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The Novel Adventures of Nimrod Vale #1
An Unfortunate Beginning
Heroes Create Their Own Endings
Nimrod Vale is convinced he is the unluckiest twelve-year-old alive. Life is hard when your name doubles as an insult, but he finds it is even worse when your mom dies. Nim is forced to stay with his only living relative, his Aunt Holly in Portland, Oregon. After settling in, he is ready to get lost in a good book, except his bad luck gets in the way when he tips a cup of steaming coffee onto his tablet. While his most prized possession is being repaired, Nim grows anxious to start writing one of his own stories, so his aunt sends him to the attic in search of his grandpa’s treasured fountain pen.
An accidental discovery reveals a desolate world that he thought only existed on the pages of his paper. Nim prefers to pretend it never happened, and hide away in the school library. There he meets a loner named Pepper who gives him no choice but to be his friend, but when she discovers what he has been hiding, she forces his hand. Nim then must choose to step up and help the fictional war-torn land or turn his back on the people who need him most.
Nimrod Vale is convinced he is the unluckiest twelve-year-old alive. Life is hard when your name doubles as an insult, but he finds it is even worse when your mom dies. Nim is forced to stay with his only living relative, his Aunt Holly in Portland, Oregon. After settling in, he is ready to get lost in a good book, except his bad luck gets in the way when he tips a cup of steaming coffee onto his tablet. While his most prized possession is being repaired, Nim grows anxious to start writing one of his own stories, so his aunt sends him to the attic in search of his grandpa’s treasured fountain pen.
An accidental discovery reveals a desolate world that he thought only existed on the pages of his paper. Nim prefers to pretend it never happened, and hide away in the school library. There he meets a loner named Pepper who gives him no choice but to be his friend, but when she discovers what he has been hiding, she forces his hand. Nim then must choose to step up and help the fictional war-torn land or turn his back on the people who need him most.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2013
6 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Natasha S. Brown
26 books404 followersUSA Today bestselling author Natasha Brown's imagination has always been a distraction. The books she read in the dark past bedtime fed her excitement for fantasy worlds. Once she started writing, there was no stopping her. By day, Natasha’s an assistant teacher at an elementary school, and by night she’s a book cover designer. Her weekends are spent writing and spending time with family.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 22, 2013
This was one of the best fantasies I've read in a long time! When Nim and Pepper travel on their adventure inside the new world they've discovered, I found myself wanting Nim's grandfather's pen for myself. I would love to be able to go on an adventure like they did, only perhaps to a different place. "An Unfortunate Beginning" will take you on a roller-coaster ride of emotions as you get to know Nim and Pepper, and discover how special they are, in so many ways.
July 31, 2013
At first Nimrod Vale seems to be all prickles and stings, and for good reason. Forget bad luck. He seems downright cursed. Finding himself alone in the world with the exception of his aunt and his writing (and then even his precious tablet breaks), he wants nothing more than to fend off the world and keep it from entering his lonely heart. Then he is introduced to the very thing that he can't ignore - another world that he himself has brought into existence with the stroke of a pen. His old stand-by of pushing away just about everyone can hardly help him now.
Nim, our reluctant hero, is so compelling as little by little he begins to let the world in again. The perfect symbol for this is the intriguing Pepper, whose name and manner show that she is clearly not someone to be ignored. She is a bit of a misfit herself, and yet she embraces life and encourages Nim to do the same. I loved their friendship - from their banter ('Crackerjack') to their teamwork.
All this tied up with one whopper of a surprise ending that's bound to leave you wanting more. Nimrod's tale is the most original and entertaining story I've read in a long time. Bravo! I eagerly await Brown's next installment in the series.
Nim, our reluctant hero, is so compelling as little by little he begins to let the world in again. The perfect symbol for this is the intriguing Pepper, whose name and manner show that she is clearly not someone to be ignored. She is a bit of a misfit herself, and yet she embraces life and encourages Nim to do the same. I loved their friendship - from their banter ('Crackerjack') to their teamwork.
All this tied up with one whopper of a surprise ending that's bound to leave you wanting more. Nimrod's tale is the most original and entertaining story I've read in a long time. Bravo! I eagerly await Brown's next installment in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2013
This book is such a fun read!
It follows a young Nim who has recently had to move to a new town because of unfortunate events. He loves to write stories, and just when he needs to write the most, his tablet tears up, leaving him without a way of entertainment. Lucky for him, his aunt shows him his grandfather's study - which so happens to have an unusual pen and paper.
Nim is writing his story and suddenly finds himself in his own story!
Nim must deal with finding new friends and changing the fate of his characters.
This novel was such a fun and entertaining read, and I'm far from the intended age group. I think that this novel will appeal to boys and girls, teens and adults! It's action packed. There's character growth and characters you just can't help but love.
Pick this up today!
It follows a young Nim who has recently had to move to a new town because of unfortunate events. He loves to write stories, and just when he needs to write the most, his tablet tears up, leaving him without a way of entertainment. Lucky for him, his aunt shows him his grandfather's study - which so happens to have an unusual pen and paper.
Nim is writing his story and suddenly finds himself in his own story!
Nim must deal with finding new friends and changing the fate of his characters.
This novel was such a fun and entertaining read, and I'm far from the intended age group. I think that this novel will appeal to boys and girls, teens and adults! It's action packed. There's character growth and characters you just can't help but love.
Pick this up today!
September 24, 2024
Wonderful fantasy novel for ages 9-12. Kept my students reading from front to finish.
February 5, 2014
A Cracker-jacking Beginning: An Unfortunate Beginning by Natasha Brown
This story would be wonderful for any child aged between 8 and 13. The plot is exciting and the pace is fast enough to keep you interested without allowing the reader to lose track of what and who is going on. There were lots of features that I enjoyed.
To start with, I have got to say that I absolutely love Brown’s humour, which is unique in its approach and yet still has the laugh-out-loud effect of Rick Riordan’s ‘Percy Jackson’. The gags are little gems within the book and it is impossible not to smile when they do come up.
As I've already said, the plot is warm, exciting and different. Driving you through without any contemplation of stopping. The story-line is clever and incorporates a realm of different aspects but does not overwhelm. The ending is really very good and will keep you guessing until the end, although the wool will still be pulled over your eyes! (probably)
The character of Nimrod (great name. really great name.) is likeable and engaging and it is very difficult not to feel some kind of sympathy for him. Pepper is in the same way likeable and adds depth to the story, although I did find myself forgetting her back-story quickly but that may have just been me. Despite the some of the other characters appearing to be slightly on the flat side at times, I ended up taking a particular shine to Red, who remains my favourite character because of his courage and loyalty.
Brown’s style is intriguing and pleasant and I would not hesitate in recommending this to the younger reader. I hope we will see more of Nimrod’s adventures in the future!
ONE SENTENCE: Engaging and exciting, perfect for children aged 8 and upwards.
Imogen for Worm's Magical Library of Books
www.wormslibraryofbooks.blogspot.com
This story would be wonderful for any child aged between 8 and 13. The plot is exciting and the pace is fast enough to keep you interested without allowing the reader to lose track of what and who is going on. There were lots of features that I enjoyed.
To start with, I have got to say that I absolutely love Brown’s humour, which is unique in its approach and yet still has the laugh-out-loud effect of Rick Riordan’s ‘Percy Jackson’. The gags are little gems within the book and it is impossible not to smile when they do come up.
As I've already said, the plot is warm, exciting and different. Driving you through without any contemplation of stopping. The story-line is clever and incorporates a realm of different aspects but does not overwhelm. The ending is really very good and will keep you guessing until the end, although the wool will still be pulled over your eyes! (probably)
The character of Nimrod (great name. really great name.) is likeable and engaging and it is very difficult not to feel some kind of sympathy for him. Pepper is in the same way likeable and adds depth to the story, although I did find myself forgetting her back-story quickly but that may have just been me. Despite the some of the other characters appearing to be slightly on the flat side at times, I ended up taking a particular shine to Red, who remains my favourite character because of his courage and loyalty.
Brown’s style is intriguing and pleasant and I would not hesitate in recommending this to the younger reader. I hope we will see more of Nimrod’s adventures in the future!
ONE SENTENCE: Engaging and exciting, perfect for children aged 8 and upwards.
Imogen for Worm's Magical Library of Books
www.wormslibraryofbooks.blogspot.com
June 27, 2016
Absolutely enthralled from beginning to end
What a truly amazing novel. Natasha Brown has written a truly wonderful book filled with real life issues, friendship, magic, fantasy, and a whole !of more.
The author's writing kept me enthralled from beginning to end. Her main character, 12 year old boy, Nimrod (Nim), always feels down on his luck and feels he is an outcast at school because he likes to read and write short stories. He is a great kid who has a lot going for him, including meeting a girl named Pepper, who is considered an outcast also, but for different reasons. The two of them hit it off...and become each others confidante.
The storyline is absolutely so well written. What a great mix of real life, fantasy and fun; with a little magic and family history thrown in. What more could two inquisitive kids ask for?
While this book was written for those around middle school age, as an adult reader I can say this book is truly for any age. It is a chapter book and it is the length of a novel, but it is written so that any child with a good master of language and a love for reading will have no problem reading "An Unfortunate Beginning".
I highly recommend this novel to children and adults. Truly enjoyable and well worth the read.
What a truly amazing novel. Natasha Brown has written a truly wonderful book filled with real life issues, friendship, magic, fantasy, and a whole !of more.
The author's writing kept me enthralled from beginning to end. Her main character, 12 year old boy, Nimrod (Nim), always feels down on his luck and feels he is an outcast at school because he likes to read and write short stories. He is a great kid who has a lot going for him, including meeting a girl named Pepper, who is considered an outcast also, but for different reasons. The two of them hit it off...and become each others confidante.
The storyline is absolutely so well written. What a great mix of real life, fantasy and fun; with a little magic and family history thrown in. What more could two inquisitive kids ask for?
While this book was written for those around middle school age, as an adult reader I can say this book is truly for any age. It is a chapter book and it is the length of a novel, but it is written so that any child with a good master of language and a love for reading will have no problem reading "An Unfortunate Beginning".
I highly recommend this novel to children and adults. Truly enjoyable and well worth the read.
July 29, 2016
Tasha Brown has done it again. I have loved both of the books in her YA series so far, and the first book in her new series for slightly younger kids does not disappoint. It's page-turning adventure that is hard to put down. The idea of suddenly becoming part of the story when you pick up a pen is not a new one, but this book makes it fresh all over again. It's hard not to fall in love with Nimrod Vale. He speaks with with a dry sense of humor and the voice of a cynical twelve year old. With a rich vocabulary and picturesque descriptions, this book is a treasure. Can't wait for the next one!
August 2, 2013
What an amazing first book for an upcoming series! This whimsical tale really appealed to my childlike imagination, making me wish I had a fantastical pen like Nim's so I could go into a few stories as well! I very much enjoyed An Unfortunate Beginning, and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 11, 2013
This is a fun read! The idea of having a magic pen that takes you into stories is very creative and grabbed my imagination right away. I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series!
March 30, 2016
Loved! Very good book, good story line, and overall amazing!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews