Fraud at Snowfields

by Daniel Klock

Bluerorcs! Six, seven, a dozen? He cannot tell because the tiny bright blue explosions of light keep blinding him. Will, running as fast as he can. Flashes of blue, flashes of yellow, brilliant flashes of blue and yellow together like fireworks—Will is as frightened as he has ever been. He keeps running...

Only a short time after a strange nightmare Will again feels like he is caught in a dream—but this time the best dream he has ever had. For Mr Chevalier visits him at his parents' house to invite him to join the White Christmas Organisation—the secret organisation that handles the production and delivery of the Christmas presents and that is headed by Father Christmas himself. Will had always been a firm believer in the magic of Christmas and now he is on his way to be part of it all as he begins his job training at Snowfields. And—while traveling with the amazing cloud-based delivery system—he has no idea what other wonders he is going to see or what he is getting himself into...

For just as he is having the time of his life with his new friends at his new school with amazing subjects as well as hard hands-on training, he is caught up in the biggest conspiracy Snowfields has seen in decades.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Christmas, Fantasy

276 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2013

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for the tale that REALLY CAN satisfy EVERYONE! Like mystery? Like magic? Like fantasy? Intrigue? Still want to believe in Santa Claus? That good conquers evil? That children can be heroes and do the impossible? Get ready to renew your “kid card” with Daniel Klock’s Fraud at Snowfield’s, the perfect read for the entire family.

Imagine being chosen to attend a special school as part of The White Christmas Organization? One learns how to help Father Christmas manage to make every delivery and every wish come true, as well as the secrets of magic, the power of colors and…FRAUD? Will and his new friends stumble upon some suspicious happenings at Snowfield, the only problem? They were told to stay away from the area they were in, hello??? They really hung out the red flag of curiosity on that one! Determined to get to the bottom of this disaster that could ruin Christmas, ruin the world’s faith in Father Christmas, Will and his friends dig and dig to get to the bottom of this dark and devious, dastardly deed. Who can they trust? Who should they tell? Can they save Christmas?

Give a child a chance to be a superhero and you have given them a dream come true. That is exactly what Daniel Klock did when he created this wonderful tale that is part science fiction and all pure entertainment. With brilliant detail, he whisked me away to his wonderland of magic, all thoughts of adulthood left behind. Delightful and unique characters sparkle off the pages like fairy dust.
I cannot think of a single person who couldn’t use this magical trip to this magical place!

I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.

Publication Date: September 29, 2013
Publisher: Dr. Daniel Klockenbrink
Genre: Middlegrade/YA Fantasy
Print Length: 278 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Lenora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is aimed at tweenagers and early teens and I think it would appeal very much to the Harry Potter audience as well. However much Hogwarts may have inspired Snowfields, the allure of the boarding school as a place of adventure and mystery has been around longer than Harry Potter, the world of Snowfields is very different Hogwarts. Klock has Snowfields and the White Christmas Organisation using a cunning blend of Christmas Magic alongside modern techno wizardry. As Arthur C Clarke said "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic" and Klock incorporates this modern techno magic alongside the traditional wand and spell variety: Christmas day is orchestrated using not only magic sleighs, and covering spells but hand-held tablet devices and other techno gadgetry. I particularly liked the idea of the design pyramids and the slightly big brother-esque holographic Father Christmas booming out his message to Santa's little helpers. There are elements here to appeal to boys, girls and geeky grown-ups too!

Klock's writing style is clear and entertaining, on the one hand easy enough for a younger reader, whilst also providing a few challenges as well to develop their reading skills. The first part of the book is mainly concerned with Will settling in to the school, and making new friends and settling into school life.

The whole world of the school and the WCO is highly detailed and imaginative. Cloudys Transportation Service, run by goblins, Bluerin: the mysterious substance that can be transmuted into any present imaginable....but can also be used to commit fraud....

The relationships between the children were lively and fun: the chatterbox Freddy and the know it all Sabrina, the aloof Richard; and Will and Annabel's relationship which explored that in-between stage where girls and boys begin to become interested in each other (and are a bit embarrassed by it).

As much as I enjoyed the first part of the book - it captures the excitement of a new school and the wonder and imagination of Christmas ( and provides a full explanation of all of those things you always wanted to ask about Christmas, but never dared ask!) - it is in the second part, when the mystery kicks in, that the pace really quickens. As the mystery unfolds the action increases and there is plenty of excitement and drama: flashing wands, scary monsters and daring escapes. And of course, if you were thinking that being trained up in Snowfields School for a life long job where it's Christmas every day might just send you a bit bonkers..........well read the book!

My only caveat with this book, is that for a book aimed at the young adult market it could do with a picture on the cover. I loved the font of the title, I just think that to appeal to the younger audience a picture on the cover, and maybe even a few illustrations in the book would really add to the appeal. Other than that, this was a really enjoyable read with some memorable characters and I think it would appeal to both boys and girls in the tweenager/young teen bracket, or just anyone who loves Christmas!

[Irene Well Worth A Read]

I gave up at around 6% after reading the list of every color of every tree ornament and the order in which they are placed on the tree. I don't think this would hold a middle schooler's attention. Not enough action. Show me don't tell me.

[Tara Kolsrud · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The whole story is full of wonder and Christmas delight."- From My review on Obviously Opinionated. Read the whole review here: http://www.obviouslyopinionated.com/f...

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a super cute little book! I enjoyed reading it, and I think my boys are going to enjoy it as well! It helps that it is set around Christmas, which is one of my favorite holidays.

This would be a great book for kids who enjoy reading!

[Felicity Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Take Hogwarts and replace it with another unique school, a railway station and the Hogwarts Express with, well, an equally fun way of transportation, 'Defence Against the Dark Arts' and 'Care of Magical Creatures' with more festive lessons, traditional wands with those a tad more modern and you have Fraud At Snowfields.

Whether a good thing or bad I suppose comparisons with the Harry Potter series were inevitable as Will finds himself at this rather unusual boarding school.

One of those books that transports the reader. Ideal for all those (tweenagers and above, boys as well as girls) who are looking for a different festive read. Fraud at Snowfields combines all of the seasonal magic with some very neat wizardry all of its own in a novel, as spellbinding as it is exciting, that is as much the story of a boy who still believes in the magic of Christmas as it is a mystery involving some 'shady goings-on' that could jeopardise the festive season.

A wonderfully witty, festive read - though as of course is only right a good book is not just for Christmas. Given time (please Daniel tell me there will be another book(s) for I feel there is a lot yet to be explored) I'm sure Will and Snowfields is more than capable of capturing the nations imagination.

Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.

Disclaimer: Read and reviewed on behalf of the author, no financial compensation was asked for nor given.

[Ericka Katwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I was given this free book by the author in exchange for an honest review)

Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it and I love to get people into the holiday spirit. I found that Christmas feeling while reading Fraud At Snowfields. I absolutely loved reading this book! It put me right into the Christmas Spirit. It reminded me of the Christmas shows that are apart of the 25 days of Christmas but that is my thought :).

Will is asked to join a secret organization called The White Christmas Organization. It is based in Snowfields and it makes sure the children have a good Christmas but things are not all as what they seemed. I felt like I was right there in the story with the characters. The plot was beautifully written. There wasn't anything that I did not like about the book! It is a perfect read for the holidays.

I promise, if you read this you will love it!


Rating 5Stars

Recommend? Yes

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fraud at Snowfields is a children’s story that is ideal for the Christmas holidays. The author takes elements of a story that we are all familiar with, Harry Potter, and blends certain aspects of it together with the magic of Christmas. Now please keep in mind I said certain aspects of that famous series. There will be certain elements that you’ll find familiar in this story compared to that one and it will remind you, but the stories are distinctly different.
Fraud at Snowfields by Daniel Klock is the first book by this author that I have read. This is a good children’s novel full of magic, Christmas themes, and a hint of mystery about a young boy named Will. I like how Will never stops believing in the magic of Christmas and for that, he is rewarded. From what I have read I would be inclined to say that the author enjoyed the Harry Potter novels and decided to do a story with Christmas elements to it. This is a fun story to read. The language and dialogue are simple to understand and a good choice for young children.
While I enjoyed this book, I feel that there are several missed opportunities in this novel. There is one place of where two characters seem to be “in trouble.” Now, I know how most children are and curiosity is at the top of that. So, for the others to not later question the two what happened to them is both odd and hard to believe. There are also places where I feel the story is a bit rushed, while others I felt could have been cut down a bit. I hate to say it but the ending is rather disappointing, too. Plus, this book is a mystery but lacks a lot in the mystery element.
I enjoyed this story, but I feel that it falls short of its fullest potential. There are missed opportunities and the story focuses mostly on Will. There were moments of where I wanted the story to branch off and touch on the other characters. Plus, for me, the ending, while hinting at a second story to come…it is left lacking. Plus, the story lacks in focusing on the mystery at Snowfields. For these reasons, I am rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. I’m hoping that, if there is a second book, the author will include more mystery into the story and have the characters be more real.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful Christmas book! This is a great children's book all about a magical land of Christmas. Will Burns is a twelve year old who still believes in the magic of the holidays. He loves decorations and presents and all that is involved with Christmas. As long as he can remember, he has believed deep down in the existence of Father Christmas. He's the family appointed Christmas tree decorator, and is very good at what he does, even though school bullies give him a hard time about enjoying all the festivities.
One day, a strange man shows up talking to his parents, and he finds out he's been selected to go to an exclusive private school, Snowfields, a school to learn magic and learn how to help Father Christmas with all the Christmas jobs. It starts a fascinating journey into a land that is full of blue magical material that makes presents, and a high-tech transportation system in the clouds, and dozens of other children that are there to learn magic spells and special skills. It's a cool book, and kids should like it. I recommend it. The only complaint I have is that sometimes the descriptive language seems like a lot for a child to read. Just needs some simplification for the younger reader. I myself enjoyed all the descriptions and could picture the story-- it's very creative.

[Carol Keen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I't's Christmas, and a magical school, kids and mystery! This is a fun read. I think fans of Harry Potter will love this story too, I did! Snowfields is the training for helping Father Christmas with Christmas. Will joins the White Christmas Organization and the book is off with a reasonable pace through snow and mystery and some finer points of Christmas magic.

The only downsides to this book is the ending, and some places that feel like the mystery was dropped or lost while dealing with other things,

Over all, it's cute and should be a good read for younger teens.

My digital copy came from Net Galley. This review is my own, left of my own volition. A positive review is never required.

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not care for this story. It was not everything I had hoped it would be after reading the blurb. The author missed a smash hit with this storyline and delivered an adequate story at best. I read this with my 10 year old niece and she was bored and couldn't relate to any of the characters as they were too simple. Just because it's a "children's" book doesn't mean that it needs to be overtly simple and boring. I ended up finishing the story by myself, but only because my niece kept falling asleep.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great concept! Of course, new people will be integrated into Father Christmas; magical enterprise, I was intrigued by the strictly British look at Santa Claus and the magical elves who keep Christmas. While a bit slow at times, it was a wonderful story that helped me see Christmas from a different point of view.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judith Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just a Christmas read. An enchanted teen suspense!

The story brings back memories of a hodgepodge of stories about the magic of Christmas, family and the Hardy Boys adventures. From the very first chapter, you start to get excited about where the story is going. With believable scenes, I sometimes found myself in them.

The book has several 'read-between-the-lines' life lessons for a young teen and full of fun.

I highly recommend this book at any time of the year!

[Priscilla Gough · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is aimed at a slightly younger reader than the usual YA books I read but nevertheless it was an enjoyable easy light read. I would definitely recommend it for tween (mid group) readers in particular.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really great kids book. Both of my boys loved the story. It was wonderfully written and is actually great for kids of all ages...I even enjoyed it! I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for a free copy.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

He had a strange dream and He is about to have an offer he cannot refuse. He is given a chance to help Santa. This is such a delightful read which would be good for a bedtime story

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vanessa Perry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love 🎄

[Cindy Marsch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC for purposes of honest review. I did not complete the reading of the story.

The concept of a Christmas-y Hogwarts is intriguing and has potential to be delightfully British, but the treatment here is simply not compelling. It’s unfortunately realistic that the place is labeled “Snowfields, Official Training School of the Christmas Service, Part of the White Christmas Organization (WCO).” But all the imagination that could be there is just drained out by the very “told,” not “shown” action. While the scroll including the invitation is nicely tied in a gold ribbon with the seal of the school – “a Christmas parcel with a garland of holly around it” – the contents are deadly educational bureaucratese: “You will receive all necessary forms and information, including a list of things you will need to bring with you, as the school will not provide them,” etc.

Later we learn that Will has only a small suitcase because he was to bring only personal items. But what an opportunity this could be to give us a list of what one takes to “Christmas school!” Maybe one’s favorite pajamas, which will be made up into duplicate uniforms to keep students in the spirit. Maybe a cherished Christmas gift from childhood, for discussion in product development classes. Maybe . . .

Things pick up a bit once we’re on our way to Snowfields, but the references to a Narnia-style lamppost and Mary Poppins’s parrot-head parasol (as a cane), then landing in a scene I’ve seen in The Polar Express do not reveal Klock’s own imagination. All is pale and dull in the everyday (Muggle?) world, but not told in a way that makes us delight in deriding that world, as would have been done in a Harry Potter story.

The cover is extremely simple with effective font for the title but no design elements to give a professional touch. The text is pretty clean, but to the point of sterility. Klock has not made good use of his opportunities to really capture us with his story.

[Kathryn Svendsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fraud at Snowfields is a great Christmas novel for tweenagers and teens. It’s full of Christmas magic and mystery. Imagine being invited to attend school where you are trained to assist Santa Claus himself! That would be so much fun! Will Burns receives the invitation and is amazed by all the wonders he sees at the school in Snowfields. What he doesn’t expect is the mystery and intrigue he ends up being involved in and the danger the conspiracy puts him in.

The author has a wonderful imagination and brings this book to life beautifully. He describes each scene in detail without becoming tedious. The scenes flow smoothly and logically. The pace of the book was quite fast-paced which I thought was important for preteen and teenagers whose attention spans are sometimes short.

I loved the action and mystery in this novel and the unexpected twists and turns. Even finding out how the presents on Christmas Eve were delivered was surprising.

Christmas, magic and mystery. Can you ask for anything more? I loved Fraud at Snowfields. I thought the ending left the possibility for a sequel and I would really love to see one. I gave this book 5 stars out of 5. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review. A positive opinion was not required. All thoughts are my own.

This review was published on my blog Shelf Full of Books http://kathrynsshelffullofbooks.blogs...

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that FRAUD AT SNOWFIELDS by Daniel Klock is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!