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Troll Mountain #1
Troll Mountain: Episode I
A dauntless young hero.
An army of brutal monsters.
An impossible quest.
Journey to the mountain ...
In an isolated valley, a small tribe of humans is dying from a terrible illness.
There are rumors, however, that the trolls of Troll Mountain, the valley's fearsome overlords, have found a cure for the illness: a fabulous elixir.
When his sister is struck down by the disease and his tribal leaders refuse to help him, an intrepid youth named Raf decides to defy his tribe and do the unthinkable: he will journey alone to Troll Mountain and steal the elixir from the dreaded trolls.
But to get to Troll Mountain, Raf will have to pass through dangerous swamps and haunting forests filled with wolves, hobgoblins and, worst of all, the ever-present danger of rogue trolls ...
The journey to the mountain has begun.
IN THIS, THE FIRST OF THREE SERIALIZED EPISODES, MATTHEW REILLY TAKES YOU ON HIS WILDEST RIDE YET: A HEADLONG QUEST TO THE DARK HEART OF THE KINGDOM OF THE TROLLS.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 6, 2013
About the author
Matthew Reilly
77 books6,371 followersBorn in Sydney in 1974, Matthew Reilly was not always a big fan of reading. It was only after he read To Kill A Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies in Year 10 that he realised reading could transport you to another world. Following this revelation, Matthew soon began creating stories of his own and set about writing his first novel, Contest, at the age of 19 while still at university studying law.
Following rejections from all the major publishers, Matthew self-published Contest in 1996, printing 1000 copies. He produced a big-budget-looking novel which he sold into bookshops throughout Sydney, one shop at a time.
In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book. Interestingly, those original self-published editions of Contest have now become much sought after collectors' items. One recently sold on eBay for $1200!
Matthew Reilly is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels: Ice Station, Area 7, Scarecrow, Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves and the novella Hell Island; the Jack West novels: Seven Ancient Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones, The Five Greatest Warriors, The Four Legendary Kingdoms, and The Three Secret Cities; and the standalone novels Contest, Temple, Hover Car Racer, The Tournament, Troll Mountain, The Great Zoo of China and The Secret Runners of New York.
His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
Since Seven Ancient Wonders in 2005, Matthew's novels have been the biggest selling new fiction title released in Australia for that year.
Matthew has also written several short stories, including Roger Ascham and the King's Lost Girl, a special free prequel to The Tournament which is available online. Other short stories include Time Tours, The Mine and the hyper-adrenalised romp, Altitude Rush.
He owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course.
Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
(source: Amazon)
Following rejections from all the major publishers, Matthew self-published Contest in 1996, printing 1000 copies. He produced a big-budget-looking novel which he sold into bookshops throughout Sydney, one shop at a time.
In January 1997, a Commissioning Editor for Pan Macmillan Australia walked into Angus & Robertson's Pitt Street Mall store and bought a copy of Contest. The editor tracked Matthew down through his contact details in the front of the book. Interestingly, those original self-published editions of Contest have now become much sought after collectors' items. One recently sold on eBay for $1200!
Matthew Reilly is now the internationally bestselling author of the Scarecrow novels: Ice Station, Area 7, Scarecrow, Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves and the novella Hell Island; the Jack West novels: Seven Ancient Wonders, The Six Sacred Stones, The Five Greatest Warriors, The Four Legendary Kingdoms, and The Three Secret Cities; and the standalone novels Contest, Temple, Hover Car Racer, The Tournament, Troll Mountain, The Great Zoo of China and The Secret Runners of New York.
His books are published in over 20 languages with worldwide sales of over 7 million copies.
Since Seven Ancient Wonders in 2005, Matthew's novels have been the biggest selling new fiction title released in Australia for that year.
Matthew has also written several short stories, including Roger Ascham and the King's Lost Girl, a special free prequel to The Tournament which is available online. Other short stories include Time Tours, The Mine and the hyper-adrenalised romp, Altitude Rush.
He owns and drives a DeLorean DMC-12, the car made famous in the Back to the Future movies. He also has a life-sized Han Solo in carbonite hanging on the wall of his office! When not writing or penning a film script, Matthew can be found on the golf course.
Matthew Reilly is currently living in Los Angeles.
(source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 3, 2014
Siblings Raf and Kira were orphans, living quietly within their tribe, but on the outskirts. They struggled to find enough food to eat, with the best of their crops going to the tribal leaders. Their parents had both been killed by a rogue troll when they were younger; Raf had witnessed the horror and also the village soldiers who hadn’t seemed to put much effort into saving them. They looked out for each other always. Raf was an inventive young man, having the desire to use weapons which were better than those of the village – he designed and made his own, hoping he wouldn’t need them, but afraid he would one day.
When the strange sickness began sweeping through the villagers, the only cure was an elixar owned by the trolls – to get this elixar gifts were needed in exchange; the danger was immense and it wasn’t often anyone returned. So when Kira showed signs of the same illness, Raf was desperate – he prepared to head to Troll Mountain himself; he needed to sneak under the troll’s defences and steal the elixar.
But venturing through the stinking swamps with mountain wolves prowling continually, worrying about rogue trolls appearing plus the hobgoblins which he’d only ever heard about was daunting – his sister was getting worse daily; he had to go. Could he reach Troll Mountain successfully? Would he return?
What a great first episode of Troll Mountain from Aussie author Matthew Reilly – the land of the trolls and the quest to save his beloved sister was an enjoyable read. I’m very much looking forward to the second episode, and recommend this short story to all fantasy lovers.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
When the strange sickness began sweeping through the villagers, the only cure was an elixar owned by the trolls – to get this elixar gifts were needed in exchange; the danger was immense and it wasn’t often anyone returned. So when Kira showed signs of the same illness, Raf was desperate – he prepared to head to Troll Mountain himself; he needed to sneak under the troll’s defences and steal the elixar.
But venturing through the stinking swamps with mountain wolves prowling continually, worrying about rogue trolls appearing plus the hobgoblins which he’d only ever heard about was daunting – his sister was getting worse daily; he had to go. Could he reach Troll Mountain successfully? Would he return?
What a great first episode of Troll Mountain from Aussie author Matthew Reilly – the land of the trolls and the quest to save his beloved sister was an enjoyable read. I’m very much looking forward to the second episode, and recommend this short story to all fantasy lovers.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy to read and review.
March 9, 2014
Matthew Reilly enters the world of young adult fantasy with his serialised tale, TROLL MOUTAIN. For endearing protagonist, Raf, a scrawny teenager, seeing his younger sister fall victim to an illness which is running rampant throughout his tribe, he knows the time has come to face those who have the remedy, even if it means travelling across a dangerous land full of rogue human eating trolls, wolves, and hobgoblins.
The trolls of Troll Mountain have developed an elixir to cure such ills but demand a great price – the life of the one who seeks in exchange for the one they wish to save. For this reason, many warriors from Raf’s tribe have sought to take the elixir by force only to never return. Raf, hopes to be the first, showcasing his worth to his tribe and saving the life of his sister.
TROLL MOUNTAIN episode 1, is a very short read but one that accomplishes so much. The reader is introduced to Raf, a travelling companion, and a Troll unlike the stereotype in Dum (who instantly connects with the younger reader in us all) who together formulate the key group of characters we fellow on this dangerous quest.
Without giving too much away, the set-up for episode 2 is perfect. Enough cliff-hanger without being overtly so, and a distinct turning point in Raf’s quest to save his sister. I look forward for reading how Raf and co handle this next instalment.
You may also read the review here: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
The trolls of Troll Mountain have developed an elixir to cure such ills but demand a great price – the life of the one who seeks in exchange for the one they wish to save. For this reason, many warriors from Raf’s tribe have sought to take the elixir by force only to never return. Raf, hopes to be the first, showcasing his worth to his tribe and saving the life of his sister.
TROLL MOUNTAIN episode 1, is a very short read but one that accomplishes so much. The reader is introduced to Raf, a travelling companion, and a Troll unlike the stereotype in Dum (who instantly connects with the younger reader in us all) who together formulate the key group of characters we fellow on this dangerous quest.
Without giving too much away, the set-up for episode 2 is perfect. Enough cliff-hanger without being overtly so, and a distinct turning point in Raf’s quest to save his sister. I look forward for reading how Raf and co handle this next instalment.
You may also read the review here: http://justaguythatlikes2read.blogspo...
March 23, 2014
I initially chose to read this short story because I am a huge Matthew Reilly fan. I admit I was very interested to see how he would go in writing a Fantasy type story as opposed to the Action/Adventure books he normally does.
Troll Mountain revolves around a boy named Raf whose sister gets taken down with the terrible illness that has been attacking their small tribe. Raf is determined to save his sister by jouneying to the dangerous Troll Mountain to steal the famous elixir that the trolls have developed against the illness.
I really enjoyed the first instalment in this three part series and was definitely left with wanting to know more. Raf is an interesting and determined character and although this is a very short read, you are given enough of an insight into him to know that he won't be easily swayed from his mission.
I can't wait to find out a bit more about the Trolls from Troll Mountain as it's a subject I haven't really encountered in a novel before.
My one complaint was that I would have loved this instalment to be just a little bit longer. I felt a bit disappointed that there wasn't a little bit more of the story revealed but the ending certainly sets the reader up for what is hopefully a very interesting adventure ahead.
Troll Mountain revolves around a boy named Raf whose sister gets taken down with the terrible illness that has been attacking their small tribe. Raf is determined to save his sister by jouneying to the dangerous Troll Mountain to steal the famous elixir that the trolls have developed against the illness.
I really enjoyed the first instalment in this three part series and was definitely left with wanting to know more. Raf is an interesting and determined character and although this is a very short read, you are given enough of an insight into him to know that he won't be easily swayed from his mission.
I can't wait to find out a bit more about the Trolls from Troll Mountain as it's a subject I haven't really encountered in a novel before.
My one complaint was that I would have loved this instalment to be just a little bit longer. I felt a bit disappointed that there wasn't a little bit more of the story revealed but the ending certainly sets the reader up for what is hopefully a very interesting adventure ahead.
October 31, 2017
Hard to review as its techincally only a third of the whole book but a good enough start to make me read the next installment
January 11, 2016
This is excellent mythic fiction for young readers, I say excellent as an adult reading it though, rather than a child.
Raf is a young man living in a small, caste based, hunter-gather style village that is ruled by a small family of 'fighters' . The water in the valley is controlled by the fearsome Trolls living at the head of the valley and they also have the only cure for a disease that is devastating the village and when Raf's sister gets the disease he goes on a mission to Troll mountain.
I loved the extreme simplification of the story; there are only two villages of humans, north and south, the valley is the world, ect. I liked the mythic element of human quest, helpers along the way helping but not hindering our hero as he does the impossible and returns victorious from Troll Mountain.
Even more, I enjoyed the modern morals of the story, that knowledge is more important than fighting, that strength is within yourself rather than without. That our notions about good and evil are taught us and should always be subject to critical analysis.
But that is me overthinking it perhaps? At the end of the day it is a good adventure story for younger readers.
Raf is a young man living in a small, caste based, hunter-gather style village that is ruled by a small family of 'fighters' . The water in the valley is controlled by the fearsome Trolls living at the head of the valley and they also have the only cure for a disease that is devastating the village and when Raf's sister gets the disease he goes on a mission to Troll mountain.
I loved the extreme simplification of the story; there are only two villages of humans, north and south, the valley is the world, ect. I liked the mythic element of human quest, helpers along the way helping but not hindering our hero as he does the impossible and returns victorious from Troll Mountain.
Even more, I enjoyed the modern morals of the story, that knowledge is more important than fighting, that strength is within yourself rather than without. That our notions about good and evil are taught us and should always be subject to critical analysis.
But that is me overthinking it perhaps? At the end of the day it is a good adventure story for younger readers.
April 22, 2014
This was a fascinating read and I absolutely adored the very poignant and thought provoking insights in issues of leadership and intellect.
The writing is simplistic and easy, ideal for a younger audience, however there are a few moments of violence and sorrow that may upset younger, more sensitive readers.
The story follows Raf, a young tribal Northman on the beginnings of a quest to get an elixir from the dangerous Trolls of Troll Mountain.
With Trolls, hobgoblins and wild wolves, this is an adventure fantasy capable of stimulating even a jaded adult.
I have already bought Episode 2, and can't wait to start reading it, to find out how Raf, the troll Dum, and the hermit Ko travel in the dangerous places they find themselves.
The writing is simplistic and easy, ideal for a younger audience, however there are a few moments of violence and sorrow that may upset younger, more sensitive readers.
The story follows Raf, a young tribal Northman on the beginnings of a quest to get an elixir from the dangerous Trolls of Troll Mountain.
With Trolls, hobgoblins and wild wolves, this is an adventure fantasy capable of stimulating even a jaded adult.
I have already bought Episode 2, and can't wait to start reading it, to find out how Raf, the troll Dum, and the hermit Ko travel in the dangerous places they find themselves.
April 17, 2014
I expect a lot more from Matthew R. The story has little action, a predictable group gathering to go on an adventure, and no apparent plot twist that could make this story interesting. This is part one of three short tomes or one short book. The cost was 2$ and each part is also. Not worth the cost or time.
July 24, 2014
There's teen books, then there's this kiddies tale with the superficial pseudo-political slant to give the author some pop-cultural fodder to talk about in an interview. Like a cheap wine, it is easily quaffed, but this is not a serious novel.
May 7, 2014
Simple, entertaining read. And how could it not be when it has trolls?
February 6, 2023
Audiobook - Matthew Reilly has branched off from his usual genres that I’ve really enjoyed in the past. Having said that, this is ok for a quick read and bit of entertainment, it has a lot of the hobbit and middle earth style to it but lacks any depth that really captures the imagination that you get from Tolkien which is disappointing as usually this is what you get from Reilly especially with the Scarecrow series.
I will give episode 2 a go and see if it improves.
I will give episode 2 a go and see if it improves.
July 14, 2017
I though this would be good short story for a car trip with my young niece. I love Matthew Reilly books, either in print or audiobooks and he doesn't disappoint in this young adult venture.
August 17, 2019
Good Read
Having read other Matthew Reilly books thought I would try this on. Not disappointed enthralling book. Now cannot wait to read the next book.
Having read other Matthew Reilly books thought I would try this on. Not disappointed enthralling book. Now cannot wait to read the next book.
October 23, 2019
Quite different from other series, but characters are still somewhat the same
March 8, 2026
Loved the story, a little simple with it wording,
but really good to read to the kids
but really good to read to the kids
September 1, 2016
Episode I: The Tyranny of the Trolls
Troll Mountain is a serialised story that will be released in three parts, and is Matthew Reilly’s first foray into young adult literature. I’m a huge fan of his, so it’s great to finally have a book of his that I can review on this blog (well yes, I can review the Jack West novels here too, but I’ll wait until “Four….” is released).
Troll Mountain is an exciting fantasy adventure focussed on seventeen year old Raf, who lives in a village that is plagued by a strange illness. The only cure is held by the trolls who live on Troll Mountain, who dislike helping humans and ask a terrible price in exchange for their help. When Raf’s twin sister takes ill and the village elders don’t help him out, Raf decides to journey alone to Troll Mountain and steal the elixir that will save her.
Raf, who has had a relatively sheltered life as an orphan in his village, meets a few interesting people along the way and soon realises the world is more dangerous than he’d first suspected.
Whereas in Reilly’s earlier works it’s been easy to really get behind the hero and love him, I found it really heard to like Raf. Not because he’s not likeable, but because very little of his character comes across in this short novella. It’s scope is much too small I don’t feel like I got enough out of it. My suggestion to future readers is to wait for the omnibus edition and read the story as a whole rather than in parts.
The characters lack nuance, and I wonder if Reilly has fallen into a trap many authors do when writing YA for the first time: underestimating the audience. The characters all seem like cardboard cutouts – Raf is the soft-hearted hero with hidden reserves of courage, Dum is a mistreated troll that will show us that not all trolls are evil, and Ko is the all-knowing Yoda type character.
The story-telling is still amazing, and as usual Reilly sucks readers in from the very first sentence. Once I began reading I didn’t want to be interrupted, but the book is over in a blink of an eye and left me desperate for more!
The world that has been created here is very interesting, and I think Episode II will have a lot to offer because our trio will get closer to Troll Mountain and have to navigate some traps in the hobgoblin caves (yay traps!)
Troll Mountain: Episode I sets up Raf’s adventure well, but I’m looking forward to see the story grow into the kind of book I have come to expect from Reilly. It is exciting to see the author branch out and try a pure fantasy story, and I will be reading Episodes II and III soon! However, I recommend that readers seek out the omnibus edition rather than the serialised version because it will be more enjoyable to read the story that way.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
Troll Mountain is a serialised story that will be released in three parts, and is Matthew Reilly’s first foray into young adult literature. I’m a huge fan of his, so it’s great to finally have a book of his that I can review on this blog (well yes, I can review the Jack West novels here too, but I’ll wait until “Four….” is released).
Troll Mountain is an exciting fantasy adventure focussed on seventeen year old Raf, who lives in a village that is plagued by a strange illness. The only cure is held by the trolls who live on Troll Mountain, who dislike helping humans and ask a terrible price in exchange for their help. When Raf’s twin sister takes ill and the village elders don’t help him out, Raf decides to journey alone to Troll Mountain and steal the elixir that will save her.
Raf, who has had a relatively sheltered life as an orphan in his village, meets a few interesting people along the way and soon realises the world is more dangerous than he’d first suspected.
Whereas in Reilly’s earlier works it’s been easy to really get behind the hero and love him, I found it really heard to like Raf. Not because he’s not likeable, but because very little of his character comes across in this short novella. It’s scope is much too small I don’t feel like I got enough out of it. My suggestion to future readers is to wait for the omnibus edition and read the story as a whole rather than in parts.
The characters lack nuance, and I wonder if Reilly has fallen into a trap many authors do when writing YA for the first time: underestimating the audience. The characters all seem like cardboard cutouts – Raf is the soft-hearted hero with hidden reserves of courage, Dum is a mistreated troll that will show us that not all trolls are evil, and Ko is the all-knowing Yoda type character.
The story-telling is still amazing, and as usual Reilly sucks readers in from the very first sentence. Once I began reading I didn’t want to be interrupted, but the book is over in a blink of an eye and left me desperate for more!
The world that has been created here is very interesting, and I think Episode II will have a lot to offer because our trio will get closer to Troll Mountain and have to navigate some traps in the hobgoblin caves (yay traps!)
Troll Mountain: Episode I sets up Raf’s adventure well, but I’m looking forward to see the story grow into the kind of book I have come to expect from Reilly. It is exciting to see the author branch out and try a pure fantasy story, and I will be reading Episodes II and III soon! However, I recommend that readers seek out the omnibus edition rather than the serialised version because it will be more enjoyable to read the story that way.
A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for review.
You can read more of my reviews at Speculating on SpecFic .
March 12, 2014
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2014/03/12...
Publisher: Momentum
Publishing Date: April 2014
ISBN: 9781760080624
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Publisher Description: In an isolated valley, a small tribe of humans is dying from a terrible illness.
There are rumors, however, that the trolls of Troll Mountain, the valley’s fearsome overlords, have found a cure for the illness: a fabulous elixir.
When his sister is struck down by the disease and his tribal leaders refuse to help him, an intrepid youth named Raf decides to defy his tribe and do the unthinkable: he will journey alone to Troll Mountain and steal the elixir from the dreaded trolls.
But to get to Troll Mountain, Raf will have to pass through dangerous swamps and haunting forests filled with wolves, hobgoblins and, worst of all, the ever-present danger of rogue trolls …
Review: No effort was made in developing the cover art.
This is the first in the series of 3 novellas (short stories). I say short stories, because it was dam short. I doubt that 3 serialized novellas will make a whole and viable novel, but we shall see….
I have been a big fan of Reilly’s works, especially the scarecrow series. Most of his novels have these intricate mazes with hidden traps to figure out. The hero usually is smarter than most of his cohorts and puts others before himself. We see that the author has not abandoned his formula in this novella. Raf is a runt with a heart of gold, and of course is smart and can climb anywhere (see where this is going??). He saves a rogue Troll who is stuck in the clinging mud. Dum the Troll is much like Raf in that he is smarter than his brethren and smaller in stature. Raf, Dum and Ko (a wise old man living in the badlands) set out to find a cure for the existing malady that everyone in the valley suffers from. So Dum spelled backwards is Mud (stuck in it). Ko, is Ok meaning good guy and Raf is Far, as in going on a quest to a distant land. Funny. Ha.
Because of the nature of novellas, the character development and story-line get compressed and the dialogue seeks to fill you in on this world in a literal progression. Comes off stilted but the author manages to make it work as we are quickly escorted into the adventure.
I usually don’t rate novellas in a series but will attempt to give this one a score based on the limited scope of the novella and what may come after. It is not hard to guess what will happen in the ensuing series and assume it will become more entertaining due to the high risks that will occur in the maze of traps.
Publisher: Momentum
Publishing Date: April 2014
ISBN: 9781760080624
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 3.0/5.0
Publisher Description: In an isolated valley, a small tribe of humans is dying from a terrible illness.
There are rumors, however, that the trolls of Troll Mountain, the valley’s fearsome overlords, have found a cure for the illness: a fabulous elixir.
When his sister is struck down by the disease and his tribal leaders refuse to help him, an intrepid youth named Raf decides to defy his tribe and do the unthinkable: he will journey alone to Troll Mountain and steal the elixir from the dreaded trolls.
But to get to Troll Mountain, Raf will have to pass through dangerous swamps and haunting forests filled with wolves, hobgoblins and, worst of all, the ever-present danger of rogue trolls …
Review: No effort was made in developing the cover art.
This is the first in the series of 3 novellas (short stories). I say short stories, because it was dam short. I doubt that 3 serialized novellas will make a whole and viable novel, but we shall see….
I have been a big fan of Reilly’s works, especially the scarecrow series. Most of his novels have these intricate mazes with hidden traps to figure out. The hero usually is smarter than most of his cohorts and puts others before himself. We see that the author has not abandoned his formula in this novella. Raf is a runt with a heart of gold, and of course is smart and can climb anywhere (see where this is going??). He saves a rogue Troll who is stuck in the clinging mud. Dum the Troll is much like Raf in that he is smarter than his brethren and smaller in stature. Raf, Dum and Ko (a wise old man living in the badlands) set out to find a cure for the existing malady that everyone in the valley suffers from. So Dum spelled backwards is Mud (stuck in it). Ko, is Ok meaning good guy and Raf is Far, as in going on a quest to a distant land. Funny. Ha.
Because of the nature of novellas, the character development and story-line get compressed and the dialogue seeks to fill you in on this world in a literal progression. Comes off stilted but the author manages to make it work as we are quickly escorted into the adventure.
I usually don’t rate novellas in a series but will attempt to give this one a score based on the limited scope of the novella and what may come after. It is not hard to guess what will happen in the ensuing series and assume it will become more entertaining due to the high risks that will occur in the maze of traps.
May 10, 2014
This is a complete surprise from Matthew Reilly. The storyline and writing style is totally different from any other MR writing that I’ve read (that’s most of his books). The language used is quite simple, almost childlike, but that gives the book the very feeling that I’m being told a true story by some wise old man.
I may be on the wrong track, but I see the story has a much deeper meaning. My guess is that it’s really making a statement on how the real world works. It’s entertaining and the plot moves along at a brisk pace, so I’m jumping straight into Episode II.
In a nutshell: Check my final thoughts for Episode III.
PS. I’ve decided to write these review comments as I complete each book. I wanted to capture my thoughts on each episode before I was backed up or disproved in the next episode/s. So, you’ll either see how way off I was along the way … or be amazed at how perceptive I was ahead of the final climax (see, I’m even assuming there’s an awesome climax as I write this).
Note: I don’t claim to be a pro-reviewer, I am a reader. My reviews are based on my personal thoughts around the story that the book is trying to tell. I try to focus on the story (which is the reason I read) rather than dissect the book and pass comment on typos, writing style or structure.
September 7, 2014
When they said "the more simple thing are the most prefect" they didn't lie, this little book is a little pearl and precious book full of knowledge about life. It's make you realize that sometime prejudice and think that someone is this ways because you see many other like him this ways is not true.
April 15, 2014
I've never read any of his books before, but my husband loves him so I thought I'd give this a chance. It was more enjoyable than I thought it would be. Trolls are not usually an interesting subject for me, but I am interested to see how this adventure turns out. This first episode set up the journey, and I am excited to continue it with the next episode. I really liked Raf. I always enjoy the underdog. He is wiser than the men in his village, who praise strength and size more than ingenuity. He will end up being the one to save them all because he is willing to use his head and think outside the box. I'm interested to see how it goes as he enters the hobgoblin lands.
April 11, 2014
I've read all of Matthew Reilly's novels and was very keen to get my hands on this serialised short story. Reilly's work is ideally suited to being a serial, it being so visual and action-packed. This one is no different in that regard, however, it's a very basic story and I thought I was reading a kids adventure story.
However, this is Part I of three and everything is set up for a heroic tale. May Reilly's great story telling come to the fore in the second instalment.
It's less than the price of a cup of coffee so I'm not complaining. I like the fact that Reilly is branching out bringing his thrill-a-minute action stories into different worlds.
However, this is Part I of three and everything is set up for a heroic tale. May Reilly's great story telling come to the fore in the second instalment.
It's less than the price of a cup of coffee so I'm not complaining. I like the fact that Reilly is branching out bringing his thrill-a-minute action stories into different worlds.
April 23, 2014
Troll Mountain: Episode 1
Matthew Reilly
I have enjoyed Matthew Reilly’s books in the past, and so it was with some excitement that I started this book. It is however very different from his previous works.
This is a serialized very short story, with three volumes. Whether Reillys works are useable fast paced, this was slow. Where his works are usually suited to an adult audience, this was more for children.
The book tells the first episode of Raf who treks to Troll Mountain to steal an elixir to restore health to his tribespeople.
Although a good read, it is not what I would expected from Reilly.
Matthew Reilly
I have enjoyed Matthew Reilly’s books in the past, and so it was with some excitement that I started this book. It is however very different from his previous works.
This is a serialized very short story, with three volumes. Whether Reillys works are useable fast paced, this was slow. Where his works are usually suited to an adult audience, this was more for children.
The book tells the first episode of Raf who treks to Troll Mountain to steal an elixir to restore health to his tribespeople.
Although a good read, it is not what I would expected from Reilly.
August 5, 2015
A fantasy novel. The main character is Raf who lives in a tribe who are totally reliant on the whims of the controlling trolls of Troll Mountain. The trolls have dammed the water supply to the village and conseqently people are falling ill and dying. When Raf's sister, Kira, is afflicted by the mysterious disease, Raf makes the decision to travel to Troll Mountain and steal the elixar believed to cure the disease.
Raf makes friends with a wise old man and saves the life of a troll banished from the Kingdom. Together the three friends embark on the dangerous quest of infiltrating the Kingdom and stealing the elixar.
Raf makes friends with a wise old man and saves the life of a troll banished from the Kingdom. Together the three friends embark on the dangerous quest of infiltrating the Kingdom and stealing the elixar.
April 7, 2014
Surprisingly good little story. I'd label it YA Fantasy. It is just the first part of a serialized story by an author whose usual genre is over-the-top action/technothrillers.
A young tribesman decides to venture into the troll kingdom to steal a cure for the disease ravaging his people, and his young sister. Along the way he meets a swampland hermit and an outcast troll. As they near the entrance to the hobgoblin caverns... well, I guess I'd have to read the next seriealized part of the story to find out!
A young tribesman decides to venture into the troll kingdom to steal a cure for the disease ravaging his people, and his young sister. Along the way he meets a swampland hermit and an outcast troll. As they near the entrance to the hobgoblin caverns... well, I guess I'd have to read the next seriealized part of the story to find out!
August 7, 2016
I am a big Mathew Reilly fan and I love fantasy. For me this book; the first in a 3 part series ticked all of my boxes. It has quirky fascinating characters, the book was really easy to read and the story evolves a lot quicker than a typically Mathew Rilley book.
The final chapter of this book was very cleverly written, it has left me wanting to read the next book, but there wasn't a big cliff-hanger which has left me disappointed with questions I need answering.
I was slightly disappointed at the length of this first installment and hope the next two are longer.
The final chapter of this book was very cleverly written, it has left me wanting to read the next book, but there wasn't a big cliff-hanger which has left me disappointed with questions I need answering.
I was slightly disappointed at the length of this first installment and hope the next two are longer.
April 1, 2015
As the 1st installment of a 3-part "novel", episode I does the trick. It introduces the world, the characters, gives them a mission and they embark.
Nothing earth-shattering here though.
Raf's sister is suffering from a mysterious illness & the only way to solve it is with an elixir that the trolls control. Raf sets out to steal the elixir. On his way he meets a couple of outcasts and the real journey appears to start on the final pages as they all agree to go through territory formerly controlled by hobgoblins. A clear yet moderate cliff-hanger designed to get you to buy episode II.
Nothing earth-shattering here though.
Raf's sister is suffering from a mysterious illness & the only way to solve it is with an elixir that the trolls control. Raf sets out to steal the elixir. On his way he meets a couple of outcasts and the real journey appears to start on the final pages as they all agree to go through territory formerly controlled by hobgoblins. A clear yet moderate cliff-hanger designed to get you to buy episode II.
April 1, 2014
I'm a big Matthew Reilly fan and I thought this was quite a fun story, even if it was a little short. But this is episodic, and there are two more episodes to come after this one.
The storytelling style is kind of like a fable, reading like a Grimm's fairy tale with Trolls and Hobgoblins being used to help explore morality issues like inclusion, sacrifice, and helping others.
Great job Mr Reilly, can't wait for parts 2 and 3.
The storytelling style is kind of like a fable, reading like a Grimm's fairy tale with Trolls and Hobgoblins being used to help explore morality issues like inclusion, sacrifice, and helping others.
Great job Mr Reilly, can't wait for parts 2 and 3.
April 14, 2014
Not a bad little story, I wasn't riveted like I have been for some of his other stories but it was decent.
The storyline is a journey so it definitely draws you through and I'll put it to you straight, it's not amazing but it's a bit of fun for a train ride.
I'll probably read the other two episodes when they're released, I'm curious to see how Raf, Ko and Düm get through the booby-trapped hobgoblin kingdom.
The storyline is a journey so it definitely draws you through and I'll put it to you straight, it's not amazing but it's a bit of fun for a train ride.
I'll probably read the other two episodes when they're released, I'm curious to see how Raf, Ko and Düm get through the booby-trapped hobgoblin kingdom.
June 27, 2014
I am a huge Matthew Reilly fan. This novella was a great beginning to another great story. As always Reilly packs a huge adventure into a few pages. I am drawn into the characters and their lives quickly and surely. I hurt when they hurt, get excited when they do, and root for them the entire way.
Suggest this book for the Matthew Reilly adventure lovers and anyone who likes a fun fast paced adventure fantasy.
Suggest this book for the Matthew Reilly adventure lovers and anyone who likes a fun fast paced adventure fantasy.
November 2, 2015
Raf is racing against time to get an elixir to heal his sister of her illness.....he just has to go to Troll Mountain, battle against mountain wolves, trolls and hobgoblins.....he is joined by Dume and Co, 2 unlikely helpers he meets along the way.
This is an action packed intriguing story as usual Mr Reilly and from the start to finish I was enraptured.
Cant want to read episode 2.
This is an action packed intriguing story as usual Mr Reilly and from the start to finish I was enraptured.
Cant want to read episode 2.
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