What do you think?
Rate this book
Jack Staples #2
Jack Staples and the City of Shadows
The Assassin is closing in. Just as Jack and his friend Alexia discover what it means to be the Chosen Ones, they each face the test of a lifetime. For Jack it is a question of trust; for Alexia, of loyalty. Everything rests on their making the right choices, and on the completion of their missions. The Assassin expects they will fail, and that they will either join him or be destroyed. It will take all of the Author’s forces, the special gifts Jack and Alexia each have, and the help of their friends, Arthur and Mrs. Dumphrey, to overcome. But when the enemy makes a key move, and an important quest proves difficult, the prophecy—that they will both destroy and save the world—seems further from coming true than ever before.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
11 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Mark Batterson
188 books1,126 followersMark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC. One church in seven locations, NCC owns and operates Ebenezers Coffeehouse, The Miracle Theatre, and the DC Dream Center. NCC is currently developing a city block into The Capital Turnaround. This 100,000-square-foot space will include an event venue, child development center, mixed-use marketplace, and co-working space. Mark holds a Doctor of Ministry degree from Regent University and is the New York Times best-selling author of seventeen books, including The Circle Maker, In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, Wild Goose Chase, Play the Man, Whisper, and, most recently, Double Blessing. Mark and his wife, Lora, live on Capitol Hill with their three children: Parker, Summer, and Josiah.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 9, 2024
These books are so easy to read in a day.
Again, I love how precise the time spent traveling is. I like it best when all the characters are separated, and you switch POVs back and forth, and yet everything intertwines perfectly. And you KNOW someone put a lot of work into something, when they can put by the POV switch 'Three minutes before' and then have exactly enough actions to last that three minutes before it overlaps again.
Honestly, the inward glance at the Assassin was so chillingly real. The way he orchestrated all the lies and deceitfulness, the way he -well, I won't say for spoilers. But the way he portrayed the Author in a bad light, and all the Awakened as wrong was masterful and believable. Even though as the reader you knew the truth, you could sympathize with the character the whole time.
Again, I love how precise the time spent traveling is. I like it best when all the characters are separated, and you switch POVs back and forth, and yet everything intertwines perfectly. And you KNOW someone put a lot of work into something, when they can put by the POV switch 'Three minutes before' and then have exactly enough actions to last that three minutes before it overlaps again.
Honestly, the inward glance at the Assassin was so chillingly real. The way he orchestrated all the lies and deceitfulness, the way he -well, I won't say for spoilers. But the way he portrayed the Author in a bad light, and all the Awakened as wrong was masterful and believable. Even though as the reader you knew the truth, you could sympathize with the character the whole time.
April 21, 2019
Much like the 1st book. Fast-paced and fun. A good choice for fans of Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Peter Nimble, etc.
No language. No sexuality/relationships. I would say ages 8+, but the violence can be fairly intense. Target age range: 11-14+.
Note: The scene at the cottage with the Poet didn't strike me as being spot-on. This exchange on page 198 particularly seemed out of character (since "the poet" is clearly analogous to Jesus).
Jack: "Are we going to win? Are we going to defeat the Assassin?"
Poet: "Ah, now that is the question. But what fun is a story if you already know the ending?..."
No language. No sexuality/relationships. I would say ages 8+, but the violence can be fairly intense. Target age range: 11-14+.
Note: The scene at the cottage with the Poet didn't strike me as being spot-on. This exchange on page 198 particularly seemed out of character (since "the poet" is clearly analogous to Jesus).
Jack: "Are we going to win? Are we going to defeat the Assassin?"
Poet: "Ah, now that is the question. But what fun is a story if you already know the ending?..."
December 17, 2018
This book is amazing! Wonderful characters,a grand story! Time travel characters with crazy superpowers! Action,Adventure,Betrayal This book has it all ! Suitable for all ages :)
Enjoyed this series!
Similar Series
Narnia by CS Lewis
The Circle series by Ted Decker
The Amazing Tales of Max and Lix by Jenny L Cote
Lord of the Rings by Tolkien
Enjoyed this series!
Similar Series
Narnia by CS Lewis
The Circle series by Ted Decker
The Amazing Tales of Max and Lix by Jenny L Cote
Lord of the Rings by Tolkien
January 7, 2019
This book, like the the others is AMAZING!! READ IT!!!
February 12, 2021
I enjoyed this book more than the first! Jack and Alexia know their lineage now and they know all about the prophecy. They are coming to terms with their powers too.
A lot happens in this book and it is all starting to come together. The plot ramps up and we learn more about the Assassin and the Author. Loyalties are tested and hard choices must be made in order for the prophecy to be fulfilled. Both children have their own path filled with danger and treachery that can either save the world of destroy it.
Alexia really comes into her own in this story. She is faced with situations that confound her and she is manipulated to believe things, but she stays strong and follows her heart. Jack is finding it hard to know who to trust and Arthur is another character that really shines in this!!
In all, another exciting and entertaining read! I'm interested in seeing where the author is taking the story from here and look forward to reading the next book.
A lot happens in this book and it is all starting to come together. The plot ramps up and we learn more about the Assassin and the Author. Loyalties are tested and hard choices must be made in order for the prophecy to be fulfilled. Both children have their own path filled with danger and treachery that can either save the world of destroy it.
Alexia really comes into her own in this story. She is faced with situations that confound her and she is manipulated to believe things, but she stays strong and follows her heart. Jack is finding it hard to know who to trust and Arthur is another character that really shines in this!!
In all, another exciting and entertaining read! I'm interested in seeing where the author is taking the story from here and look forward to reading the next book.
May 26, 2015
Mark Batterson and Joel N. Clark in their new book, “Jack Staples and the City Of Shadows” Book Two in the Jack Staples series published by David C. Cook gives us another adventure with Jack Staples.
From the Back Cover: “Only when we face our fears will our greatest gifts be uncovered.” – Mrs. Dumphry
The Assassin is closing in. Just as Jack and his friend Alexia discover what it means to be the Chosen Ones, they each face the test of a lifetime. For Jack it is a question of trust; for Alexia, of loyalty. Everything rests on their making the right choices, and on the completion of their missions. The Assassin expects they will fail, and that they will either join him or be destroyed. It will take all of the Author’s forces, the special gifts Jack and Alexia each have, and the help of their friends, Arthur and Mrs. Dumphry, to overcome. But when the enemy makes a key move, and an important quest proves difficult, the prophecy—that they will both destroy and save the world—seems further from coming true than ever before.
This is a book about choices. Both Jack and Alexia find out that small wrong choices lead up to making big wrong choices. The assassin is waiting for them to fall. The Author is standing with them. There is action, there are battles. Things are not what they seem and there is danger almost everywhere. This is one exciting book that will keep you flipping pages to keep up with the story. You and your kids are going to enjoy this book. They will enjoy it even more if you read it with them (probably because they like you a lot). I am looking forward to the next book in this series with great interest.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from David C Cook for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the Back Cover: “Only when we face our fears will our greatest gifts be uncovered.” – Mrs. Dumphry
The Assassin is closing in. Just as Jack and his friend Alexia discover what it means to be the Chosen Ones, they each face the test of a lifetime. For Jack it is a question of trust; for Alexia, of loyalty. Everything rests on their making the right choices, and on the completion of their missions. The Assassin expects they will fail, and that they will either join him or be destroyed. It will take all of the Author’s forces, the special gifts Jack and Alexia each have, and the help of their friends, Arthur and Mrs. Dumphry, to overcome. But when the enemy makes a key move, and an important quest proves difficult, the prophecy—that they will both destroy and save the world—seems further from coming true than ever before.
This is a book about choices. Both Jack and Alexia find out that small wrong choices lead up to making big wrong choices. The assassin is waiting for them to fall. The Author is standing with them. There is action, there are battles. Things are not what they seem and there is danger almost everywhere. This is one exciting book that will keep you flipping pages to keep up with the story. You and your kids are going to enjoy this book. They will enjoy it even more if you read it with them (probably because they like you a lot). I am looking forward to the next book in this series with great interest.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from David C Cook for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 4, 2015
Title: JACK STAPLES AND THE CITY OF SHADOWS
Authors: Mark Batterson and Joel N. Clark
Publisher: David C. Cook
January 2015
ISBN: 978-0-781411080
Genre Juvenile fiction / Action and Adventure
Series: Jack Staples series
Reviewed by Jenna
Only when we face our fears will our greatest gifts be uncovered ~~ Mrs. Dumphry
The Assassin is closing in. Just as Jack and his friend Alexia discover what it means to be the Chosen Ones, they each face the test of a lifetime. For Jack it is a question of trust; for Alexia, of loyalty. Everything rests on their making the right choices, and on the completion of their missions. The Assassin expects they will fail, and that they will either join him or be destroyed. It will take all of the Author’s forces, the special gifts Jack and Alexia each have, and the help of their friends, Arthur and Mrs. Dumphrey, to overcome. But when the enemy makes a key move, and an important quest proves difficult, the prophecy—that they will both destroy and save the world—seems further from coming true than ever before.
JACK STAPLES AND THE CITY OF SHADOWS is an action adventure book for kids ages 8 – 12. I really liked this book. It was really good, but it was scary enough that I didn’t try reading it at night. It is intense and I never knew what would happen next.
The characters were realistic. Through-out the book each of the characters figure out their talents and learn how to use them for the good of their friends.
I highly recommend JACK STAPLES AND THE CITY OF SHADOWS for those who like adventure.
5 stars. Available in paperback, audio, audio CD, and ebook. 256 pages.
Authors: Mark Batterson and Joel N. Clark
Publisher: David C. Cook
January 2015
ISBN: 978-0-781411080
Genre Juvenile fiction / Action and Adventure
Series: Jack Staples series
Reviewed by Jenna
Only when we face our fears will our greatest gifts be uncovered ~~ Mrs. Dumphry
The Assassin is closing in. Just as Jack and his friend Alexia discover what it means to be the Chosen Ones, they each face the test of a lifetime. For Jack it is a question of trust; for Alexia, of loyalty. Everything rests on their making the right choices, and on the completion of their missions. The Assassin expects they will fail, and that they will either join him or be destroyed. It will take all of the Author’s forces, the special gifts Jack and Alexia each have, and the help of their friends, Arthur and Mrs. Dumphrey, to overcome. But when the enemy makes a key move, and an important quest proves difficult, the prophecy—that they will both destroy and save the world—seems further from coming true than ever before.
JACK STAPLES AND THE CITY OF SHADOWS is an action adventure book for kids ages 8 – 12. I really liked this book. It was really good, but it was scary enough that I didn’t try reading it at night. It is intense and I never knew what would happen next.
The characters were realistic. Through-out the book each of the characters figure out their talents and learn how to use them for the good of their friends.
I highly recommend JACK STAPLES AND THE CITY OF SHADOWS for those who like adventure.
5 stars. Available in paperback, audio, audio CD, and ebook. 256 pages.
May 6, 2015
Originally posted at: https://lindeay.wordpress.com/2015/04...
Jack Staples and the City of Shadows is the second book in the Jack Staples trilogy, and it carries off from where the last book left off. The first few chapters are a bit slow to get through, and Mrs Dumphrey has quit a few lines that are trying a bit too hard to make her seem like an odd, wise, old lady. As soon as Mrs Dumphrey start speaking like a normal person and stop speaking in riddles and clichés the reading experience gets much more pleasant.
The action starts early in this book and the both Alexia and Jack has to carry their wits with them in the various situations they have to face. As the Assassin is closing in with all his power the two children of the prophesy is about to face the Test of their lifetime, it is important for them both to not make mistakes, but they are both only human and they are kids.
Just as the previous book there is a lot of time jumping in the narrative, and it is a bit hard to follow, but most of it ties together in by the end. Alexia’s back-story is explored a bit more, within the time-jumps, and we learn more about her characters.
The book is engaging and action packed, it is a good buildup for the next and final installment in the series. Hopefully the questions left unanswered in “Jack Staples and the City of Shadows” will be answered in “Jack Staples and the Poet’s Storm”
Jack Staples and the City of Shadows is the second book in the Jack Staples trilogy, and it carries off from where the last book left off. The first few chapters are a bit slow to get through, and Mrs Dumphrey has quit a few lines that are trying a bit too hard to make her seem like an odd, wise, old lady. As soon as Mrs Dumphrey start speaking like a normal person and stop speaking in riddles and clichés the reading experience gets much more pleasant.
The action starts early in this book and the both Alexia and Jack has to carry their wits with them in the various situations they have to face. As the Assassin is closing in with all his power the two children of the prophesy is about to face the Test of their lifetime, it is important for them both to not make mistakes, but they are both only human and they are kids.
Just as the previous book there is a lot of time jumping in the narrative, and it is a bit hard to follow, but most of it ties together in by the end. Alexia’s back-story is explored a bit more, within the time-jumps, and we learn more about her characters.
The book is engaging and action packed, it is a good buildup for the next and final installment in the series. Hopefully the questions left unanswered in “Jack Staples and the City of Shadows” will be answered in “Jack Staples and the Poet’s Storm”
May 27, 2015
Jack Staples and the City of Shadows follows Jack and Alexia as the struggle heats up between the Assassin and the forces of the Author. Alexia is lured to the City of Shadows where the Assassin attempts to convince her to join him. It's interesting to watch as the Assassin slowly and ever so carefully tricks her into thinking that what he is doing isn't really all that bad. Supported by Arthur, Mrs. Dumphrey, and others of the Awakened, Jack and Alexia must struggle to save the world.
I do have to say that Jack Staples and the City of Shadows delivered a fun story filled with interesting characters and non-stop adventure. The downside is that it contains no real conclusion. A battle is over, but you know you need to read the next book to see what happens. Fortunately, the last book in the trilogy is due out in June. I hope to read it soon so as to have a sense of completion. And besides -- if it's anything like the first two books, it will be an outstanding story to conclude the epic struggle between good and evil.
I do have to say that Jack Staples and the City of Shadows delivered a fun story filled with interesting characters and non-stop adventure. The downside is that it contains no real conclusion. A battle is over, but you know you need to read the next book to see what happens. Fortunately, the last book in the trilogy is due out in June. I hope to read it soon so as to have a sense of completion. And besides -- if it's anything like the first two books, it will be an outstanding story to conclude the epic struggle between good and evil.
February 5, 2015
4 STARS
This is the second book of the series. There is at least one more book in the series. It is a drama, lots of action, fight between the Assassins and Author. Lots of fighting. There is a prophecy about 2 children will help the winning side.
Jack and Alexia are the children of the prophecy. They don't understand a lot of what is going on. Jack sees his mothers death and does not know where his brother and dad is. Jack has got the power to jump time.
Alexia was orphaned at 5 years old. We learn more about her past and family. She has the ability to climb anything she also makes friends of animals. Alexia gets caught by the assassins.
It is a good story but does get confused sometimes with all the time jumping. You can see how easy it is to make wrong choices by making small bad choices.
I want to read the next book in this series.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and David C. Cook. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Jack Staples and the City of Shadows.
This is the second book of the series. There is at least one more book in the series. It is a drama, lots of action, fight between the Assassins and Author. Lots of fighting. There is a prophecy about 2 children will help the winning side.
Jack and Alexia are the children of the prophecy. They don't understand a lot of what is going on. Jack sees his mothers death and does not know where his brother and dad is. Jack has got the power to jump time.
Alexia was orphaned at 5 years old. We learn more about her past and family. She has the ability to climb anything she also makes friends of animals. Alexia gets caught by the assassins.
It is a good story but does get confused sometimes with all the time jumping. You can see how easy it is to make wrong choices by making small bad choices.
I want to read the next book in this series.
I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and David C. Cook. In return I agreed to give a honest review of Jack Staples and the City of Shadows.
June 17, 2015
Excellent plot twist! The kind that fits so perfectly you just smack your head and wonder, "Why didn't I see that coming?"
No one in the first book understood why there were two prophesied children. But once Alexia is captured by the Assassin it becomes clearer. Will she eventually start sympathizing with her capture or will she find the power to stand up to him. When the prophecy says the child will bow, does that mean that the child will also serve? Or can you bow without servitude?
Another great fantasy, time-travel adventure.
No one in the first book understood why there were two prophesied children. But once Alexia is captured by the Assassin it becomes clearer. Will she eventually start sympathizing with her capture or will she find the power to stand up to him. When the prophecy says the child will bow, does that mean that the child will also serve? Or can you bow without servitude?
Another great fantasy, time-travel adventure.
April 10, 2016
Wonderful book about good and evil. The assassin and the author (the poet). I bought this book for my grandson and then downloaded it to my kindle to read along with him. Little did I know this series would be such an excellent read.
April 26, 2015
Good sequel to the first book, and exciting setup for the third. Good action and good use of time and perspective shifts keep the storyline moving.
April 23, 2016
Terrific story for kids, though it might be a little intense for some sensitive young readers. I'll be looking out for the final book in the trilogy.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews