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The Legend of Jack: The Legend Begins
Do you like mystery, magic, and unforgettable characters that you will grow to either love or hate? Then buy this book today! Come, as many will, on the journey with Jack!
Did you ever wonder about that character who is seemingly held captive inside the toy called the “Jack in the Box?” Maybe you had one as a child. You remember the tune. The note in which it “popped” open. It made you laugh or startled you. The Legend Begins is the first book in a young-adult, fantasy series called The Legend of Jack .
You enter into Jack's world, one of which is in dark turmoil. It is filled with war, famine and disease. It begins with the birth of twin sisters. One will bear a son, Jack, and the other will try to save him from her! Although she was successful intervening on his behalf thus thwarting her sister’s plan to dispose of him, it is only a glimpse of what is ahead for the innocent lad.
Throughout the series of books you will follow Jack’s journey in life. Book one tells of his birth and early years. It is a time that normally is filled with discovery and innocent play. Instead, Jack’s childhood is surrounded by murder and secrecy. He gets brought up by strangers and isolated within a small village. But one day he sneaks off to find adventure that may be, unbeknown to him, quite dangerous. Meanwhile, a secret society of men and women keep risking their very own lives to keep him safe. Now you must What is so important about this boy?
Did you ever wonder about that character who is seemingly held captive inside the toy called the “Jack in the Box?” Maybe you had one as a child. You remember the tune. The note in which it “popped” open. It made you laugh or startled you. The Legend Begins is the first book in a young-adult, fantasy series called The Legend of Jack .
You enter into Jack's world, one of which is in dark turmoil. It is filled with war, famine and disease. It begins with the birth of twin sisters. One will bear a son, Jack, and the other will try to save him from her! Although she was successful intervening on his behalf thus thwarting her sister’s plan to dispose of him, it is only a glimpse of what is ahead for the innocent lad.
Throughout the series of books you will follow Jack’s journey in life. Book one tells of his birth and early years. It is a time that normally is filled with discovery and innocent play. Instead, Jack’s childhood is surrounded by murder and secrecy. He gets brought up by strangers and isolated within a small village. But one day he sneaks off to find adventure that may be, unbeknown to him, quite dangerous. Meanwhile, a secret society of men and women keep risking their very own lives to keep him safe. Now you must What is so important about this boy?
99 pages, Paperback
Published November 22, 2022
15 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 26, 2026
One Jack is every Jack, but this Jack will save everyone...
3.5* stars.
Summary:
While some Grammatical errors and aspects of a couple of characters pulled me out of the book, the story kept me wanting more, not only because of Jack, but also all of the characters and the world they live in.
Full review:
I want to say I love supporting indie authors, especially first-time authors. It's a joy to watch their skill grow with every book, every chapter, and sometimes with every page. I really hope I'll be able to see some growth by the second book in the Legend of Jack series. The beginning felt a bit basic in its premise when I started, but by the second chapter, I could hear the story's (and the author's) voice coming through.
The story was interesting and kept my attention throughout. However, some of the descriptors used for some of the female characters felt a bit... strong for the situation, like unnecessarily highlighting their femininity. And while this is in a traditional fantasy setting, there was a lot of what I felt to be "traditional" stereotyping, which just did not jive well with me. (I.E., a dad being stern because he's the father and that is his role, while the mother is openly soft and caring). There's nothing wrong with that, and I don't lament because of it, but I felt like it came off a bit stronger with the bluntness of the prose.
There was a lot of "telling" what was happening, not much "showing," which left my imagination bored at times, and some of the descriptions flat. Some scenes were described more vividly, as if they were a favorite to write. I totally understand that; we all have favorite scenes we like to write or read more than others. But that is something I hope to see in future volumes, the author's obvious skill displayed throughout the full book, not just in certain scenes.
I believe I read somewhere that this was marketed for a young adult audience. Some of the content (nothing too crazy) I feel would be better suited for adult, or at least mature minds, as it may be a little lost on a younger audience. Personally, new adult comes to mind since the adventures and thrills that are in a YA book are included here. I know this may seem like a lot of criticism, but I do really like the story; I am excited to see where it goes and do plan on getting the next volume. Please don't let me discourage you from diving into Jack's well-planned and fleshed-out world, learning more of his world was part of what encouraged me to finish this short read.
Check out my bookstagram! @Witchy.Otaku
3.5* stars.
Summary:
While some Grammatical errors and aspects of a couple of characters pulled me out of the book, the story kept me wanting more, not only because of Jack, but also all of the characters and the world they live in.
Full review:
I want to say I love supporting indie authors, especially first-time authors. It's a joy to watch their skill grow with every book, every chapter, and sometimes with every page. I really hope I'll be able to see some growth by the second book in the Legend of Jack series. The beginning felt a bit basic in its premise when I started, but by the second chapter, I could hear the story's (and the author's) voice coming through.
The story was interesting and kept my attention throughout. However, some of the descriptors used for some of the female characters felt a bit... strong for the situation, like unnecessarily highlighting their femininity. And while this is in a traditional fantasy setting, there was a lot of what I felt to be "traditional" stereotyping, which just did not jive well with me. (I.E., a dad being stern because he's the father and that is his role, while the mother is openly soft and caring). There's nothing wrong with that, and I don't lament because of it, but I felt like it came off a bit stronger with the bluntness of the prose.
There was a lot of "telling" what was happening, not much "showing," which left my imagination bored at times, and some of the descriptions flat. Some scenes were described more vividly, as if they were a favorite to write. I totally understand that; we all have favorite scenes we like to write or read more than others. But that is something I hope to see in future volumes, the author's obvious skill displayed throughout the full book, not just in certain scenes.
I believe I read somewhere that this was marketed for a young adult audience. Some of the content (nothing too crazy) I feel would be better suited for adult, or at least mature minds, as it may be a little lost on a younger audience. Personally, new adult comes to mind since the adventures and thrills that are in a YA book are included here. I know this may seem like a lot of criticism, but I do really like the story; I am excited to see where it goes and do plan on getting the next volume. Please don't let me discourage you from diving into Jack's well-planned and fleshed-out world, learning more of his world was part of what encouraged me to finish this short read.
Check out my bookstagram! @Witchy.Otaku
November 18, 2025
The Legend of Jack: The Legend Begins by Peter W. Costigan is a brilliant and relentless debut to a promising young-adult fantasy series. Costigan reimagines the familiar "Jack in the Box" legend, crafting a compelling narrative set in a realm steeped in war, famine, and dark turmoil.
The plot is swiftly established with the birth of twin sisters—one destined to bear Jack, and the other scheming his destruction. This intense familial conflict dictates Jack's fate, forcing him into a childhood defined by secrecy, murder, and isolation as he is raised by strangers.
The action is non-stop as Jack begins to seek adventure, unaware of the imminent dangers he faces. Simultaneously, a dedicated secret society risks their lives to keep him safe, compelling the reader to uncover the true significance of this young protagonist. This volume provides a well-paced foundation and flawlessly sets the stage for an epic continuation. A highly recommended fantasy series opener.
The plot is swiftly established with the birth of twin sisters—one destined to bear Jack, and the other scheming his destruction. This intense familial conflict dictates Jack's fate, forcing him into a childhood defined by secrecy, murder, and isolation as he is raised by strangers.
The action is non-stop as Jack begins to seek adventure, unaware of the imminent dangers he faces. Simultaneously, a dedicated secret society risks their lives to keep him safe, compelling the reader to uncover the true significance of this young protagonist. This volume provides a well-paced foundation and flawlessly sets the stage for an epic continuation. A highly recommended fantasy series opener.
February 14, 2026
Have you ever wondered about the toys we had as a kid? specifically the Jack In The Box. How did he get there and who put him there and why. What's up with that melody? Here the story begins; a good sister, a bad sister and a boy abandoned. I love the concept of the story and how something so simple from our childhood is put into a story to be told. To me, every once in a while you need a book that isn't complex and overlyndetailed, can take you back to mystery and fantasy, intrigue and a story you can enjoy. This one is a quick read and a setup for what's to come......Happy reading!!
January 22, 2026
This is the first book of a series, soft bound, and only 83 pages long.
The story is one of good and evil, following the results of major conflict between twin women. It is not an especially pleasant book to read, though I shan't say why. And it is decidedly not a full story unto itself.
I only had one issue with continuity - person A knows person B's name and shouldn't have.
The story is one of good and evil, following the results of major conflict between twin women. It is not an especially pleasant book to read, though I shan't say why. And it is decidedly not a full story unto itself.
I only had one issue with continuity - person A knows person B's name and shouldn't have.
November 4, 2025
Great Start
First, this book was given to me by the author in paperback. I read the ebook on my Kindle. Action started right off and continued throughout the whole book. The ending set up smoothly to go into the next book.
First, this book was given to me by the author in paperback. I read the ebook on my Kindle. Action started right off and continued throughout the whole book. The ending set up smoothly to go into the next book.
November 22, 2025
This book was amazing. It’s full of action and things happening a cruel women. A child forced to hide and run from the only life he knew it will tie into the next book beautifully.
January 26, 2026
Ok I have to say I just love this book - I’m about to order the next two on my kindle
thank you Mr. Costigan
thank you Mr. Costigan
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews