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Fyrelocke: Jack Boomershine and the Prophecy Untold
In a cave, deep within the cliffs of Brighton, lies a curious stone. No ordinary rock, the Fyrelocke has a dark and intricate past.
Twelve-year-old inventor Jack Boomershine believes it a practical joke when a mysterious text message directs him to it. But finding this powerful stone sets in motion an entangled clockwork of events that draws him ever deeper into an adventure in which his inventions are useless.
As things spin out of control, Jack must find his way through a hidden world of magic with vehicles that fly themselves, a telepathic creature—and an ancient evil with an unfathomable plan, determined to ensnare Jack in it.
Twelve-year-old inventor Jack Boomershine believes it a practical joke when a mysterious text message directs him to it. But finding this powerful stone sets in motion an entangled clockwork of events that draws him ever deeper into an adventure in which his inventions are useless.
As things spin out of control, Jack must find his way through a hidden world of magic with vehicles that fly themselves, a telepathic creature—and an ancient evil with an unfathomable plan, determined to ensnare Jack in it.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
264 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2013
1 person is currently reading
756 people want to read
About the author
R. Christopher Kobb
1 book7 followersR. Christopher Kobb lives in the Chicago area with his daughter.
An avid writer and artist, Fyrelocke is his first novel.
An avid writer and artist, Fyrelocke is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 21, 2013
This book starts off with a beautiful dedication. “To all those who see the beauty beneath, those who still believe in magic, and those who can squint and spot what the world lacks. To dreamers everywhere.” I include it here in my review because it is the perfect beginning to this incredibly entertaining and imaginative tale and kicks off a wonderful and truly engaging ride.
Jack Boomershine is a twelve year old inventor who receives a strange text while on a field trip with his class. Presumably, this message is from Jack’s best friend, Chase, although the wording sounds very unlike Chase who is less imaginative and more logical, and the sender is blocked which seems a bit complex for a child who is not computer minded. Stumped, Jack participates in the field trip, quickly realizing that the message he received seems to pertain to the cave in which the class has been taken as words from the text flash in his mind. He comes to the conclusion that Chase could not have sent the message, although he has no idea who could have done so. Following the directions he is given, he finds a smooth pool of water and within that pool, a rock that emanates an unnatural purple glow. Once Jack has this rock in his hands, the course of his life, and the lives of those closest to him, begin to drastically change direction.
This story is filled with the most creative names. Jack and Chase attend the Flipper P. Bumbling School and befriend a group of people who introduce themselves as Madame Puffin, Pescipalius and Vidalia. The author has also included a handful of original art work within the pages of his book. My only complaint about this is that there weren’t more of them.
Fyrelock is 266 pages long, the story broken into 100 short chapters that are perfect bite sized pieces. Kobb’s prose, however, is flowing and holds enough humor and energy to keep a reader completely engaged. I found that the shorter chapters, instead of allowing me to stop and resume reading again later, only encouraged me to keep going. This was a difficult book to put down and, while listed as a book for kids twelve and up, I believe this story will captivate audiences both younger and older, (and in some cases, much older) than twelve. Humor, action, adventure, magic and mystery…This tale was truly mesmerizing and loads of fun.
There was so much about this book that I enjoyed, but one thing that stood out for me was that Kobb has written a fantasy tale that requires little if any suspension of disbelief. Jack is an intelligent child who uses realistic, if not incredibly creative means to get himself out of unusual circumstances. He is a character that other children will be able to relate to. The tale is wonderfully fanciful and whimsical, but Jack is down to earth and real and very, very likeable.
I hope that this is only the first of a series of books from this artistic author. R. Christopher Kobb has delivered a tight, well-written and incredibly enjoyable tale and I can’t wait for his next installment.
Jack Boomershine is a twelve year old inventor who receives a strange text while on a field trip with his class. Presumably, this message is from Jack’s best friend, Chase, although the wording sounds very unlike Chase who is less imaginative and more logical, and the sender is blocked which seems a bit complex for a child who is not computer minded. Stumped, Jack participates in the field trip, quickly realizing that the message he received seems to pertain to the cave in which the class has been taken as words from the text flash in his mind. He comes to the conclusion that Chase could not have sent the message, although he has no idea who could have done so. Following the directions he is given, he finds a smooth pool of water and within that pool, a rock that emanates an unnatural purple glow. Once Jack has this rock in his hands, the course of his life, and the lives of those closest to him, begin to drastically change direction.
This story is filled with the most creative names. Jack and Chase attend the Flipper P. Bumbling School and befriend a group of people who introduce themselves as Madame Puffin, Pescipalius and Vidalia. The author has also included a handful of original art work within the pages of his book. My only complaint about this is that there weren’t more of them.
Fyrelock is 266 pages long, the story broken into 100 short chapters that are perfect bite sized pieces. Kobb’s prose, however, is flowing and holds enough humor and energy to keep a reader completely engaged. I found that the shorter chapters, instead of allowing me to stop and resume reading again later, only encouraged me to keep going. This was a difficult book to put down and, while listed as a book for kids twelve and up, I believe this story will captivate audiences both younger and older, (and in some cases, much older) than twelve. Humor, action, adventure, magic and mystery…This tale was truly mesmerizing and loads of fun.
There was so much about this book that I enjoyed, but one thing that stood out for me was that Kobb has written a fantasy tale that requires little if any suspension of disbelief. Jack is an intelligent child who uses realistic, if not incredibly creative means to get himself out of unusual circumstances. He is a character that other children will be able to relate to. The tale is wonderfully fanciful and whimsical, but Jack is down to earth and real and very, very likeable.
I hope that this is only the first of a series of books from this artistic author. R. Christopher Kobb has delivered a tight, well-written and incredibly enjoyable tale and I can’t wait for his next installment.
February 25, 2017
This was terrible.
May 13, 2013
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle 1st MAY 2013:
RATING: 4.25 JACK & CHASE STARS
Ping!
When unassuming inventor, 12 year old Jack Boomershine, who thought his faulty jet pack was his only conundrum in life, receives a cryptic text message from ‘Anon 1007’ , he does not realize that the life he once thought he knew, was about to change.
Jack and his loyal, funny, bff , Chase Lucre, are about to find themselves mixed up in an extraordinary adventure filled with magical creatures and wizardry and of course a worthy middle grade villain.
Blast it! Blast it! Blast it!
This is a story filled with good and dark magic, mystery and a plot that keeps you guessing, a boy that can’t remember, and a fun and endearing set of characters.
Who will you trust?
Chase is the logical friend who wants to become a Banker when he grows up, more interested in reading the financial pages. Jack is the inventor who likes to play the part of kid magician. He never thought he would ever be involved with real magic beyond his wildest dreams.
Chase is a very endearing side kick. Very much like Ron from Harry Potter. He made me laugh, and he was there when his buddy needed him. Plus he has a great love for Golden Crust Pizza.
Flash Poofing, Frosty Forest Fizzies and my favourite, the Stratovarious , not to be mistaken with the Stradivarius ...for those not in the know, is a violin. The Stratovarious is no violin. I myself would love one. These are just some of the magical things to be found.
Oh the fun.
The sub characters were amusing. Trygg the Puriform not to be mistaken for a bunny... I loved. After all he did save hours of toil and drudgery.
Madam Puffin, fortune teller and esteemed member of The Witch Association , is quite the lyrical character. She will keep you guessing, for a Prophecy she saw many years ago.
“Ok, first a little background. Doom or fine...” Madame Puffin’s eyes went distant for a moment. “You are Jack ... Jack... you are Jack Boomershine.”
Master Pescipalius Dorfnutter aka Pesky and his daughter Vidalia help to initiate Jack and Chase into the magical world they know so well.
The Cankrots are the evil minions, playing their part well, they know how to throw a spell.
With the Locke family and the Cross family all entwined, makes for a major identity crisis for Jack Boomershine, and a mystery to unwind.
The illustrations though few, are really nice to view.
I think I am turning into Madam Puffin.
I enjoyed this middle grade adventure. For lovers of Harry Potter this is a more middle grade fun magical adventure with two boys and a girl and some great little twists at the end that you didn’t see coming..... and, that Fyrelocke.
Mayhem and magic are always a fun combination for a great escapism and R. Christopher Kobb brings it.
R. Christopher, Trygg is a favourite of mine, I am just going to borrow him, throw in the Stratovarious and I am off on my own adventure...I will see you later.... * flash poof* J
Michelle
RATING: 4.25 JACK & CHASE STARS
Ping!
When unassuming inventor, 12 year old Jack Boomershine, who thought his faulty jet pack was his only conundrum in life, receives a cryptic text message from ‘Anon 1007’ , he does not realize that the life he once thought he knew, was about to change.
Jack and his loyal, funny, bff , Chase Lucre, are about to find themselves mixed up in an extraordinary adventure filled with magical creatures and wizardry and of course a worthy middle grade villain.
Blast it! Blast it! Blast it!
This is a story filled with good and dark magic, mystery and a plot that keeps you guessing, a boy that can’t remember, and a fun and endearing set of characters.
Who will you trust?
Chase is the logical friend who wants to become a Banker when he grows up, more interested in reading the financial pages. Jack is the inventor who likes to play the part of kid magician. He never thought he would ever be involved with real magic beyond his wildest dreams.
Chase is a very endearing side kick. Very much like Ron from Harry Potter. He made me laugh, and he was there when his buddy needed him. Plus he has a great love for Golden Crust Pizza.
Flash Poofing, Frosty Forest Fizzies and my favourite, the Stratovarious , not to be mistaken with the Stradivarius ...for those not in the know, is a violin. The Stratovarious is no violin. I myself would love one. These are just some of the magical things to be found.
Oh the fun.
The sub characters were amusing. Trygg the Puriform not to be mistaken for a bunny... I loved. After all he did save hours of toil and drudgery.
Madam Puffin, fortune teller and esteemed member of The Witch Association , is quite the lyrical character. She will keep you guessing, for a Prophecy she saw many years ago.
“Ok, first a little background. Doom or fine...” Madame Puffin’s eyes went distant for a moment. “You are Jack ... Jack... you are Jack Boomershine.”
Master Pescipalius Dorfnutter aka Pesky and his daughter Vidalia help to initiate Jack and Chase into the magical world they know so well.
The Cankrots are the evil minions, playing their part well, they know how to throw a spell.
With the Locke family and the Cross family all entwined, makes for a major identity crisis for Jack Boomershine, and a mystery to unwind.
The illustrations though few, are really nice to view.
I think I am turning into Madam Puffin.
I enjoyed this middle grade adventure. For lovers of Harry Potter this is a more middle grade fun magical adventure with two boys and a girl and some great little twists at the end that you didn’t see coming..... and, that Fyrelocke.
Mayhem and magic are always a fun combination for a great escapism and R. Christopher Kobb brings it.
R. Christopher, Trygg is a favourite of mine, I am just going to borrow him, throw in the Stratovarious and I am off on my own adventure...I will see you later.... * flash poof* J
Michelle
May 13, 2013
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle 1st MAY 2013:
RATING: 4.25 JACK & CHASE STARS
Ping!
When unassuming inventor, 12 year old Jack Boomershine, who thought his faulty jet pack was his only conundrum in life, receives a cryptic text message from ‘Anon 1007’ , he does not realize that the life he once thought he knew, was about to change.
Jack and his loyal, funny, bff , Chase Lucre, are about to find themselves mixed up in an extraordinary adventure filled with magical creatures and wizardry and of course a worthy middle grade villain.
Blast it! Blast it! Blast it!
This is a story filled with good and dark magic, mystery and a plot that keeps you guessing, a boy that can’t remember, and a fun and endearing set of characters.
Who will you trust?
Chase is the logical friend who wants to become a Banker when he grows up, more interested in reading the financial pages. Jack is the inventor who likes to play the part of kid magician. He never thought he would ever be involved with real magic beyond his wildest dreams.
Chase is a very endearing side kick. Very much like Ron from Harry Potter. He made me laugh, and he was there when his buddy needed him. Plus he has a great love for Golden Crust Pizza.
Flash Poofing, Frosty Forest Fizzies and my favourite, the Stratovarious , not to be mistaken with the Stradivarius ...for those not in the know, is a violin. The Stratovarious is no violin. I myself would love one. These are just some of the magical things to be found.
Oh the fun.
The sub characters were amusing. Trygg the Puriform not to be mistaken for a bunny... I loved. After all he did save hours of toil and drudgery.
Madam Puffin, fortune teller and esteemed member of The Witch Association , is quite the lyrical character. She will keep you guessing, for a Prophecy she saw many years ago.
“Ok, first a little background. Doom or fine...” Madame Puffin’s eyes went distant for a moment. “You are Jack ... Jack... you are Jack Boomershine.”
Master Pescipalius Dorfnutter aka Pesky and his daughter Vidalia help to initiate Jack and Chase into the magical world they know so well.
The Cankrots are the evil minions, playing their part well, they know how to throw a spell.
With the Locke family and the Cross family all entwined, makes for a major identity crisis for Jack Boomershine, and a mystery to unwind.
The illustrations though few, are really nice to view.
I think I am turning into Madam Puffin.
I enjoyed this middle grade adventure. For lovers of Harry Potter this is a more middle grade fun magical adventure with two boys and a girl and some great little twists at the end that you didn’t see coming..... and, that Fyrelocke.
Mayhem and magic are always a fun combination for a great escapism and R. Christopher Kobb brings it.
R. Christopher, Trygg is a favourite of mine, I am just going to borrow him, throw in the Stratovarious and I am off on my own adventure...I will see you later.... * flash poof* J
Michelle
RATING: 4.25 JACK & CHASE STARS
Ping!
When unassuming inventor, 12 year old Jack Boomershine, who thought his faulty jet pack was his only conundrum in life, receives a cryptic text message from ‘Anon 1007’ , he does not realize that the life he once thought he knew, was about to change.
Jack and his loyal, funny, bff , Chase Lucre, are about to find themselves mixed up in an extraordinary adventure filled with magical creatures and wizardry and of course a worthy middle grade villain.
Blast it! Blast it! Blast it!
This is a story filled with good and dark magic, mystery and a plot that keeps you guessing, a boy that can’t remember, and a fun and endearing set of characters.
Who will you trust?
Chase is the logical friend who wants to become a Banker when he grows up, more interested in reading the financial pages. Jack is the inventor who likes to play the part of kid magician. He never thought he would ever be involved with real magic beyond his wildest dreams.
Chase is a very endearing side kick. Very much like Ron from Harry Potter. He made me laugh, and he was there when his buddy needed him. Plus he has a great love for Golden Crust Pizza.
Flash Poofing, Frosty Forest Fizzies and my favourite, the Stratovarious , not to be mistaken with the Stradivarius ...for those not in the know, is a violin. The Stratovarious is no violin. I myself would love one. These are just some of the magical things to be found.
Oh the fun.
The sub characters were amusing. Trygg the Puriform not to be mistaken for a bunny... I loved. After all he did save hours of toil and drudgery.
Madam Puffin, fortune teller and esteemed member of The Witch Association , is quite the lyrical character. She will keep you guessing, for a Prophecy she saw many years ago.
“Ok, first a little background. Doom or fine...” Madame Puffin’s eyes went distant for a moment. “You are Jack ... Jack... you are Jack Boomershine.”
Master Pescipalius Dorfnutter aka Pesky and his daughter Vidalia help to initiate Jack and Chase into the magical world they know so well.
The Cankrots are the evil minions, playing their part well, they know how to throw a spell.
With the Locke family and the Cross family all entwined, makes for a major identity crisis for Jack Boomershine, and a mystery to unwind.
The illustrations though few, are really nice to view.
I think I am turning into Madam Puffin.
I enjoyed this middle grade adventure. For lovers of Harry Potter this is a more middle grade fun magical adventure with two boys and a girl and some great little twists at the end that you didn’t see coming..... and, that Fyrelocke.
Mayhem and magic are always a fun combination for a great escapism and R. Christopher Kobb brings it.
R. Christopher, Trygg is a favourite of mine, I am just going to borrow him, throw in the Stratovarious and I am off on my own adventure...I will see you later.... * flash poof* J
Michelle
April 30, 2013
In a cave, deep within the cliffs of Brighton, lies a curious stone. No ordinary rock, the Fyrelocke has a dark and intricate past.
Twelve-year-old inventor Jack Boomershine believes it a practical joke when a mysterious text message directs him to it. But finding this powerful stone sets in motion an entangled clockwork of events that draws him ever deeper into an adventure in which his inventions are useless.
As things spin out of control, Jack must find his way through a hidden world of magic with vehicles that fly themselves, a telepathic creature—and an ancient evil with an unfathomable plan, determined to ensnare Jack in it.
I started Fyrelocke: Jack Boomershine and the Prophecy Untold by R. Christopher Kobb thinking, "ok, it's just going to be another rewrite of the Harry Potter books" and wound up being pleasantly surprised. While there are shadows of previous Young Adult fantasy books (and a somewhat Star Wars-type reference thrown in too), thankfully none of them are outrightly based on a single story on its own. After all, even Tolkien and Lewis wove their tales on even older stories so that could be considered normal.
Like all Young Adult fantasy fiction, it takes a group of kids going through fantastic and harrowing trials to save an entire community of people by outwitting an invincible villain. But, Jack and Chase are very well developed characters with quite a few surprises up their sleeves. I only wish Vidalia was given a little more development in the story, considering that she turned out quite important in the end.
Ignatius and Trygg are two characters I never saw coming that are nicely woven into the tale. I'm still wondering how they are connected to Jack. It was not explained in this book so I am guessing there is a sequel due pretty soon.
Thankfully the adults aren't the bumbling, inept blobs that are normally featured. Here, they are true characters that add interest. Puffin's quirks make her a lot of fun, although the rhyming does drive you crazy (which it's supposed to do)! Pesky is a mad, intellectual, caring father, which is a good mix-up if you ask me.
But, the Wargothe could have been just a little bit scarier. As written, I could picture him as a villain out of Scooby Doo falling apart at every step. Powerful, yet comic relief all at once. Gina Cankrot seemed to be more evil at times.
All in all, this was a fun read. Very well written, superb imagery, and a story that keeps you guessing till the end gets this novel 4 out of 5 stars!
Review based on ARC sent by Netgalley.
Twelve-year-old inventor Jack Boomershine believes it a practical joke when a mysterious text message directs him to it. But finding this powerful stone sets in motion an entangled clockwork of events that draws him ever deeper into an adventure in which his inventions are useless.
As things spin out of control, Jack must find his way through a hidden world of magic with vehicles that fly themselves, a telepathic creature—and an ancient evil with an unfathomable plan, determined to ensnare Jack in it.
I started Fyrelocke: Jack Boomershine and the Prophecy Untold by R. Christopher Kobb thinking, "ok, it's just going to be another rewrite of the Harry Potter books" and wound up being pleasantly surprised. While there are shadows of previous Young Adult fantasy books (and a somewhat Star Wars-type reference thrown in too), thankfully none of them are outrightly based on a single story on its own. After all, even Tolkien and Lewis wove their tales on even older stories so that could be considered normal.
Like all Young Adult fantasy fiction, it takes a group of kids going through fantastic and harrowing trials to save an entire community of people by outwitting an invincible villain. But, Jack and Chase are very well developed characters with quite a few surprises up their sleeves. I only wish Vidalia was given a little more development in the story, considering that she turned out quite important in the end.
Ignatius and Trygg are two characters I never saw coming that are nicely woven into the tale. I'm still wondering how they are connected to Jack. It was not explained in this book so I am guessing there is a sequel due pretty soon.
Thankfully the adults aren't the bumbling, inept blobs that are normally featured. Here, they are true characters that add interest. Puffin's quirks make her a lot of fun, although the rhyming does drive you crazy (which it's supposed to do)! Pesky is a mad, intellectual, caring father, which is a good mix-up if you ask me.
But, the Wargothe could have been just a little bit scarier. As written, I could picture him as a villain out of Scooby Doo falling apart at every step. Powerful, yet comic relief all at once. Gina Cankrot seemed to be more evil at times.
All in all, this was a fun read. Very well written, superb imagery, and a story that keeps you guessing till the end gets this novel 4 out of 5 stars!
Review based on ARC sent by Netgalley.
April 22, 2013
This book is just plain old fun to read and I was honored to be provided an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. It’s adventurous, mysterious, and well written. The author did a great job with it and I was surprised to learn it was a first novel! Now I hope that got your attention a little bit, at least enough to get you to read on. Hey, it’s early as I couldn’t sleep so I’m not so much eye catching and witty yet. Just be glad you can’t see me and I’m only trying to get your attention to the review via font, otherwise I’m quite sure my far too early morning appearance would resemble Medusa closely enough I really could turn the living into stone and I’m not so sure I want to test the theory. Anyway, on with the review.
This story is about a 12 year old inventor named Jack Boomershine. He finds a stone that happens to be called Fyrelocke. This stone, however, turns out to be far more than it appears and leads to a great many adventures, mysteries, and mayhem. As per my usual, I refuse to give the book away because you need to go read it but I don’t think any of that gave anything away. I’ll give you just a little bit more, but not much! You need to get it! There is a really cool fortune teller in the book called Madam Puffin who may or may not be, I’m not telling, more than she appears and I love her. She is awesome. This book also had a great best friend angle between Jack and his pal Chase. Every 12 year old should have a best friend so it was a great thing to read about. You’ll also meet a handful of creatures that are so much fun to read about. The book is fast paced from the very beginning, it is filled with twists and turns you just don’t see coming at all until they are smacking you right in the face, and the action just keeps right on coming!
The author writes extremely well and it really doesn’t matter if you are 12 or 79, this book was fun to read (and technically I’m not 12 or 79 so I should really have typed “if you are between the ages of 12 and 79” but that’s still incorrect because you might like it if you are 11 or 80 so um, I guess it’s best said that it’s fun to read at every age). There are illustrations throughout the book which are a really splendid touch. They are really well done and it’s so nice to get a glimpse at what the characters might look like. I really love the writing style of the author and I think that if you are still reading this right now and haven’t read the book, you should do so right now! It’s really very good and it’s so much fun to read. In many ways it takes you back to being a kid again and there is nothing wrong with that!
This story is about a 12 year old inventor named Jack Boomershine. He finds a stone that happens to be called Fyrelocke. This stone, however, turns out to be far more than it appears and leads to a great many adventures, mysteries, and mayhem. As per my usual, I refuse to give the book away because you need to go read it but I don’t think any of that gave anything away. I’ll give you just a little bit more, but not much! You need to get it! There is a really cool fortune teller in the book called Madam Puffin who may or may not be, I’m not telling, more than she appears and I love her. She is awesome. This book also had a great best friend angle between Jack and his pal Chase. Every 12 year old should have a best friend so it was a great thing to read about. You’ll also meet a handful of creatures that are so much fun to read about. The book is fast paced from the very beginning, it is filled with twists and turns you just don’t see coming at all until they are smacking you right in the face, and the action just keeps right on coming!
The author writes extremely well and it really doesn’t matter if you are 12 or 79, this book was fun to read (and technically I’m not 12 or 79 so I should really have typed “if you are between the ages of 12 and 79” but that’s still incorrect because you might like it if you are 11 or 80 so um, I guess it’s best said that it’s fun to read at every age). There are illustrations throughout the book which are a really splendid touch. They are really well done and it’s so nice to get a glimpse at what the characters might look like. I really love the writing style of the author and I think that if you are still reading this right now and haven’t read the book, you should do so right now! It’s really very good and it’s so much fun to read. In many ways it takes you back to being a kid again and there is nothing wrong with that!
May 5, 2013
Fyrelocke
By
R. Christopher Kobb
My "in a nutshell" summary...
Jack finds a rock that unleashes a series of unbelievable events. The rock is powerful and Jack begins a very magical unbelievable journey with his best friend Chase.
My thoughts after reading this book...
Oh me...oh my...such a fun an adventurous book this was! Jack...a rather serious adventurer...inventor extraordinaire and his best friend Chase...a sort of a finance kind of guy...are caught up in the plight of this stone...this magical purple glowing stone.
Simply put...the stone sort of calls to Jack as he is on a field trip and he pockets it. And from that point Jack's normal life is normal no more.
Oh how I love a magical fantasy...and that is exactly what this is...there are chilling bad guys...the Cankrots...who put a spell on Jack's "real" parents...and there are the "good" guys...Vidalia and Pesky and Madame Puffin and Trygg...the character who looks like a bunny. Madame Puffin is under a spell to speak mostly in rhyme. There is a gremlin who looks like a mouse to humans...and so many more...I would love to reveal them all to you but I want this story to provide you with as much fun and nail biting angst as I had while I was lost in reading Fyrelocke! Quite a yummy book! Oh...but wait...let me tease you with just one more character...the baddest bad guy ever...the Wargothe! So old he can't keep his body together. He needs Jack...our hero Jack Boomershine...to fulfill the prophecy!
What I loved about this book...
OMG...I loved Jack and Chase...they didn't have any friends besides each other. That will appeal to so many young readers. I loved Jack's inventions and how Chase was going to manage him when Jack's inventions made them rich and famous. I loved that Jack's bedroom was filled with gadgets and Chase's looked like the office of a finance person.
I loved the short chapters. I loved that Madam Puffin spoke in rhyme. I loved the Cankrots creepy evilness.
The creepy illustrations helped to make the characters in Fyrelocke even more real.
Memorable events in this book...
There were quite a few, actually...Madame Puffin speaking in rhyme, Trygg speaking in Jack's head, Jack flying in the Stratovarious...these were some of my favorite ones.
Final thoughts...
Readers...both young and old...who enjoy magical fantasy books...will love this one. It has both good magic and dark magic which only makes this tale amazingly exiting. Short exciting chapters, fun illustrations and a quest made this reading experience magical for me. I can only hope that there will be a Book Two soon...really soon!
By
R. Christopher Kobb
My "in a nutshell" summary...
Jack finds a rock that unleashes a series of unbelievable events. The rock is powerful and Jack begins a very magical unbelievable journey with his best friend Chase.
My thoughts after reading this book...
Oh me...oh my...such a fun an adventurous book this was! Jack...a rather serious adventurer...inventor extraordinaire and his best friend Chase...a sort of a finance kind of guy...are caught up in the plight of this stone...this magical purple glowing stone.
Simply put...the stone sort of calls to Jack as he is on a field trip and he pockets it. And from that point Jack's normal life is normal no more.
Oh how I love a magical fantasy...and that is exactly what this is...there are chilling bad guys...the Cankrots...who put a spell on Jack's "real" parents...and there are the "good" guys...Vidalia and Pesky and Madame Puffin and Trygg...the character who looks like a bunny. Madame Puffin is under a spell to speak mostly in rhyme. There is a gremlin who looks like a mouse to humans...and so many more...I would love to reveal them all to you but I want this story to provide you with as much fun and nail biting angst as I had while I was lost in reading Fyrelocke! Quite a yummy book! Oh...but wait...let me tease you with just one more character...the baddest bad guy ever...the Wargothe! So old he can't keep his body together. He needs Jack...our hero Jack Boomershine...to fulfill the prophecy!
What I loved about this book...
OMG...I loved Jack and Chase...they didn't have any friends besides each other. That will appeal to so many young readers. I loved Jack's inventions and how Chase was going to manage him when Jack's inventions made them rich and famous. I loved that Jack's bedroom was filled with gadgets and Chase's looked like the office of a finance person.
I loved the short chapters. I loved that Madam Puffin spoke in rhyme. I loved the Cankrots creepy evilness.
The creepy illustrations helped to make the characters in Fyrelocke even more real.
Memorable events in this book...
There were quite a few, actually...Madame Puffin speaking in rhyme, Trygg speaking in Jack's head, Jack flying in the Stratovarious...these were some of my favorite ones.
Final thoughts...
Readers...both young and old...who enjoy magical fantasy books...will love this one. It has both good magic and dark magic which only makes this tale amazingly exiting. Short exciting chapters, fun illustrations and a quest made this reading experience magical for me. I can only hope that there will be a Book Two soon...really soon!
May 2, 2013
Fyrelocke: Jack Boomershine and the Prophecy Untold is one of those fun adventures that younger readers will love! Twelve-year-old inventor/electronics genius Jack Boomershine finds a glowing geode while on a school trip to some underground caves. Soon after, a local fortune teller warns him that the world he lives in is about to change. Can you say “Understatement?” Jack and his best friend, the serious future financial genius, Chase, are catapulted into a fantasy world full of quirky characters, and crazy dangers on a quest to find the prophesied Warlocke, who can command the FyreLocke, the glowing stone he had found in the cave. With the daring of a child, Jack often pulls off “MacGiver” type feats, just by using his brain to get out of a jam! With the help of several magical creatures, he navigates the treacherous journey fairly unscathed and uncovers the truth of the prophecy of the Warlocke. Is it Jack? Is it one of the many magical beings he has met? For that matter, is Jack really Jack, a clever young inventor or is he more? Does he want to be more?
This is a simply charming and captivating book where anything goes and the characters are goofy enough to make you grin!
R. Christopher Cobb must be a kid at heart, full of daring and an amazing and imaginative creative streak! Books like this will encourage young readers to learn the joy of books! Crank up your imagination, set aside your maturity, strap in and enjoy a fantastical adventure that will make you feel like a kid again!
An ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Moonpepper Press in exchange for my honest review. Publication Date: May 24, 2013
This is a simply charming and captivating book where anything goes and the characters are goofy enough to make you grin!
R. Christopher Cobb must be a kid at heart, full of daring and an amazing and imaginative creative streak! Books like this will encourage young readers to learn the joy of books! Crank up your imagination, set aside your maturity, strap in and enjoy a fantastical adventure that will make you feel like a kid again!
An ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Moonpepper Press in exchange for my honest review. Publication Date: May 24, 2013
April 24, 2013
4 STARS
Fyrelocke twists and turns and when you have figured out where it's going, you realize you were wrong. It has magic both good and dark. Lots of different creatures I would not like to run into. Some just gross. It is adventure into a world or town that is built with magic and can't be seen by human eyes.
The plot is good and keeps you reading to figure out where or who is the prophecy is speaking about. Jack on a school field trip is sent some weird texts. To go away from his class and back deeper in the cave. Jack follows the weird light and picks up a glowing rock. Then he falls into water and then more weird stuff happens to him.
The characters are interesting. Three of the main characters are 12 years olds. You are never sure who to trust and who is lying.
Jack Boomershine is 12 years old inventor. Jack is smart and he uses his knowledge to best a very powerful wizard and other dark magic users who try and control him. His best friend is Chase. Chase wants to be a banker when he grows up. He reads newspapers and follows the market. They are both different from others in their school.
On their way home from school they read a sign that's says, "Fortunes read today" So they go in and Jack has his fortune told. They realize something is different and runaway from their.
From their things keep happening to Jack and Chase. It is fast paced story that is entertaining to read. I hope their are going to be more books featuring Jack and friends.
It is aimed at middle school kids but others will enjoy it to. I did.
I was given this book to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
publication: May 24th 2013 by Moonpepper Press 264 pages ISBN-10: 098920720X
April 27, 2013
Fyrelocke is a young adult novel in which Jack, who plans to be an inventor when he’s finished being a kid, finds a strange purple rock and learns that he doesn’t know nearly as much about the world as he thought he did.
The local fortune teller warns him that the world he lives in is going to change. That is an understatement. Jack’s parents tell him that he isn’t their son, but he’s sure they are under the control of the creepy people who say that they are. Jack escapes, but is very quickly on a roller coaster ride that avoids cliches and stock characters.
Fyrelocke is a very fast paced novel. Once I got used to the very short chapters and allowed them to control the pacing of the novel I found that it was a effective device. It also means that it is very tempting to read ‘just one more chapter’. I finished this book in a single afternoon. I enjoyed it immensely. Aside from the solid plotting, the characters are well developed and having Jack and Chase able to play off of each other added some well scripted comic moments.
A bonus to the book are the well done illustration that are scattered through the story. They are placed carefully to not interrupt the story line, and give some insight into how Christopher sees his characters. This is clearly the first book of a series, yet it is complete enough in itself for me to put it down with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to read the next one as soon as it comes out. I would recommend Fyrelocke to anyone who enjoys easy to read but very hard to put down books.
The local fortune teller warns him that the world he lives in is going to change. That is an understatement. Jack’s parents tell him that he isn’t their son, but he’s sure they are under the control of the creepy people who say that they are. Jack escapes, but is very quickly on a roller coaster ride that avoids cliches and stock characters.
Fyrelocke is a very fast paced novel. Once I got used to the very short chapters and allowed them to control the pacing of the novel I found that it was a effective device. It also means that it is very tempting to read ‘just one more chapter’. I finished this book in a single afternoon. I enjoyed it immensely. Aside from the solid plotting, the characters are well developed and having Jack and Chase able to play off of each other added some well scripted comic moments.
A bonus to the book are the well done illustration that are scattered through the story. They are placed carefully to not interrupt the story line, and give some insight into how Christopher sees his characters. This is clearly the first book of a series, yet it is complete enough in itself for me to put it down with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to read the next one as soon as it comes out. I would recommend Fyrelocke to anyone who enjoys easy to read but very hard to put down books.
August 5, 2013
Some books just take you by surprise. I must admit that the cover of this book grabbed my attention and the description of the book was compelling. But neither prepared me for the magical adventure that this story would be, and let's hope it is just the beginning of a much longer tale. The story is similar to N.D. Wilson's 100 Cupboards in both style and substance. It is a very fun story filled with twists and turns that will surprise even the most veteran readers. It will also be an excellent read for the intended audience of pre-teens and young adults.
Jack Boomershine is a young inventor, a scientist a young man focused on the mind and the future. But a series of strange events pull him into a world he did not even know existed and is well beyond anything his science can explain. It all begins with some strange text messages, and while on a field trip in the cliffs of Brighton Jack is led to a mysterious stone. This person of science must learn to find his way in a world of magic, mystery, telepathy and more. He will encounter an ancient evil and more. He goes on this adventure with his best friend Chase and soon finds new friends along the way.
This book was an excellent read. It had a number of dark illustrations that added to the story and will be of special interest to younger readers.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Jack Boomershine is a young inventor, a scientist a young man focused on the mind and the future. But a series of strange events pull him into a world he did not even know existed and is well beyond anything his science can explain. It all begins with some strange text messages, and while on a field trip in the cliffs of Brighton Jack is led to a mysterious stone. This person of science must learn to find his way in a world of magic, mystery, telepathy and more. He will encounter an ancient evil and more. He goes on this adventure with his best friend Chase and soon finds new friends along the way.
This book was an excellent read. It had a number of dark illustrations that added to the story and will be of special interest to younger readers.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
May 26, 2013
I was lucky to receive an advance reader copy of Fyrelocke from a First Reads giveaway.
Fyrelocke is a fast-paced, entertaining fantasy book. This book features a 12-year-old protagonist (Jack Boomershine) who is familiar with mechanics and technology, and who suddenly learns that magic also exists in the world. Together with his friend Chase, a financial expert, he must learn to cope with a magic stone, mysterious British people, and rhyming prophesies, among other things.
Although Fyrelocke seems to be geared toward pre-teens and teenagers, people of all ages will enjoy this book. Fyrelocke's 100 chapters (!) always provide the plot with forward momentum; unlike the plots of many other books, the plot of this book never lags. All of the characters, whether good or bad, wizard or human, are interesting. The text is clear, and the illustrations are vivid and life-like. Younger readers might have some trouble interpreting a certain character's rhymes, but that should not deter them from reading this book.
The author presents readers with a number of mysteries, starting with the first chapter ("who sent the text message?"). Instead of making readers wait for a possible sequel, the author provides many of the answers within the text of Fyrelocke. The fates of some characters are left unrevealed, leaving room for a possible sequel, which I would be excited to read.
Fyrelocke is an exciting book for readers from Brighton to Brighton and back again.
Fyrelocke is a fast-paced, entertaining fantasy book. This book features a 12-year-old protagonist (Jack Boomershine) who is familiar with mechanics and technology, and who suddenly learns that magic also exists in the world. Together with his friend Chase, a financial expert, he must learn to cope with a magic stone, mysterious British people, and rhyming prophesies, among other things.
Although Fyrelocke seems to be geared toward pre-teens and teenagers, people of all ages will enjoy this book. Fyrelocke's 100 chapters (!) always provide the plot with forward momentum; unlike the plots of many other books, the plot of this book never lags. All of the characters, whether good or bad, wizard or human, are interesting. The text is clear, and the illustrations are vivid and life-like. Younger readers might have some trouble interpreting a certain character's rhymes, but that should not deter them from reading this book.
The author presents readers with a number of mysteries, starting with the first chapter ("who sent the text message?"). Instead of making readers wait for a possible sequel, the author provides many of the answers within the text of Fyrelocke. The fates of some characters are left unrevealed, leaving room for a possible sequel, which I would be excited to read.
Fyrelocke is an exciting book for readers from Brighton to Brighton and back again.
June 4, 2013
When 12-year-old Jack Boomershine finds a geode lined with purple crystals, it sets off a series of events which will take him and his best friend, Chase, into a world of magic, both light and dark. Turns out this is no ordinary stone but perhaps the only fyrelock in existence invented and lost a thousand years ago. Now Jack's parents are under a dark spell and the only one that can save them is the Warlocke, a person who may or may not exist.
This was a fun fantasy tale for middle graders. Jack and Chase are likeable as are most of the good characters and the evil characters are evil enough to be interesting without being too scary for the younger reader. I also liked the short chapters which may keep the reluctant reader from abandoning the book.
This may be a book aimed at middle graders but, for those of you who are like me, way past the target audience, don't let that stop you from reading it. There's enough adventure, twists and turns, evil doers doing evil and bad poetry spouted by a prophetic witch to keep even us oldsters entertained.
This was a fun fantasy tale for middle graders. Jack and Chase are likeable as are most of the good characters and the evil characters are evil enough to be interesting without being too scary for the younger reader. I also liked the short chapters which may keep the reluctant reader from abandoning the book.
This may be a book aimed at middle graders but, for those of you who are like me, way past the target audience, don't let that stop you from reading it. There's enough adventure, twists and turns, evil doers doing evil and bad poetry spouted by a prophetic witch to keep even us oldsters entertained.
April 25, 2013
Review of Fyrelocke
“Fyrelocke: Jack Boomershine and the Prophecy Untold” is a delightfully action-packed, uproarious adventure/fantasy with little or no suspension of disbelief necessary, as potential disbelief is checked at the door. Twelve-year-old inventor/electronics genius Jack and his finance-oriented best friend Chase find themselves mysteriously transported, after a series of text messages on his cell phone guide Jack to recover an amethyst geode, which is definitely a “fyrestone” and may be the inimitable “Fyrelocke.” Due to the magics surrounding this stone, Jack and Chase are transported to England, but it’s certainly not the England tourists usually view.
With smooth writing, good characterization, and a pace faster than any video game, “Fyrelocke” is sure to delight readers from middle-grade on up (even oldsters like this reviewer) and its fans will be hankering for further adventures of Jack, the boy who is nearly too smart for his own good.
“Fyrelocke: Jack Boomershine and the Prophecy Untold” is a delightfully action-packed, uproarious adventure/fantasy with little or no suspension of disbelief necessary, as potential disbelief is checked at the door. Twelve-year-old inventor/electronics genius Jack and his finance-oriented best friend Chase find themselves mysteriously transported, after a series of text messages on his cell phone guide Jack to recover an amethyst geode, which is definitely a “fyrestone” and may be the inimitable “Fyrelocke.” Due to the magics surrounding this stone, Jack and Chase are transported to England, but it’s certainly not the England tourists usually view.
With smooth writing, good characterization, and a pace faster than any video game, “Fyrelocke” is sure to delight readers from middle-grade on up (even oldsters like this reviewer) and its fans will be hankering for further adventures of Jack, the boy who is nearly too smart for his own good.
May 29, 2013
I would recommend Fyrelocke to any younger children, friends and family that enjoy reading a light fantasy novel. The characters had their own personalities that really stood out throughout Kobb’s novel. The way that Jack and Chase were two best friends and the way they interacted and complemented each other. The characters didn’t feel flat to me at all and the reader really gets to see different sides of them throughout Kobb’s novel. How seemingly nutso Madame Puffin is more intelligent than she lets on, or that extremely creepy Cankrots are more than just evil goons. I really enjoyed the adventurous plot with all the different twists and turns, in which, some I wasn’t even expecting. I couldn’t put Fyrelocke down and had no real problems with the pacing and Kobb was able to paint a picture in my head and I absolutely loved all of the illustrations that were scattered throughout the book.
May 23, 2013
Overall, I enjoyed reading this fantasy novel. It was a little dull to me at first but became more interesting when the story began to unfold. The only let down was that I expected a bit more of the "face-off" between Jack and the Warlogthe--I wanted to see a bit more spells being used. Though, this is a great foundation for a series; as long as it doesn't tilt more towards the Harry Potter saga.
Kids and teenagers would enjoy it.
Kids and teenagers would enjoy it.
May 14, 2013
What a fun story! Jack is a normal, kind of geeky 12 year old boy who makes all kinds of electronic gadgets. His best friend Chase is obsessed with finances. When Jack is mysteriously lead to a purple rock, his life changes. He and Chase are drawn into a magical mystery, transported to England and Jack must survive using only his powers of observation and a little sleight of hand. Lots of unexpected twists of plot, magic, humor and adventure abound in this fun book. I highly recommend it!
June 16, 2013
This book reminded me of the first Harry Potter book and I can't wait to read the next book from this new Chicago author.
June 21, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a fun read, that I hated to put down.
June 23, 2014
I received this book for free from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Have you got a younger sibling/cousin that likes fantasy books? Then I think this book would be great for them. But it doesn’t stop at younger readers because I certainly enjoyed it! Fyrelocke was an easy yet interesting read, a fun romp through the magical world that Kobb has created. It’s one of those fantasy books that you pick up when you’re in the mood for something adventurous but not too heavy. That said, it doesn’t mean that the plot is too simple or predictable. Kobb definitely led me around on some false leads and there are few twists that I did not see coming.
As for the characters, Jack and Chase are a fun duo to watch. It’s great to see how these two best friends interact and complement each other. A few things seemed odd to me, like how Jack was able to put together all his inventions at the age of twelve or how Chase is really obsessed with finances! Ah, but this is a story about magic with quirky wizards and their more rational daughters, a fortune teller and a Cheshire Cat-like figure, I figure I can let a few things slide. None of the characters feel flat to me and the reader gets to see different sides of them, like how seemingly nutso Madame Puffin is more intelligent than she lets on, or that the creepy Cankrots are more than just evil goons.
It was great to watch Jack, Chase and Vidalia develop as the story went on. These kids are learning new things, using old skills to get them out of sticky situations, and opening up their world. I couldn’t put Fyrelocke down and I had no real problems with the pacing, Kobb was able to paint a picture in my head and those nice illustrations certainly helped things along.
Overall: This book gets four stars from me for being a fun romp with a plot that still had twists, characters that seemed real to me and had their own personalities that really shone through, and for giving me an idea of what to get my younger cousin this Christmas! I definitely recommend Fyrelocke for anyone that wants a nice little fantasy story.
(Originally posted here at Read Me Away)
Have you got a younger sibling/cousin that likes fantasy books? Then I think this book would be great for them. But it doesn’t stop at younger readers because I certainly enjoyed it! Fyrelocke was an easy yet interesting read, a fun romp through the magical world that Kobb has created. It’s one of those fantasy books that you pick up when you’re in the mood for something adventurous but not too heavy. That said, it doesn’t mean that the plot is too simple or predictable. Kobb definitely led me around on some false leads and there are few twists that I did not see coming.
As for the characters, Jack and Chase are a fun duo to watch. It’s great to see how these two best friends interact and complement each other. A few things seemed odd to me, like how Jack was able to put together all his inventions at the age of twelve or how Chase is really obsessed with finances! Ah, but this is a story about magic with quirky wizards and their more rational daughters, a fortune teller and a Cheshire Cat-like figure, I figure I can let a few things slide. None of the characters feel flat to me and the reader gets to see different sides of them, like how seemingly nutso Madame Puffin is more intelligent than she lets on, or that the creepy Cankrots are more than just evil goons.
It was great to watch Jack, Chase and Vidalia develop as the story went on. These kids are learning new things, using old skills to get them out of sticky situations, and opening up their world. I couldn’t put Fyrelocke down and I had no real problems with the pacing, Kobb was able to paint a picture in my head and those nice illustrations certainly helped things along.
Overall: This book gets four stars from me for being a fun romp with a plot that still had twists, characters that seemed real to me and had their own personalities that really shone through, and for giving me an idea of what to get my younger cousin this Christmas! I definitely recommend Fyrelocke for anyone that wants a nice little fantasy story.
(Originally posted here at Read Me Away)
August 6, 2016
This book is full of fun, mischief and mayhem. The Fyrelocke is an ancient stone with secrets and powers all it's own. The Wargothe desires control of it and is in search of it. Enter Jack and Chase, 2 young boys who have stumbled upon the stone. The stone will appear when it is needed and now it must be needed. Many people (witches, wizards) and other fantasy characters (tryggth) make appearances to help the story along. The end has a wonderful twist. It is a quick read and I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 28, 2014
Thank you to Netgalley and Moonpepper Press for allowing me access to this title.
This was a fun book for me to read. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the characters. The plot was not entirely predictable. It was an enjoyable adventure.
I would highly recommend this book for fans of Harry Potter, 13th Reality and Fablehaven. This is one that boys could really get into. 3 1/2 stars!
This was a fun book for me to read. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the characters. The plot was not entirely predictable. It was an enjoyable adventure.
I would highly recommend this book for fans of Harry Potter, 13th Reality and Fablehaven. This is one that boys could really get into. 3 1/2 stars!
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