand in this book and focus a little more on Zak this time? Being the more adventurous and daring of the pair Zak has got all the cool gadgets of Stryker and Doormat, he sure saved Zoe a couple of times in this book as her "yogination power" seems to fail to work whenever they are in or near the boarding school. It is also at the same time Zoe found that she has acquired a new skill that shocked both herself and Zak. What is this new skill? I am not letting the cat out of the bag~
Shortly after they returned to India the pair were sent off to a boarding school in Himalayan mountains as their parents have to work. As with the first book, I feel the cold and wetness of India's monsoon at the very beginning when both of them stepped off the freight train. The whole boarding house looks mysterious and sad, probably because Zoe is homesick thus she is looking at her new environment from that perspective. Things started to get weird when they reached the boarding school first with the disappearance of her new room mate Anita.
Soon they discovered that another mission awaits them, they must lift the Yogi Curse. What is the Yogi Curse? What has it got to do with flying elephants and a yogi who was taking a nap under a rhododendron tree? With a riddle and a map left by their old friend Mr Muk, they must try their best to protect the Elephant Egg of Life that contains a Noble Truth.
What has a mouth but does not speak?
What has a bed but does not sleep?
What always runs but never walk?
Gather me and watch your spots.
And what is a thrilling adventure if there are no villains? This time they are stronger and fiercer (and creepier if I may say); with shark lookalike Principal, ugly monkey guards & squawking loud parrots guarding the school's hallway, fire-wing birds attacking the pair, YIKES!
While reading this book I constantly have a feeling that Zoe is always lost and needed Zak's advice and leadership. I would expect her to be more decisive, afterall she is the one with the special birth mark and the special "yogination power" right? Perhaps its Guignard's intention to let Zoe take a back stand in this book and focus a little more on Zak this time? Being the more adventurous and daring of the pair Zak has got all the cool gadgets of Stryker and Doormat, he sure saved Zoe a couple of times in this book as her "yogination power" seems to fail to work whenever they are in or near the boarding school. It is also at the same time Zoe found that she has acquired a new skill that shocked both herself and Zak. What is this new skill? I am not letting the cat out of the bag~
March 1, 2014
Zoe and Zak and the Yogi’s Curse by Lars Guignard
Read by Sonja Field
Zoe and Zak were sent to a boarding school in India, high in the Himalayas. The adventures began even before they arrived at the school. Once they arrived at the train station, which was strangely half-sized, there was no one there to meet them. After stressing for a few moments, the children explored a shed and discovered three elephants. After the lead elephant finished snotting Zak thoroughly, the children mounted the elephant and rode to their new home. Zoe, once they arrived, was overcome with homesickness. Her bed was hard, lumpy, and wet. They’d arrived early, so no other children were at the school, Zoe cried herself to sleep. The next morning, she met her one of her roommates who showed her around the school. Jill, the new roommate, was kind, funny, and helpful. But after breakfast, she promptly disappeared, and no one seemed to remember seeing her. Even the school’s headmaster and his wife insisted Jill had never even signed in yet. What was going on?
Zoe and Zak and the Yogi’s Curse is filled with fun and adventure. Zoe is a pleasantly sarcastic character who has magic powers that aren’t yet fully understood. Zak is an adventurous boy who is always acting up, filled with fun, and seemingly on the brink of trouble.
Lars Guignard has created two incredibly likeable characters. His writing style is catchy, witty, and superbly understated in all the right places. The descriptions of India, the settings, the other characters, and the environment are intense, focused, and perfectly suited for young readers.
This book is engrossing and entertaining. Sonja Field is an excellent reader. She is able to adequately enunciate in a way that distinguishes between all the characters without overdoing. She has such a great voice for narration that the story moves along at a quick pace. The reader becomes engulfed in the story, transported to India, sharing in the characters’ adventures.
I rate this audiobook a glorious 5 stars.
This book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Read by Sonja Field
Zoe and Zak were sent to a boarding school in India, high in the Himalayas. The adventures began even before they arrived at the school. Once they arrived at the train station, which was strangely half-sized, there was no one there to meet them. After stressing for a few moments, the children explored a shed and discovered three elephants. After the lead elephant finished snotting Zak thoroughly, the children mounted the elephant and rode to their new home. Zoe, once they arrived, was overcome with homesickness. Her bed was hard, lumpy, and wet. They’d arrived early, so no other children were at the school, Zoe cried herself to sleep. The next morning, she met her one of her roommates who showed her around the school. Jill, the new roommate, was kind, funny, and helpful. But after breakfast, she promptly disappeared, and no one seemed to remember seeing her. Even the school’s headmaster and his wife insisted Jill had never even signed in yet. What was going on?
Zoe and Zak and the Yogi’s Curse is filled with fun and adventure. Zoe is a pleasantly sarcastic character who has magic powers that aren’t yet fully understood. Zak is an adventurous boy who is always acting up, filled with fun, and seemingly on the brink of trouble.
Lars Guignard has created two incredibly likeable characters. His writing style is catchy, witty, and superbly understated in all the right places. The descriptions of India, the settings, the other characters, and the environment are intense, focused, and perfectly suited for young readers.
This book is engrossing and entertaining. Sonja Field is an excellent reader. She is able to adequately enunciate in a way that distinguishes between all the characters without overdoing. She has such a great voice for narration that the story moves along at a quick pace. The reader becomes engulfed in the story, transported to India, sharing in the characters’ adventures.
I rate this audiobook a glorious 5 stars.
This book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 2, 2014
Author: Lars Guignard
Grade Level: 3-6
Lexile: 690
Zoe and Zak are at it again. This time they’re off to Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School, one of the most prestigious schools in India! It doesn’t take long for Z and Z to realize that this is no ordinary school when elephants pick them up from the train station! Things only get more strange once school starts. People go missing, wet footprints magically appear, and monkeys and parrots just won’t leave them alone!
Everything takes a turn for the worst when they find out their old friend, Mutka, is in trouble. Now it’s up to Z and Z to solve the yogi’s curse, protect the golden elephant egg, and save the whole school from freezing! With Zoe’s powers and Zak’s gadgets, they just might have what it takes.
What I Liked: This is more than your typical “fantasy adventure” series. You can learn a lot from this one. The author embeds history and culture into each novel, letting your mind learn while it’s still reading for pleasure. I learned about Hindi Gods, mythology, and Indian culture, and you can too.
I also liked the boarding school setting. This is no Hogwarts. There aren’t any wizards or witches; just a few quirky pre teens trying to figure out life. Life that includes guard monkeys and hall monitor parrots; but realistic ones none the less.
What Could Have Been Better: Maybe it’s just the teacher in me, but I was disappointed that adults played such a negative role in the plot. Both Zoe and Zak’s moms was absent from the entire story and the principal was evil! Even though this book is definitely all about kid heroes, I would have liked some role models/mentors shuffling about.
Who Should Read This Book: Anyone who enjoys adventure and fantasy will devour this book! Also, although this is definitely a “kid-centered” book, this novel makes for a great bedtime read aloud/read along. Kids and parents alike will be stunned at how many twists and turns are tucked into this book!
October 3, 2015
The audiobook of Zoe and Zak and the Yogi's Curse is just as good, if not better than the first audiobook, Zoe and Zak and the Ghost Leopard. The narrator, Sonja Field does a great job of sounding like a 12 yr old girl, Zoe, and change her voice to sound like a talking elephant, a 500 year old yogi, and a 12 yr old boy.
Her narration is even in it's pacing and the tone is appropriate for the action in the story. I love when she cries out "Holy India" when she's surprised by something.
The story this time is Zoe and Zak are at boarding school in the Himalayas while their parents work all over India. It is supposed to be a great boarding school, but right from the start, things are strange there. Zoe's roommate disappears. The halls are guarded by mean monkeys and guard parrots. The food is inedible and some of the teachers start disappearing. And Zoe and Zak start getting weird messages from elephant tusks and yogis. The mystery is full of action and riddles and late night adventures. And Zoe and Zak make some allies at school, new friends who have some idea of what they do and what they are. There is a huge twist at the end that brings levity to the whole adventure and brings the mystery to an end.
Lars Guignard has a great imagination and his love for India shines through in his writing. The adventures of Zoe and Zak will hopefully continue with many more unusual animals and mysteries. Sonja Fields' narration brings the story to life with her varied voices and accents and makes the novel fly by as you listen. I love this series and though I haven't read it, I prefer to listen to it on audio. I would miss her narration, with the accents and voices of the different characters. I highly recommend the audio book.
I received a copy of the audio book for review. I was not compensated for my review.
Her narration is even in it's pacing and the tone is appropriate for the action in the story. I love when she cries out "Holy India" when she's surprised by something.
The story this time is Zoe and Zak are at boarding school in the Himalayas while their parents work all over India. It is supposed to be a great boarding school, but right from the start, things are strange there. Zoe's roommate disappears. The halls are guarded by mean monkeys and guard parrots. The food is inedible and some of the teachers start disappearing. And Zoe and Zak start getting weird messages from elephant tusks and yogis. The mystery is full of action and riddles and late night adventures. And Zoe and Zak make some allies at school, new friends who have some idea of what they do and what they are. There is a huge twist at the end that brings levity to the whole adventure and brings the mystery to an end.
Lars Guignard has a great imagination and his love for India shines through in his writing. The adventures of Zoe and Zak will hopefully continue with many more unusual animals and mysteries. Sonja Fields' narration brings the story to life with her varied voices and accents and makes the novel fly by as you listen. I love this series and though I haven't read it, I prefer to listen to it on audio. I would miss her narration, with the accents and voices of the different characters. I highly recommend the audio book.
I received a copy of the audio book for review. I was not compensated for my review.
February 19, 2014
To get myself ready for book 2 in the Zoe & Zak series, I listened to the end of the first book again to refresh my memory of the awesome adventure that took place in book 1. Book 2 in the first half kind of let me down a little bit because of this though. What happened to the relationship Zoe and Zak had at the end of the last book?! They were so close and reading each other so well to help the Leopard and get back home in one piece. Now I know that time has passed, they went back to the US and packed up to essentially move to India for the next school year, and I know Zoe is homesick and misses her mother, but come on, they are so disconnected in the beginning of the story it made me sad and a little frustrated.
That being said, I still loved the adventure in this book, the setting of India and their school and new characters was awesome. The descriptions the author uses through Zoe's eyes were well formed and made me long for the first day of school again - the stress, the nervousness, the new school supplies, the people and teacher (yea I am a nerd). It was wonderful.
I loved the play on characters returning and new bad guys and the overall adventure and mysteries the kids solve while trying to figure out what is going one. LOVE IT.
I think this book could be for all readers and age groups, the reader was spectacular, a little different from the last one but just as fun and alternated between voices well. I think both kids and parents will love to listen to this book together. I really do love this series and the fact that it is set in India, which is not a common Middle Grade plot setting. I continue to learn a lot from the series and hope to learn and love more of it as it continues.
That being said, I still loved the adventure in this book, the setting of India and their school and new characters was awesome. The descriptions the author uses through Zoe's eyes were well formed and made me long for the first day of school again - the stress, the nervousness, the new school supplies, the people and teacher (yea I am a nerd). It was wonderful.
I loved the play on characters returning and new bad guys and the overall adventure and mysteries the kids solve while trying to figure out what is going one. LOVE IT.
I think this book could be for all readers and age groups, the reader was spectacular, a little different from the last one but just as fun and alternated between voices well. I think both kids and parents will love to listen to this book together. I really do love this series and the fact that it is set in India, which is not a common Middle Grade plot setting. I continue to learn a lot from the series and hope to learn and love more of it as it continues.
February 10, 2014
I would recommend this book to just about anybody. I think it's perfect for the whole family because the main characters are kids that say and do funny things so the kids will be entertained. There's also a wonderful adventure and along with the setting and fantasy elements, the adults will be entertained as well. I think this would be perfect for a family car trip and I would definitely listen to it again.
My favorite part of the book is the adventure, along with the setting. I love that the book takes place in India. We see quite a bit of the country and learn a little about the culture as well. I love that these kids are going to school there with kids from around the world. What could be better? Well, maybe the food served. ;)
Zoe and Zak both have distinctive voices and strong personalities and they both shined in this book. They were funny, though they got serious when they needed to. I laughed at times and other times sat on the edge of my seat because it was so intense.
The audio was pretty perfect! Sonja Field was able to create very distinctive voices for each character and got the accents perfect. It was easy to tell when each person/creature was talking and I felt every emotion they felt.
If I were to point out things that I liked less, it would be that sometimes I felt the plot moved along a little slowly in the beginning. I wasn't clear what was suppose to happen right away. But it is a shorter story, so I'm not sure it could have been different. And I did love the setting and when they talked about the school.
This is a fun fantasy adventure that has wonderful characters, setting, and fantasy elements. I would definitely listen or read it again.
My favorite part of the book is the adventure, along with the setting. I love that the book takes place in India. We see quite a bit of the country and learn a little about the culture as well. I love that these kids are going to school there with kids from around the world. What could be better? Well, maybe the food served. ;)
Zoe and Zak both have distinctive voices and strong personalities and they both shined in this book. They were funny, though they got serious when they needed to. I laughed at times and other times sat on the edge of my seat because it was so intense.
The audio was pretty perfect! Sonja Field was able to create very distinctive voices for each character and got the accents perfect. It was easy to tell when each person/creature was talking and I felt every emotion they felt.
If I were to point out things that I liked less, it would be that sometimes I felt the plot moved along a little slowly in the beginning. I wasn't clear what was suppose to happen right away. But it is a shorter story, so I'm not sure it could have been different. And I did love the setting and when they talked about the school.
This is a fun fantasy adventure that has wonderful characters, setting, and fantasy elements. I would definitely listen or read it again.
March 1, 2014
I read a lot of YA audiobooks and this one did not let me down! I loved the storyline and I thought the reader did an awesome job, loved her voice for a YA novel :) The book was funny and moving at the same time, Zoe is very likeable as a character, she has wit, brains and is headstrong with her own opinions and doesn't let anyone tell her what to think. Zak is funny and smart too, and I think most kids can relate to him because he was in a new place trying to make friends by being funny and showing off a bit.
I have not read the first book in this series but I didn't have a problem getting into it and understanding what was happening so I would say this could be a stand-alone book but I can't wait to read the first book and the 3rd book in the series as well :)
This book was fun and very magical, if you enjoyed Harry Potter or Percy Jackson I think you will love this series! The setting of India is awesome, monkeys and elephants and lizards oh my! And of course mystery abounds :) But I also loved the educational parts of the books - you get to meet a lot of other characters with different backgrounds/ethnicities.
The author manages to take what would be a difficult situation of being in a boarding house for kids and somehow make it fun and adventurous for all the kids. I can see this becoming a popular movie series because the characters are so awesome and I think a lot of people would love the story!
All in all this is a magically delicious story and I highly recommend the audiobook version. I don't think you miss out on anything with the audio as you can hear the adventure and passion in the reading - it was fun and easy to listen to and I definitely will be listening to the audio versions of the rest of the series :)
I have not read the first book in this series but I didn't have a problem getting into it and understanding what was happening so I would say this could be a stand-alone book but I can't wait to read the first book and the 3rd book in the series as well :)
This book was fun and very magical, if you enjoyed Harry Potter or Percy Jackson I think you will love this series! The setting of India is awesome, monkeys and elephants and lizards oh my! And of course mystery abounds :) But I also loved the educational parts of the books - you get to meet a lot of other characters with different backgrounds/ethnicities.
The author manages to take what would be a difficult situation of being in a boarding house for kids and somehow make it fun and adventurous for all the kids. I can see this becoming a popular movie series because the characters are so awesome and I think a lot of people would love the story!
All in all this is a magically delicious story and I highly recommend the audiobook version. I don't think you miss out on anything with the audio as you can hear the adventure and passion in the reading - it was fun and easy to listen to and I definitely will be listening to the audio versions of the rest of the series :)
August 30, 2013
Zoe & Zak first appeared in Book 1 of this series ‘Zoe & Zak & The Ghost Leopard’. This time, Zoe and Zak are back in India. Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School is where we find the duo. Unlike most other schools, students are transported on elephants instead of school buses, monkeys work security and parrots are employed as hall monitors.
Once Zoe's roommate goes missing, the two youngsers have no choice but to jump headfirst into the mystery. Their clues are limited to some directions which have been scrawled on a bathroom mirror. Our dynamic duo gets to fly via a magic carpet. Again, they’ve been selected, but this time it’s to help combat the Yogi’s Curse. With little to go on, Zoe & Zak will have to rely on their wits & adventurous spirits to save the day as they battle an unseen enemy.
Lars Guignard has done a fabulous job with this series. I loved the ‘Ghost Leopard’ & love this one even more. For late-elementary to middle school age readers, you can’t beat this series. It’s fun and fast-paced. Even my picky fifth grader enjoyed every page.
There are bits of magic thrown in keep the action exciting. Mr. Guignard has a brilliant imagination & readers are blessed that he’s chosen to use it for YA fiction. If you’ve yet to read the first installment in this series, do yourself a favor and read these books back to back. Don’t limit it just to kids! Adults will have a blast reading these too!
Lars Guignard has authored the aforementioned YA titles, but also offers adult fiction works too. Visit Amazon or Goodreads to find them all. I was provided 1 eBook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
Once Zoe's roommate goes missing, the two youngsers have no choice but to jump headfirst into the mystery. Their clues are limited to some directions which have been scrawled on a bathroom mirror. Our dynamic duo gets to fly via a magic carpet. Again, they’ve been selected, but this time it’s to help combat the Yogi’s Curse. With little to go on, Zoe & Zak will have to rely on their wits & adventurous spirits to save the day as they battle an unseen enemy.
Lars Guignard has done a fabulous job with this series. I loved the ‘Ghost Leopard’ & love this one even more. For late-elementary to middle school age readers, you can’t beat this series. It’s fun and fast-paced. Even my picky fifth grader enjoyed every page.
There are bits of magic thrown in keep the action exciting. Mr. Guignard has a brilliant imagination & readers are blessed that he’s chosen to use it for YA fiction. If you’ve yet to read the first installment in this series, do yourself a favor and read these books back to back. Don’t limit it just to kids! Adults will have a blast reading these too!
Lars Guignard has authored the aforementioned YA titles, but also offers adult fiction works too. Visit Amazon or Goodreads to find them all. I was provided 1 eBook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.
February 22, 2014
Zoe and Zak and the Yogi's Curse was entertaining and full of adventure! And I highly recommend it as part of your children's book collection!
As a parent, I look for books that not only are fun and entertaining for my kids to read (if they aren't, then it's like pulling teeth out of their mouth to get them to finish it), but also ones that teach them values and morals. This creatively written adventure, fantasy story (which is full of many twists and turns) will make the reader think more deeply (there is quite a mix of problem-solving, which today's kids could value from). The topic of trust came up quite often. That is who should Zoe and Zak trust and who shouldn't they trust. This is a topic I'm always trying to get my kids to think about. And Lars Guignard was able to tackle such an important parenting topic with fun and zest. In addition, he brought in another theme about how bad luck may possibly be good luck in disguise. I enjoyed following this theme as I read the story because I'm a true believer that even bad things can somehow end up a positive. We live in some tough times. This story left me believing that any thing is possible--even elephants flying which happens in the Yogi's Curse. Kids need hope. They need creativity. They need to believe. Zoe and Zak and the Yogi's Curse does just that.
The only con that I found while reading this story was how detailed it was. I felt as if sometimes Zoe (who narrated the story) gave too much detail in her description of areas and events for her age. Other than that, I think this is a great read for a tween and teen!
As a parent, I look for books that not only are fun and entertaining for my kids to read (if they aren't, then it's like pulling teeth out of their mouth to get them to finish it), but also ones that teach them values and morals. This creatively written adventure, fantasy story (which is full of many twists and turns) will make the reader think more deeply (there is quite a mix of problem-solving, which today's kids could value from). The topic of trust came up quite often. That is who should Zoe and Zak trust and who shouldn't they trust. This is a topic I'm always trying to get my kids to think about. And Lars Guignard was able to tackle such an important parenting topic with fun and zest. In addition, he brought in another theme about how bad luck may possibly be good luck in disguise. I enjoyed following this theme as I read the story because I'm a true believer that even bad things can somehow end up a positive. We live in some tough times. This story left me believing that any thing is possible--even elephants flying which happens in the Yogi's Curse. Kids need hope. They need creativity. They need to believe. Zoe and Zak and the Yogi's Curse does just that.
The only con that I found while reading this story was how detailed it was. I felt as if sometimes Zoe (who narrated the story) gave too much detail in her description of areas and events for her age. Other than that, I think this is a great read for a tween and teen!
January 16, 2016
REVIEW
We first met Zoe and Zak in Book One of the series ZOE and ZAK and THE GHOST LEOPARD . Now Zoe and Zak are back and they are in India at Moonstruck Himalayan Boarding School.The students travel by elephants instead of buses. Security is upheld by monkeys and parrots are hall monitors. Once again the two have jumped headfirst in the disappearance of Zoe's ex-room mate. The only clues they have are some notes that have been scribbled on a mirror in the bathroom.
The duo have been picked to help fight the Yogi's Curse. They even get to travel via a magic carpet.
The two are battling an enemy that they have never seen. They must rely on their smarts and their love for adventure. The story is fast paced just like Book One. This keeps the young reader's attention. The many talents of Mr. Guignard have left the reader blessed. The author used a lot of imagination and uses pieces of magic to keep the interest going. I would suggest you read this series in order. These books are not just for the young. The Young at Heart can enjoy them too. I know I have and I'm not in the young category. The author, Mr. Guignard does a marvelous job of creating characters and situations that let the reader's imagination go along for the magic carpet ride. The author not only writes YA books but also adult books. Check this 3 book series by Lars Guignard and go on an imaginative adventure.
I would give this book 4 MAGIC CARPETS.
I was given a complimentary e-copy of ZOE and ZAK and the YOGI'S CURSE from the author, Lars Guignard and Mother Daughter Reviews for my uncompensated opinion.
February 11, 2014
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!
The cover is very entertaining with the flying elephants and looks like kids will totally love it because it evokes curiosity to the great adventure :) What fun!! :)
Okay, I picked this book up back in January, but I didn’t put it in my read soon pile until I signed up for the blog tour for book 3. At the time, I didn’t even realize that I already owned book 1 & 2, I just hadn’t read them yet.
I definitely enjoyed this story even more than book 1, but it was still easy for me to put it down when I had to take care of day to day business.
This story is packed with more details on India where you learn little tidbits about the country which is a great way for kids to learn about other cultures and what an American’s perspective is with the differences, so you can imagine you own reactions to new things you would encounter in India. Also the boarding school seemed cool and had me wondering if such an academy exists in India though I couldn’t find it when I looked…lol
I still love the duo Zoe & Zak, and Zoe is still dealing with issues of acceptance and her own worth as she copes with bullying and learning that she cannot control everything. We also meet some great new friends that I’m hoping we will see more of in book 3…great secondary characters to help you get pulled more into the story.
I recommend this story to middle grade kids who want a great adventure with some puzzles to figure out like Indiana Jones kid style.
The cover is very entertaining with the flying elephants and looks like kids will totally love it because it evokes curiosity to the great adventure :) What fun!! :)
Okay, I picked this book up back in January, but I didn’t put it in my read soon pile until I signed up for the blog tour for book 3. At the time, I didn’t even realize that I already owned book 1 & 2, I just hadn’t read them yet.
I definitely enjoyed this story even more than book 1, but it was still easy for me to put it down when I had to take care of day to day business.
This story is packed with more details on India where you learn little tidbits about the country which is a great way for kids to learn about other cultures and what an American’s perspective is with the differences, so you can imagine you own reactions to new things you would encounter in India. Also the boarding school seemed cool and had me wondering if such an academy exists in India though I couldn’t find it when I looked…lol
I still love the duo Zoe & Zak, and Zoe is still dealing with issues of acceptance and her own worth as she copes with bullying and learning that she cannot control everything. We also meet some great new friends that I’m hoping we will see more of in book 3…great secondary characters to help you get pulled more into the story.
I recommend this story to middle grade kids who want a great adventure with some puzzles to figure out like Indiana Jones kid style.
January 7, 2014
The excitement and adventure continues in Zoe and Zak and the Yogi's Curse. Zoe and Zak have returned to India to attend the lucrative Moonstock Acadamy. Easy going Zak is anxious to explore all Moonstruck has to offer and quickly fits right in. Zoe is embracing this opportunity as best she can. She misses her mother and finds some of the Indian customs odd. Then of course there's the uneasy feeling she gets around the "guard monkeys" due to her previous encounter with killer monkeys, but she vows to make the best of it. That is until her new roommate simply vanishes. Then the new teacher, Mr. Muk, who oddly resembles a young Mukta, the yogi who helped them with the ghost leopard ordeal appears at Moonstruck. As things go from peculiar to down right bizarre, Zoe and Zak find themselves wondering how this could be happening to them again. Their desire to do good and defeat evil gets the better of them and they once again undertake a dangerous quest to save India and the world from devastation. Zoe and Zak and the Yogi's Curse is an action packed adventure filled with mystery, intrigue, and a bit of humor creating a captivating and well rounded tale. The author's attention to detail makes it easy to visualize the events as they unfold and I was immediately drawn in. I also enjoyed getting to know more about Zoe and Zak and to learn, after their previous encounter in India, their friendship had blossomed. I highly recommend picking up a copy of Zoe and Zak and the Yogi's Curse.
August 23, 2013
Adventure certainly seems to follow Zoe and Zak at their boarding school in India. Their adventures start in Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard, but The Yogi's Curse can be read as an independent read. Guignard gives enough of the back story for their new adventure to make sense without it being a bore to the reader who has read The Ghost Leopard. Overall, I thought it was very imaginative and a fun read. I did have a problem with Guignard's use of the word "coolie" though. When I first read it, I thought, oh, isn't that a derogatory term? So, of course, I turned to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coolie. I think, and certainly hope, that it is an out-dated term, and Guignard mistakenly used it. I also read Zoe as being a smart girl, she, herself, appears very well-read in The Ghost Leopard, and it seems as though she should know not to use that word, or having heard it, looked it up and learned of its origin. However, "coolie" is only in the first chapter, and there is much more to the book than one word! Aside from that word choice and a few grammatical errors and typos, I very much enjoyed The Yogi's Curse and recommend it to children and adults alike, including as a read-aloud or read-together book for parents and their children.
I am a book tour host with CMBook Tours: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book for the purpose of review. All opinions are 100% my own.
I am a book tour host with CMBook Tours: I received a complimentary e-copy of this book for the purpose of review. All opinions are 100% my own.
February 17, 2014
Zoe and Zak have returned for another grand adventure. This time they have been chosen to lift the Yogi’s Curse and save their new classmates from the evil that has taken over the Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School for Boys and Girls. I adore Zoe and Zak and love learning more about India through their adventures. Zoe is still the same cautious voice of reason and Zak is the same grab life by the seat of it’s pants Zak that I loved in Ghost Leopard, book 1 in this series.
The audiobook is fantastic. The narrator does an amazing job of capturing the personality of these two young characters and the author has a gift for weaving far away cultures and myths into an enjoyable and entertaining adventure. I enjoyed many laughs and was anxious to get back to the story each night to see what would happen next.
I would definitely recommend starting with Ghost Leopard, book 1 of this series before reading/listening to Book 2. The author does a great job of filling in the blanks but I do feel that you miss too much of the backstory if you skip book 1. Not to mention all the fun that you’ll miss.
This is a great series for readers of all ages to enjoy. It offers adventure, mystery, culture, magic, and a coming of age tale as Zoe and Zak both struggle to accept their places and roles in this amazing world that Lars Guignard has created for them.
* I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
The audiobook is fantastic. The narrator does an amazing job of capturing the personality of these two young characters and the author has a gift for weaving far away cultures and myths into an enjoyable and entertaining adventure. I enjoyed many laughs and was anxious to get back to the story each night to see what would happen next.
I would definitely recommend starting with Ghost Leopard, book 1 of this series before reading/listening to Book 2. The author does a great job of filling in the blanks but I do feel that you miss too much of the backstory if you skip book 1. Not to mention all the fun that you’ll miss.
This is a great series for readers of all ages to enjoy. It offers adventure, mystery, culture, magic, and a coming of age tale as Zoe and Zak both struggle to accept their places and roles in this amazing world that Lars Guignard has created for them.
* I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2013
First, I have to say, I loved the first Zoe & Zak adventure... and I think I loved this one even more.
The premise of the story focuses around Zoe & Zak as they are sent off to boarding school. This isn't your wonderful Hogwarts though- this is a place with horrible food, strict rules, interesting teachers, technological restrictions (no tv, internet, email). Once at Moonstuck, the plot twists begin - a new friend and roommate disappears, strange luck follows them, Zoe's yogi powers don't seem to work, and when they do- it's something new, old friends return in mysterious fashion, and they have to find a way to balance school and lifting a curse.
Once again, I found myself lost in the voice of Zoe. She is such a believable character, and one that is fun to connect to. The author captures her voice perfectly, and is able to blend the action of the plot with the development and personal challenges of the character. Once of the aspects I enjoyed the most was dealing with the personal growth of Zoe. In this book, there were wonderful lessons about learned to be comfortable in new situations, blending in, welcoming new challenges, and using your own strength to overcome and adapt.
The combination of great action and adventure, with the persona growth, and strong characters make this a must read book for your middle grader... 5 stars!
The premise of the story focuses around Zoe & Zak as they are sent off to boarding school. This isn't your wonderful Hogwarts though- this is a place with horrible food, strict rules, interesting teachers, technological restrictions (no tv, internet, email). Once at Moonstuck, the plot twists begin - a new friend and roommate disappears, strange luck follows them, Zoe's yogi powers don't seem to work, and when they do- it's something new, old friends return in mysterious fashion, and they have to find a way to balance school and lifting a curse.
Once again, I found myself lost in the voice of Zoe. She is such a believable character, and one that is fun to connect to. The author captures her voice perfectly, and is able to blend the action of the plot with the development and personal challenges of the character. Once of the aspects I enjoyed the most was dealing with the personal growth of Zoe. In this book, there were wonderful lessons about learned to be comfortable in new situations, blending in, welcoming new challenges, and using your own strength to overcome and adapt.
The combination of great action and adventure, with the persona growth, and strong characters make this a must read book for your middle grader... 5 stars!
February 27, 2014
I received a free code to purchase Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse on audible.com in exchange for an honest review. Review originally premiered on MHZ Book Reviews & Giveaways
I'll have to start by saying this is something totally new for me - audiobooks that is. I've always had a love for reading, but I've never been one that has enjoyed being read to. I find it hard to follow along and form images in my mind as the author builds the characters and sets the scene. However, I really enjoyed listening to Sonja Field read Zoe and Zak and the Yogi Curse. Her voice is cute and young, a lot like I had imagined Zoe to sound after reading Zoe and Zak and the Ghost Leopard.
Zoe and Zak and the Yogi Curse is just as action packed and full of fun as the first installment in the Magic Fantasy Action Adventure series. I certainly can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this magical series, Zoe and Zak and the Tiger Temple. Lars has created a wonderful series here for boys and girls alike. While I feel the books are more suited as a read alone for the late pre-teen/teen group due to size of the books it's sure to hold the interest of the younger crowds as well.
I'll have to start by saying this is something totally new for me - audiobooks that is. I've always had a love for reading, but I've never been one that has enjoyed being read to. I find it hard to follow along and form images in my mind as the author builds the characters and sets the scene. However, I really enjoyed listening to Sonja Field read Zoe and Zak and the Yogi Curse. Her voice is cute and young, a lot like I had imagined Zoe to sound after reading Zoe and Zak and the Ghost Leopard.
Zoe and Zak and the Yogi Curse is just as action packed and full of fun as the first installment in the Magic Fantasy Action Adventure series. I certainly can't wait to get my hands on the next book in this magical series, Zoe and Zak and the Tiger Temple. Lars has created a wonderful series here for boys and girls alike. While I feel the books are more suited as a read alone for the late pre-teen/teen group due to size of the books it's sure to hold the interest of the younger crowds as well.
August 28, 2013
I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This is book two in the Zak and Zoe Adventure Series. It's been three months since their Ghost Leopard adventure. Two weeks ago, Zak, his dad, Zoe, and her mom moved to New Delhi for their parents new job. Because of the amount of traveling they are required to do, Zak and Zoe apply to the very best boarding school in India. They embrace this as a new cultural experience, to make new friends and learn from all of the challenges 7th grade will give them. They would have never guessed that their Ghost Leopard adventure was a piece of cake compared to what's in store for them this time.
Lars Guignard has done it again with a fantastic action adventure novel. I loved the story staying consistent with the nasty school food and each teacher having notably unique characteristics. This was such a fun and imaginative novel, with some emotional aspects as Zoe struggles to fit in, fights homesickness, and struggling with her new yogi powers. This is must read for any 10-12 year old! This is a great series and I can't wait for book 3!
Lars Guignard has done it again with a fantastic action adventure novel. I loved the story staying consistent with the nasty school food and each teacher having notably unique characteristics. This was such a fun and imaginative novel, with some emotional aspects as Zoe struggles to fit in, fights homesickness, and struggling with her new yogi powers. This is must read for any 10-12 year old! This is a great series and I can't wait for book 3!
January 13, 2014
This is the 2nd book in the series, and I’ll admit I liked it even more than the first (The Leopard Ghost.)
Yogi’s Curse begins with Zoe and Zak on their way to Moonstock Academy, a type of boarding school high in the Himalayas. Zoe and Zak are immediately thrown into an original and strange adventure--right away, they are greeted by a party of elephants at the train station who take them through misty heights past rocky cliffs to the odd school, which in some ways is run like a military but with horrid food. When Zoe’s Yogi spots start glowing, her roommate suddenly disappears, and a dead friend is now alive as a teacher at the school, the mystery begins.
I love the way this dives into the Indian culture and mythology without ever feeling ‘teachy’. Zoe and Zak face everything from giant birds to talking elephants. Dull moments simply don’t exist in this plot. Especially, the funny dialogue and statements Zak and Zoe throw in, while learning more about their quest, left me and my son laughing. There were tons of twists and turns to keep us turning the pages, and we both couldn’t wait to see how Zoe and Zak would end up lifting the terrible curse.
Yogi’s Curse begins with Zoe and Zak on their way to Moonstock Academy, a type of boarding school high in the Himalayas. Zoe and Zak are immediately thrown into an original and strange adventure--right away, they are greeted by a party of elephants at the train station who take them through misty heights past rocky cliffs to the odd school, which in some ways is run like a military but with horrid food. When Zoe’s Yogi spots start glowing, her roommate suddenly disappears, and a dead friend is now alive as a teacher at the school, the mystery begins.
I love the way this dives into the Indian culture and mythology without ever feeling ‘teachy’. Zoe and Zak face everything from giant birds to talking elephants. Dull moments simply don’t exist in this plot. Especially, the funny dialogue and statements Zak and Zoe throw in, while learning more about their quest, left me and my son laughing. There were tons of twists and turns to keep us turning the pages, and we both couldn’t wait to see how Zoe and Zak would end up lifting the terrible curse.
August 15, 2013
I loved the first book and when I had the chance to review the sequel I did it without thinking. Great book about Zak and Zoe, this time they go to school in India as their parents have more work there, the school is highly recommend and they arrive early as first after a strange journey.
Students ride Elephants and there are Parrots and Monkey's for security.
Strange thing are going on, Zoe's roommate disappears and no one else seems to miss her. it is like she was never there. More strange thing start to happen en Zak and Zoe go to investigate they use the magic carpet, but the next day there is a raid and carpets are taking away from all kids, they are not allowed to get out of their rooms anymore after lights out.
Zak and Zoe wouldn't be them self if they do not find the truth and solve everything with some help of their room mates they get there and the question is did they safe the day and the whole school??? Read for yourself !
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
Students ride Elephants and there are Parrots and Monkey's for security.
Strange thing are going on, Zoe's roommate disappears and no one else seems to miss her. it is like she was never there. More strange thing start to happen en Zak and Zoe go to investigate they use the magic carpet, but the next day there is a raid and carpets are taking away from all kids, they are not allowed to get out of their rooms anymore after lights out.
Zak and Zoe wouldn't be them self if they do not find the truth and solve everything with some help of their room mates they get there and the question is did they safe the day and the whole school??? Read for yourself !
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
December 31, 2013
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Zoe and Zak are back. In Ghost Leopard, they became best friends and now they're still close and going to school in India. Zoe + Zak + India = adventure. Zoe may be a yogi but she needs Zak to help her figure things out.
I enjoyed reading Ghost Leopard, the first book in the Zoe and Zak series, and I liked Yogi's Curse even more. The action is nonstop. There are riddles to solve, and, of course, there are talking animals as well as burning birds, elephants and monkeys at every turn, and a curse to not only lift but figure out first. I know I've left some things out but there's so much going on in this book!
Lars Guignard tells a good story. His writing is easy to read and flows well. His sense of humor will appeal to young readers and adults alike. I even laughed at the flatulent Chemistry teacher.
Yogi's Curse is another must read by Lars Guignard for readers of all ages. I can't wait to read #3 in the series, Tiger Temple.
Zoe and Zak are back. In Ghost Leopard, they became best friends and now they're still close and going to school in India. Zoe + Zak + India = adventure. Zoe may be a yogi but she needs Zak to help her figure things out.
I enjoyed reading Ghost Leopard, the first book in the Zoe and Zak series, and I liked Yogi's Curse even more. The action is nonstop. There are riddles to solve, and, of course, there are talking animals as well as burning birds, elephants and monkeys at every turn, and a curse to not only lift but figure out first. I know I've left some things out but there's so much going on in this book!
Lars Guignard tells a good story. His writing is easy to read and flows well. His sense of humor will appeal to young readers and adults alike. I even laughed at the flatulent Chemistry teacher.
Yogi's Curse is another must read by Lars Guignard for readers of all ages. I can't wait to read #3 in the series, Tiger Temple.
August 15, 2013
I was lucky enough to receive The Yogi's Curse by Lars Guignard for review! This is actually a second book in a series. Zoe and Zak go on another adventure when a girl Zoe meets at Moonstock School disappears. It is up to Zoe and Zak to lift the Yogi's Curse. Can they do it? They go on a magical adventure including a magic carpet ride. Many people and mystical creatures are trying to stop them. Moonstock has a powerful enemy! The only question is "How can Zoe and Zak stop him." Once again these two save the day! This is a fun read with a lot of action and mystical creatures keeping kids engaged.
This book is directed at young readers! Mainly middle school grade! It is a fun read and keeps the reader wanting to know what happens next.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! After reading it I had wished I read the 1st. It was very adventurous. I enjoyed it! It was a run read that really kept the reader interested!
This book is directed at young readers! Mainly middle school grade! It is a fun read and keeps the reader wanting to know what happens next.
Would I recommend this book? Yes! After reading it I had wished I read the 1st. It was very adventurous. I enjoyed it! It was a run read that really kept the reader interested!
January 20, 2014
The Zoe and Zak adventure series is the answer for tweens who have grown up with Mary Pope Osbourne's Magic Treehouse books. This story was almost as good as the first. I loved meeting Zoe and Zak in the first book, The Ghost Leopard, and everything was so new and different. The twists and turns kept me bound to my Kindle.
This book was just exciting. Back are the magic spots, Stryker, and Mr. Muk, seemingly reincarnated as a teacher. When he disappears in a fire storm, Zoe finds an elephant trunk that rings like a phone. The message on the other end, "You must lift the 'Yogi's Curse.'" Now Zoe and Zak have more to worry about then bad food at their new school; they have to battle even creepier creatures as they race against time to find and rescue the reincarnated Mr. Muk before its to late.
This story is a most read and it will not disappoint.
This book was just exciting. Back are the magic spots, Stryker, and Mr. Muk, seemingly reincarnated as a teacher. When he disappears in a fire storm, Zoe finds an elephant trunk that rings like a phone. The message on the other end, "You must lift the 'Yogi's Curse.'" Now Zoe and Zak have more to worry about then bad food at their new school; they have to battle even creepier creatures as they race against time to find and rescue the reincarnated Mr. Muk before its to late.
This story is a most read and it will not disappoint.
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