The Dreamer, the Schemer, and the Robe

The Amazing Tales of Max & Liz #2

by Jenny L. Cote

After saving Noah and family from the evil stowaway Charlatan aboard the ark in The Ark, the Reed, & the Fire Cloud, heroes Max and Liz, along with faithful mates Kate and Al, earn immortality and a directive from God to serve as His envoys for pivotal points in human history. They have waited for centuries for a word from the Maker; now they learn they are to work behind the scenes in the life of Joseph. In The Dreamer, the Schemer, & the Robe, the fate of an entire nation rests in their paws. All looks hopeless for the young teenager as Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery in Egypt. Has Charlatan returned to Egypt to once again stop Max and Liz from accomplishing their mission? With the help of two new characters, a British archeologist mouse and a forlorn camel, they must combat the forces of evil that are out to thwart their plans, leading them into mysterious adventures with pyramids and mummies. If Max and Liz fail in this mission, all of Egypt will suffer from famine, and the Hebrew nation will never be born. Abounding in life lessons on struggle, enduring trials, forgiveness, and redemption, The Dreamer, the Schemer, & the Robe is a nonstop thriller filled with twists and turns, side-splitting humor, treachery and heartache, hope and forgiveness.

Genres: Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Middle Grade, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Childrens

560 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

Award winning author, speaker and producer Jenny L. Cote developed an early passion for God, history and young people, and beautifully blends these passions together in her two fantasy fiction series, The Amazing Tales of Max and Liz® and Epic Order of the Seven®. Likened to C.S. Lewis by book reviewers and bloggers, Jenny L. Cote opens up the world of creative writing for students of all ages and reading levels through fun, highly interactive workshops. Jenny has appeared to over 30,000 students at lower, middle, high school and universities in the US and abroad. Jenny's passion for research has taken her to London (with unprecedented access to Handel House Museum to write in Handel's composing room), Oxford (to stay in the home of C.S. Lewis, 'the Kilns', and interview Lewis' secretary, Walter Hooper), Ireland, Paris, Normandy, Rome, Israel, and Egypt. Her books are available online and in stores around the world, as well as in multiple e-book formats (Kindle, Nook, etc.). Jenny holds two marketing degrees from the University of Georgia and Georgia State University. She lives in Roswell, Georgia, with her family.

Reviews

[Lynnette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute retelling of the story of Joseph. This one flowed a lot better than book one, but I think she struggles with balancing the storytelling and educational info dumps. All the characters are usually pretty perfect too so there's not much in terms of character development. And the book is long! But nothing heretical in the animals are cute.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fantastic read aloud! The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because the necessary backstory and names were difficult for my younger kids to keep straight--but as the story progressed it became clearer to us all.

[Allie Carlisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - so good! Jenny Cote did such a great job weaving in the details of Egyptian culture at the time, the Biblical account of Joseph’s life, timeless truths about God, and the fun of a good story.

Adam and I enjoyed reading this aloud together!


Also 10000000 stars for the long awaited Goodreads app update.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it was very good. I highly recommend it. These books are AMAZING!

[Adam Carlisle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud with my bae

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just as good as the first and is even better due to the fact that it is set in Ancient Egypt. When will the third book come out?

[Laura The Book Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Max and Liz Series and finished the 2nd book today. I even recently met the author. This book takes the story of Joseph and brings it to life.

There are 8 dreams, 3 schemes, and 4 robes.

Quotes I liked:
“ Ten grown men ganged up on a teenage boy and sold him into slavery because they were jealous of their father’s affection.” That put things in perspective.

“Sometimes bravery is needed most for simply waiting in dark places.”

I love the conversation between Nigel and Benipe. Iron has to be tempered by a blacksmith. He puts the iron in the fire, and while it is hot, he strikes it repeatedly with his hammer. Finally he plunges it into cold water. And if the iron crumbles after one or two of these tests, it is because it is weak and thrown in the trash heap because it is worthless.

Benipe was tempered several times. The iron in him was strong and valuable. It needed to be molded for the purpose it was meant for all along.

Our purpose is to be loved by our Maker and to allow Him to fill our heart with His presence. We are to have faith. Sometimes we hear things we can’t see. We can feel the wind even though we can’t see it either.

Joseph nodded, “Yes, but not out of revenge. I’m trying to awaken my brothers’ consciences. Before there can be any kind restoration between us, they must first come to true repentance for what they’ve done. Otherwise they won’t be able to accept that I forgive them.”

“Joseph stood with his jaw clenching and unclenching, squeezing his fists tightly as he fought to maintain control of his emotions. As he gazed down at his brothers, he saw them bowing low before him, just as in his dreams. He realized this final act was the complete fulfillment of those dreams, for they weren’t just begging for grain. They were begging for grace. They were begging for forgiveness. And redemption.”

“I’ve learned God can only use men who have first been broken and willingly offer themselves.”

Liz exclaimed, “These are the men God is to use! We are looking at the nation of Israel today coming together in new birth! God can finally use these men, no? This whole test wasn’t about Joseph preserving their lives. It was about God getting the rest of the brothers in line, so He could bless them as a nation of His chosen people!”

“Know that you are loved and that you able.”

“Joseph sunk his face into Jacob’s robe and smelled the scent of home.”

“You never know when you may have agents of God in your presence.”

I love that jackals are the bad guys.

I love the glossary of characters and French terms in the back.
I also love the Egyptian education and the fun code in the book as well as how Jenny Cote explains what is real, assumed, and added for the story to flow.

[Jessica Rupp · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is interesting to say the least. A lot of liberty is taken in weaving the tale with a scriptural backing and I don’t find myself being a fan of just how much liberty Jenny chooses to take. The back of her books liken her to C.S. Lewis, which I highly dispute. Large portions of her chapters almost read as a text book and I don’t enjoy the continuous write-out of accents. However, these are quick reads and you will learn something of history. Be ready for drawn out teaching and unnecessary repetition. Even so, I will continue on in this series. It is creating good conversation between my eldest and me to point of fallacies in the retelling of scripture.

[Jake Auton · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book really is amazing. The entire story was incredibly engaging even though I have read the narrative in Genesis. I am fascinated as Cote allows the animals to learn about the culture and impact even the most minute details, which in turn lead to dramatic impacts on the story. Cote clearly put the work in for the exegetical and historical research necessary to make this story come alive.

[Lainey Washburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!

This book was so good and very biblical! Very interesting and fun! One thing I noticed though is the fact the main animals are immortal, which isn't very biblical; but it is a fictional story and it needs that to keep the plot going! I recommend this book to 9+, as it is very wholesome and intriguing. The book is very thick though, so it may be hard to read for younger readers.

[Sheepard6 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, this was my favorite book in the series by itself. The one before was great, but somehow the sequel was even better! I don't understand why there are two series for the same set of books, but okay. I love this book. Need to re-read when I get it back from friends I recommended the series to.

Thank you, Mrs. Cote!

#dexonthecover2021

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED reading this to my kids. I loved hearing them giggle, snuggling, crying, and the wonderful conversations we had about Joseph, an amazing man of God. Every time I turn around my kids are asking, “Mom! Can you read to us?!?!” Thank you Jenny Cote! We started the third book tonight!

[Coco · Rating 4 out of 5]

To make THIS clear, it was the best animal/biblical series I have read as a kid. Like how Jenny L. Cote follows the story in the bible while having additional interesting plots to keep the reader hyped. Overall, it is a great book for children from yr 5-7

[Blue Sapphire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay this was much better than the first book. Still slightly flawed theology and history but I welcomed a little creative additions. I loved meeting Nigel and that a bit of a plot hole was filled as well as some unique explanations. I can’t wait to read more

[Jana Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just love these sweet reads! Endearing characters, biblically solid themes, engaging reading. She always inspires me to think more deeply about the emotions and perspectives of biblical figures in a way that adds depth, beauty, and insight to my understanding of myself, God, and the Bible.

[Eden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! The author makes the story of Joseph come alive and honestly made me want to go and pick up the Bible and read the Joseph story myself! One of my favorite series now ( maybe even my first favorite ) .

[Vickie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read

I love the story of Joseph and this book brings the story to life. I enjoyed all of the plot twists and turns. I would recommend this book for both young and old.

[Janey Wilksch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, probably equal to "The Prophet ... " (Book 3?).
Had the same issues as I had with the first in this series, but it irked me a lot less.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read. This gave me and my 3 children some greater insight into and appreciation for the life of Joseph.

[Abby Wiseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, you should read it!

[Linda Hubbard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Jamie Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so much fun to listen to! I love the delightful addition of Nigel, and greatly appreciate Jenny's attention to detail. Historically inspired fiction is my favorite fiction to read/listen to.

[Jen Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our homeschool loved this book!

[Aleena Grosjean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun look into the life of Joseph.

[taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

look i understand this is a kids book but hear me out hear me out hear me out…it made my childhood. like my baby children are gonna grow up on this so

[Mariah Zielke · Rating 3 out of 5]

hmmm, it wasn't the "best" book in the world, but I still enjoyed reading it! The book got a little boring and repetive, a tad to much for my taste, but overall, I'm glad I read it!

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story - really enjoyed parts of it and other bits were so-so

[Maisie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me begin by saying that I think it is impossible for Jenny L. Cote to write a bad book. Her writing style is so engaging, her characters leap right off the pages, and she weaves an incredible story. Most of all, she lets God drive her writing. The Dreamer, The Schemer, and the Robe is especially filled to the brim with awe inspiring stories, connections, and words that all have the thumbprint of God on it.
This book is one of my favorites from Ms. Cote, if not my favorite. I have always loved the story of Joseph and whenever I have read the actual Biblical story, I would find myself wishing that it were longer. This large book more that granted that wish, but I know I will be reading The Dreamer, The Schemer, and the Robe more than once. Thank you, Ms. Cote! I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Pristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: The Dreamer, The Schemer, and the Robe is a retelling of the story of Joseph. It opens with the commission of Max, Liz, Kate, and Al, who are ready for their next mission from the Maker! (Aka God) Their commission comes in the unlikely form of Max’s friend from The Ark, The Reed, and the Fire Cloud! Gillamon the mountain goat is the team’s new messenger from the Maker. Apparently God chose to make Gillamon able to visit the team when needed, to give them help or missions. They’ll be split up. Max, Liz, and Al will go to Egypt, and Kate will go to the family of Jacob. They’ll all have different assignments, and the plot thickens as Max shadows Jospeh in prison, Liz watches over Potiphar’s house, and Al gets the posh palace assignment in Phaoroah’s court.
Strange things are happening in the mysterious land of Egypt, and the animals must step up to the challenge of protecting the future nation of Israel, struggling to begin. Charlatan’s minions are doing all they can to stop the twelve tribes
from becoming the people of God, but will the animals be able to stop them in time?

Worldviews: Again, Jenny L. Cote is a Christian author, and she has strong Biblical beliefs and worldviews. I have found nothing theologically or chronologically wrong or incorrect. She does use artistic license of course, and all the subplots are her imagination, but the rest is from the Bible! There was of course the pagan Egyptian beliefs, which I found to be extremely well researched. Of course it detailed all the “gods” like Ra, Osiris, Isis, Anubis, that sort of thing. One character also provided good details about mummification too, as well as all the rituals that accompany it. I do think I would recommend discretion to the people that want to read this, as those who are sensitive to things like death and topics like the afterlife might be disturbed by this. I personally found it fascinating and educating, because after all, this is Egyptian culture. But there was also Charlatan’s influence, and there was one scene where three of his minions did some shape shifting into different Egyptian gods to try and convince Liz that they were real. But good always prevails in the end.

Violence: Little to zero. There were a few injuries, nothing serious. There were some scenes where some snakes were threatening Al and Max, and the scene where Phaoroah orders the baker’s head chopped off, but we didn’t get that scene in detail. There were also some minor brawls, but nothing super bloody.

Foul Language: Zero. Zilch. That’s it.

Romance: This is the Joseph story, so if you have read it, you must remember the entire Potiphar’s wife scenario. It was handled very well, as in it wasn’t super descriptive or suggestive, and Cote made it clear that Zuleika was wrong, and Joseph knew it. It’s all very PG, don’t worry.

Alcohol: Joseph worked in a vineyard, and they harvested grapes to make wine, but there weren’t any scenes where people got drunk or anything.

Rating and Recommended age level: I’m going to rate this 4 stars! This also was’t my favourite out of the series, but I’m saying that from when I’ve already finished all 8 books that are out and I know what’s in them all already. But it was still very good nonetheless, I really liked it! For the age level, I’m going to put that at 10-11+, though the actual comprehensive reading level is probably good for 9, I’m just boosting it up to 10 because of the Egyptian stuff and the Zuleika drama.
I throughly enjoyed this, and recommend it for anybody really! I think that older teens or adults will enjoy the series more when it starts getting into the “bigger stuff” like the story of Jesus’s birth, life, the Acts and the birth of the church in Rome, etc, but this is a very good second book!

[Julia H.Vilkas · Rating 5 out of 5]

😁