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Ravenspell #1
Of Mice and Magic
Book is in Near Fine condition. Boards are clean, not bumped. Fore edges have the tiniest bit of shelf wear. Interior is clean and legible. Not remaindered. Dust Jacket is in Near Fine condition. Not chipped or crinkled. Not price clipped. Dust Jacket is covered by Mylar Brodart. Thanks and Enjoy.All-ways well boxed, All-ways fast service. Thanks.
276 pages, Hardcover
First published January 12, 2005
38 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
About the author
David Farland
155 books1,199 followersDavid Farland is the author of the bestselling Runelords series, including Chaosbound, The Wyrmling Horde and Worldbinder. He also writes science-fiction as David Wolverton. He won the 1987 Writers of the Future contest, and has been nominated for a Nebula Award and a Hugo Award. Farland also works as a video game designer, and has taught writing seminars around the U.S. and Canada. He lives in Saint George, Utah. He passed away on January 14, 2022.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidf...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidf...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
November 3, 2022
This book is awesome! Would you like to read a book that sucks you in from the get go and will keep you on the edge of your toes until the end? Seriously, this is one amazing ride as the book is fast, lovely, funny and furious.
What is the book about?
Ben Ravenspell has always wanted a pet and after proving to his parents he is responsible enough, he’s finally getting one. Or so he thought as the cute little mouse he just bought is set to be the next meal of his classmate's lizard. The mouse however has other plans and turns him into a mouse as well. The mouse named Amber turns out to be a wizard and now that she has seen what being a mouse means to us humans, she is deadset on freeing the mice from the pet shop where she has spent her whole life and Ben has to help her or he’ll never get to be a human again. The world of mice is full of dangers left and right and if that wasn’t enough, there is an evil bat/wizard after her who sees potential in little Ben.
What strikes me most about the story in hindsight is that it is so straightforward and yet so full of twists and turns along the way. There is never a dull moment in the whole book. It is action-packed and it takes you on a magical adventure full of wonders and discoveries as you can truly feel your heart racing when the mice discover a whole new world in a place that seems so familiar. If you’re a kid at heart, you’ll welcome this story with open arms and never want to let go.
While the kid at heart is entertained, there is also more fun to be found in the numerous references along the way. The writer is so playful and every step of the way the adult in us can find something to amuse our inner self with as many great references can be found in every chapter that will crack you up when you find them.
How was it written?
The writing was incredibly crisp. At the end of the book, one can see the writers accomplishments and I wasn’t surprised to see that the writer has been doing this for a long time as his experience was apparent from his crystal clear writing.
How are the characters?
An important part in story telling are the characters, as a poorly written character can tear the magic apart but luckily the two main characters are really well written. The two main characters are mice but they sure don’t feel like it. They start out as kids who have an idea of the world they live in and when their world gets shaken up, they have to question everything, put things in perspective and reach an altogether new conclusion about how the world works and who they want to be. The characters grow throughout the story and from their lessons learned, it teaches us readers something as well without being too straightforward about it.
Would I recommend this book to anyone?
Without a doubt. There is so much to like about this book: the comedy, the adventure, the fantasy, the characters, the writing, … and so much more. It is an incredibly fun and short read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes this sort of book.
What is the book about?
Ben Ravenspell has always wanted a pet and after proving to his parents he is responsible enough, he’s finally getting one. Or so he thought as the cute little mouse he just bought is set to be the next meal of his classmate's lizard. The mouse however has other plans and turns him into a mouse as well. The mouse named Amber turns out to be a wizard and now that she has seen what being a mouse means to us humans, she is deadset on freeing the mice from the pet shop where she has spent her whole life and Ben has to help her or he’ll never get to be a human again. The world of mice is full of dangers left and right and if that wasn’t enough, there is an evil bat/wizard after her who sees potential in little Ben.
What strikes me most about the story in hindsight is that it is so straightforward and yet so full of twists and turns along the way. There is never a dull moment in the whole book. It is action-packed and it takes you on a magical adventure full of wonders and discoveries as you can truly feel your heart racing when the mice discover a whole new world in a place that seems so familiar. If you’re a kid at heart, you’ll welcome this story with open arms and never want to let go.
While the kid at heart is entertained, there is also more fun to be found in the numerous references along the way. The writer is so playful and every step of the way the adult in us can find something to amuse our inner self with as many great references can be found in every chapter that will crack you up when you find them.
How was it written?
The writing was incredibly crisp. At the end of the book, one can see the writers accomplishments and I wasn’t surprised to see that the writer has been doing this for a long time as his experience was apparent from his crystal clear writing.
How are the characters?
An important part in story telling are the characters, as a poorly written character can tear the magic apart but luckily the two main characters are really well written. The two main characters are mice but they sure don’t feel like it. They start out as kids who have an idea of the world they live in and when their world gets shaken up, they have to question everything, put things in perspective and reach an altogether new conclusion about how the world works and who they want to be. The characters grow throughout the story and from their lessons learned, it teaches us readers something as well without being too straightforward about it.
Would I recommend this book to anyone?
Without a doubt. There is so much to like about this book: the comedy, the adventure, the fantasy, the characters, the writing, … and so much more. It is an incredibly fun and short read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes this sort of book.
June 24, 2008
This was a fun story and a very light read. It is more of a children's fantasy but I still found it quite enjoyable and especially refreshing in light of the other heavy reading material that I am currently reading. A word of warning the ending is very open ended because this is part of a series so a lot of questions are not answered and you will have to get the next book to find out what happens. Two things that I really liked about this book is that the author is a current resident of St. George which makes him all right already, if not a little crazy for living there in the summer, but he has the ability to get to the point and not dawdle on really uninteresting tidbits. Also his characters are really fun especially Nightwing the villain.
December 8, 2019
I read this in the 5th grade and couldn’t remember the name of it. So glad I found it! I adored this book. I need to reread it!:)
August 13, 2019
Fun one to read to the kids
September 11, 2022
Read aloud. Farland has a really confused message about the worth of animals, where the pet shop feeder mice are worth saving but the characters go off to have ham pizza directly after the big Rescue. Amber, if you think what the humans do to mice is bad, wait till you see what we do to the pigs.....
This sort of mixed messaging played out through the whole book, where Farland's own dissonance kept creeping back in. There is no mention, for instance, of the mice in animal testing labs when Amber is magically able to see all the mice in the world, or a point in the story where the mice or the main characters see other creatures worth saving from those selfsame pet shops (like with the feeder crickets they completely ignored). The only offer Ben makes is to the fancy spotted mice, who decline to come with them.
Lots of death and gore for what is supposed to be a children's book? I read this aloud to an eleven year old, and we were just able to get through it, though I did gloss over a couple of sections (like the horrific Mush Room) because I was getting uncomfortable reading about it; I could see anyone younger or more sensitive being really upset with some scenes in this book. It was also weird how much time was spent on Amber and Ben either thinking about or talking about how beautiful the other was. Amber spends more time than Ben on this, always inwardly commenting on how Ben is so handsome and how it makes her feel all fluttery inside to look at him, and a scene near the end where she sees her reflection and goes on about how beautiful she is. Just eye-roll worthy and cringy, tbh.
Also some weird moments where the author didn't think things through (such as Amber the mouse not knowing what the sun is, but never questioning Ben using human measurements when he guesses how many feet a drop looks). The magic system felt poorly explained. What with Nightwing's deceptions, I was never fully sure if it was possible Ben could run out of magic, and while it seems that way at the end with the trip back home, there's never any further explanation of how familiars come by their magic, how quickly they fill up (if at all?), how they fill up (is there a ritual to perform, or do they just generate it spontaneously?), and so on. Perhaps this is better explained in further books, but as neither myself nor the eleven year old wish to continue with this series, it will remain a mystery.
This sort of mixed messaging played out through the whole book, where Farland's own dissonance kept creeping back in. There is no mention, for instance, of the mice in animal testing labs when Amber is magically able to see all the mice in the world, or a point in the story where the mice or the main characters see other creatures worth saving from those selfsame pet shops (like with the feeder crickets they completely ignored). The only offer Ben makes is to the fancy spotted mice, who decline to come with them.
Lots of death and gore for what is supposed to be a children's book? I read this aloud to an eleven year old, and we were just able to get through it, though I did gloss over a couple of sections (like the horrific Mush Room) because I was getting uncomfortable reading about it; I could see anyone younger or more sensitive being really upset with some scenes in this book. It was also weird how much time was spent on Amber and Ben either thinking about or talking about how beautiful the other was. Amber spends more time than Ben on this, always inwardly commenting on how Ben is so handsome and how it makes her feel all fluttery inside to look at him, and a scene near the end where she sees her reflection and goes on about how beautiful she is. Just eye-roll worthy and cringy, tbh.
Also some weird moments where the author didn't think things through (such as Amber the mouse not knowing what the sun is, but never questioning Ben using human measurements when he guesses how many feet a drop looks). The magic system felt poorly explained. What with Nightwing's deceptions, I was never fully sure if it was possible Ben could run out of magic, and while it seems that way at the end with the trip back home, there's never any further explanation of how familiars come by their magic, how quickly they fill up (if at all?), how they fill up (is there a ritual to perform, or do they just generate it spontaneously?), and so on. Perhaps this is better explained in further books, but as neither myself nor the eleven year old wish to continue with this series, it will remain a mystery.
January 2, 2016
Meh.
Overall, it's not a bad read. The characters and storyline remained interesting enough throughout to keep my attention and finish the book in a day (rare for me), but there were several minor grievances that kept me from really enjoying it as I could have.
First, each chapter begins with a quote from one of the characters, but in some cases it's very clear that these are simply restated quotes and sayings from common vernacular which kills immersion.
Second, the book is littered with typos, grammar errors and broken sentences that should have been caught during any half decent proofreading session.
Lastly, the "magic system" has an interesting element of requiring two people - a wizard and a familiar - in order to work, but beyond that feels shallow. The extent of Amber's magic ability seems to be little more than "wishing" things. For a children's book, this is forgivable, but as someone who is a fan of Brandon Sanderson's work precisely because of his intricate magic systems, it felt lacking.
I finished it and I don't regret reading it, but I don't plan to read it again in the future as I would with other more enjoyable books.
Overall, it's not a bad read. The characters and storyline remained interesting enough throughout to keep my attention and finish the book in a day (rare for me), but there were several minor grievances that kept me from really enjoying it as I could have.
First, each chapter begins with a quote from one of the characters, but in some cases it's very clear that these are simply restated quotes and sayings from common vernacular which kills immersion.
Second, the book is littered with typos, grammar errors and broken sentences that should have been caught during any half decent proofreading session.
Lastly, the "magic system" has an interesting element of requiring two people - a wizard and a familiar - in order to work, but beyond that feels shallow. The extent of Amber's magic ability seems to be little more than "wishing" things. For a children's book, this is forgivable, but as someone who is a fan of Brandon Sanderson's work precisely because of his intricate magic systems, it felt lacking.
I finished it and I don't regret reading it, but I don't plan to read it again in the future as I would with other more enjoyable books.
December 2, 2007
This was such a fun book, particularly for younger kids. Benjamin Ravenspell is anxious to prove that he is responsible enough to have a pet of his own, so he lizard-sits for a classmate's monitor lizard. When he buys a small mouse to feed the lizard, however, he is suddenly transformed into a mouse himself! Amber, the mouse, is wizard, and she enlists Ben's aid in a quest to free her fellow pet-shop inmates, never knowing that an evil bat-wizard is after her.
Along the way, Farland gently teaches about responsibility, friendship, loyalty, and nature, without ever being preachy or annoying.
And for those of you wondering if Edgar Allan Poe was ever reincarnated, your answer is here.
Along the way, Farland gently teaches about responsibility, friendship, loyalty, and nature, without ever being preachy or annoying.
And for those of you wondering if Edgar Allan Poe was ever reincarnated, your answer is here.
October 27, 2016
Of mice and magic by David Farland is about a boy who wants a pet. He gets a mice named amber and is turned into a mice. They had to use magic to find the path to get Benjamin back. They had to use magic to find the path to get Benjamin back. I liked this book because it had a lot of adventure in it and suspense. I find that the some off the adventure. I wasn’t able to connect with the book that much but I think the story makes up what was missing a part from the fact that Some of the Adventure. The life lesson or the theme I thought is even tho your friends might change and/or you might change your friend, family there the most important thing in your life and no one can change that. It was a great book and i highly recommend it to anyone who is craving for a good book.
March 25, 2021
Wow, I did NOT like this book. The tone was dark and the characters were repellent and I just can't figure out who the audience is supposed to be. The people are horrible but the animals aren't any better. Maybe a tween boy would enjoy all of the death and darkness, but it was not for me.
March 19, 2013
My 10 yr old dd says, "It's a good book but if you're scared of the dark, don't listen to the audio version. The second book is a little creepier, fyi. I liked the characters, especially Amber."
October 27, 2014
I loved of mice and majik
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August 23, 2023
When Mr. Farland visited my school in 2004 or 2005 (if I remembered correctly) and talked to my class about his new book I wanted to read it so bad, and when I finally got the book many months later I had received a bonus poster with it! I no longer have the book or the poster, but it's a fond memory of reading this book and being so zoned in I'd picture everything in perfect detail.
This book was what started my love of horror. Since finishing the book, I had gotten classic Edgar Allan Poe books and started watching horror movies. It was truly what helped shape my childhood so long ago.
I never was able to read the rest of the ravenspell books (home life made that difficult), but I'd like to reread this book and finish the Ravenspell series up someday, just for the sake of marking one thing off of my childhood bucket list.
This book was what started my love of horror. Since finishing the book, I had gotten classic Edgar Allan Poe books and started watching horror movies. It was truly what helped shape my childhood so long ago.
I never was able to read the rest of the ravenspell books (home life made that difficult), but I'd like to reread this book and finish the Ravenspell series up someday, just for the sake of marking one thing off of my childhood bucket list.
February 17, 2021
Read aloud with my son. I remember my daughter really liking this series so I figured it would be a good one to share with her brother. Overall it was a pretty good middle-grade fiction.
There was quite a bit of "she was the prettiest" and "he was the most handsome", which I find annoying and unnecessary for this audience, and my son found "gross". LOL Also there were several pop culture references that my son didn't get either because they were dated or because we don't do a lot of pop culture in our home.
I did like the Edgar Allen Poe reference but that too went over my son's head. Though I have had the chance to enlighten him and remind him a couple of times when we heard reference to Edgar Allen Poe in other areas of study that that was Nightwing the Bat.
There was quite a bit of "she was the prettiest" and "he was the most handsome", which I find annoying and unnecessary for this audience, and my son found "gross". LOL Also there were several pop culture references that my son didn't get either because they were dated or because we don't do a lot of pop culture in our home.
I did like the Edgar Allen Poe reference but that too went over my son's head. Though I have had the chance to enlighten him and remind him a couple of times when we heard reference to Edgar Allen Poe in other areas of study that that was Nightwing the Bat.
July 31, 2021
This was my first journey into Ravenspell and I LOVED it!! I was pulled in from the very first page and I found that despite the fact I was reading on a cruise ship I could not put it down!!
The characters are wonderfully thought out and brought to life. Ben’s journey through the book was captivating and he learnt so much.
I am very much looking forward to reading more by David Farland and going deeper into the Ravenspell series!!!
The characters are wonderfully thought out and brought to life. Ben’s journey through the book was captivating and he learnt so much.
I am very much looking forward to reading more by David Farland and going deeper into the Ravenspell series!!!
June 20, 2018
I really wanted to read this book when I was little, so i decided to fulfill a childhood dream by reading it. I'm pretty sure even my little kid self would have been disappointed by the way this book ended.
October 24, 2024
I think middle school me would have really enjoyed this book. A fantasy adventure about a boy who is turned into a mouse, and helps a wizard-girl-mouse to free pet shop mice and escape an evil bat wizard.
February 19, 2020
Love David Farland. Didn't realise that this was a childrens book but I read in anyway and it appealed to the hidden child in me!
January 3, 2025
Excitement and danger around every curve. I loved the creativity.
August 18, 2025
Cute story for middle school readers. Definitely more a character story than anything else. Plot devices were simple yet fun.
May 6, 2011
Ravenspell by David Farland is a series about a kid named Benjamin Ravenspell who magically gets turned into a mouse. Two books are currently published, "Of Mice and Magic" and "The Wizard of Ooze". Both were read by David Walker who did an amazing job with the voices and the singing (yes there is singing in the audio version).
I was impressed by "Of Mice and Magic" where Amber turns Ben into a mouse together they save the world from an evil bat who may or may not be Edgar Allen Poe. The adventure is excellent as well as the story line. I didn't find myself lacking at all though it was definitely written for younger children. That being said, the characters were believable, but I found myself wanting them to just grow up a bit especially the relationship between Ben and Amber. The author introduces several plot lines and some are not resolved until the second book. Overall, it was an excellent story that I thoroughly enjoyed. My grade: B
I was not impressed by "The Wizard of Ooze". It seems that you are taken back in time in the relationship between Ben and Amber and they have to figure out everything all over again. I was confused as to why the author would do this. The Wizard of Ooze is a "Darth Vader" character and he does have a son named "Luke Slimecrawler". I was really annoyed by the movie reference and the whole "let's take over the world" story. Yawn, where have we heard that before? Again, the magic in this book seemed again to be "I don't know what I'm doing with my magic" even though in the prior book Amber had seemed to figure it out. While there was some humor in the book and because I wanted to see how the author resolved the plot, I kept listening to this; however, I was really just glad to finish this book. My grade: C
Overall, the series was enjoyable but quickly got old. I wouldn't buy this for my family or put it on my bookshelf. It just wasn't that memorable for me.
I was impressed by "Of Mice and Magic" where Amber turns Ben into a mouse together they save the world from an evil bat who may or may not be Edgar Allen Poe. The adventure is excellent as well as the story line. I didn't find myself lacking at all though it was definitely written for younger children. That being said, the characters were believable, but I found myself wanting them to just grow up a bit especially the relationship between Ben and Amber. The author introduces several plot lines and some are not resolved until the second book. Overall, it was an excellent story that I thoroughly enjoyed. My grade: B
I was not impressed by "The Wizard of Ooze". It seems that you are taken back in time in the relationship between Ben and Amber and they have to figure out everything all over again. I was confused as to why the author would do this. The Wizard of Ooze is a "Darth Vader" character and he does have a son named "Luke Slimecrawler". I was really annoyed by the movie reference and the whole "let's take over the world" story. Yawn, where have we heard that before? Again, the magic in this book seemed again to be "I don't know what I'm doing with my magic" even though in the prior book Amber had seemed to figure it out. While there was some humor in the book and because I wanted to see how the author resolved the plot, I kept listening to this; however, I was really just glad to finish this book. My grade: C
Overall, the series was enjoyable but quickly got old. I wouldn't buy this for my family or put it on my bookshelf. It just wasn't that memorable for me.
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September 7, 2016Summary- first ben buys amber the mouse and takes her home and then realizes that he has to feed amber to a lizard. Then she changes him into a mouse and then they run away because ben’s parents try to kill them because they don’t know the mouse is ben. And they go to a burow full of voles and then amber promises if ben helps her save the pet shop mice . Meanwhile nightwing the bat finds out ben has loads of magical energy that he can use to do evil. Then ben and amber go to the pet shop and then when they get there they get attacked by loads of cats and amber defeats the cats. But right after they get attacked by a mutant squid/rat thing. Then amber and ben defeat it and amber tries to turn ben back but fails and hurts herself. Then nightwing shows up and offers to save her if ben will go with him to give him magical energy and ben accepts and then ben is turned into a tick and is taken away. Amber goes after them and saves ben and kills nightwing and turns ben back into a mouse and ben wants to stay a mouse because if Amber changes him back to human it could kill her.
Character- at first ben is a scared kid but throughout the book he starts to be brave and he is literally changed into a mouse. Ben is a jumping mouse with a skull shaped walnut helmet. How Amber changes is at first she is insecure and Disappointed in herself. Amber is a reddish colored feeder Mouse .
In my opinion I really like the book it gets five stars. I really like reading fantasy books and if you ask me this one had a very good plot with many twists and turns . One thing that I liked a lot was Nightwing was actually Edgar Allan Poe not just some random bat with magical abilities. The best thing about this book is the magic Because Amber can just go I wish i was rich and bam it would happen.
Character- at first ben is a scared kid but throughout the book he starts to be brave and he is literally changed into a mouse. Ben is a jumping mouse with a skull shaped walnut helmet. How Amber changes is at first she is insecure and Disappointed in herself. Amber is a reddish colored feeder Mouse .
In my opinion I really like the book it gets five stars. I really like reading fantasy books and if you ask me this one had a very good plot with many twists and turns . One thing that I liked a lot was Nightwing was actually Edgar Allan Poe not just some random bat with magical abilities. The best thing about this book is the magic Because Amber can just go I wish i was rich and bam it would happen.
February 11, 2010
This book was a whole lot better than I expected, particularly the beginning, but not just that. True, much of the book may remind you of cartoon culture (mostly just that about mice being able to wield weapons in their hands and the way many of the enemy characters act), but it really does surpass that in many ways, and it does manage to be more intelligent than you might expect (although if you don't catch the spirit of what I mean here, you may be disappointed, as it's not a technical book at all). There are some twists that might surprise you, as these certain things don't usually happen in such stories.
Farland really does a good job of setting things up in the beginning, and there's a fair amount of humor there. However, the excellent scene-setting and the humor drop back after the fantasy elements really settle in (that disappointed me a little, but I was prepared for it, so I wasn't that upset). Then it focuses more on character relationships and goals (or drama, perhaps).
I enjoyed the ending.
I can totally see how this book might weird a lot of people out, though, with some of the things that happen.
Anyway, it's a really good book, I think. The narration for the audiobook was great, too.
Farland really does a good job of setting things up in the beginning, and there's a fair amount of humor there. However, the excellent scene-setting and the humor drop back after the fantasy elements really settle in (that disappointed me a little, but I was prepared for it, so I wasn't that upset). Then it focuses more on character relationships and goals (or drama, perhaps).
I enjoyed the ending.
I can totally see how this book might weird a lot of people out, though, with some of the things that happen.
Anyway, it's a really good book, I think. The narration for the audiobook was great, too.
April 25, 2016
This book was incredible. The characters were well built and the plot was amazing. The only issue is that it appeared to be completely unedited so it caused a bit of confusion and annoyance in my mother and I while reading it.
Moving on, the characters were so incredible and the character arch of Ben and Amber was amazing, for both of them. The antagonist was awesome, and while my mom was readnig one of the first scenes introducing him, I didn't even realize he was the villain, but I really liked him. He was such a well built antagonist is was fun to read the scenes with him. The main characters were also very developed, but the antagonist was definitely the best character.
The plot was very clear what it was from the beginning chapters, and it stayed that way all throughout the entirety of the book and it was so enthralling and interesting that it was really fun to read and you simply can't get bored with it and the characters mushed together.
In conclusion, the book was very well rounded and very awesome on many levels, but the spelling errors and continuity flaws and random POV changes were a bit confusing sometimes.
Moving on, the characters were so incredible and the character arch of Ben and Amber was amazing, for both of them. The antagonist was awesome, and while my mom was readnig one of the first scenes introducing him, I didn't even realize he was the villain, but I really liked him. He was such a well built antagonist is was fun to read the scenes with him. The main characters were also very developed, but the antagonist was definitely the best character.
The plot was very clear what it was from the beginning chapters, and it stayed that way all throughout the entirety of the book and it was so enthralling and interesting that it was really fun to read and you simply can't get bored with it and the characters mushed together.
In conclusion, the book was very well rounded and very awesome on many levels, but the spelling errors and continuity flaws and random POV changes were a bit confusing sometimes.
September 10, 2019
Ah! This book is so cute! I've read it a couple of times already, and it still holds up! It's clever with excellent character building and storytelling.
Ben has always wanted a pet. One day, his mom takes him to the pet shop where he buys himself a pretty little mouse. He names her Amber. What he doesn't know is that this little mouse will send him on the greatest adventure an 8-year-old could possibly imagine.
Cats, bats, owls, and magic. Everything you could possibly hope for in an adventure novel centered around mice. The character development matches nicely with the audience and Ben's age. Ben is a little naive, but clever. Amber is also naive, but a quick learner and strives to do what is right. The villain, the secondary characters, are all so fleshed out in this book, it's pretty wonderful. I can't wait to re-read the next ones!
Ben has always wanted a pet. One day, his mom takes him to the pet shop where he buys himself a pretty little mouse. He names her Amber. What he doesn't know is that this little mouse will send him on the greatest adventure an 8-year-old could possibly imagine.
Cats, bats, owls, and magic. Everything you could possibly hope for in an adventure novel centered around mice. The character development matches nicely with the audience and Ben's age. Ben is a little naive, but clever. Amber is also naive, but a quick learner and strives to do what is right. The villain, the secondary characters, are all so fleshed out in this book, it's pretty wonderful. I can't wait to re-read the next ones!
May 30, 2011
If you want a great story for your children--especially ones who have deep imaginations, then this is the series to hook them.
David gave this to my children when Kathi (my wife) and I met him. We went home and started reading it to our younger kids (we have 11 children) and found ourselves reading into the night. The kids didn't get into bed until 11:43pm it was that good.
The attention to detail which the younger children picked up was fantastic...while the main villain, a bat, kept them on the edge of their seats. It was fun for the whole family!! Highly recommended!
David gave this to my children when Kathi (my wife) and I met him. We went home and started reading it to our younger kids (we have 11 children) and found ourselves reading into the night. The kids didn't get into bed until 11:43pm it was that good.
The attention to detail which the younger children picked up was fantastic...while the main villain, a bat, kept them on the edge of their seats. It was fun for the whole family!! Highly recommended!
October 22, 2013
This was a fun, cute, well-written children's story--light-hearted but with a touch of seriousness and darkness as well. But, I don't think the dark parts are too scary or disturbing for young children to read.
I loved the characters...even Nightwing, the villain, and his familiar, Darwin, the tick. The author did a great job of showing how big and scary the human world must be to small creatures like mice and voles.
I'm anxious to follow Amber and Ben's further adventures, so I've already downloaded the second book in this series. It's an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or two.
I loved the characters...even Nightwing, the villain, and his familiar, Darwin, the tick. The author did a great job of showing how big and scary the human world must be to small creatures like mice and voles.
I'm anxious to follow Amber and Ben's further adventures, so I've already downloaded the second book in this series. It's an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or two.
August 22, 2008
I would actually give this 3-1/2. It was a fun, easy read. It's a good book about how friendships can grow. I am always amazed at how different others are able to portray magic in different ways, such as how its used, who can use it, why it's used. This is one of those books that have an interesting and different take on magic. It was fun, because it was about animals. I think its a great youth book.
September 17, 2010
Ben gets turned into a mouse by a mouse wizard and sets out on a quest to free the mice in the local petshop.
An imaginative fastpaced fantasy novel written for the junior age group. I enjoyed the magic and the character growth of the young protagonists as they learn to put aside their egocentric view of life and learn what it means to be a friend.
There seems to be a lot of potential for the sequel.
An imaginative fastpaced fantasy novel written for the junior age group. I enjoyed the magic and the character growth of the young protagonists as they learn to put aside their egocentric view of life and learn what it means to be a friend.
There seems to be a lot of potential for the sequel.
September 24, 2012
More than anything, Benjamin Ravenspell wants a pet. But when he buys a mouse named Amber, he gets more than he bargained for. No sooner does Ben take her home, than Amber turns him into a mouse too. You see, Amber has magical abilities, and it so happens that Ben is a familiar, a creature that stores magical energy. Together they each form half of a powerful wizard.
Fun read for younger children.
Fun read for younger children.
February 18, 2016
Love the cover illustration. I was actually a little disappointed in this. I did not like how the parents were portrayed, come on, the Mom takes a class on how to use the vaccuum? The house is never cleaned and there's no food unless Mom gets hungry? The mice were kind of cute but I had a hard time with the bat being Edgar Allen Poe. What was the point to that? Anyway, it was an Ok read but I probably won't read more in this series.
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