Amaranth

by John Kellett

At thirteen years old Tom and Emily Man had long since given up believing their Grandfathers stories of the magical land of Amaranth. If you were to ask them if they believed in witches, wizards and friendly trolls they'd both say "no”. They definitely wouldn’t believe in the most terrible and horrifying of all demons, even if he was mentioned in ancient manuscripts in their own world. And if you were to then throw kidnapping, stolen paintings, bloody battles and even a spot of big green romance into the mix and tell them they’d be involved in it all, they’d begin to think you an idiot, and Emily might even tell you as much.

Ironically, as thirteen was the age of magical maturity, it was when they’d finally get to visit Amaranth - but they didn't believe. Luckily, getting to Amaranth involves being flung over the edge of a very high and very steep waterfall and believing has absolutely nothing to do with it. You can’t help but believe when you’re there. When you see it for yourself you believe everything.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

252 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2012

Reviews

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book through a giveaway, and I am so happy I won! This book was AMAZING!! Every page gave me something to turn over to the next one. I found the words and understanding of it perfect to read without having to think hard about what I was reading- which I hate. I fell in love with the characters and when ever something bad happened to one, I would panic and have a need, like a sibling or parent to see what would happen to them! It was an awesome book, I'm glad I entered the giveaway and I will be reading it again! Anyone who enjoys mystery and fantasy should read this book for sure!! Thanks John Kellett!! :D:D

[Paddy O'callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely Better than Potter. In fact, If amaranth came first, I'd say Potter was its travesty. Thanks Very Much John Kellett.

[Gary Stringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is where the 5-star system causes problems, because it leaves no room for fine tuning. There are 4-star books that are oh-so-close to 5. Then there are others that barely scrape themselves out of the 3-star zone. Sadly, this is one of the latter.

It's children's story, so I get keeping it simple, but I did feel as though this was taking that idea too far, and talking down to its audience.

The plot, such as it is, revolves around a boy and girl who are instantly recognisable because they are the same boy and girl I've read a hundred times before. Their grandfather is always telling them stories about a magical world that the kids discover isn't make-believe, after all. They get thrust into a thrilling adventure and home in time for tea.

I don't know how many times the author reread and edited the prose, but whatever the number, it wasn't enough, judging by the errors. I'm also pretty sure the author lost track of the storyline towards the end, but I wasn't inspired enough to go back and check.

Despite this, the story was entertaining and I'm sure a lot of the target audience would gloss over those problems and find a lot to enjoy.

A fun read, and certainly not terrible. Just not terribly original.

3.5 star

[Kathy Horsman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review: Amaranth by John Kellett I'm finding it difficult to review this book to be honest. On one hand it was very cute and the story was very adventurous. On the other, it was so simple that it lacked any sort of originality or flare.I think that's where I'm struggling.I've heard this story before. Yes you have two children who listen to their grandfather's stories and think everything's made up until they find out it's all real and they can go to this far away land.... Heard it before....more than once. The characters where the same two brother and sister pair you always hear about in a fairy tale (i.e Hansel and Gretel/Jack and Jill/ etc etc) There just wasn't anything new to keep my interest in the story, but it was a fun tale that had potential to be great.
I also had a problem understanding the literal words. Normally I wouldn't comment on something like this but I just found myself not understanding some sentences and other times realizing that words were missing or just plain wrong. In other words, it interfered with me reading the book so I just have to say it.
 
Originally Posted; http://thebookblogattheendoftheuniver...

[Anya Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book I felt like reading under the duvet with a torch.
I struggled to put it down and caught myself a few nights not being able to sleep because I wanted to turn the light back on and see what happened next.

I agree with a lot of the other reviews that it's better than Potter.
It reminded me of a lot of the Wolfgang and Heike Hohlbein books I used to devour as a child/ teenager.

The book certainly has potential for a sequel or a movie.
The last page made me smile.

The only thing that slightly confused me (and I re read it a few times) was page 226 where the story suddenly seems to have been written from Emily's point of view instead of Mortia's.

Nonetheless a 5 star read in my opinion.
Thanks again to John Kellet for coming up with a future classic. I was delighted when I won my copy in the Goodreads first-reads giveaway.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled with this book. I'm not sure the book was edited. At times, it was like reading a story by some of my 10 year old students. Four separate thoughts crammed between one capital letter and period. Also some English-language quirks made reading rough at times. Then towards the end, the author gets two characters mixed up. The characters were not all that memorable. The story never engaged me enough to cause me to think about the story unless the story was right in front of me. I did make it to the end of the book (after many more days than it should have taken), hence the two stars. But I honestly could not recommend reading this to anyone.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok so I won this in a giveaway, so a thank you to good reads and the Author is in order!