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The Chronicles of Egg #2
New Lands
This highly anticipated sequel to Rodkey's much-praised debut is funny, heartfelt, and action-packed. Don't miss it!
After a narrow escape from Deadweather Island, Egg and his slightly deranged partner Guts head for the remote New Lands. They’re in search of the lost Okalu tribe, who hold the key to the mysterious treasure map that Egg can't decipher.
But the ruthless Roger Pembroke is hard on Egg's trail, and the New Lands are full of new enemies — against which our heroes only weapons are their brains, their courage...and the two dozen swear words Guts just memorized in the local tongue.
They're going to need help.
But who can they trust?
Is Kira, the beautiful and heavily armed Okalu refugee, their ally…or their enemy? Is Pembroke's daughter Millicent on Egg's side…or her father's? Why on earth is the notorious pirate Burn Healy being so nice to them? And the biggest question of all: what shocking secret is Egg about to discover in the shadow of an ancient Okalu temple?
After a narrow escape from Deadweather Island, Egg and his slightly deranged partner Guts head for the remote New Lands. They’re in search of the lost Okalu tribe, who hold the key to the mysterious treasure map that Egg can't decipher.
But the ruthless Roger Pembroke is hard on Egg's trail, and the New Lands are full of new enemies — against which our heroes only weapons are their brains, their courage...and the two dozen swear words Guts just memorized in the local tongue.
They're going to need help.
But who can they trust?
Is Kira, the beautiful and heavily armed Okalu refugee, their ally…or their enemy? Is Pembroke's daughter Millicent on Egg's side…or her father's? Why on earth is the notorious pirate Burn Healy being so nice to them? And the biggest question of all: what shocking secret is Egg about to discover in the shadow of an ancient Okalu temple?
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 2, 2013
25 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Geoff Rodkey
29 books305 followersGeoff Rodkey is the New York Times bestselling author of the suburban-apocalypse comedy LIGHTS OUT IN LINCOLNWOOD and eleven books for middle grade kids: Kevin Hart's MARCUS MAKES A MOVIE and MARCUS MAKES IT BIG; the science fiction comedy WE'RE NOT FROM HERE; the illustrated comedy THE TAPPER TWINS GO TO WAR (WITH EACH OTHER) and its three sequels; the critically acclaimed CHRONICLES OF EGG adventure-comedy trilogy; and THE STORY PIRATES PRESENT: STUCK IN THE STONE AGE, a comic novel bundled with a how-to guide for kids who want to create stories of their own.
Geoff is also the Emmy-nominated screenwriter of such hit films as DADDY DAY CARE, RV, and the Disney Channel's GOOD LUCK, CHARLIE, IT'S CHRISTMAS. His early writing credits include the educational video game WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?, the non-educational MTV series BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD, and Comedy Central's POLITICALLY INCORRECT.
Geoff grew up in Freeport, Illinois and began his writing career on his high school newspaper. While in college, he was an editor of both the Harvard Lampoon and the Let's Go travel guide series.
Geoff is also the Emmy-nominated screenwriter of such hit films as DADDY DAY CARE, RV, and the Disney Channel's GOOD LUCK, CHARLIE, IT'S CHRISTMAS. His early writing credits include the educational video game WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?, the non-educational MTV series BEAVIS AND BUTT-HEAD, and Comedy Central's POLITICALLY INCORRECT.
Geoff grew up in Freeport, Illinois and began his writing career on his high school newspaper. While in college, he was an editor of both the Harvard Lampoon and the Let's Go travel guide series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
February 25, 2021
This starts off right where Deadweather and Sunrise ended. Egg and Guts leave to find an Okalu to translate the map. They end up in Pella and Guts finds a way to make money for them to eat and rent a place. But trouble follows them soon and they get abducted and Millicent saves them.
They meet an Okalu girl, Kira and she tells them that only an Okalu scribe or elder can read the map and they journey together to New Lands. They keep running into more trouble but eventually make it to Moku land where Egg finds out that his father and siblings are still alive.
They try to leave from there but in a turn of events, Egg's father dies and he gets abducted by Roger Pembroke once again. When Egg gives him the map, Roger Pembroke tries to execute Egg but Burn Healy saves him. He also turns out to be Egg's uncle. I already had my suspicions about Burn Healy being related to him and they turned out to be right.
I already loved Egg and Guts in the first book and I loved them in this even more. Guts is still the same foul-mouthed, ready to kill everyone boy who names his blade Lucy. We also find out that Guts is quite the guitar player and he joins a band in Pella and that's how they make all the money whilst there. I wanted to know more about Guts but there was so much happening all the time that I didn't mind it.
Kira was a new character and I liked her from the very beginning. She was really fierce, smart and not annoying which made her character instantly likeable to me.
Millicent was still her annoying self. She saves Egg and Guts and I thought that I might like her until she opened her mouth and then I remembered why I didn't like her in the first book and I still couldn't like her.
Venus turned out to be quite the surprise and I enjoyed her interaction. I don't know what will become of her. Will Egg save her? Or will she come to her senses and save herself? I guess we'll find out in the next book.
This kept a good pace, had a lot of action and there was always a lot going on. Geoff Rodkey's writing was good and easy to read. I wanted more Burn Healy though and I am looking forward to the next one.
4 stars
They meet an Okalu girl, Kira and she tells them that only an Okalu scribe or elder can read the map and they journey together to New Lands. They keep running into more trouble but eventually make it to Moku land where Egg finds out that his father and siblings are still alive.
They try to leave from there but in a turn of events, Egg's father dies and he gets abducted by Roger Pembroke once again. When Egg gives him the map, Roger Pembroke tries to execute Egg but Burn Healy saves him. He also turns out to be Egg's uncle. I already had my suspicions about Burn Healy being related to him and they turned out to be right.
I already loved Egg and Guts in the first book and I loved them in this even more. Guts is still the same foul-mouthed, ready to kill everyone boy who names his blade Lucy. We also find out that Guts is quite the guitar player and he joins a band in Pella and that's how they make all the money whilst there. I wanted to know more about Guts but there was so much happening all the time that I didn't mind it.
Kira was a new character and I liked her from the very beginning. She was really fierce, smart and not annoying which made her character instantly likeable to me.
Millicent was still her annoying self. She saves Egg and Guts and I thought that I might like her until she opened her mouth and then I remembered why I didn't like her in the first book and I still couldn't like her.
Venus turned out to be quite the surprise and I enjoyed her interaction. I don't know what will become of her. Will Egg save her? Or will she come to her senses and save herself? I guess we'll find out in the next book.
This kept a good pace, had a lot of action and there was always a lot going on. Geoff Rodkey's writing was good and easy to read. I wanted more Burn Healy though and I am looking forward to the next one.
4 stars
November 15, 2015
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A copy of New Lands was provided to me by Putnam for review purposes.
After being completely charmed by 'Deadweather and Sunrise' picking up 'New Lands' was a given. Comparatively, New Lands is less funny and more serious but still so full of heart. Egg and Guts set out on a journey to discover the Fire King's lost treasure before it can fall into the hands of the wrong man. Their journey is a bleak one and considering what they seek, it's difficult for them to judge just who is honest and worth trusting.
Guts was once again my favorite character and definitely managed to always make light of a serious situation.
"Ain't nobody calls me cow-ears without a fight." - Guts
You can't help but love Guts and his crazy antics.
I found New Lands to be a solemn installment and had a slight shortage of the swashbuckling action seen in the previous installment. Regardless, I think this section of Egg's story is most vital to his development as a character. His maturity had already begun to show towards the end of New Lands, but considering the trying times he had been through it was completely understandable.
New Lands is a story of perseverance and about digging deep to find that strength necessary to continue. This series has made me a lover of Middle Grade and is one series I will continue to seek out.
A copy of New Lands was provided to me by Putnam for review purposes.
After being completely charmed by 'Deadweather and Sunrise' picking up 'New Lands' was a given. Comparatively, New Lands is less funny and more serious but still so full of heart. Egg and Guts set out on a journey to discover the Fire King's lost treasure before it can fall into the hands of the wrong man. Their journey is a bleak one and considering what they seek, it's difficult for them to judge just who is honest and worth trusting.
Guts was once again my favorite character and definitely managed to always make light of a serious situation.
"Ain't nobody calls me cow-ears without a fight." - Guts
You can't help but love Guts and his crazy antics.
I found New Lands to be a solemn installment and had a slight shortage of the swashbuckling action seen in the previous installment. Regardless, I think this section of Egg's story is most vital to his development as a character. His maturity had already begun to show towards the end of New Lands, but considering the trying times he had been through it was completely understandable.
New Lands is a story of perseverance and about digging deep to find that strength necessary to continue. This series has made me a lover of Middle Grade and is one series I will continue to seek out.
May 27, 2013
New Lands is the second book in the Chronicles of Egg. I have come to care about the characters of these books and to wonder how their society and culture evolved. Nothing is quite as it seems – Egg is running for his life. He has discovered the truth behind too many secrets and Roger Pembroke needs him silenced. Roger Pembroke wants to create his own empire. To do this he must sow the seeds of distrust, feign alliances where none exist and create a facade of charity to mask the cruelty of slavery. Roger Pembroke is willing to lie, cheat, maim and kill – he is even willing deceive and betray his own daughter.
Mystery and ancient tales surround these lands; there are rumors and misunderstood edicts. There are pirates and slavers and cannibalistic tribes. Each event weaves together until you know that what has been considered “good and helpful” is not, and yet you are not totally certain that the opposite is true. At the end of Deadweather and Sunrise, Egg was orphaned, friendless and alone trying to elude those who would find and murder him. At the end of New Lands, Egg is with his friends, Guts and Kira, his thought-dead brother, Adonis and his uncle, notorious pirate, Burn Healy. Certainly much has changed for Egg and yet he is still running for his life from Pembroke only this time he is running from him on a sinking ship that is being hunted down by Ripper Jones.
With Pembroke involved it is hard to tell who is friend and who is foe and that makes for an exciting adventure. When I finished the first in the series I wasn’t sure how I felt. I don’t like characters that are cruel because it makes them happy. I had a hard time reading through the meanness and thoughtless disregard. Obviously I was intrigued enough to give the second a try and I am glad I did. I am looking forward to discovering how the battles develop and how the Fist of Ka is eventually discovered – as I am sure it must be in some way or another. I like Egg and Guts. I wonder how Kira and Millicent will support them. What battles will develop. Usually good triumphs over evil – but will it in these books and do I know which is which? I don’t think so and that makes the reading interesting for sure.
Mystery and ancient tales surround these lands; there are rumors and misunderstood edicts. There are pirates and slavers and cannibalistic tribes. Each event weaves together until you know that what has been considered “good and helpful” is not, and yet you are not totally certain that the opposite is true. At the end of Deadweather and Sunrise, Egg was orphaned, friendless and alone trying to elude those who would find and murder him. At the end of New Lands, Egg is with his friends, Guts and Kira, his thought-dead brother, Adonis and his uncle, notorious pirate, Burn Healy. Certainly much has changed for Egg and yet he is still running for his life from Pembroke only this time he is running from him on a sinking ship that is being hunted down by Ripper Jones.
With Pembroke involved it is hard to tell who is friend and who is foe and that makes for an exciting adventure. When I finished the first in the series I wasn’t sure how I felt. I don’t like characters that are cruel because it makes them happy. I had a hard time reading through the meanness and thoughtless disregard. Obviously I was intrigued enough to give the second a try and I am glad I did. I am looking forward to discovering how the battles develop and how the Fist of Ka is eventually discovered – as I am sure it must be in some way or another. I like Egg and Guts. I wonder how Kira and Millicent will support them. What battles will develop. Usually good triumphs over evil – but will it in these books and do I know which is which? I don’t think so and that makes the reading interesting for sure.
April 26, 2013
Egg, Millicent and Guts are back for their next adventure in the second offering from Geoff Rodkey in the Chronicles of Egg.
This adventure is just as quirky and fun as the first. And while their aren't any field pirates, there are some fun new characters. We also learn quite a bit more about all of our main characters. In particular Guts becomes more of a rounded out real person. Rodkey gives us some beautiful glimpses into Guts' soul and hints at his past. I can only hope the next installment will answer even more of the questions I have about this intriguing character.
Egg comes into his own more as well. In the first book we began to see him step out from the shadow of his family and their loss. Now we see him start to mature as he accepts the reality of what his family actually was. He finally begins to see his father, brother and sister as they really were - which allows him to shed the heavy weight of his past and begin to move forward. We learn more about the family as well, including a long lost uncle who makes himself known.
Millicent also does a lot of maturing in this book. Rodkey does a credible job of making a believable transition from adoring daughter to skeptical young woman for her. Her inner turmoil at accepting the character of her own father and rejecting that life is amazingly understated yet very present.
OH - and there are natives that want to sacrifice them, rumors of ancient weapons and some transcendental guitar playing. Yes you read that right.
The quirky sense of whimsy that pervaded the first book is just as evident in the second installment. The slightly macabre undertones to some of the scenes is also present. All in all this makes for an exciting read that will take you by surprise and keep you interested.
I was provided a copy of this book to review.
This adventure is just as quirky and fun as the first. And while their aren't any field pirates, there are some fun new characters. We also learn quite a bit more about all of our main characters. In particular Guts becomes more of a rounded out real person. Rodkey gives us some beautiful glimpses into Guts' soul and hints at his past. I can only hope the next installment will answer even more of the questions I have about this intriguing character.
Egg comes into his own more as well. In the first book we began to see him step out from the shadow of his family and their loss. Now we see him start to mature as he accepts the reality of what his family actually was. He finally begins to see his father, brother and sister as they really were - which allows him to shed the heavy weight of his past and begin to move forward. We learn more about the family as well, including a long lost uncle who makes himself known.
Millicent also does a lot of maturing in this book. Rodkey does a credible job of making a believable transition from adoring daughter to skeptical young woman for her. Her inner turmoil at accepting the character of her own father and rejecting that life is amazingly understated yet very present.
OH - and there are natives that want to sacrifice them, rumors of ancient weapons and some transcendental guitar playing. Yes you read that right.
The quirky sense of whimsy that pervaded the first book is just as evident in the second installment. The slightly macabre undertones to some of the scenes is also present. All in all this makes for an exciting read that will take you by surprise and keep you interested.
I was provided a copy of this book to review.
May 24, 2014
New Lands is a bit darker than the first book in this series, but it doesn't fall into the issues some second books of series do. It is still super fun, fast and I never felt like the author was trying to drag it out to hit some word count or extend the series to three books. I love Egg, I love Guts, and will probably at some point start saying "Nuts to that" in his honor.
Millicent is still her brave sassy self and when she shows up all haggard and smelly and all-around unattractive to Egg, I was laughing so hard, though I doubt kids will think that's nearly as funny as I did- we can just consider it a fair warning to reality and the future.
This round has some definite twists, which I will not give away here. There were a few sad parts rounded out with some funny too. I love how Egg struggles mentally through all that is happening both good and bad. It's so honest and believable and still entertaining. Also, who doesn't like a book with Pirates in it?
Millicent is still her brave sassy self and when she shows up all haggard and smelly and all-around unattractive to Egg, I was laughing so hard, though I doubt kids will think that's nearly as funny as I did- we can just consider it a fair warning to reality and the future.
This round has some definite twists, which I will not give away here. There were a few sad parts rounded out with some funny too. I love how Egg struggles mentally through all that is happening both good and bad. It's so honest and believable and still entertaining. Also, who doesn't like a book with Pirates in it?
March 2, 2015
*sigh* know what I think of cliffhangers? Nuts to that! Agreeing with the other reviews that New Lands is a little darker than Deadweather and Sunrise, but it's still as exciting and full of adventure.
Guts is still my favourite character. He's a handful and maybe not at all there in the head, but he's a riot. I also can't wait to learn more about Burn Healy.
Guts is still my favourite character. He's a handful and maybe not at all there in the head, but he's a riot. I also can't wait to learn more about Burn Healy.
May 19, 2015
Another great book in an excellent series. Compelling story, with plenty of action, intrigue, humor, and suspense, and really well developed characters. Quite a treat. Looking forward to the conclusion of the trilogy.
March 5, 2014
The rare second in a series that lives up to the promise of the first!
April 6, 2017
SPOILERS FAM, SPOILLLLLLER
This book started off a bit rocky but in the end, I'd have to say it's EGGcelent! (get it? chronicles of EGG? right??). I think it was really well written but the ending was kind of a bunch of things pushed together like Egg's fathers death and Egg nearly being hanged, the map being useless which was the whole plot of the book just ripped out in a few pages, etc etc, I could go on for a while. I really think the plot and everything was well put together and everything EGGcept (except) the ending which I said. The last sentence was, "Why do we need a carpenter?" "because this ship is sinking". LIKE WHAT KIND OF CLIFFHANGER IS THAT. THAT IS WORSE THEN RICK RIORDAN!!! Alsooooo, the deaths!! And family problems like whyyyy is it so sad? Basically, Egg's sister goes CRAY CRAY deciding whether to kill her family, thinking she is queen and for all we know, she could be dead. Eggs father was shot three times, three different angles! Eggs brother, starts crying even though he usually seems so tough and eggs mom died giving him birth. Along with, his uncle being super COOL. But thats besides the point. This was DEFIANTLY WELL WRITTEN yet why ruin the plot?? the whole plot was figuring out the map, and after like 1000000 pages (jk), the map is useless?!? Overall, GREAT BOOK
This book started off a bit rocky but in the end, I'd have to say it's EGGcelent! (get it? chronicles of EGG? right??). I think it was really well written but the ending was kind of a bunch of things pushed together like Egg's fathers death and Egg nearly being hanged, the map being useless which was the whole plot of the book just ripped out in a few pages, etc etc, I could go on for a while. I really think the plot and everything was well put together and everything EGGcept (except) the ending which I said. The last sentence was, "Why do we need a carpenter?" "because this ship is sinking". LIKE WHAT KIND OF CLIFFHANGER IS THAT. THAT IS WORSE THEN RICK RIORDAN!!! Alsooooo, the deaths!! And family problems like whyyyy is it so sad? Basically, Egg's sister goes CRAY CRAY deciding whether to kill her family, thinking she is queen and for all we know, she could be dead. Eggs father was shot three times, three different angles! Eggs brother, starts crying even though he usually seems so tough and eggs mom died giving him birth. Along with, his uncle being super COOL. But thats besides the point. This was DEFIANTLY WELL WRITTEN yet why ruin the plot?? the whole plot was figuring out the map, and after like 1000000 pages (jk), the map is useless?!? Overall, GREAT BOOK
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2023
Ok, way better than the first one!
April 17, 2013
New Lands is the second installment of The Chronicles of Egg series and it definitely still grabbed my attention from the get-go. Picking up right where book 1 stopped, we're instantly transported back into the action of Egg and Guts attempting to find the Fire King's lost treasure so that it doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
New Lands is a solid continuation of Egg's story. Rodkey does an amazing job of transporting you to all the destinations that the boys encounter on their journey. This book, while not as action-packed as first, takes the boys to many new places and meeting many new people. This is where Rodkey's descriptions are truly a written marvel.
This journey is more of a personal one - growth and maturity. Egg has no one, except Guts, to count on. With his maturity, he's also becoming more cunning and street-smart. (What choice does he have??) Some of my favorite sections of this book are the internal dialogues that Egg has with himself regarding Guts and Millicent. Whereas children talk out loud with no regard for what happens, he's developed a sense of who he is, the seriousness of what's going on in his life and the best courses of action for all involved. In contrast to the first book, his crush on Millicent has developed more and that also shows when he debates with himself about how he has treated her in the past, his current attitude, and where he should proceed. That was something we didn't see from him in book 1 as much, and I am very excited to see where series goes from here!
While these are essentially middle-grade books (*eyeroll* I'm 29 and LOVED it), I swear to you, that no matter what age you are, if you love adventure, you will love these books!
New Lands is a solid continuation of Egg's story. Rodkey does an amazing job of transporting you to all the destinations that the boys encounter on their journey. This book, while not as action-packed as first, takes the boys to many new places and meeting many new people. This is where Rodkey's descriptions are truly a written marvel.
This journey is more of a personal one - growth and maturity. Egg has no one, except Guts, to count on. With his maturity, he's also becoming more cunning and street-smart. (What choice does he have??) Some of my favorite sections of this book are the internal dialogues that Egg has with himself regarding Guts and Millicent. Whereas children talk out loud with no regard for what happens, he's developed a sense of who he is, the seriousness of what's going on in his life and the best courses of action for all involved. In contrast to the first book, his crush on Millicent has developed more and that also shows when he debates with himself about how he has treated her in the past, his current attitude, and where he should proceed. That was something we didn't see from him in book 1 as much, and I am very excited to see where series goes from here!
While these are essentially middle-grade books (*eyeroll* I'm 29 and LOVED it), I swear to you, that no matter what age you are, if you love adventure, you will love these books!
May 17, 2013
It was great meeting up with Egg again. Egg makes an appealing hero. While far from perfect, he always tries his hardest to do what he feels is right. Unfortunately, when you have a wealthy, powerful man trying to kill you and a treasure map you can't interpret it becomes very difficult to know what the right thing is. With the help of new friends and old friends, Egg tries to find a way to the Okalu people, hoping to find someone able to help him decipher the map. But unfortunately, he runs into serious obstacles along the way, sickness and slavery among them.
I found myself enjoying this book just as much as the first one. With plenty of twists and turns and unexpected surprises I found myself cheering hard for Egg to come out on top. Despite the hard things he faced he still radiates goodness and a touch of innocence. Guts provides some humor but is also a sympathetic character who has faced some horrible things in his life with pirates, but who turns out to have surprising talents. Millicent, Egg's enemy's daughter, proves once again that no one will dictate her life for her, but also manages to irritate everyone along the way.
I also found myself enjoying the setting. Rodkey does a great job creating a feeling of discovery in this book as the kids travel through a world very much different than anything they've known before.
Like most middle books of trilogies there are still plenty of questions left to answer and I very much look forward to reading the last book in the series. Highly recommended.
I found myself enjoying this book just as much as the first one. With plenty of twists and turns and unexpected surprises I found myself cheering hard for Egg to come out on top. Despite the hard things he faced he still radiates goodness and a touch of innocence. Guts provides some humor but is also a sympathetic character who has faced some horrible things in his life with pirates, but who turns out to have surprising talents. Millicent, Egg's enemy's daughter, proves once again that no one will dictate her life for her, but also manages to irritate everyone along the way.
I also found myself enjoying the setting. Rodkey does a great job creating a feeling of discovery in this book as the kids travel through a world very much different than anything they've known before.
Like most middle books of trilogies there are still plenty of questions left to answer and I very much look forward to reading the last book in the series. Highly recommended.
February 20, 2015
Here’s my review for the ARC I received of New Lands. Thank you Penguin for providing me the ARC! Enjoy! After Egg’s standdown to Pembroke, he is going away. He knows Pembroke will try to find him and get the map from him, so he travels with Guts to Pella Nonna in the New Lands. In just three weeks, Guts has become a famous guitar player whom everyone knows, but that is proving to be a distraction to finding the treasure before Pembroke does. But then something happens after meeting an Okalu girl that leads to a major turn of events; and they get kidnapped. In a fast-paced, adventurous sequel, will Pembroke make Egg give up the map, or will Egg resist? Will the impossible happen, where Egg finds his family? Rodkey pens a delightful read with thrilling action, and does not let readers down.
What I thought about it:
Geoff Rodkey amazes me once again. Once again, the action is unstoppable in this sequel, and the description is very vivid, painting a bright picture in your head. The cover art for this sequel in my opinion is amazing, and I think it is better than the first book. New Lands is pretty much a wild goose chase, with Egg, Millicent, Guts and Kira being chased by all of Pembroke’s men and the Moku tribe. I can not stress enough how much I love Geoff Rodkey’s writing, it is just…WOW! I mean, I don’t have any other words to describe it, really. I also loved the twists and turns in the plot, and they just catch you off guard. Geoff Rodkey; KEEP WRITING!
More reviews at: www.mybookwormblog.wordpress.com
What I thought about it:
Geoff Rodkey amazes me once again. Once again, the action is unstoppable in this sequel, and the description is very vivid, painting a bright picture in your head. The cover art for this sequel in my opinion is amazing, and I think it is better than the first book. New Lands is pretty much a wild goose chase, with Egg, Millicent, Guts and Kira being chased by all of Pembroke’s men and the Moku tribe. I can not stress enough how much I love Geoff Rodkey’s writing, it is just…WOW! I mean, I don’t have any other words to describe it, really. I also loved the twists and turns in the plot, and they just catch you off guard. Geoff Rodkey; KEEP WRITING!
More reviews at: www.mybookwormblog.wordpress.com
August 17, 2013
Since I was so very charmed by Geoff Rodkey's first installment in the Chronicles of Egg series, I couldn't wait to read New Lands! I was looking forward to more adventures, and greatly hoping that some of my questions from the last book would be answered. I was nervous as I turned the first page.
Luckily, I had nothing to worry about. New Lands turned out to be just as quirky and enjoyable as its predecessor. Rodkey reintroduces our faithful travelling companions and then, best of all, gives us some new ones to fall in love with. What I loved about this book was how much more in-depth the reader is allowed to see into the characters. Egg, Millicent, and even Guts, each begin to grow up right before our eyes.
Egg especially comes into his own during the course of this book. His new, mature attitude makes a definite impact on his travels this time. He finally begins to understand that he doesn't need to lean on his family for support, but that his strength comes from within. Rodkey allows Egg the perfect balance between childishness and adulthood, making for a beautiful adventure.
Rich with new lands (no pun intended) and problems to face, this is a very fast moving book. Whether it's chasing ancient weapons, battling curses, or figuring out who might be a traitor, Egg and his companions never have a moment's rest. Although this series is a bit darker than I expected, it is absolutely well written. I can't wait to see what happens next!
Luckily, I had nothing to worry about. New Lands turned out to be just as quirky and enjoyable as its predecessor. Rodkey reintroduces our faithful travelling companions and then, best of all, gives us some new ones to fall in love with. What I loved about this book was how much more in-depth the reader is allowed to see into the characters. Egg, Millicent, and even Guts, each begin to grow up right before our eyes.
Egg especially comes into his own during the course of this book. His new, mature attitude makes a definite impact on his travels this time. He finally begins to understand that he doesn't need to lean on his family for support, but that his strength comes from within. Rodkey allows Egg the perfect balance between childishness and adulthood, making for a beautiful adventure.
Rich with new lands (no pun intended) and problems to face, this is a very fast moving book. Whether it's chasing ancient weapons, battling curses, or figuring out who might be a traitor, Egg and his companions never have a moment's rest. Although this series is a bit darker than I expected, it is absolutely well written. I can't wait to see what happens next!
February 20, 2014
2.5 stars.
Hopefully the downfalls of this book arose primarily from the curse of the middle book and the third book, Blue Sea Burning, is an improvement.
Hopefully the downfalls of this book arose primarily from the curse of the middle book and the third book, Blue Sea Burning, is an improvement.
May 11, 2013
The first book in this series Deadweather and Sunrise left me hanging on what was going to happen next to Egg, his friend Guts and the lovely and smart Millicent. I must say, my favorite character hands down is Guts. The way that Egg met him was insane and the way that Guts acts in the first book will make you horrified and amused at the same time. This book is where we see another side of Guts, one of musical genius and a more gentle heart. At least, for a little bit. I love the foreign curses in this book and the gusto in which Guts uses them.
There is also another introduction to a strong female character named Kira, who is one of the last Okalu – just the person they need to find in order to read the treasure map. With Pembroke hot on their trails, they find themselves on the run throughout the book and in certain dire straights, we see the true nature of our characters. I felt this was a great sequel to the first, with lots of action, character building and of course a lot left to be found out. I don't want to give much away, so I'll leave it at that.
Final Verdict:
A fantastic sequel to Deadweather and Sunrise, which really blew me away. If you like pirates, treasure hunts, budding romance and lots of danger, this is the series for you.
Read more reviews at The Book Monsters.
There is also another introduction to a strong female character named Kira, who is one of the last Okalu – just the person they need to find in order to read the treasure map. With Pembroke hot on their trails, they find themselves on the run throughout the book and in certain dire straights, we see the true nature of our characters. I felt this was a great sequel to the first, with lots of action, character building and of course a lot left to be found out. I don't want to give much away, so I'll leave it at that.
Final Verdict:
A fantastic sequel to Deadweather and Sunrise, which really blew me away. If you like pirates, treasure hunts, budding romance and lots of danger, this is the series for you.
Read more reviews at The Book Monsters.
March 17, 2016
Let the Chronicles continue!
The Chronicles of Egg: New Lands #2 by Geoff Rodkey.
This book was the BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved book one, and I couldn’t wait for this one! And it was so worth the wait!
I loved how he started the story, I thought he did everything I’m always talking about. His books have some much in them, it makes it really easy for everyone to want to read it. It’s got something for almost everyone.
This is a mostly serious book, but there was more than a few really funny parts that I have the hardest time to stop laughing and I SOOOO did not see what was coming at the end of chapter 15, and most of chapter 16! I pretty much liked everything about the book, but there was a death I had a hard time with, but once I thought it over, I realized that it wasn’t that bad. See I’m soft-hearted, and theses thing bother me, so I hope that this helps for others.
Now in everyone of his books, there is always a dark part, this will last a few chapters, but you just have to remember that everything will be fine. I was having a hard time with this as well, but I was so shocked at the ending, I totally dropped the darkness! That was one of the best ending for a book I have ever read!
I am going to his this book a 9. I really, really hope you read it! I just loved it!
The Chronicles of Egg: New Lands #2 by Geoff Rodkey.
This book was the BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!! I loved book one, and I couldn’t wait for this one! And it was so worth the wait!
I loved how he started the story, I thought he did everything I’m always talking about. His books have some much in them, it makes it really easy for everyone to want to read it. It’s got something for almost everyone.
This is a mostly serious book, but there was more than a few really funny parts that I have the hardest time to stop laughing and I SOOOO did not see what was coming at the end of chapter 15, and most of chapter 16! I pretty much liked everything about the book, but there was a death I had a hard time with, but once I thought it over, I realized that it wasn’t that bad. See I’m soft-hearted, and theses thing bother me, so I hope that this helps for others.
Now in everyone of his books, there is always a dark part, this will last a few chapters, but you just have to remember that everything will be fine. I was having a hard time with this as well, but I was so shocked at the ending, I totally dropped the darkness! That was one of the best ending for a book I have ever read!
I am going to his this book a 9. I really, really hope you read it! I just loved it!
May 22, 2013
Egg is at it again. Still on the run from Pembrook and his scary forces, he is desperate to survive. This latest adventure has him and his only friend Guts looking for the Fire Kings treasure. The only problem is the map they have is in a language neither of them speak. They are enroute via a ship called Thrush to find a Okalu native to translate the map. Tracking down an Okalu native creates more adventures within itself, but Egg had no idea it would involve kidnapping. Egg is introduced to new towns with music, food and peoples the likes of which he has never experienced before. Through all of the mishaps, battles, and travels Millicent is not far from his mind. This amazing sequel to Deadweather and Sunrise still takes readers on an adventure, but this ride is more about Egg growing up and maturing. Readers get more of a sense of who he is. Vivid imagery creates a world where young readers can join in on the adventure. Readers will also be amazed at how Rodkey invites them to use all five senses as he introduces all the amazing cultures Egg encounters. This fast paced read is a must have for anyone who loves a great pirates tale.
April 19, 2013
I received this Advanced Uncorrected Galley copy for free through Goodreads First Reads.
oh my goodness! Second books in a series are usually not quite as good as the first, but this one was on par with first. It expands Egg's world as his adventure continues. There are as many pirates and even more dangers.
Egg and Guts are off to find the Okalu to get the map translated, but their plans never go as expected. They finally end up at the destination, but they learn that Pembroke is up to no good again. This time it's even worse.
They find a Native Okalu named Kira. She agrees to take them to the Okalu, but Egg and Guts are kidnapped. Millicent surprises them in their prison hold the worse for wear.
And this is just the beginning of the book.
There is one major twist in the storyline. I wasn't expecting it and it's a doozy.
Plus, in this version, there is one thing that kills me. THE ENDING IS A CLIFFHANGER! Yes, an evil cliffy.
Dang it, Geoff! Write the third one now!
This is a great series.
oh my goodness! Second books in a series are usually not quite as good as the first, but this one was on par with first. It expands Egg's world as his adventure continues. There are as many pirates and even more dangers.
Egg and Guts are off to find the Okalu to get the map translated, but their plans never go as expected. They finally end up at the destination, but they learn that Pembroke is up to no good again. This time it's even worse.
They find a Native Okalu named Kira. She agrees to take them to the Okalu, but Egg and Guts are kidnapped. Millicent surprises them in their prison hold the worse for wear.
And this is just the beginning of the book.
There is one major twist in the storyline. I wasn't expecting it and it's a doozy.
Plus, in this version, there is one thing that kills me. THE ENDING IS A CLIFFHANGER! Yes, an evil cliffy.
Dang it, Geoff! Write the third one now!
This is a great series.
August 1, 2013
I won this as part of a Firstreads giveaway, and since it looked a bit like a kid's book and wasn't even the first in the series, I put it aside for a little while. I wish I hadn't. Though I want to buy the first book now, the second one was entertaining enough that I would have kept reading even if the author hadn't shared enough of the first story for the second to make sense.
This book was funny, the protagonist intelligent and likeable, and the story had such a great mix of emotion and adventure that I was thoroughly entertained until the last page. I'm just sorry it ended. Definitely recommended for younger teenagers and for adults who don't mind being infringing on a target audience for the sake of a fun book.
This book was funny, the protagonist intelligent and likeable, and the story had such a great mix of emotion and adventure that I was thoroughly entertained until the last page. I'm just sorry it ended. Definitely recommended for younger teenagers and for adults who don't mind being infringing on a target audience for the sake of a fun book.
August 31, 2013
Enter to win a copy! And see the complete review @ http://soimfifty.blogspot.com/2013/08/kid-lit-giveaway-hop-month-of-giveaways.html
Having four son's and now five grandson's, I'm always on the lookout for a good adventure series. Pirates. Are you kidding me, who can resist them after Jack Sparrow, am I right? As a writer, author and grandmother there are a few other things I look for in an exceptional middle grade fiction. The character has to be believable and I have to care. Egg is the perfect protagonist, thrown into insurmountable problems, quirky and an underdog. This is a page turner, you want to know what's going to happen next. I recommend this a great read-aloud! The pirate jargon is too fun not read aloud.
Having four son's and now five grandson's, I'm always on the lookout for a good adventure series. Pirates. Are you kidding me, who can resist them after Jack Sparrow, am I right? As a writer, author and grandmother there are a few other things I look for in an exceptional middle grade fiction. The character has to be believable and I have to care. Egg is the perfect protagonist, thrown into insurmountable problems, quirky and an underdog. This is a page turner, you want to know what's going to happen next. I recommend this a great read-aloud! The pirate jargon is too fun not read aloud.
January 13, 2014
Egg and Guts are headed to the New Lands to try to find the treasure map they've found. But their journey will be dangerous with hostile Natives and a settlement that has an edict against foreigners. Will they survive long enough to explore the wilderness?
A great middle grade novel, this one picks up where the first one ended (so read it first). The characters are fun, charming, and feel real. The plot takes some great twists and I was shocked a time or two by what Egg learns along the way. Can not wait for the third and final book to come out.
NOTE: I won an ARC of this book in a contest.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
A great middle grade novel, this one picks up where the first one ended (so read it first). The characters are fun, charming, and feel real. The plot takes some great twists and I was shocked a time or two by what Egg learns along the way. Can not wait for the third and final book to come out.
NOTE: I won an ARC of this book in a contest.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
August 14, 2013
I fell into "The Chronicles of Egg" series quite by accident and am enjoying it thoroughly. Eggbert's life is complicated. In the first book he lost his father and brother and sister to an evil man, while falling love with that man's daughter. In this, the second book, Egg and his friends are trying to find an ancient treasure, battle slavery of the native people, and survive. The survival part is the hardest. What with slavers, pirates, native sacrifices, and unexpected surprises...not to mention a potential execution or two...things are just not going Egg's way. Naturally this book leaves the reader hanging and desperate for book #3. I can't wait!
October 8, 2013
Hadn't read the first one but picked this one up for an awards committee I sit on. Fun and exciting adventure read.
It is a tricky target audience because the main character has a romance (nothing offensive in the least) but probably not something my 5th grade boy patrons are going to want to read about. On the other hand, teens might find this a bit young. That leaves me with recommending it to tween girls and the boys that won't gag the first time the word "love" is brought up.
Despite that, a well written adventure with laughs.
It is a tricky target audience because the main character has a romance (nothing offensive in the least) but probably not something my 5th grade boy patrons are going to want to read about. On the other hand, teens might find this a bit young. That leaves me with recommending it to tween girls and the boys that won't gag the first time the word "love" is brought up.
Despite that, a well written adventure with laughs.
April 25, 2013
This is book one x2. Action packed.
Trouble comes knocking right at the first chapter. There are twists at every turn and you just can't guess what can possibly go wrong next and yet something always does.
Characters almost all came with a few surprises of their own. Some I saw coming but most? nope. I was windblown.
And what a cliffhanger of an ending. I can't believe I have to wait for book 3. It's painful.
Trouble comes knocking right at the first chapter. There are twists at every turn and you just can't guess what can possibly go wrong next and yet something always does.
Characters almost all came with a few surprises of their own. Some I saw coming but most? nope. I was windblown.
And what a cliffhanger of an ending. I can't believe I have to wait for book 3. It's painful.
May 28, 2013
This was a good continuation of the Chronicles of Egg. I did get a little bogged down during the trek across the island and some of the more obvious scrapes the characters blundered into. But, alas, there is one more book in the series to come, so before Egg can claim Millicent, fix the problems with the orchard and the pirates, he has to help his uncle avert (or win!) a war and come out on top. Tough to do, but he's got great friends and a very lukewarm family to help him!
June 30, 2013
I won the first installment of this trilogy from a blog and read it with my grandson, or started to; I jumped ahead! We both anxiously awaited this second in the series, but wondered if the story could be sustained. I should not have worried.Geoff Rodkey has managed to surprise us with his developments with new, and familiar characters. We both enjoyed "New Lands" very much.It managed to satisfy, yet make us anxious for the finale.
July 8, 2013
Sometimes I like to read books outside the genre I normally read, I know this type of book is highly popular. It wasn't a bad read at all, it just isn't my style. Part of the story were interesting and surprising, I can see why people enjoy this genre.
It's well written, challenging, and has a neat storyline. Would I read more in this series? Yes, I will.
***I won this book on Goodreads as a first reads giveaway. This is my honest review.***
It's well written, challenging, and has a neat storyline. Would I read more in this series? Yes, I will.
***I won this book on Goodreads as a first reads giveaway. This is my honest review.***
September 18, 2013
This is probably one of the funniest books I've ever read. I was embarrassed to read it in class because I was afraid someone would think I was weird for constantly smiling at my book. Of course, if they read Chronicles of Egg, they would understand why I kept smiling and smirking.
You should definitely read the Chronicles of Egg.
You should definitely read the Chronicles of Egg.
January 23, 2014
I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I have to say that after reading the second, I'm hooked! I don't know how I'll wait for the next part of the story because the end of book 2 really hooked me! What a great adventure read. I love that serious themes are not only introduced, but dealt with in a respectful, age-appropriate manner.
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