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The Painter Trilogy #1
The Painter's Apprentice
The pen is mightier than the sword. The brush beats both.
Imagine having the ability to paint any world you like...and then walk inside it.
With a moneygrubbing father and obnoxious mother, young Jack hasn’t had an easy childhood. But when he’s invited to compete in a painting contest hosted by the legendary Dante De Luca, his life becomes remarkable. With Dante’s mindboggling training, Jack learns to create sensational worlds, like a god.
After eight years of apprenticeship, tragedy strikes, and Jack is left plummeting toward an emotional abyss. To reunite with his beloved mentor, Dante, he must conquer a savage world ruled by the ruthless Archduke Oakenfol and his rebellious daughter, Annabelle.
A world brimming with backstabbing, blades, and teeth.
A world Jack may not survive.
A world he created.
The Painter's Apprentice is a riot of color, painted in love, hate, and blood. Suitable for listeners 12+.
Imagine having the ability to paint any world you like...and then walk inside it.
With a moneygrubbing father and obnoxious mother, young Jack hasn’t had an easy childhood. But when he’s invited to compete in a painting contest hosted by the legendary Dante De Luca, his life becomes remarkable. With Dante’s mindboggling training, Jack learns to create sensational worlds, like a god.
After eight years of apprenticeship, tragedy strikes, and Jack is left plummeting toward an emotional abyss. To reunite with his beloved mentor, Dante, he must conquer a savage world ruled by the ruthless Archduke Oakenfol and his rebellious daughter, Annabelle.
A world brimming with backstabbing, blades, and teeth.
A world Jack may not survive.
A world he created.
The Painter's Apprentice is a riot of color, painted in love, hate, and blood. Suitable for listeners 12+.
- GenresFantasy
Audible Audio
First published May 13, 2021
21 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 11, 2021
This was such a LOVELY read, my inner child feels so content 😭
How I WISHHHH little sîvan had been able to read this, she would have loved this so freaking much
Check trigger warnings though!!!!
How I WISHHHH little sîvan had been able to read this, she would have loved this so freaking much
Check trigger warnings though!!!!
May 11, 2022
This is kind of a tough one to rate. Some sections were enthralling while others were just mediocre. And then there is the epilogue: the last sentence got me straight in the feels, as my son has been known to say. Probably 3.5 rounded up.
This seems to be marketed as YA, and for the most part it is. However, there are some pretty serious themes that make me want to question it. Jack's dysfunctional family is one. When the book begins he's a young boy listening to his parents' violent argument downstairs. That part brought up some best-forgotten memories! His mother is an alcoholic, and his scary father is portrayed as a type of mobster-dude with a basher for a sidekick. There was also the disturbing implication from the noises overheard by this little boy that So YA doesn't seem to fit for a significant portion of the book. And then again, the MC make some really immature and stupid decisions, so the YA designation seems correct.
Things look up for little Jack when Dante steps in as his mentor/wholesome father figure. Dante teaches Jack magical painting. And I mean this in the literal sense. They are able to use the created paintings as portals into other worlds. Pretty cool.
I liked it enough to continue, so I will probably pick up the next one to see where the author takes Jack's story.
This seems to be marketed as YA, and for the most part it is. However, there are some pretty serious themes that make me want to question it. Jack's dysfunctional family is one. When the book begins he's a young boy listening to his parents' violent argument downstairs. That part brought up some best-forgotten memories! His mother is an alcoholic, and his scary father is portrayed as a type of mobster-dude with a basher for a sidekick. There was also the disturbing implication from the noises overheard by this little boy that So YA doesn't seem to fit for a significant portion of the book. And then again, the MC make some really immature and stupid decisions, so the YA designation seems correct.
Things look up for little Jack when Dante steps in as his mentor/wholesome father figure. Dante teaches Jack magical painting. And I mean this in the literal sense. They are able to use the created paintings as portals into other worlds. Pretty cool.
I liked it enough to continue, so I will probably pick up the next one to see where the author takes Jack's story.
October 13, 2022
Such an amazing idea
I thouroughly enjoyed this story. This book is about a young boy who hasn't got the best family life, a mother overly intrested in alcohol and a father who believes violence is the solution to any problem, he is told his art is a waste of time until his father finds out about a competion with a massive reward so he can make some money off his son. After the competion his whole life changes, you get to see the character develop and learn more about the crazy world they live in.
The only reason I purchased this book was because of a book challenge I am completing this year, i'm so glad I did as although it is very different from the books I usually read it made me certain I want to read the others by this author, especially the other books in this series. I would reccomend this book to anyone who wants a little wonder and magic.
I thouroughly enjoyed this story. This book is about a young boy who hasn't got the best family life, a mother overly intrested in alcohol and a father who believes violence is the solution to any problem, he is told his art is a waste of time until his father finds out about a competion with a massive reward so he can make some money off his son. After the competion his whole life changes, you get to see the character develop and learn more about the crazy world they live in.
The only reason I purchased this book was because of a book challenge I am completing this year, i'm so glad I did as although it is very different from the books I usually read it made me certain I want to read the others by this author, especially the other books in this series. I would reccomend this book to anyone who wants a little wonder and magic.
June 9, 2021
There are too many good things I could say about this book but I don’t want to give anything away. This is a YA book I believe any one can relate to in some way or another. There are words of wisdom that come from a father figure that gives me major dumbledore vibes. There’s painting and magic and deceit and a little bit of romance. I was immediately sucked in to the fantastical world the author so vividly created. There’s plot twists that kept me up until 2am just so I could finish this. This is everything I could ask for from a YA fantasy and could not say enough glowing things. I very rarely leave reviews but this book is worthy of so many praises.
September 19, 2021
There are lots of things to love about this book, and I was particularly taken by the pacing -- I enjoyed getting to know the characters before the fantasy elements kicked in. When they did, they felt all the more magical for being anchored in the real world. There was also a real sense of jeopardy right from the start, which added to the tension.
June 3, 2021
A wonderful debut YA novel. This was a very exciting read and kept my interest.
The author did a wonderful job of making the world vivid in my mind. Looking forward to reading other works by this author.
The author did a wonderful job of making the world vivid in my mind. Looking forward to reading other works by this author.
September 25, 2021
True Rating: 4.65/5 (SPOILER FREE REVIEW)
I recommend this book to people: who like Harry Potter, who love YA portal fantasy, and people who are hoping to get invested in a brand new fantasy world! Also for anybody wishing to support and indie author with a great book!
Going into this book, I had high expectations, I’m not going to lie. I’d seen plenty of raving reviews online and really wanted this to be the fantasy read of my summer… Lucky for me, it did not disappoint.
Brief Summary: Jack didn’t have an easy childhood, so to be selected to be the apprentice of famous painter Dante De Luca is the best thing to happen to him. Dante De Luca shows him a whole new world that few know about. And then he teaches Jack how to create worlds of his own. Jack becomes like a god with the ability to create at his will. But when tragedy strikes it leaves Jack reeling and falling into despair. To get back to his beloved mentor Jack must navigate and survive the dangerous world he himself created. Will Jack find his mentor and be reunited? Or will Jack not even survive the world he made?
Let me talk about some of my favourite things about this book that made me go: “How are there not more people talking about this?!” The writing was fantastic. I’m not sure what it was about the quality of writing that reminded me of the way Harry Potter was written (let me make it clear the stories are vastly different, but there’s just something in the writing), but I loved it. It’s a hazard for me going into YA fantasy that I just will not be able to picture scenes that are heavy in action, BUT this was actually not a problem! I think the concept was also absolutely genius. The idea of hubris sprinkled in was lovely- we love to see it. The fantasy creatures included were great. I loved Jack. The whole story centers around Jack and I personally thought he was a fantastic character. He’s flawed and at times you want to throttle him and yell, but at the same time I was rooting for him throughout. This book is pretty fast-paced once you get past the 50-or-so page mark.
Now, my one critique of this book was just the lack of diversity. There wasn’t really any LGBT+ rep, and I found that I wasn’t in love with the woman character in this book and I would maybe like to see some more females or strong females? I would say there is definitely potential for growth in this area, and I know the journey isn’t over yet, so perhaps we will see some of this in the future. (I sure hope so!)
I would definitely read this book again and recommend it to others. In fact, I finished it while I was on a camping trip and immediately made my friend read it at the beach the next day, so you know- it’s that good LOL!
*Also a big thank you to Alexander for sending me a review copy. Alexander is a fantastic writer and also a wonderful person to talk to!*
I recommend this book to people: who like Harry Potter, who love YA portal fantasy, and people who are hoping to get invested in a brand new fantasy world! Also for anybody wishing to support and indie author with a great book!
Going into this book, I had high expectations, I’m not going to lie. I’d seen plenty of raving reviews online and really wanted this to be the fantasy read of my summer… Lucky for me, it did not disappoint.
Brief Summary: Jack didn’t have an easy childhood, so to be selected to be the apprentice of famous painter Dante De Luca is the best thing to happen to him. Dante De Luca shows him a whole new world that few know about. And then he teaches Jack how to create worlds of his own. Jack becomes like a god with the ability to create at his will. But when tragedy strikes it leaves Jack reeling and falling into despair. To get back to his beloved mentor Jack must navigate and survive the dangerous world he himself created. Will Jack find his mentor and be reunited? Or will Jack not even survive the world he made?
Let me talk about some of my favourite things about this book that made me go: “How are there not more people talking about this?!” The writing was fantastic. I’m not sure what it was about the quality of writing that reminded me of the way Harry Potter was written (let me make it clear the stories are vastly different, but there’s just something in the writing), but I loved it. It’s a hazard for me going into YA fantasy that I just will not be able to picture scenes that are heavy in action, BUT this was actually not a problem! I think the concept was also absolutely genius. The idea of hubris sprinkled in was lovely- we love to see it. The fantasy creatures included were great. I loved Jack. The whole story centers around Jack and I personally thought he was a fantastic character. He’s flawed and at times you want to throttle him and yell, but at the same time I was rooting for him throughout. This book is pretty fast-paced once you get past the 50-or-so page mark.
Now, my one critique of this book was just the lack of diversity. There wasn’t really any LGBT+ rep, and I found that I wasn’t in love with the woman character in this book and I would maybe like to see some more females or strong females? I would say there is definitely potential for growth in this area, and I know the journey isn’t over yet, so perhaps we will see some of this in the future. (I sure hope so!)
I would definitely read this book again and recommend it to others. In fact, I finished it while I was on a camping trip and immediately made my friend read it at the beach the next day, so you know- it’s that good LOL!
*Also a big thank you to Alexander for sending me a review copy. Alexander is a fantastic writer and also a wonderful person to talk to!*
June 1, 2022
This was a fast paced YA fantasy novel with an interesting magic system. The beginning was almost like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory meets Harry Potter and the ending was almost Alice in Wonderland-esque.
Jack is a young boy whose parents are not the loving type and cared more about money than they do about him. His father enters him into a contest to become a prestigious painter’s apprentice because he will be paid well just for the opportunity. Jack has never painted before, but Dante sees something special in the attempt and voila! Jack is the painter’s apprentice!
Years later when tragedy strikes Jack makes a decision that does not pan out the way he hoped it would and he has to rely on his training and quick thinking to try and save himself and the world he created.
I don’t read a ton of fantasy, but this was a really fun read!
Jack is a young boy whose parents are not the loving type and cared more about money than they do about him. His father enters him into a contest to become a prestigious painter’s apprentice because he will be paid well just for the opportunity. Jack has never painted before, but Dante sees something special in the attempt and voila! Jack is the painter’s apprentice!
Years later when tragedy strikes Jack makes a decision that does not pan out the way he hoped it would and he has to rely on his training and quick thinking to try and save himself and the world he created.
I don’t read a ton of fantasy, but this was a really fun read!
June 3, 2021
I really loved the concept of this book- who wouldn’t want to have the ability to paint their very own world and escape into it? I particularly enjoyed the descriptions of Scotland and the Highlands (although as a Scot I might be biased). Additionally, I really liked the medieval aspects towards the end of the book and the mystical feel that provided. A very enjoyable book with an interesting and unique plot. Give it a read!
June 3, 2022
Loved the book! It's packed with great action and amazing world building, a perfect art fantasy novel.
May 21, 2022
This was a lovely read, one for the inner child. It’s definitely aimed at the younger side of YA, however there is a small amount of language and some triggers in terms of domestic violence.
The ideas behind this book are so creative - who wouldn’t want to be able to create a whole world with just some paint? Fantastic.
The ideas behind this book are so creative - who wouldn’t want to be able to create a whole world with just some paint? Fantastic.
May 14, 2022
Get ready to step into another world!
In this first book of a trilogy, we meet a young Jack. A quiet sketcher who loves to draw. Unfortunately his home life is a troubled and when his mother “leaves” (TW: moderate domestic violence) he is left in the sole care of his father, a mobster. Purely out of selfishness, Jack’s father whisks him off to Scotland to participate in an art competition to become an apprentice to a famous but mysterious artist, Dante. Thinking he would fail because he had only ever sketched, Jack was shocked to learn he won the apprenticeship! From there we watch Jack bloom under Dante’s teaching and the magical worlds they create with paint. This is fast-paced, and truly magical book you won’t want to miss!
In this first book of a trilogy, we meet a young Jack. A quiet sketcher who loves to draw. Unfortunately his home life is a troubled and when his mother “leaves” (TW: moderate domestic violence) he is left in the sole care of his father, a mobster. Purely out of selfishness, Jack’s father whisks him off to Scotland to participate in an art competition to become an apprentice to a famous but mysterious artist, Dante. Thinking he would fail because he had only ever sketched, Jack was shocked to learn he won the apprenticeship! From there we watch Jack bloom under Dante’s teaching and the magical worlds they create with paint. This is fast-paced, and truly magical book you won’t want to miss!
May 16, 2022
I didn’t think I’d like this as the blurb made it seem a bit ‘young’ at first. I got it on a free promo and had heard good things so I tried it. Wow! Amazing descriptions! The author really knows how to put you into the story, like 3D. And it’s not a kids book at all. In fact, the themes seemed a little too adult for YA at times. The fantasy paint worlds are really cool, as is the character Dante. He’s kind of like Dumbldore but a bit less serious? Loved it. 5 stars!
May 16, 2022
4.5 stars. This book was a really nice surprise for me. Amazing concept and really fast paced!
Watch TWs at start though, as there is domestic violence!
Watch TWs at start though, as there is domestic violence!
July 4, 2021
Let's talk about
The Painter's Apprentice
by British Author ALEXANDER SMALL
Hook: Imagine having the ability to paint any world you like...and then walk inside it.
Blurb: With a moneygrubbing father and obnoxious mother, young Jack hasn’t had an easy childhood. But when he’s invited to compete in a painting contest hosted by the legendary Dante De Luca, his life becomes remarkable. With Dante’s mind-boggling training, Jack learns to create sensational worlds, like a god.
After eight years of apprenticeship, tragedy strikes, and Jack is left plummeting towards an emotional abyss. To reunite with his beloved mentor, Dante, he must conquer a savage world ruled by the ruthless Archduke Oakenfol and his rebellious daughter, Annabelle.
A world brimming with backstabbing, blades and teeth.
A world Jack may not survive.
A world he created.
#Review I got to #read an advance copy this weekend and I have to say it's the best YA #Indie book I've read in a long time.
As a writer, Alexander Small's brilliant use of words paint a setting so perfect it's a photographic image in the mind of the reader.
As the story progresses you see Jack, our MC, go from a child frightened of the dark into a master painter-with a little magic on his canvas.
Daring swordfights, far off places, a princess, a evil Archduke, and a mythical creature (or two) makes this a book any parent could enjoy with their child.
Would I read it again? Probably.
Do I recommend the Author? Sure do.
Is it perfect? Not quite. It's missing the Easter Egg that tells you there is sequel. I've been assured by the author, Jack's adventures in his paintings are not over.
The Painter's Apprentice
by British Author ALEXANDER SMALL
Hook: Imagine having the ability to paint any world you like...and then walk inside it.
Blurb: With a moneygrubbing father and obnoxious mother, young Jack hasn’t had an easy childhood. But when he’s invited to compete in a painting contest hosted by the legendary Dante De Luca, his life becomes remarkable. With Dante’s mind-boggling training, Jack learns to create sensational worlds, like a god.
After eight years of apprenticeship, tragedy strikes, and Jack is left plummeting towards an emotional abyss. To reunite with his beloved mentor, Dante, he must conquer a savage world ruled by the ruthless Archduke Oakenfol and his rebellious daughter, Annabelle.
A world brimming with backstabbing, blades and teeth.
A world Jack may not survive.
A world he created.
#Review I got to #read an advance copy this weekend and I have to say it's the best YA #Indie book I've read in a long time.
As a writer, Alexander Small's brilliant use of words paint a setting so perfect it's a photographic image in the mind of the reader.
As the story progresses you see Jack, our MC, go from a child frightened of the dark into a master painter-with a little magic on his canvas.
Daring swordfights, far off places, a princess, a evil Archduke, and a mythical creature (or two) makes this a book any parent could enjoy with their child.
Would I read it again? Probably.
Do I recommend the Author? Sure do.
Is it perfect? Not quite. It's missing the Easter Egg that tells you there is sequel. I've been assured by the author, Jack's adventures in his paintings are not over.
June 12, 2021
I was very kindly sent an ARC copy of this book to review - thank you!
There was a lot I liked about this book. The concept of using paint as a form of magic to create worlds was really interesting and really well done, and it was nice to see a unique take on ya fantasy. I loved the relationship between the main character Jack and his mentor Dante, who reminded me of a less manipulative Dumbledore, and was probably my favourite character. The story was fast paced and gripping, with some lovely quotes and descriptive passages. The plot flowed nicely and I liked the world building.
However, I did feel that this book was lacking in diversity, which for me is an important factor in books. There were only a couple of characters of colour, and they weren’t particularly developed, and there was no LGBTQ representation. I also felt the portrayal of women was somewhat lacking. Whilst Annabelle was an interesting character with some clear examples of being a strong woman, there generally weren’t that many female characters. I also felt that at times the descriptions of women were too focused on their bodies, making it feel somewhat objectifying.
This could all be improved in later books, so I would describe this as an intriguing start to what has the potential to be a very good ya fantasy series.
There was a lot I liked about this book. The concept of using paint as a form of magic to create worlds was really interesting and really well done, and it was nice to see a unique take on ya fantasy. I loved the relationship between the main character Jack and his mentor Dante, who reminded me of a less manipulative Dumbledore, and was probably my favourite character. The story was fast paced and gripping, with some lovely quotes and descriptive passages. The plot flowed nicely and I liked the world building.
However, I did feel that this book was lacking in diversity, which for me is an important factor in books. There were only a couple of characters of colour, and they weren’t particularly developed, and there was no LGBTQ representation. I also felt the portrayal of women was somewhat lacking. Whilst Annabelle was an interesting character with some clear examples of being a strong woman, there generally weren’t that many female characters. I also felt that at times the descriptions of women were too focused on their bodies, making it feel somewhat objectifying.
This could all be improved in later books, so I would describe this as an intriguing start to what has the potential to be a very good ya fantasy series.
July 5, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from the lovely author Alexander, and it did not disappoint!
Although I feel I was slightly too old for the target audience of this book as it was a very YA book, I really did enjoy it, and I know myself 3 years ago would have been shouting it’s praise should I have read it then.
We follow the lovely main character Jack through discovering his abilities of being able to create paintings that actually come to life! His sad backstory of family troubles and meeting a new father figure which we learn oodles of wisdom from is enough to melt anyone’s heart. We watch him grow up and walk through paintings of his own making - learning new ways and becoming his own man.
I would recommend to anyone who likes to read YA Fantasy.
Also please check trigger warning before reading! ‼️
Although I feel I was slightly too old for the target audience of this book as it was a very YA book, I really did enjoy it, and I know myself 3 years ago would have been shouting it’s praise should I have read it then.
We follow the lovely main character Jack through discovering his abilities of being able to create paintings that actually come to life! His sad backstory of family troubles and meeting a new father figure which we learn oodles of wisdom from is enough to melt anyone’s heart. We watch him grow up and walk through paintings of his own making - learning new ways and becoming his own man.
I would recommend to anyone who likes to read YA Fantasy.
Also please check trigger warning before reading! ‼️
June 16, 2021
I was given a e copy in exchange for a honest review.
First and foremost I really enjoyed this book, I really loved the adventures, and if your looking for a fast paced adventure it’s definitely worth picking up I loved the travel elements and adored the concept of the book painting worlds so cool. Sadly i never fell in love with the characters i liked them just never connected with them personally, and there was definitely some predictable parts but over all totally worth the read I’d definitely recommend this as a steppingstone into fantasy!! Some slight trigger warnings
First and foremost I really enjoyed this book, I really loved the adventures, and if your looking for a fast paced adventure it’s definitely worth picking up I loved the travel elements and adored the concept of the book painting worlds so cool. Sadly i never fell in love with the characters i liked them just never connected with them personally, and there was definitely some predictable parts but over all totally worth the read I’d definitely recommend this as a steppingstone into fantasy!! Some slight trigger warnings
June 10, 2021
Enjoyed this one a lot. I liked the idea of painted worlds coming to life and the characters were well thought out and engaging. Read the whole thing on two flights and it kept me very well entertained. Had to laugh a few times as well, almost waking my seat neighbour. Oops. Sorry. As far as I know it's this author's first Fantasy book, but I'm hoping for more.
June 11, 2021
Not only is the premise of this story intriguing, but the author immerses us in a world of vivid details and amazing characters. The Painter's Apprentice is a much needed escape from reality. I'm not typically a reader of this genre, but Alexander Small has me hooked! I will definitely be on the lookout for future installments in this series.
June 19, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. The concept (and just this idea that paintings could come to life was fascinating) had me from the very beginning and woke my inner curiosity; it was amazing. And the characters… urgh. No words. Please please please read it, and I promise you, you will love it as much as I did <333
July 29, 2022
This beautiful story will take you on a journey and you will love every second of it! I was sucked in and it wouldn't let me go until the very last word! I really love the writing style and will definitely be reading more of Alexander Smalls work! Absolutely recommend this book it's Harry Potter-esque but still unique. LOVE
June 13, 2021
This book was fantastic.. the world building was done so well ..you could in vision it in your mind. The charters were perfectly thought out. All in all great read. And I cannot wait to see what's next..
March 25, 2022
It is such an excellent book to read! I would definitely recommend this book.
July 8, 2021
🤍Do you like portals to other worlds? Apprenticeships? A unique kind of magic?
Yes? Than I have a great recommendation for you😊
The Painters Apprentice is about Jack who has a moneygrubbing father and an obnoxious mother. Jack is amazing at drawing and one day he is invited to join in a painting contest hosted by legendary painter Dante De Luca. 🎨 Dante is looking all his life for an apprentice, but still hasn't found one.
Jack wins the contest and becomes the apprentice of Dante. Jack learns to paint and create magical worlds though painting, like a god.🪄
The Painters Apprentice is an easy read for teens / new adults. It took me out of a reading slump😊 I loved the world building and the characters. It is almost impossible to not love Jack and Dante!
Yes? Than I have a great recommendation for you😊
The Painters Apprentice is about Jack who has a moneygrubbing father and an obnoxious mother. Jack is amazing at drawing and one day he is invited to join in a painting contest hosted by legendary painter Dante De Luca. 🎨 Dante is looking all his life for an apprentice, but still hasn't found one.
Jack wins the contest and becomes the apprentice of Dante. Jack learns to paint and create magical worlds though painting, like a god.🪄
The Painters Apprentice is an easy read for teens / new adults. It took me out of a reading slump😊 I loved the world building and the characters. It is almost impossible to not love Jack and Dante!
February 25, 2023
A very unique plot! The premise of painting worlds was what drew me in immediately and I was not disappointed. This was a quick an enjoyable read with some great and memorable lines. A couple of my personal favorites were “it crisscrossed the air like invisible spider webs, waiting to ensnare” and “His dad’s tone was politeness poured through a barbed-wire strainer”
This story had chronicles of narnia vibes to it. I will definitely be on the lookout for book 2.
This story had chronicles of narnia vibes to it. I will definitely be on the lookout for book 2.
November 8, 2023
An enchanting beginning to a trilogy.
A tale to rival ant fairytale I’ve ever read. I can’t imagine what the next two books might contain to further delight the imagination.
A tale to rival ant fairytale I’ve ever read. I can’t imagine what the next two books might contain to further delight the imagination.
July 26, 2021
The Painter’s Apprentice was such an amazing find for me! It’s filled with magic, adventure, emotion and life lessons. I enjoyed reading every chapter. The attention to detail in this book was absolutely refreshing and the plot unique and thrilling. If you liked Narnia or Harry Potter, you will definitely enjoy this book. It leans more towards the younger audience, but as an adult I still enjoyed it.
September 1, 2023
An entertaining YA book -I would say for straight boys? or everyone, since it's good to learn in other people's shoes. Good fantasy stuff, with action, and suspense, and a bit of romantic vibes, pondering of the right thing to do, and self-reflection.
May 25, 2022
What a fun, interesting YA fantasy read! New worlds and amazing creatures and characters literally come to life with the author's strong writing (and under the novel premise of the story!). I loved the relationship between Jack and Dante. So touching. It is nice to see this sort of mentoring relationship and newly formed father/son bond (where Jack suffered from a poor relationship with his biological father). I like YA books that aren't afraid to address issues that young people actually go through. The writing and story itself gave me feels of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Chronicles of Narnia. Though I guess the reading age for this might be just a bit older. Overall, a really great story that I am interested to see continued.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews