Jack Staples and the Ring of Time

Jack Staples #1

by Mark Batterson, Joel N. Clark

Eleven-year-old Jack's ordinary life is upended when mysterious creatures attack his hometown and he is whisked into a fantastical adventure filled with danger at every turn.

Jack learns that most live in a shadow of the world, their vision blinded by invisible scales that have covered human eyes since the beginning of time. But the Awakened experience the world as it truly is, where war rages between good and evil—and Jack is at the heart of it. The Awakened are searching for The Child of Prophecy who will both save the world and destroy it. When Jack joins in their epic battle he must learn to trust his friends and face his fears if he is to make his life count.

Mark Batterson is lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC, one of the most innovative and influential churches in America. He is a national speaker and the New York Times bestselling author of The Circle Maker, All In, and In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day.

Joel N. Clark is the author of Awake - the book you can watch, and co-founder of Atlas District Pictures and Switchvert, a production house located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Clark has written and directed multiple documentaries, commercials, and short films. He and his wife, Megan, and their daughter, Juno, reside in Washington, DC.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Christian, Ebooks, Young Adult, Childrens, Mystery

242 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2014

About the author

Mark 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.

Reviews

[Mike (the Paladin) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book (and the second) after reading a glowing review of the series. Now, let me say here that my 3 star rating is for me. If I still had small children I'd have read this book with a different eye and may have rated it higher. For what it is it's quite good.

But I want anyone picking it up to know what it is. This isn't a YA book, even putting it on my youth shelf is a bit of a stretch. This book is very young. I'd call it juvenile. The writing, the voice even the plot is so very young. I had a good deal of trouble staying interested. Most of the time I put into the book I was thinking that I'd rather be getting to something else.

So, if my children were still young then I might have been more interested. If you like very young books you may like this one. I'm removing the next from my books.

Conclusion? This is a children's book so if that's what you're looking for or if your children may read it then it may be what you want.

[Kayleigh Hellmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much. The first book is the least polished of the three for sure, but it's still pretty good. I just love how CONSISTENT the time travel is. The Author really spent time plotting this and weaving this magnificent story together.

I will say, having read this before, I am floored every time how a tiny detail in chapter one ties in to a whole adventure in book three.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Batterson and Joel N. Clark in their new book, “Jack Staples and the Ring of Time” Book One in the Jack Staples series published by David C. Cook introduces us to Jack Staples.

From the Back Cover: “A true leader does not need to be asked to do the right thing; he just does it.” – Mrs. Dumphry

Eleven-year-old Jack’s ordinary life is upended when mysterious creatures attack his hometown and he is whisked into a fantastical adventure filled with danger at every turn.

Jack learns that most live in a shadow of the world, their vision blinded by invisible scales that have covered human eyes since the beginning of time. But the Awakened experience the world as it truly is, where war rages between good and evil—and Jack is at the heart of it. The Awakened are searching for The Child of Prophesy who will both save the world and destroy it. When Jack joins in their epic battle he must learn to trust his friends and face his fears if he is to make his life count.

Here is the situation: everyone is born with scales on their eyes. People can see they just cannot see what really is. There are those that have had the scales drop from their eyes and they are called the Awakened. The Awakened fight against the forces of the dark evil known as the Assassin. With me so far? Jack Staples is The Child of Prophesy. Now he teams up with Alexia Dreager who is not all that she seems and Mrs. Dumphrey who, clearly, is more than she seems to do battle against the forces of the Assassin. This is one exciting book as Jack and the team learn to work with each other, whom they are fighting and why. You are going to enjoy this book. 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 so enjoyed this book and Jack and the team. 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.”

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first scene in this book was one of my favorite places to be as a kid, the circus. The set-up is amazing--a tightrope walker, lions, a ring of fire and fire jugglers. That's where the tension starts, and it doesn't let up from there as the reader is catapolted from one exciting situation into the next.

The main character, Jack, is a simple boy living in a simple village, which feels like it came from somewhere in the past. He has a loving family, and despite injuries from the above mentioned fire, wants to keep a promise to meet his friend in the forest. Of course, he discovers that all is not as simple as it might seem. The introduction to the evil and decisions Jake will face is well done--mysterious and dangerous all at the same time. He's surrounded by fantastic characters, some with strange attributes, which are sure to draw kids in like a teacher with a really wierd way of dealing with things. And the feeling of friendship and working together comes through at every turn.

During the first part of the book, the reader gets to know the different (and exciting) backgrounds of the various characters. At times, I found the shove from one story to the other a bit confusing (A LOT is going on), but it definitely kept me turning from one page to the next. We get to know the characters well, and can't help but sympathizing with their views and actions. It makes it easier to understand why each of the characters behaves the way they do, and brings each one to life as if they were your own friends. It was no problem to keep rooting for each of them the entire book through.

I can recommend this to both girl and boy fantasy friends. They'll be drawn into a familiar yet exciting, new world packed with adventure and won't be able to put this down until the reach the very last pages.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Angela Lambkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have choose to give this ebook five stars for such a marvelous exciting and fast moving Christian adventure and mystery
story sure to keep you reading and reading till you finally reach the end of the story! I recommend this ebook for the young to the older generations who prefer such a fast paced and exciting story! I received this book free n exchange for an honest review. Great writing Mark! By Angela

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Story! This books reminds me of Narnia the parallels with the lion , Author, and the Assassin, and Lord of the Rings with various races of Species, giants, Angels ect, but less complicated. I had picked up the 2nd book first, Then had to know how it started. The characters even have superpowers! Lots of action although there is a battle this book was written for a younger audience. My favorite part was probably the description of the giants city. On to the 3rd book to finish the series 😊📚❤️

[Stephanie Sheaffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

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+.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up from a free little library because it had been there for a while. It turned out to be a really good book. I have been in a slump and something like this was just what I needed. I kept reading to unravel the mystery.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The "ring" in the title does not refer to a circular object; rather it refers to a sound, as of bells ringing.

[Suzanne Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Flat Christian YA that goes no where.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun first book in a middle grade fantasy adventure series. Jack is 11 years old and after he mysteriously survives a fire at the circus, he learns that he is part of a world that he did not know existed - and coincidentally - or perhaps not - Alexia, a girl who was performing in the circus is also part of the mystery. His ageless teacher, a boy named Wild, and another boy named Arthur are all part of the magical story. I think that middle grade children will enjoy this book!

[BookLoversLife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jack is an ordinary boy until the day he goes to the circus. While enjoying everything the circus has to offer, a fire starts, lions get loose and Jacks life is changed forever.

It took me a little while to get into the story, but once I did, I ended up thoroughly enjoying it!! The plot kinda has 2 stories happening at once. We are told Jacks story as well as Alexias. Alexia was the tight rope walker at the circus Jack was at. We learn about how she joined the circus and see her and Jacks story intermingle. The story was well done and was filled with creepy monsters, magic, Evil and of course good!

I really liked Jack and Alexia. They both have great character development and were easy to like. Some of the characters were extremely mysterious! Jacks teacher for example. I'm intrigued to see who or what she is!!

In all, an exciting and entertaining read. Fast paced action, intriguing situations, creepy monsters, mysterious characters and an excellent plot make for an almost unputdownable read!

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Review:
Jack Staples is eleven years old and has done everything an eleven year old should. Life seems all plain and simple, all until one trip to the circus. A tight-rope walker, two lions, and tumblers surrounded by a ring of fire make up the show. But suddenly the unexpected happens, the lions are loose! Running for their lives, Jack, his older brother, and his mom race to the exit, only for the mother to help a little girl frightened and afraid. The boys steadily try to make an escape, but Jack and his brother get separated, and Jack is left alone with a lion and fire all around.

After being pulled from the fire, Jack is thrown head first in to an epic adventure. At every turn, it appears something is out to get him. He soon meets up with his best friend, and they are chased through the forest with an unknown creature hot on their trail. When they bump in the tight-rope walker from the circus, it seems she wishes them harm. But as the creature nears closer, they know they must depend on one another if the plan to survive.

Jack Staples And The Ring Of Time is book one in the Jack Staples series. This book was an amazing read. I loved how packed full of action and adventure this book was! I can't wait until I get a chance to read another Jack Staples book! I'm totally in love with this series!

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

This is a fantasy, action, YA, children book and a book that keeps your attention till the end. It is also a clean read. I liked reading about Jack and his friends.

There is a Prophesy that has been around since the beginning. About a child who will be born without scales that will either destroy or save the world. That will work with the assassin. Both the forces of good and bad want the child. No one really knows exactly what the prophesy means.

The characters are ones that I like or ones that are scary and creepy. Jack is the main character. He is eleven years old. He is a child of promise. He can save the world or destroy it. He has some powers he does not know about let alone can control.

There is a great twist that only a few know about. Now it comes to light. The evil forces come to Jack's village to get him. Creatures don't care who they kill to find Jack.

Jack does not understand why he is special or what is going on.
The setting is in Ireland, a small village. Travel is by horse or wagon.

I was not ready for this story to be over and can't wait till the next book comes out. I hope the writers write fast.

I was given this ebook to read by Net Galley and David C. Cook

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is about a boy named Jack Staples. But then you knew that from the title. Also from the title, you may have surmised that this plot relies heavily on Time Travel. As with most Time Travel novel the plot can be both predictable and confusing. They are also impossible to talk about properly without divulging massive spoilers.

One of the highlights was learning that the ring of time was an audible ring like the ringing of a bell, not a wearable ring. Why is no one addressing the fact that Jack and Alexia are obviously brother and sister? Lastly, if Jack's mother knew that he could time travel, Why wait so long to mention it to him? Seriously, these Children of prophecy might not make so many mistakes if people would just tell them what's happening.

There are a lot of creative ideas in this novel. Many of them remind me of the chronicles of Narnia. Even the main characters name. (The S in C.S.Lewis stands for Staples.)

I would label this a children's book. Most adults might find it slow, but it would be an interesting read aloud book for a family to pull out after finishing the Narnia series.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It all starts for Jack Staples at the circus, when he sees the high wire act of a mysterious girl called Alexia who wears a red cape and who's dearest fiends are lions. Jack learns that he is not your average 11 year old boy, he is prophesied to bring down the Assassin. With Mrs. Dumprey, Alexia, and his long time friend, Arthur by his side, Jack get's ready for the biggest battle of his life.

A fast paced read, that is well woven and tells an exciting tale. I'll admit that I was rather confused at first, and it took a while to get my bearing,as there was so much going on and multiple characters that I was introduced to in the first few chapters of the book.

But it was a good story with great allegorical threads throughout, I liked the mystery of it all as well as the characters, one of my favorites was probably Arthur, because he was more relatable and the "normal kid" of the group. Reads a little younger than target audience. Maybe a good read aloud at bedtime?

Overall, a fun and fast paced read filled with adventure!

[Elsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a lovely fantasy for teens! Jack Staples has been leading an ordinary life when he is thrown into extraordinary circumstances. Mysterious creatures attack his village and Jack discovers that he is no ordinary boy -- he can see the real world. Most people can only see a shadow of the world, their vision blinded by invisible scales that cover their eyes. While some people (the Awakened) have had the scales fall away, Jack was born without scales -- able to see reality all of his life.

In fact, Jack is the “Child of Prophecy” who is destined to battle the Assassin and save the world. Or he is destined to join forces with the Assassin and destroy the world. The Prophecy isn't clear.

This was a fun story filled with interesting characters and non-stop adventure. It simply ended too soon. Yes, the battle was over, but there was no real conclusion. I'm rating this book with 3 stars since to me a 3 means it's a good book that I'm glad I read.

[Carol Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one fun and good read! Jack has learned that everyone is born with scales on their eyes. It blinds them unless they are Awakened. Once you are Awakened, like Jack has been, you see the war that is waging between good and evil. A child, a Child Of Prophecy is being searched for. That child will save the world, but also destroy it too. Guess what? JACK is that child! That isn't a do it alone kind of thing, so some other special people are included in Jack's life. A fight against the Assassin is coming. Is that who they are suppose to be fighting, and why.

I can highly recommend this read for all ages!

[Mat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this to my kids (8, 7 and 5). They loved it. It is pretty fast paced, but the story is complex and the characters are well developed. There is a good mix of male and female characters to keep both my boy and girls engaged. By the end my son was making all kinds of really cool connections to the Bible based on the characters' adventures. They immediately wanted to start reading the second book.

[Excalibur Snape · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got this book from net galley and it is amazing.
It is a middle grade fantasy book.
It's a lot like the Final Empire meets Harry Potter.
It's fast pace.
The writing,world and characters are amazing.
I can not wait to get my hands on the next book in the series.

[Destiny Deas · Rating 1 out of 5]

great YA fiction

Loved the time travel! Basically a great start to a series. Can't wait for the next one!!! I think anyone who likes fantasy or Cs lewis would like it.

[Chris Prine jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, could be a fun clean book for kids to read. Wasn't to impressed, it is a series and runs right into the next one so just a little heads up. Free book from David C Cook so nothing lost.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting! Couldn't put it down. I was lost a couple times, I think having to do with time travel. I will definitely read the other books. I love reading books for kids.

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely LOVED this book! If you're looking for a great allegorical book to read, this is what you've been looking for. You can't get more allegorical than this.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great Christian allegory. Enjoyed very much.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that really shows you how much God loves in a thrilling way.

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just couldn't get into it.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book an enjoyable diversion. I will likely read the other two.