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Rob Seablue and the Eye of Tantalus
A mysterious enemy unleashes a magical curse called the Eye of Tantalus. The evil Eye preys upon teens with low self-esteem, giving them evil powers in return for their souls and turning them into monsters. Rob Seablue, a teenage Sorcerer with a knack for getting into trouble, is tasked with defeating the Eye. Joined by his friends, the weird, quirky Regina Crunch and the rebellious rogue Ray Firebrand, Rob battles each monster and then talks each cursed teen into recovering their humanity. Just when Rob seems poised to triumph over the Eye, a series of surprises and betrayals place his success, and his very life, in terrible danger.
A self-help book cleverly disguised as a fantasy novel, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for hope.
A self-help book cleverly disguised as a fantasy novel, this book is a must-read for anyone looking for hope.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2012
About the author
Russell Hasan
66 books109 followersRussell Hasan (any pronouns) is a writer and lawyer who lives in Connecticut. A graduate of Vassar College and the University of Connecticut School of Law, his distinctions include having written for the libertarian magazine Liberty at a time when its print edition was distributed to bookstores nationwide and being one of the pioneers in the field of self-published indie nonfiction, with his self-published nonfiction titles having sold 10,000 copies. His essay "A System of Legal Logic" continues to be one of the only books in the field seeking to apply symbolic formal logic to legal analysis and jurisprudence, and his essay "What They Won't Tell You About Objectivism" is regarded as one of the best essays on the subject. He has recently shifted focus from nonfiction to fiction, where his specialty is fantasy and science fiction. He also food blogs about pizza and coffee. He follows the UConn Huskies men's and women's college basketball teams, the New York Yankees and the New York Giants, and he plays Magic: the Gathering, both paper and digital, and has achieved Mythic rank on MtG Arena in multiple seasons. Of interest is also the fact that he volunteered as a program facilitator for the largest LGBTQ social services organization in southwestern Connecticut for five years, where he co-led an in-person community group for playing board games and card games to provide a sober space for the LGBTQ community.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 14, 2013
My 14 year old daughter and I both read Rob Seablue and the Eye of Tantulsa. I think it was really easy for her to relate to the problems that the Zoo Children suffered being the same age as the characters in the story.
Rob is just another regular 14 year old boy getting ready to start his freshman year of high school with all his buddies, including his best friend Hugs, or is he? Hugs has tricked Rob into unleashing evil magic object, The Eye of Tantulsa. Rob is a sorcerer and a very good one in fact, but has he finally gotten in over his head? Can Rob save Hugs from a life of evil and reseal The Eye in the jar before it's to late?
The Eye is using Hugs to feed off the insecurities of his classmates to build an army of "Zoo Children". Hugs is mad at Rob for "taking" the girl he likes and seeks revenge on the word of Haves for the Have-Nots. Hugs is determined to change things, to make them better - or at least in his eyes. Hugs prays on the kids in school that struggle with depression, not fitting in, wanting to be loved, feelings of guilt, and even the school bully. He feeds off of their insecurities and turns them loose on Rob and the rest of the school. Luckily, not only is Rob a sorcerer but he is wise beyond his years and has the gift of words. Rob learns what it is that troubles the "Zoo Children" and helps them to see that they are worthy of love and friendship. That in order to be "popular" that you have to believe it and then others will as well. To fight the evil and see the bigger picture.
I love that this is not another book about how great the "popular" kids are in high school. That in fact there are students that have some issues and are miserable. Hasan does a great job outlining the most common issues that teens faces and through Rob helps them to see the light of day. To see that they are loved and are worthy. His words are so empowering. Since each "Zoo Child" has a different problem there is always a new lesson to learn. That you are not alone, and that you can to overcome this - if only you try. While I kind felt like I was left hanging at the end, I wasn't given the impression of another book. Because of this I feel that I can only give the book 4 stars.
DISCLAIMER: I was provided with a copy of the book from Rob Hasan for my honest opinion. All opinions - good, bad or in different are the my honest feelings.
Rob is just another regular 14 year old boy getting ready to start his freshman year of high school with all his buddies, including his best friend Hugs, or is he? Hugs has tricked Rob into unleashing evil magic object, The Eye of Tantulsa. Rob is a sorcerer and a very good one in fact, but has he finally gotten in over his head? Can Rob save Hugs from a life of evil and reseal The Eye in the jar before it's to late?
The Eye is using Hugs to feed off the insecurities of his classmates to build an army of "Zoo Children". Hugs is mad at Rob for "taking" the girl he likes and seeks revenge on the word of Haves for the Have-Nots. Hugs is determined to change things, to make them better - or at least in his eyes. Hugs prays on the kids in school that struggle with depression, not fitting in, wanting to be loved, feelings of guilt, and even the school bully. He feeds off of their insecurities and turns them loose on Rob and the rest of the school. Luckily, not only is Rob a sorcerer but he is wise beyond his years and has the gift of words. Rob learns what it is that troubles the "Zoo Children" and helps them to see that they are worthy of love and friendship. That in order to be "popular" that you have to believe it and then others will as well. To fight the evil and see the bigger picture.
I love that this is not another book about how great the "popular" kids are in high school. That in fact there are students that have some issues and are miserable. Hasan does a great job outlining the most common issues that teens faces and through Rob helps them to see the light of day. To see that they are loved and are worthy. His words are so empowering. Since each "Zoo Child" has a different problem there is always a new lesson to learn. That you are not alone, and that you can to overcome this - if only you try. While I kind felt like I was left hanging at the end, I wasn't given the impression of another book. Because of this I feel that I can only give the book 4 stars.
DISCLAIMER: I was provided with a copy of the book from Rob Hasan for my honest opinion. All opinions - good, bad or in different are the my honest feelings.
December 27, 2012
In a unique twist that isn’t all focused on the “popular gang” at school and how to fit in at all costs, the author has managed to create a character in Rob that is at 14, far more adult than many adults today. Battling an evil within the school that turns feelings of low self-worth, anxiety and depression out to others, Rob maintains a steadfast presence within the school, showing the others how to take responsibility, both for their own actions and happiness, a truly adult view.
While none of the problems are dealt with cavalierly, the overwhelming attitude is self-acceptance and realization that everyone has something to offer – one person may not see it, but you must be certain in your path and not hang all of your day on one person’s opinion.
A cleverly paced, written and engaging story that proves that actually working at your problems and trying to solve them is far more effective and helpful than just moping about. A well timed book for many in the age group, which I am sure many will find familiar characters in the story to relate to.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for IOB tours. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
While none of the problems are dealt with cavalierly, the overwhelming attitude is self-acceptance and realization that everyone has something to offer – one person may not see it, but you must be certain in your path and not hang all of your day on one person’s opinion.
A cleverly paced, written and engaging story that proves that actually working at your problems and trying to solve them is far more effective and helpful than just moping about. A well timed book for many in the age group, which I am sure many will find familiar characters in the story to relate to.
I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review for IOB tours. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.
November 4, 2013
I got this free from the author, Russell Hasan, through Goodreads; I always appreciate authors putting themselves and their hard work “out there” for criticism with no financial recompense, and Mr. Hasan is no exception.
This is a story of a young Sorcerer, Rob Seablue, who comes from a Sorcerer family and some of whose classmates are Sorcerers, and, it turns out, others with special powers; but most of whom aren’t (sort of Muggles, you see). The book gets into the plot fairly quickly; Rob’s best friend Hugs, has, with the help of nasty Sorcerers, arranged for Rob himself to unleash the Eye of Tantalus from the Underworld. The Eye of Tantalus is an ancient evil being that influenced Greek and Roman despots, as well as the likes of Hitler. It was sent to the Underground by Protectors, specially trained and experienced Sorcerers, but it will occasionally find its way back and wreak havoc as long as it is allowed to remain in the present.
The Eye, through Hugs, manages to attempt to turn almost the entire student body of Rob’s school, East Norwalk High School, into victims, several times over, and almost every chapter is devoted to a different type of plague or terror, administered by a student who has vulnerabilities or quirks and who just wants to fit in, with their resentment being magnified into destruction. Rob manages to convince each of them to reject the evil power they have in favor of positive, proactive empowerment. While most of these people were more on the “fringe,” I liked that one of these was an athlete who also liked math and feared not fitting in with the stereotype of a “jock.” Sort of a reversal of the usual “problems fitting in” conflict. And in the end we have a resolution with Hugs, whose motivation for being involved in the evil spells is somewhat of a surprise. Indeed, the ending of the book is a sort of a surprise, with another fun twist at the very end.
While I liked it, I know I would have liked it a LOT more if I were in the 14-15 year old range, for this book addresses just about every interpersonal and intrapersonal conflict of that sturm und drang period of one’s life (indeed, one of my friends described adolescence as “one of the most inefficient ways I’ve heard of to reach adulthood”). Also, I tell ya, if I was a parent, I’d be pullin’ my kid outta West Norwalk High School after the FIRST incident of victimization, figure it’s gotta be the academic version of the House of Usher!
And again while I like Rob’s fighting against the evil by talking to the temporarily-evil teenager, and appealing to their higher values, I found the talking to be – well, to take an unabashed plagiarism from my days as a Cub Scout leader (and my review of “Perelandra”), I herein reprise the gleeful audience response (well, part of it) when I would say the word “Announcements:”
“A terrible death to die, a terrible death to die,
A terrible death to be talked to death, a terrible death to die!”
Felt like that several times during the book; Mr. Hasan, it wouldda been a lot better book had there been much less verbiage. Additionally, I believe that at least one, and perhaps two, chapters could have been eliminated because they covered essentially the same inner conflict as the previous chapter.
SO, three stars, with the caveat that it wouldda been four stars had I been perhaps 54 years younger.
This is a story of a young Sorcerer, Rob Seablue, who comes from a Sorcerer family and some of whose classmates are Sorcerers, and, it turns out, others with special powers; but most of whom aren’t (sort of Muggles, you see). The book gets into the plot fairly quickly; Rob’s best friend Hugs, has, with the help of nasty Sorcerers, arranged for Rob himself to unleash the Eye of Tantalus from the Underworld. The Eye of Tantalus is an ancient evil being that influenced Greek and Roman despots, as well as the likes of Hitler. It was sent to the Underground by Protectors, specially trained and experienced Sorcerers, but it will occasionally find its way back and wreak havoc as long as it is allowed to remain in the present.
The Eye, through Hugs, manages to attempt to turn almost the entire student body of Rob’s school, East Norwalk High School, into victims, several times over, and almost every chapter is devoted to a different type of plague or terror, administered by a student who has vulnerabilities or quirks and who just wants to fit in, with their resentment being magnified into destruction. Rob manages to convince each of them to reject the evil power they have in favor of positive, proactive empowerment. While most of these people were more on the “fringe,” I liked that one of these was an athlete who also liked math and feared not fitting in with the stereotype of a “jock.” Sort of a reversal of the usual “problems fitting in” conflict. And in the end we have a resolution with Hugs, whose motivation for being involved in the evil spells is somewhat of a surprise. Indeed, the ending of the book is a sort of a surprise, with another fun twist at the very end.
While I liked it, I know I would have liked it a LOT more if I were in the 14-15 year old range, for this book addresses just about every interpersonal and intrapersonal conflict of that sturm und drang period of one’s life (indeed, one of my friends described adolescence as “one of the most inefficient ways I’ve heard of to reach adulthood”). Also, I tell ya, if I was a parent, I’d be pullin’ my kid outta West Norwalk High School after the FIRST incident of victimization, figure it’s gotta be the academic version of the House of Usher!
And again while I like Rob’s fighting against the evil by talking to the temporarily-evil teenager, and appealing to their higher values, I found the talking to be – well, to take an unabashed plagiarism from my days as a Cub Scout leader (and my review of “Perelandra”), I herein reprise the gleeful audience response (well, part of it) when I would say the word “Announcements:”
“A terrible death to die, a terrible death to die,
A terrible death to be talked to death, a terrible death to die!”
Felt like that several times during the book; Mr. Hasan, it wouldda been a lot better book had there been much less verbiage. Additionally, I believe that at least one, and perhaps two, chapters could have been eliminated because they covered essentially the same inner conflict as the previous chapter.
SO, three stars, with the caveat that it wouldda been four stars had I been perhaps 54 years younger.
March 14, 2014
I am sorry but I received this book in exchange of a fair review.
I have tried but cannot finish this book. I find that it's basic and preachiness to be too much for me. I tried but am unable to get beyond the first 25% of this book. Really, I have tried but am unable to get beyond the target age barrier the author intended. I am an older adult but am open to ideas, this author is intent to let the psychological attitude of a five year old bully be the antagonistic lead and it is too much for me. The hero tries to psychoanalyze every situation and follow where ever it leads.
Sorry I ever agreed to this book and hope that the author finds himself some consideration among readers who can stand by this constant psychological onslaught.
It is not a book I would recommend to anyone much less than a young adult that is the target audience.
I have tried but cannot finish this book. I find that it's basic and preachiness to be too much for me. I tried but am unable to get beyond the first 25% of this book. Really, I have tried but am unable to get beyond the target age barrier the author intended. I am an older adult but am open to ideas, this author is intent to let the psychological attitude of a five year old bully be the antagonistic lead and it is too much for me. The hero tries to psychoanalyze every situation and follow where ever it leads.
Sorry I ever agreed to this book and hope that the author finds himself some consideration among readers who can stand by this constant psychological onslaught.
It is not a book I would recommend to anyone much less than a young adult that is the target audience.
August 1, 2014
*I was given this book in exchange for a review*
Honestly this book took me forever to read. I had to put it down a bunch of times. I really did. I couldn't help it. I really just couldn't get past how it just seemed almost preachy at times. Don't get me wrong, it's not a terrible book in itself, but the long monotonous repetitiveness of the way Rob talked the Zoo Kids down just seemed to take forever. This book would have been a lot shorter if they had trimmed down the long dialogue and monologues that he performed.
This just wasn't a book for me. I am not saying you wouldn't like it, but I had to pick up and try to read it. My review is a few months late because I just couldn't do it.
Honestly this book took me forever to read. I had to put it down a bunch of times. I really did. I couldn't help it. I really just couldn't get past how it just seemed almost preachy at times. Don't get me wrong, it's not a terrible book in itself, but the long monotonous repetitiveness of the way Rob talked the Zoo Kids down just seemed to take forever. This book would have been a lot shorter if they had trimmed down the long dialogue and monologues that he performed.
This just wasn't a book for me. I am not saying you wouldn't like it, but I had to pick up and try to read it. My review is a few months late because I just couldn't do it.
January 5, 2013
The author described this book as Atlas Shrugged meets Harry Potter. It's SORT OF correct, but it's more Nathaniel Branden's Psychology of Self-Esteem than Atlas Shrugged. Every chapter has a long discussion of an teen's issue (usually involving low self esteem caused by faulty worldview) AND an exciting magical battle. It does require a measure of patience and good attention span, so I'm not sure how appealing it would be to an average teen (my son has already read Atlas Shrugged, so he found this one entertaining in spite of its structure). Give it a try and see for yourself.
January 11, 2013
Russell pens "Rob Seablue and the Eye of Tantalus" in a well written and smooth flowing plot, with characters are believable and relate-able. A nice fun read that is recommended for all YA and not so YA readers that love the magickal theme.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews