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Hildof and the Seven Given Souls
The peaceful Kingdom of Calibar is invaded by the sorceress Savina and her Mudgie Army. The King and Queen are killed but the royal wizard, Tildor, tells the feline to take the baby prince to Hildof Village, where he is raised by foster parents. Eleven years later, as Savina's lust for power grows stronger, young Leon has disturbing dreams as his latent magic powers stir to life. When their parents are enslaved, Leon and his six culturally diverse friends meet Tildor. Under his guidance, they embark on a quest. If successful, Leon will fulfil his destined role as the Chosen One and Savina's armies will be defeated. If they fail, the world will be plunged into chaos. Can seven children prevail against the might of sorcery and dark magic? Perhaps they can if they harness the power of the seven given souls and control their morphing powers. But before this can be attempted they have a lot of growing up to do, and much to learn about themselves and one another.
308 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 14, 2013
This is a delightful and wonderful middle-grade adventure book, beautifully written and in parts it reminded me of Brian Jacque’s RedWall series. It will appeal to ages 10 on up but also adults will enjoy it as well, as the authors have nailed that hard to write sweet spot of both adults and teenagers enjoying a book equally. It’s a fast read, always an adventure with every chapter and well written/formatted for Kindle. Great book!
November 27, 2013
A very beautiful story. It seems it was written by a child, to be lovingly told to children. This is actually a compliment. To write with a childlike voice is a very difficult thing to master.
The story flows so well. You know the story is written well when there are many characters introduced and many scenes proposed but don't have to strain to keep track. The pace flows naturally from one page to another. Surprisingly, I did not have to go back to any point in this book to clear up a misunderstanding.
Prince Leon is virtuous. It is interesting the author not only makes him a likeable character but contrary to some fantasy fables, the author introduces important morals. For example when the children laugh at one of their own, the author ensures that the mocked child asserts himself and states how he feels. Then the children take turns apologizing to the mocked child.
Another fine example of a teachable moment is when there is a battle at the end. There's no doubt that the opposing army is wicked and has asserted treacherous rule for so many years. Rather than be bloodthirsty and vengeful the young Prince Leon offers peace first, with the condition that the opposing army vacate the lands. We know the offer won't be accepted by the nefarious army but it is interesting to see such an approach. We know that Prince Leon won't be just an evil despot replacing another evil despot.
This story is great for children of all ages. The only comment I have that detracts from the quality is that some of this plot seems to have been covered in other stories of classic fantasy. But, this book is definitely original, and it's impossible to not borrow other plot devices from all great works of fantasy.
Another detraction was that the cover is beautiful, but is better as a example of masterful drawing than as a cover for a book. A book cover is expected to have striking features, and the pencil-like drawing loses some of its potency when displayed on a book cover. If this could be done in black ink and with less detail it might still be an excellent book cover.
The five stars are earned without doubt for the quality of the writing, making such a dynamic story so easy to read. It reminds me of the writing quality of children's fantasy such as the Narnia stories by C.S. Lewis, especially the battle scene in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.
The story flows so well. You know the story is written well when there are many characters introduced and many scenes proposed but don't have to strain to keep track. The pace flows naturally from one page to another. Surprisingly, I did not have to go back to any point in this book to clear up a misunderstanding.
Prince Leon is virtuous. It is interesting the author not only makes him a likeable character but contrary to some fantasy fables, the author introduces important morals. For example when the children laugh at one of their own, the author ensures that the mocked child asserts himself and states how he feels. Then the children take turns apologizing to the mocked child.
Another fine example of a teachable moment is when there is a battle at the end. There's no doubt that the opposing army is wicked and has asserted treacherous rule for so many years. Rather than be bloodthirsty and vengeful the young Prince Leon offers peace first, with the condition that the opposing army vacate the lands. We know the offer won't be accepted by the nefarious army but it is interesting to see such an approach. We know that Prince Leon won't be just an evil despot replacing another evil despot.
This story is great for children of all ages. The only comment I have that detracts from the quality is that some of this plot seems to have been covered in other stories of classic fantasy. But, this book is definitely original, and it's impossible to not borrow other plot devices from all great works of fantasy.
Another detraction was that the cover is beautiful, but is better as a example of masterful drawing than as a cover for a book. A book cover is expected to have striking features, and the pencil-like drawing loses some of its potency when displayed on a book cover. If this could be done in black ink and with less detail it might still be an excellent book cover.
The five stars are earned without doubt for the quality of the writing, making such a dynamic story so easy to read. It reminds me of the writing quality of children's fantasy such as the Narnia stories by C.S. Lewis, especially the battle scene in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.
April 7, 2014
Reviewed for Readers Favorite
Leon has grown up in the Village of Hildof with his six best friends never thinking that life could be any different than what it is now. One day the village is invaded by Mudgies and all the parents are taken to the Castle of Calibar to be slaves. The children were in the woodss and were saved, and a wizard named Tildor finds them and tells them a wonderful story. Leon is really the Prince of Calibar and it is his destiny to save the world. The seven friends embark on a journey to rescue their parents and save the world from th evil sorceress Savina. Along with Tildor, they met another great wizard Randoff who gives them guidance. When Leon is offered great power to save the world, he requests that it be split among the seven friends. Abraham Mehmet and Pinar Hakki have written a story that will inspire and encourage children who have the chance to read Hildof and the Seven Given Souls.
Hildof and the Seven Given Souls is not just a great adventure story that will attract young boys and girls to read it. There is so much more in this story. The value of friendship and everyone standing together against a foe instead of just one person, the power in numbers, that one person is not more important than the others, and that Light is the ultimate and can overcome any darkness and evil. Abraham Mehmet and Pinar Hakki did a wonderful job merging these values and ideals into a story that is still interesting enough to capture the attention of children. I would love to recommend this book to my own daughter's fourth grade class, they would love it. I think it would be perfect for any classroom with lots of teaching moments in the book.
Leon has grown up in the Village of Hildof with his six best friends never thinking that life could be any different than what it is now. One day the village is invaded by Mudgies and all the parents are taken to the Castle of Calibar to be slaves. The children were in the woodss and were saved, and a wizard named Tildor finds them and tells them a wonderful story. Leon is really the Prince of Calibar and it is his destiny to save the world. The seven friends embark on a journey to rescue their parents and save the world from th evil sorceress Savina. Along with Tildor, they met another great wizard Randoff who gives them guidance. When Leon is offered great power to save the world, he requests that it be split among the seven friends. Abraham Mehmet and Pinar Hakki have written a story that will inspire and encourage children who have the chance to read Hildof and the Seven Given Souls.
Hildof and the Seven Given Souls is not just a great adventure story that will attract young boys and girls to read it. There is so much more in this story. The value of friendship and everyone standing together against a foe instead of just one person, the power in numbers, that one person is not more important than the others, and that Light is the ultimate and can overcome any darkness and evil. Abraham Mehmet and Pinar Hakki did a wonderful job merging these values and ideals into a story that is still interesting enough to capture the attention of children. I would love to recommend this book to my own daughter's fourth grade class, they would love it. I think it would be perfect for any classroom with lots of teaching moments in the book.
January 19, 2014
Recommended traditional fairytale for children and those young at heart
Abraham Mehmet and Pinar Hakki have written a beautiful fantasy fairytale with traditional, yet new magical elements that will especially interest readers of the Narnia stories, Tolkien and Harry Potter.
In the kingdom of Calibar a young boy, Leon, grows up not knowing he is actually a prince and his royal parents murdered.
He and his group of friends go on a magical adventure, protected and guided by the wizard Tildor.
With their village under siege and their parents captured by the evil witch queen Savina and her army of Mudgies, they set out on an adventure and encounter all sorts of hardships, but also help.
The story is beautifully written with well fleshed out characters; the seven boys and girls are very likable and realistic. Different types of children will grow a liking to either one or two, or possibly all of them.
My only critque would be the cover, which is a pretty drawing in itself, but might let the book down. This is a story equilevant to that of C.S Lewis and I think therefore should have a better image with a better bigger eye-cathing picture and font for the title and the writer's names.
You will find lots of adventure and magic with valuable lessons such as anti-bullying, coming of age, friendship, loyalty and courage in this page turning book.
Natasja Hellenthal, Fantasy author of The Queen's Curse
Abraham Mehmet and Pinar Hakki have written a beautiful fantasy fairytale with traditional, yet new magical elements that will especially interest readers of the Narnia stories, Tolkien and Harry Potter.
In the kingdom of Calibar a young boy, Leon, grows up not knowing he is actually a prince and his royal parents murdered.
He and his group of friends go on a magical adventure, protected and guided by the wizard Tildor.
With their village under siege and their parents captured by the evil witch queen Savina and her army of Mudgies, they set out on an adventure and encounter all sorts of hardships, but also help.
The story is beautifully written with well fleshed out characters; the seven boys and girls are very likable and realistic. Different types of children will grow a liking to either one or two, or possibly all of them.
My only critque would be the cover, which is a pretty drawing in itself, but might let the book down. This is a story equilevant to that of C.S Lewis and I think therefore should have a better image with a better bigger eye-cathing picture and font for the title and the writer's names.
You will find lots of adventure and magic with valuable lessons such as anti-bullying, coming of age, friendship, loyalty and courage in this page turning book.
Natasja Hellenthal, Fantasy author of The Queen's Curse
May 26, 2014
A Charming Tale
The children’s novel ‘Hildof and the Seven Given Souls (Book 1)’ was a charming tale of magic, a lost prince and friendship along with the obligatory tale of good versus evil. In the beginning of the novel, the reader is thrown into the world of Calibar, a fantasy world filled with magic and mythical creatures. The story starts very quickly and it felt, at times, like the novel was throwing back story at the reader so quickly that it was hard to keep up.
Once we reach the village of Hildof, the story slows down, and we are able to get to know the seven children who remain the focus of the rest of the tale. The characters are interesting and diverse, and the interactions between them have some lovely moments.
There were some errors in grammar and punctuation which, at times, pulled me from the story (sorry, I’m an English teacher – I can’t help myself). More careful editing would be beneficial.
The other area that I found disjointed was the dialogue. The voices of the characters didn’t always feel real, and there were a number of modern references and language structures that felt out of place with the rest of the writing style.
Overall, this is a nice children’s story with an imaginative treatment. It teaches a strong moral message – that peace and family are worth fighting for. With some more careful editing, this would be a really fabulous novel that I’m sure children would enjoy.
The children’s novel ‘Hildof and the Seven Given Souls (Book 1)’ was a charming tale of magic, a lost prince and friendship along with the obligatory tale of good versus evil. In the beginning of the novel, the reader is thrown into the world of Calibar, a fantasy world filled with magic and mythical creatures. The story starts very quickly and it felt, at times, like the novel was throwing back story at the reader so quickly that it was hard to keep up.
Once we reach the village of Hildof, the story slows down, and we are able to get to know the seven children who remain the focus of the rest of the tale. The characters are interesting and diverse, and the interactions between them have some lovely moments.
There were some errors in grammar and punctuation which, at times, pulled me from the story (sorry, I’m an English teacher – I can’t help myself). More careful editing would be beneficial.
The other area that I found disjointed was the dialogue. The voices of the characters didn’t always feel real, and there were a number of modern references and language structures that felt out of place with the rest of the writing style.
Overall, this is a nice children’s story with an imaginative treatment. It teaches a strong moral message – that peace and family are worth fighting for. With some more careful editing, this would be a really fabulous novel that I’m sure children would enjoy.
May 22, 2014
There is little I can add to that which every other reviewer for this book has already said, except for they are right.
It is a wonderful children's' fantasy story written with passion and a deep understanding of of the age group it is aimed at. It has been many years since I could be labelled young, but I still found the story engaging.
A very good story. Well thought out plot. Likable characters, even Savina, the Nemesis of the story, struggling to fulfill her dream in the wicked manner all evil queen's do, had me half hoping she would succeed, but that's probably the evil streak in me.
If you want to read a fantasy story aimed at children, though still enjoyable by adults, you cannot go far wrong with Hildof and the Seven Given Souls (Book 1)
Enjoy.
It is a wonderful children's' fantasy story written with passion and a deep understanding of of the age group it is aimed at. It has been many years since I could be labelled young, but I still found the story engaging.
A very good story. Well thought out plot. Likable characters, even Savina, the Nemesis of the story, struggling to fulfill her dream in the wicked manner all evil queen's do, had me half hoping she would succeed, but that's probably the evil streak in me.
If you want to read a fantasy story aimed at children, though still enjoyable by adults, you cannot go far wrong with Hildof and the Seven Given Souls (Book 1)
Enjoy.
February 16, 2014
Abraham Mehmet and Pinar Hakki portrayed a vivid world filled with fully fleshed out characters. The plot moves right along and is filled with concepts that middle graders will love. This book grabs you and doesn’t let go until the very end. I only recently got the book and I had to finish it.
My children read Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and other similar titles. After reading this, I know they will love this one too.
I am going to give my son a copy of this book.
My children read Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and other similar titles. After reading this, I know they will love this one too.
I am going to give my son a copy of this book.
March 18, 2014
MehMet and Hakki have written a wonderful middle grade fantasy story. As an older adult some of the scenes were familiar to me, but a middle grader will have a wonderful time reading this book and all the many adventure Leon had to go through before he was able to claim his birthright. The story was well-written and the plot moved along at a good pace, making it an easy enjoyable read.
May 14, 2014
Children will love this story for its action, battles, and magic. Parents will love it because of its 'offer peace first' approach. It may be a bit long for some early middle grade readers. Although the storyline of a child kidnapped from royal parents at birth and subsequently brought up by a poor family has been written many times, the approach here is refreshed and new.
May 30, 2015
Pre-teen
This story reads like a 6th grader wrote it. Could not finish,but, I'm sure it would appeal to the younger readers.
This story reads like a 6th grader wrote it. Could not finish,but, I'm sure it would appeal to the younger readers.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews