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Byways #3
Over the Bridge: A Zane Johns Adventure
Byways, Book 3
Over the Bridge, A Zane Johns Adventure – Zane and his best friend Jovan are searching for one more person for their team. At their first waypoint, they hear a rumor about a blacksmith who wants to move west. A visit to the forge brings one surprise after another.
WELCOME TO LIBERTY. Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by Rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.
Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.
LEARNING MADE FUN. The Byways books take readers on a cross-country road trip through a fantasy landscape. But the series isn’t just a story. This is one long game, and you can play. Hide and seek! Search and find! Each Byways book is tied to one of the USA’s fifty states. Details are “hidden” within the story. Book 3 covers “The Garden State,” New Jersey.
The Byways books are geared for young readers who are ready for their first chapter books (K-2). Cover art and illustrations by Hannah Christenson. Look for upcoming titles, cast pictures, teacher resources, waypoint log, and a special hometown challenge at CJMilbrandt.com.
Over the Bridge, A Zane Johns Adventure – Zane and his best friend Jovan are searching for one more person for their team. At their first waypoint, they hear a rumor about a blacksmith who wants to move west. A visit to the forge brings one surprise after another.
WELCOME TO LIBERTY. Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by Rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.
Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They’re Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.
LEARNING MADE FUN. The Byways books take readers on a cross-country road trip through a fantasy landscape. But the series isn’t just a story. This is one long game, and you can play. Hide and seek! Search and find! Each Byways book is tied to one of the USA’s fifty states. Details are “hidden” within the story. Book 3 covers “The Garden State,” New Jersey.
The Byways books are geared for young readers who are ready for their first chapter books (K-2). Cover art and illustrations by Hannah Christenson. Look for upcoming titles, cast pictures, teacher resources, waypoint log, and a special hometown challenge at CJMilbrandt.com.
- GenresChildrens
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2014
1 person is currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Milbrandt
21 books184 followersC. J. Milbrandt has always believed in miracles, especially small ones. A lifelong bookworm with a love for fairy tales, far-off lands, and fantasy worlds, CJ began spinning adventures of her own on the advice of a dear friend. Her family-friendly stories mingle humor and whimsy with a dash of danger and a touch of magic.
The Galleries of Stone trilogy [A magic master sculptor of Pred descent and the only Flox boy with the nubs to take his hand. Cozy fantasy.]
Journeymen of Stone [Readers join other Meadowsweets as they go out into the world. More mountains. New cultures. Adventure!]
Byways Books [Ewan, Zane, and Ganix take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Chapter books for young readers, beginning around age 6, escalating into middlegrade.]
The Galleries of Stone trilogy [A magic master sculptor of Pred descent and the only Flox boy with the nubs to take his hand. Cozy fantasy.]
Journeymen of Stone [Readers join other Meadowsweets as they go out into the world. More mountains. New cultures. Adventure!]
Byways Books [Ewan, Zane, and Ganix take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Chapter books for young readers, beginning around age 6, escalating into middlegrade.]
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 3, 2020
As I begin the second leg of the Johns brothers race (having followed Ewan originally), I'm tickled pink (Zane would hate that) to catch all the NJ references in Zane's journey.
There are a lot! I wonder if Milbrandt ever visited? Jersey sounds a lot cooler to visit then uh it is at times.
We meet Brielle Trenton, better known as Bree, a lady blacksmith that stands toe to toe with Zane (to Jovan's amusement). She's been preparing to go West where maybe she can have a forge of her own where folk won't judge her, but hasn't left...until the Johns show up.
While Ewan has my heart, Zane has got my number. Folk making a fuss is decidedly uncomfortable. Bossy folk are too.
I do like that for a split second Zane wonders if he and his brothers could accomplish great things together...to then realize little sisters are a pain.
There are a lot! I wonder if Milbrandt ever visited? Jersey sounds a lot cooler to visit then uh it is at times.
We meet Brielle Trenton, better known as Bree, a lady blacksmith that stands toe to toe with Zane (to Jovan's amusement). She's been preparing to go West where maybe she can have a forge of her own where folk won't judge her, but hasn't left...until the Johns show up.
While Ewan has my heart, Zane has got my number. Folk making a fuss is decidedly uncomfortable. Bossy folk are too.
I do like that for a split second Zane wonders if he and his brothers could accomplish great things together...to then realize little sisters are a pain.
May 4, 2015
'Over the Bridge' is the third book in the Byways series by C. J. Milbrandt, and the first with the middle brother, Zane, as its main character.
Zane and his second cousin Jovan have set out together to race Zane's two half-brothers across the country of Liberty. The rules of the race require them to find one more travelling companion before they check in at their first waypoint.
Zane is none-too-keen on this idea. His temperament is unsocial and snappish, and he'd be far happier to travel just with his best friend than to have to put up with anyone else. So he hopes they can find someone who won't be troublesome, and will do as they're told.
Unfortunately, the person they do find is of quite another bent!
Zane is generally considered by people in his home town to be the least likeable of the three Johns brothers. The fact that I do prefer both the others over him no doubt demonstrates that his character has been appropriately 'shown' and not just described. :)
On the other hand, his cousin Jovan is my second-favourite character in the series, preceded only by Ewan, the eldest brother. And if Jovan sees more in Zane than meets the casual eye, I'm prepared to reserve judgement about him too, for at least a little longer. :D
Each state in Liberty corresponds to a state of the United States, with many references to places, names and well-known features of the real state. 'Over the Bridge' is set in Liberty's equivalent of New Jersey.
The series is intended to advance in reading level along with its readers. Books 1-4 are written for readers between six and ten years old, although later 'episodes' will have a progressively higher reading level.
I'm an adult reader in Australia, so I don't normally read books intended for this age range. And spotting the references specific to each American state is likely to give greater enjoyment to the youthful inhabitants of those states than it does to me on the other side of the world. :)
But I enjoy C.J. Milbrandt's writing no matter what she writes, so I'm willing to recommend it likewise to anyone who appreciates carefully-chosen words and well-defined characterisation.
Zane and his second cousin Jovan have set out together to race Zane's two half-brothers across the country of Liberty. The rules of the race require them to find one more travelling companion before they check in at their first waypoint.
Zane is none-too-keen on this idea. His temperament is unsocial and snappish, and he'd be far happier to travel just with his best friend than to have to put up with anyone else. So he hopes they can find someone who won't be troublesome, and will do as they're told.
Unfortunately, the person they do find is of quite another bent!
Zane is generally considered by people in his home town to be the least likeable of the three Johns brothers. The fact that I do prefer both the others over him no doubt demonstrates that his character has been appropriately 'shown' and not just described. :)
On the other hand, his cousin Jovan is my second-favourite character in the series, preceded only by Ewan, the eldest brother. And if Jovan sees more in Zane than meets the casual eye, I'm prepared to reserve judgement about him too, for at least a little longer. :D
Each state in Liberty corresponds to a state of the United States, with many references to places, names and well-known features of the real state. 'Over the Bridge' is set in Liberty's equivalent of New Jersey.
The series is intended to advance in reading level along with its readers. Books 1-4 are written for readers between six and ten years old, although later 'episodes' will have a progressively higher reading level.
I'm an adult reader in Australia, so I don't normally read books intended for this age range. And spotting the references specific to each American state is likely to give greater enjoyment to the youthful inhabitants of those states than it does to me on the other side of the world. :)
But I enjoy C.J. Milbrandt's writing no matter what she writes, so I'm willing to recommend it likewise to anyone who appreciates carefully-chosen words and well-defined characterisation.
February 28, 2015
This kid-friendly fantasy series is teaching kids about the United States of America in a new and exciting way. State facts, cities, landmarks, and more are hidden within the story. By the end, you'll want to re-read so that you can find all of the hidden things.
Book 3, Over the Bridge by C. J. Milbrandt follows Zane Johns as he races against his brothers across the land of Liberty with his best friend Jovan. Zane loves adventure, but isn't so big on people. Which is a problem since they need one more traveling companion to make a team of three. Rich settings, action-packed exploits, and fantasy creatures aplenty keep you turning pages. Zane's independence and loyalty to his friends are admirable qualities, despite his reputation as a lone wolf.
Beautiful illustrations bring this story to life. Parents will appreciate the rich vocabulary and exciting new approach to learning.
Book 3, Over the Bridge by C. J. Milbrandt follows Zane Johns as he races against his brothers across the land of Liberty with his best friend Jovan. Zane loves adventure, but isn't so big on people. Which is a problem since they need one more traveling companion to make a team of three. Rich settings, action-packed exploits, and fantasy creatures aplenty keep you turning pages. Zane's independence and loyalty to his friends are admirable qualities, despite his reputation as a lone wolf.
Beautiful illustrations bring this story to life. Parents will appreciate the rich vocabulary and exciting new approach to learning.
May 29, 2016
Although this is the 3rd book in the series, and I haven't read the first two, I still found it quite interesting for a children's chapter book. I'm intrigued to learn more about this adventure that three brothers are on, and what exactly their goal is. Well written, quick and simple, yet intriguing story!
July 25, 2016
Received this from a Goodreads Giveaway. Since this is a children's book, I gave it to the 7-year old son of a friend. He rated it 4 stars, and said "it could have been 5-stars but they were not always nice to each other."
May 29, 2016
A stimulating way of getting children absorbed in the U.S. A quick read but fun, educational and a game challenge with comical characters leading to friendship!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews