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Benjamin McTish #2
Benjamin McTish and The Wizards of Coranim
Benjamin and his friends find themselves on a ridiculously amazing ride through all that is the World of Coranim.
From the enchanting magical city of Na’talom and the splendiferous flying contraptions of one, Pips P. Toggleton, inventor slash artist of the extraordinary, to the far off outer edge metropolis of Pancilet, with the expanse of Aurorus Jungle residing in between. And always close by is their mentor and guide, Esmerelda Fet, the endearing but brash Light Sorceress and the most accomplished Medicine Elder alive.
The Wickcliff sisters receive the utmost in unique lessons in the Land of the Winter Light from three very idiosyncratic Wizards, while Benjamin finds himself confronting the most elusive individual yet, an Aboriginal Gnome Wizard known as Locke, who is able to tweak at Benjamin’s psyche every chance he gets.
This journey broadens in scope with the addition of two family members who find themselves in the Gilley Forest in search of the missing children. After their shocking encounter with the Dark Queen in her battle of monumental proportions with the Vila, we find Claire and Emmagene traveling with the Elves to their home in the Darmon. They also meet up with a quirky character known as Beedlebee, a Mystic Seer who shakes up the status quo. Can they make their way into Pancilet to find Benjamin, Annabel and Mathilda...or what of Edward, Braxton and Emeline? Did they, along with the rest of the Chickerings, make their way safely into Pancilet? Is everyone out of danger from the wrath that is Tar Vigorn?
The sites and bustling of the Wizard city of Pancilet is an overload to the senses as great devices of transport wheel down the glistening cobblestone roads. Parasols and Top Hats dot the sidewalk strolls of the button gloved shoppers on their way to the nearest Pub for afternoon libations. However, all is not as it seems...nor is it ever, dear reader....there are a few surprises yet in store for you as you delve into the deep waters of Coranim and the ever mysterious story of a family that appears to have some very deep secrets of their own.
Our journey begins exactly where last we left....in a Shoppe, in a magical little city in another dimension and a portrait of a woman....a woman wearing the necklace belonging to a Vila...
From the enchanting magical city of Na’talom and the splendiferous flying contraptions of one, Pips P. Toggleton, inventor slash artist of the extraordinary, to the far off outer edge metropolis of Pancilet, with the expanse of Aurorus Jungle residing in between. And always close by is their mentor and guide, Esmerelda Fet, the endearing but brash Light Sorceress and the most accomplished Medicine Elder alive.
The Wickcliff sisters receive the utmost in unique lessons in the Land of the Winter Light from three very idiosyncratic Wizards, while Benjamin finds himself confronting the most elusive individual yet, an Aboriginal Gnome Wizard known as Locke, who is able to tweak at Benjamin’s psyche every chance he gets.
This journey broadens in scope with the addition of two family members who find themselves in the Gilley Forest in search of the missing children. After their shocking encounter with the Dark Queen in her battle of monumental proportions with the Vila, we find Claire and Emmagene traveling with the Elves to their home in the Darmon. They also meet up with a quirky character known as Beedlebee, a Mystic Seer who shakes up the status quo. Can they make their way into Pancilet to find Benjamin, Annabel and Mathilda...or what of Edward, Braxton and Emeline? Did they, along with the rest of the Chickerings, make their way safely into Pancilet? Is everyone out of danger from the wrath that is Tar Vigorn?
The sites and bustling of the Wizard city of Pancilet is an overload to the senses as great devices of transport wheel down the glistening cobblestone roads. Parasols and Top Hats dot the sidewalk strolls of the button gloved shoppers on their way to the nearest Pub for afternoon libations. However, all is not as it seems...nor is it ever, dear reader....there are a few surprises yet in store for you as you delve into the deep waters of Coranim and the ever mysterious story of a family that appears to have some very deep secrets of their own.
Our journey begins exactly where last we left....in a Shoppe, in a magical little city in another dimension and a portrait of a woman....a woman wearing the necklace belonging to a Vila...
342 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
736 people want to read
About the author
June M. Pace Schneider
3 books71 followersJune lives with her husband, and best friend, Ray..along with their myriad of critters in Santa Cruz Ca. Their three adult children (plus mates and grand babies) live respectively in LA and Atlanta.
After the pandemic three years ago, the decision to leave their immense 7 acre Oak filled 'forever' home; with June's massive tomato garden and beloved orchard, chickens, ducks and a myriad of hydrangeas, roses and landscapes was forced upon them, and so they started a new life in a little cottage in the Santa Cruz mountains.
She and Ray are still bringing the run down property and home into full lush whimsy (which is their nature). A new tomato garden is in the works, along with a tiny orchard. And the special addition of a yoga studio with a huge hundred year old French warehouse window that looks out into the majestic Redwoods that surrounds them on the crest of the mountain.
She is well known for her black and white contemporary paintings of Rock Legends. Her days used to be spent between the farm and writing...her biggest passions. However, life took a left, and now after many years she is back to her writing desk, finishing the final book in the McTish series.
This series of work, the McTish characters, are a part of June in every sense of the word. "This work brings a deep sense of joy for me in a very profound way, like nothing else that I do."
After the pandemic three years ago, the decision to leave their immense 7 acre Oak filled 'forever' home; with June's massive tomato garden and beloved orchard, chickens, ducks and a myriad of hydrangeas, roses and landscapes was forced upon them, and so they started a new life in a little cottage in the Santa Cruz mountains.
She and Ray are still bringing the run down property and home into full lush whimsy (which is their nature). A new tomato garden is in the works, along with a tiny orchard. And the special addition of a yoga studio with a huge hundred year old French warehouse window that looks out into the majestic Redwoods that surrounds them on the crest of the mountain.
She is well known for her black and white contemporary paintings of Rock Legends. Her days used to be spent between the farm and writing...her biggest passions. However, life took a left, and now after many years she is back to her writing desk, finishing the final book in the McTish series.
This series of work, the McTish characters, are a part of June in every sense of the word. "This work brings a deep sense of joy for me in a very profound way, like nothing else that I do."
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 18, 2014
We step back into the fantastic world of Benjamin McTish, who with his friends Mathilda and Annabelle are on a journey of a lifetime. Benjamin has seen a picture that someone painted of his mother and increases his curiosity into what is happening. They all know there is a battle brewing, after all they saw a little of it before they escaped through the Grandfather tree. With plenty of twists and turns, old issues flaring up again, the kids are definitely on a race against time. But against just what and how they can help is being learned only now. With magic galore and fantastic things all around them they again head off into the unknown to help save the world.
Without a doubt June Pace is writing a tale of an epic journey of discovery; self, family and otherwise, nothing is ever just as it seems. The story never fails to awe and the imagery is still so clear you can see the sights along with the characters. The fear they feel is as real as if you were standing there with them. A wonderfully written tale that I highly recommend, get this book and read it with your children, it will provide wonderful hours of imagination with them. Reading is the best way to teach your kids the magic of a book. So follow along with this series, more to come, and let the magic enter your heart. I thank June Pace for allowing me to read and review for her, it is indeed one of my greatest joys. Another 5 star book!
Without a doubt June Pace is writing a tale of an epic journey of discovery; self, family and otherwise, nothing is ever just as it seems. The story never fails to awe and the imagery is still so clear you can see the sights along with the characters. The fear they feel is as real as if you were standing there with them. A wonderfully written tale that I highly recommend, get this book and read it with your children, it will provide wonderful hours of imagination with them. Reading is the best way to teach your kids the magic of a book. So follow along with this series, more to come, and let the magic enter your heart. I thank June Pace for allowing me to read and review for her, it is indeed one of my greatest joys. Another 5 star book!
August 11, 2014
This book continues where the other one left off, except now the kids' parents and grandparents are pulled into Coranim, creating a whole new bunch of character reactions and relationships.
I had fewer problems getting into this book than the first one. The descriptions have decreased, leaving more room for action and adventure (especially in the second half.) This made the story much faster paced and helped to draw into the pages.
The characters are enjoyable, and it's easy to get involved with them as they leap from one adventure into another. The world is well described and the dialogue flows well. The writing itself is well done and aimed for stronger readers, when considering the middle grade audience.
The only thing which slightly bothered me is the concentration on the spirit world and names. It tended to give the story the feeling that there might be a second agenda hidden in the pages, but I believe this is simply the result of a well-thought out culture being brought over with great emphasis.
Summed up, this is even better than book 1 and will appeal to fantasy lovers ages 10 (I'd like to say 11) and up.
I had fewer problems getting into this book than the first one. The descriptions have decreased, leaving more room for action and adventure (especially in the second half.) This made the story much faster paced and helped to draw into the pages.
The characters are enjoyable, and it's easy to get involved with them as they leap from one adventure into another. The world is well described and the dialogue flows well. The writing itself is well done and aimed for stronger readers, when considering the middle grade audience.
The only thing which slightly bothered me is the concentration on the spirit world and names. It tended to give the story the feeling that there might be a second agenda hidden in the pages, but I believe this is simply the result of a well-thought out culture being brought over with great emphasis.
Summed up, this is even better than book 1 and will appeal to fantasy lovers ages 10 (I'd like to say 11) and up.
August 13, 2025
This book picks up exactly where the first one stops…it moves quicker, more magic, more mystery, more surprises. In the first book the world was being built and characters introduced, in this second book the action just comes to life and grabs you for the furious ride. The ending will shock everyone…! Can't wait to get the third book out…Benjamin McTish and The Hidden Caverns of Bristonbel.
August 2024...reads even better than years ago...will finish the series soon
August 2024...reads even better than years ago...will finish the series soon
May 28, 2014
I must admit upfront, I actually gave up this book halfway. But a dialog with the lovely (and she is lovely, you'll learn more later) June convinced me to carry on.
Now, if you remember my review of Benjamin McTish and the door through Grandfather Tree, I mentioned that the narrative style was a problem for me. I'm really glad to say that this is much less of a problem now. For me, the main problem was that when talking about the world in the book, the author tended to show rather than tell (but this, I found, is because she sees the book like a movie, and she tries to make it as detailed as a movie would be). However, since the reader is supposedly more familiar with the world in the book now, there is less explaining and the story moves along at a good pace. I would say that the second half of this book was very well-written, with a lot of action.
Back to the book and its plot. Benjamin McTish and the Wizards of Coranim is a continuation of the first book, as the three children continue on their quest to save the world. At the same time, their parents and grandparents are drawn into the world after them, and a whole new cast of characters appear. There are a lot more battles, a lot more action and way less explaining.
Of course, with such a large cast of characters, it's a bit harder to keep track of all of them. The book does this mainly by giving them distinctive characteristics, in particular, very unique ways of speaking. It's a good trick, especially for minor characters, since it makes them memorable without needing to spend pages after pages of text to give them a backstory.
The only thing that makes me hesitate would be the message of the book. In the book, it's vital that the children open themselves up to the world. The overall feel I get is something that resembles Zen Buddishm. This was not helped by the fact that words like "Spirit" and "Hope" were all capitalised (the latent lit student in me immediately jumps on anything out of the ordinary and tries to analyse it). However, June explains that
The reason the words are capitalized is because in the ancient language and the words of the magical beings, these are words of power and importance. If you notice when they speak the word "Forest" it's capitalized as well, because to them the forest is it's own living entity…this is how they honor him. So when the shaman is speaking of truth, he is speaking of Truth, the ultimate expression of Love…see?
The book is not written with the theme of everyone is a piece of God, or Buddhist philosophy…although I can see where you may think this.
And this would be the perfect place for a disclosure. I mentioned in the start that I almost gave up halfway through the book. You see, the first half of the book, while better, is quite similar to its predecessor. And the worries about the philosophy behind the book didn't help. So I was ready to call it quits. However, during this time, I was actually in an email conversation with June, the author.
June was very patient with me, and gave me very thorough answers to all my questions - including the reason behind the narrative style. She also assured me that the second half is much more exciting than the first, which is the main reason why I decided to carry on reading.
While this book isn't perfect yet, it's much better than it's predecessor. It seems to have found its voice, and it's developing well. In fact, the heavy handedness that I spoke of in my previous review has been heavily reduced (it's present mainly whenever someone, like Claire - Annabel and Mathilda, has to have something explained, or during a lesson where someone is explaining in very clear detail just why things happen). I think it's because this book has a stronger emphasis on action, while the last book spent a lot of its time pre-occupied with explaining what was going on and where the kids were.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author. I also had an extended email conversation with her, where she answered my questions and encouraged me to read the book. My review, however, is my own opinion, and was not written in consultation with anyone. It is as honest and unbiased as I can be.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
Now, if you remember my review of Benjamin McTish and the door through Grandfather Tree, I mentioned that the narrative style was a problem for me. I'm really glad to say that this is much less of a problem now. For me, the main problem was that when talking about the world in the book, the author tended to show rather than tell (but this, I found, is because she sees the book like a movie, and she tries to make it as detailed as a movie would be). However, since the reader is supposedly more familiar with the world in the book now, there is less explaining and the story moves along at a good pace. I would say that the second half of this book was very well-written, with a lot of action.
Back to the book and its plot. Benjamin McTish and the Wizards of Coranim is a continuation of the first book, as the three children continue on their quest to save the world. At the same time, their parents and grandparents are drawn into the world after them, and a whole new cast of characters appear. There are a lot more battles, a lot more action and way less explaining.
Of course, with such a large cast of characters, it's a bit harder to keep track of all of them. The book does this mainly by giving them distinctive characteristics, in particular, very unique ways of speaking. It's a good trick, especially for minor characters, since it makes them memorable without needing to spend pages after pages of text to give them a backstory.
The only thing that makes me hesitate would be the message of the book. In the book, it's vital that the children open themselves up to the world. The overall feel I get is something that resembles Zen Buddishm. This was not helped by the fact that words like "Spirit" and "Hope" were all capitalised (the latent lit student in me immediately jumps on anything out of the ordinary and tries to analyse it). However, June explains that
The reason the words are capitalized is because in the ancient language and the words of the magical beings, these are words of power and importance. If you notice when they speak the word "Forest" it's capitalized as well, because to them the forest is it's own living entity…this is how they honor him. So when the shaman is speaking of truth, he is speaking of Truth, the ultimate expression of Love…see?
The book is not written with the theme of everyone is a piece of God, or Buddhist philosophy…although I can see where you may think this.
And this would be the perfect place for a disclosure. I mentioned in the start that I almost gave up halfway through the book. You see, the first half of the book, while better, is quite similar to its predecessor. And the worries about the philosophy behind the book didn't help. So I was ready to call it quits. However, during this time, I was actually in an email conversation with June, the author.
June was very patient with me, and gave me very thorough answers to all my questions - including the reason behind the narrative style. She also assured me that the second half is much more exciting than the first, which is the main reason why I decided to carry on reading.
While this book isn't perfect yet, it's much better than it's predecessor. It seems to have found its voice, and it's developing well. In fact, the heavy handedness that I spoke of in my previous review has been heavily reduced (it's present mainly whenever someone, like Claire - Annabel and Mathilda, has to have something explained, or during a lesson where someone is explaining in very clear detail just why things happen). I think it's because this book has a stronger emphasis on action, while the last book spent a lot of its time pre-occupied with explaining what was going on and where the kids were.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author. I also had an extended email conversation with her, where she answered my questions and encouraged me to read the book. My review, however, is my own opinion, and was not written in consultation with anyone. It is as honest and unbiased as I can be.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
August 18, 2014
This is the second book and the continuation of Benjamin McTiah and his friends Annabel and Mathilda.
The three kids have made it to Na'Talom and meet Esmeralda Fet, the great sorceress. She leads them through town and after Benjamin sees the painting of his mother (from the last book), they go in search of Pips. Pips is the inventor extraordinaire and has created a flying sub. He teaches Annabel and Benjamin to fly it. And they will be flying to the Land of Winter Light. Mathilda heads to the same place but with the aid of Briggin's Jin (she has learned a bit of magic and balances on a ball of power tethered to Briggin's Jin's orb.
Mathilda makes it to the Land of Winter Light and learns to work with sound and colors. Annabel, Benjamin and Pips fly to there, and end up wrecking the airship on the way. Pips and Annabel head to JoyTown to get the plane fix while Benjamin stays behind. While waiting for them to return, he meets Locke, an Aboriginal wizard and they head off into the Aurorus Jungle to look for Benjamin's mom.
Annabel and Pips return to find him gone. She and Pips continue on to the Land of Winter Light. Annabel learns her lessons on protection. Both girls finish their lessons and Mathilda goes on to Pancilet and Annabel and Pips go back to the jungle to look for Benjamin--they know that he is with Locke.
In the meantime, Benjamin's grandmother and the girl's mother end up in Coranim and also head over to Pancilet. They're there to wait for the sound wizard (Mathilda). Annabel and Pips find Benjamin and Locke and learn of an explosion that killed people. Benjamin knows his mother is still alive. They find her and some other people on the beach. Benjamin is quite happy.
As the book ends, Owen McTish (Benjamin's grandfather) says "it's time to go home." That is now the mystery. And also what is Tar Vigorn up to (there has been a battle at the Grandmother Tree).
There is so much to this book. One thing to bear in mind, there is a lot of descriptions of Tar Vigorn's castle and also the school where the girls have learned their lessons. Middle grade kids read this and they will most likely get lost in the pages of descriptions as I have. Kids like action and there is plenty of it besides the long descriptive passages. This is a good story and I have enjoyed reading it. Can't wait for the next book to find out what happens to Benjamin, Annabel and Mathilda.
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway.
The three kids have made it to Na'Talom and meet Esmeralda Fet, the great sorceress. She leads them through town and after Benjamin sees the painting of his mother (from the last book), they go in search of Pips. Pips is the inventor extraordinaire and has created a flying sub. He teaches Annabel and Benjamin to fly it. And they will be flying to the Land of Winter Light. Mathilda heads to the same place but with the aid of Briggin's Jin (she has learned a bit of magic and balances on a ball of power tethered to Briggin's Jin's orb.
Mathilda makes it to the Land of Winter Light and learns to work with sound and colors. Annabel, Benjamin and Pips fly to there, and end up wrecking the airship on the way. Pips and Annabel head to JoyTown to get the plane fix while Benjamin stays behind. While waiting for them to return, he meets Locke, an Aboriginal wizard and they head off into the Aurorus Jungle to look for Benjamin's mom.
Annabel and Pips return to find him gone. She and Pips continue on to the Land of Winter Light. Annabel learns her lessons on protection. Both girls finish their lessons and Mathilda goes on to Pancilet and Annabel and Pips go back to the jungle to look for Benjamin--they know that he is with Locke.
In the meantime, Benjamin's grandmother and the girl's mother end up in Coranim and also head over to Pancilet. They're there to wait for the sound wizard (Mathilda). Annabel and Pips find Benjamin and Locke and learn of an explosion that killed people. Benjamin knows his mother is still alive. They find her and some other people on the beach. Benjamin is quite happy.
As the book ends, Owen McTish (Benjamin's grandfather) says "it's time to go home." That is now the mystery. And also what is Tar Vigorn up to (there has been a battle at the Grandmother Tree).
There is so much to this book. One thing to bear in mind, there is a lot of descriptions of Tar Vigorn's castle and also the school where the girls have learned their lessons. Middle grade kids read this and they will most likely get lost in the pages of descriptions as I have. Kids like action and there is plenty of it besides the long descriptive passages. This is a good story and I have enjoyed reading it. Can't wait for the next book to find out what happens to Benjamin, Annabel and Mathilda.
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2015
So this picks up right where the first book left off. The three adventurers are immersed in the world of Coranim and begin lessons to hopefully rescue Benjamin's mother.
The girls' mother and Benjamin's grandmother decide to venture into the Gilley Forest. Much of the book is travelling - between Benjamin, Annabel, and Mathilda travelling their separate paths, Edward, Braxton and Emmeline heading into Coranim, and Emmagene and Claire trying to get to Coranim. But so much happens on the way that there doesn't seem to be a dull moment.
So Mathilda grew a little more on me in the second installment of the Benjamin McTish series. Maybe it was that she grew up a little bit and didn't have so man crazy outbursts. But I didn't find her as annoying. But Locke was my favorite of all the new characters we met. An aboriginal gnome wizard. He talks funny. We also get to see a lot more magic, which is pretty awesome. Annabel and Mathilda even got magic wands.
The steampunk feel of Pancilet threw me off a bit. Not something I expected from this book. A world of fantasy and forest and then a steampunk city? It felt kind of weirdly thrown in. But I suppose everything has a point. Since Pancilet was only there for like one chapter it will be more important in the third book and things like this will be more explained.
I ended up slightly confused at the end of the book, though I guess that was the point. It's a cliffhanger, but in the "I'm not entirely sure what just happened" kind of way.
Overall I enjoyed the book. If you liked the first book you're likely to enjoy the second as well. There's less questioning of what to do and more action taking place.
The girls' mother and Benjamin's grandmother decide to venture into the Gilley Forest. Much of the book is travelling - between Benjamin, Annabel, and Mathilda travelling their separate paths, Edward, Braxton and Emmeline heading into Coranim, and Emmagene and Claire trying to get to Coranim. But so much happens on the way that there doesn't seem to be a dull moment.
So Mathilda grew a little more on me in the second installment of the Benjamin McTish series. Maybe it was that she grew up a little bit and didn't have so man crazy outbursts. But I didn't find her as annoying. But Locke was my favorite of all the new characters we met. An aboriginal gnome wizard. He talks funny. We also get to see a lot more magic, which is pretty awesome. Annabel and Mathilda even got magic wands.
The steampunk feel of Pancilet threw me off a bit. Not something I expected from this book. A world of fantasy and forest and then a steampunk city? It felt kind of weirdly thrown in. But I suppose everything has a point. Since Pancilet was only there for like one chapter it will be more important in the third book and things like this will be more explained.
I ended up slightly confused at the end of the book, though I guess that was the point. It's a cliffhanger, but in the "I'm not entirely sure what just happened" kind of way.
Overall I enjoyed the book. If you liked the first book you're likely to enjoy the second as well. There's less questioning of what to do and more action taking place.
July 29, 2014
3.5 Stars!
Benjamin McTish and the Wizards of Coranim is the second book in the Benjamin McTish Series by June M. Pace. This story continues with the same entertaining characters in Benjamin McTish and the Door Through the Grandfather Tree, but now they are swept into the magical world of Coranim, along with many other amazing places. Pace describes the worlds she has created with such beauty that it is impossible not to see everything blossoming into amazingness in your mind when you read it.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm going to keep it brief, but I can say if you enjoyed the first book in this series you will not be disappointed. Pace keeps the humor up while the action rolls and pierces your heart. Definitely one of those reads that throws you on the edge of your seat without giving you a stroke. If you liked the Harry Potter series, you can't go wrong here!
Benjamin McTish and the Wizards of Coranim is the second book in the Benjamin McTish Series by June M. Pace. This story continues with the same entertaining characters in Benjamin McTish and the Door Through the Grandfather Tree, but now they are swept into the magical world of Coranim, along with many other amazing places. Pace describes the worlds she has created with such beauty that it is impossible not to see everything blossoming into amazingness in your mind when you read it.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I'm going to keep it brief, but I can say if you enjoyed the first book in this series you will not be disappointed. Pace keeps the humor up while the action rolls and pierces your heart. Definitely one of those reads that throws you on the edge of your seat without giving you a stroke. If you liked the Harry Potter series, you can't go wrong here!
July 30, 2014
First, I would like to thank the author June M. Pace for giving me this book for an honest review. As with the first book, I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to reading it to my grandchildren. The world building it very good. The story-line is good. The characters are well written and developed. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews