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The Morus Chronicles #2
The Spirit of Steel
At the start of summer, no one, including thirteen-year-old Ethan Morus, knew that he’d been born with a treasure hunting instinct. Now that summer has ended, all groups desiring power are either seeking Ethan’s services or hoping to end his young life. Although he has pledged his allegiance to the Light, even they are leery of training him for fear the Dark may lure him to their side.
Ethan will face beasts and enchantments on this dangerous adventure, from deep below the water’s surface to high in the mountains. Yet his greatest enemies stand by his side as the line between Light and Dark blurs in the search for the Spirit of Steel.
Ethan will face beasts and enchantments on this dangerous adventure, from deep below the water’s surface to high in the mountains. Yet his greatest enemies stand by his side as the line between Light and Dark blurs in the search for the Spirit of Steel.
- GenresYoung AdultFantasy
334 pages, Paperback
First published May 12, 2015
19 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Roper
17 books136 followersJ.R. Roper is the author of The Morus Chronicles, a fantasy series for middle grade readers. The Hunter Awakens, The Spirit of Steel, The Tower Below, and The Silver Spear are now available along with a collection of short stories titled Mel & the Black Rider. Roper's work has appeared in ChildGood Magazine, Families First Monthly, and in anthologies by Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing, Horrified Press, and Thirteen O'Clock Press. His essay, Over The Edge, was published in Imagine This! An ArtPrize Anthology Volume 3, and nominated for a Pushcart Prize.
Awards include a 2017 Children's Literary Classics Award, 2016 Moonbeam Award for best series, a FOREWORD REVIEWS' 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award Finalist, a 2015 Children's Literary Classics Award , 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award for Children's Action, and the Best Children's Novel of 2014: Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll.
Awards include a 2017 Children's Literary Classics Award, 2016 Moonbeam Award for best series, a FOREWORD REVIEWS' 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award Finalist, a 2015 Children's Literary Classics Award , 2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Award for Children's Action, and the Best Children's Novel of 2014: Preditors & Editors Readers' Poll.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 15, 2015
Prepare yourself for another round of humor, heart and adventure for Middlegrade readers on up! You read that right, J.R. Roper is back with book 2 of the Morus Chronicles, The Spirit of Steel as young Ethan Morus is caught between the Light and the Dark, groups who need his treasure hunting ability and groups who would rather see him dead than aiding others. Youthful, over-the-top, adventure, here we come! (Not to worry, this ride is appropriate for all readers with a keen sense of adventure and fantasy!)
Everyone is seeking power, so the go-to guy is Ethan, but can he discern between good and evil? Is he prepared to take on and survive the dangers that he must face? Will he learn to control the powers he has? In a world where trust is hard to come by, is Ethan learning to follow his heart and his instinct and trust his gut, not the warnings of others and it may just save his life as he faces magical enchantments, deadly beasts and an adventure of a lifetime, all while dealing with being a teen, which just may be the most frightening part of the journey.
Not to worry, Ethan has Mel, a force to be reckoned with, who paces her trust in few, knowing that loyalty is the key to friendship and camaraderie, as well as success.
Prepare to enter J. R. Roper’s world and hang on for the adventure of your life as he unveils a world where anything can happen in the blink of an eye and you lose contact with reality and join Ethan on this amazing adventure. Even older readers will cut loose their inner child as Mr. Roper brings his tale to life! This is how to create lifelong readers, through the magic of words, a talented author and visions of other places in the battle between good and evil.
I received this copy from J.R. Roper in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Morus Chronicles - Book 2
Publication Date: May 13, 2015
Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing
ISBN-13: 9781512069297
Genre: Middlegrade/YA Fantasy
Print Length: 201 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Everyone is seeking power, so the go-to guy is Ethan, but can he discern between good and evil? Is he prepared to take on and survive the dangers that he must face? Will he learn to control the powers he has? In a world where trust is hard to come by, is Ethan learning to follow his heart and his instinct and trust his gut, not the warnings of others and it may just save his life as he faces magical enchantments, deadly beasts and an adventure of a lifetime, all while dealing with being a teen, which just may be the most frightening part of the journey.
Not to worry, Ethan has Mel, a force to be reckoned with, who paces her trust in few, knowing that loyalty is the key to friendship and camaraderie, as well as success.
Prepare to enter J. R. Roper’s world and hang on for the adventure of your life as he unveils a world where anything can happen in the blink of an eye and you lose contact with reality and join Ethan on this amazing adventure. Even older readers will cut loose their inner child as Mr. Roper brings his tale to life! This is how to create lifelong readers, through the magic of words, a talented author and visions of other places in the battle between good and evil.
I received this copy from J.R. Roper in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Morus Chronicles - Book 2
Publication Date: May 13, 2015
Publisher: Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing
ISBN-13: 9781512069297
Genre: Middlegrade/YA Fantasy
Print Length: 201 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Reviewed for: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 2, 2016
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
The Spirit of Steel is Book Two of The Morus Chronicles, a children’s fantasy by J.R. Roper. Thirteen-year-old Ethan Morus, who possesses treasure hunting instincts, is closely watched by sorcerers from the Light and Dark. They need Ethan’s talents to locate another legendary ancient treasure containing special powers. The Light are protectors and doers of good while the Dark is ruled by malicious Lord Dehdric.
Ethan’s friend and mentor from the Light, Eldorian, warns him to be cautious, especially in the company of girls. He is concerned that the Dark has gained more followers and might lure Ethan to join them as unknown persons watch from the woods. Ethan ignores his advice and is suddenly thrust into deadly danger, both on land and under water, while realizing that those closest to him are really his enemies.
If you missed the opportunity to read Book One from The Morus Chronicles, do your best to grab a copy and catch up on Ethan’s exciting adventure, which continues in The Spirit of Steel. I thought Chapter One had a captivating beginning with a character named Mel, who made me curious to know what she was up to.
The story is very well developed with characters that are charismatic and unforgettable, especially those who were also portrayed in Book One. Ethan is a bit stubborn, but daring, while his sister, Destry, is spunky and mischievous. J.R. Roper writes an enchanting fantasy teens will enjoy. The Spirit of Steel, Book Two from The Morus Chronicles is recommended.
The Spirit of Steel is Book Two of The Morus Chronicles, a children’s fantasy by J.R. Roper. Thirteen-year-old Ethan Morus, who possesses treasure hunting instincts, is closely watched by sorcerers from the Light and Dark. They need Ethan’s talents to locate another legendary ancient treasure containing special powers. The Light are protectors and doers of good while the Dark is ruled by malicious Lord Dehdric.
Ethan’s friend and mentor from the Light, Eldorian, warns him to be cautious, especially in the company of girls. He is concerned that the Dark has gained more followers and might lure Ethan to join them as unknown persons watch from the woods. Ethan ignores his advice and is suddenly thrust into deadly danger, both on land and under water, while realizing that those closest to him are really his enemies.
If you missed the opportunity to read Book One from The Morus Chronicles, do your best to grab a copy and catch up on Ethan’s exciting adventure, which continues in The Spirit of Steel. I thought Chapter One had a captivating beginning with a character named Mel, who made me curious to know what she was up to.
The story is very well developed with characters that are charismatic and unforgettable, especially those who were also portrayed in Book One. Ethan is a bit stubborn, but daring, while his sister, Destry, is spunky and mischievous. J.R. Roper writes an enchanting fantasy teens will enjoy. The Spirit of Steel, Book Two from The Morus Chronicles is recommended.
February 16, 2021
This exciting adventure novel is the perfect read for middle grade and young adult readers who enjoy fantasy, magic, compelling characters, and a plot with lots of twists and turns. I did not read the first book of this series, but will probably go back to it to see the evolution of these fascinating characters.
Ethan is a thirteen year old boy who has pledged himself to serve the Light. The forces of the Dark Side constantly rail against and attempt to thwart his search for treasure. Mel presents readers with a strong, fiercely independent female role model.
I won't give away the plot, but their journey consists of nonstop adventures and excitement, packed with a few surprises to keep readers guessing. I hope for more adventures in this series.
Ethan is a thirteen year old boy who has pledged himself to serve the Light. The forces of the Dark Side constantly rail against and attempt to thwart his search for treasure. Mel presents readers with a strong, fiercely independent female role model.
I won't give away the plot, but their journey consists of nonstop adventures and excitement, packed with a few surprises to keep readers guessing. I hope for more adventures in this series.
December 8, 2022
Book 2
First of all, read Book 1 before Book 2. I didn't and was a bit lost to the plot and characters. Usually the reader wants action to happen quickly, but in this story too much happened, too fast. Maybe one day I'll read Book 1 so I can build up characters in my mind and why they do what they do.
First of all, read Book 1 before Book 2. I didn't and was a bit lost to the plot and characters. Usually the reader wants action to happen quickly, but in this story too much happened, too fast. Maybe one day I'll read Book 1 so I can build up characters in my mind and why they do what they do.
May 15, 2017
It was a very good sequel to the original. It runs up quite nicely, and it ends on a great cliff hanger.
June 9, 2016
In book #2 of the Morus Chronicles Ethan, a 13 yr old boy, learns he has magical treasure hunting skills. Ethan is a bit of an anomaly and his new-found abilities present a conundrum to all involved. His family tries to blend in by sending him and his sister to a public school where life for Ethan is similar to that of other teens, including encounters with bullies. But when his homeland is threatened by a struggle between the powers of light and darkness he must discover and then obtain an unknown treasure. When the dark forces threaten to destroy his family and his mother is kidnapped it’s up to Ethan to come to the rescue.
J.R. Roper has created an exciting read with a well developed cast of characters and strong role models. Readers are treated to loads of action and adventure in this book in which fierce battles are depicted in an age appropriate, non-graphic manner. The Spirit of Steel is a terrific work of fantasy fiction with enchanted places and magical travel, bringing the thrill of this epic tale to life. This book will appeal to readers of all ages and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
J.R. Roper has created an exciting read with a well developed cast of characters and strong role models. Readers are treated to loads of action and adventure in this book in which fierce battles are depicted in an age appropriate, non-graphic manner. The Spirit of Steel is a terrific work of fantasy fiction with enchanted places and magical travel, bringing the thrill of this epic tale to life. This book will appeal to readers of all ages and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
May 19, 2015
I have been transported back in time to my childhood and reminded why I love books so much. Author Joe Roper is an amazing author, his story is imaginative and fun. My favorite character is Mel, I know she is not the main character but she plays such an important role in the book. I love her spunk and how she follows her own heart and mind and does not follow people blindly. She values loyalty yet has no one she trusts to be loyal to.
Ethan's character is developing fantastically. I love how he is becoming his own man and even though he is told not to trust he still finds trust in his friends. As he learns to control his powers he develops into a more lovable character that I fell in love easily with.
This story was so wonderful and I love all of Author Joe Ropers books. He has a way of bringing the story to life with fully developed characters, lots of action and adventure and a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
Ethan's character is developing fantastically. I love how he is becoming his own man and even though he is told not to trust he still finds trust in his friends. As he learns to control his powers he develops into a more lovable character that I fell in love easily with.
This story was so wonderful and I love all of Author Joe Ropers books. He has a way of bringing the story to life with fully developed characters, lots of action and adventure and a story that will stay with me for a very long time.
December 25, 2015
You might think the life of a treasure hunter would be more glamorous but not for high school student Ethan Morus. Not with the Dark Lord still after him. Between school, his sis Destry, his mom’s new boyfriend, and training; when is a guy suppose to relax.
Book 2, The Spirit of Steel, is full of twists and turns. Ethan doesn’t know who to trust. And with good reason, most are not who or what they seem. Even better than the first book, TSOS is a roller coaster ride filled with “aha moments.” I cannot wait to take another adventure with Ethan.
Book 2, The Spirit of Steel, is full of twists and turns. Ethan doesn’t know who to trust. And with good reason, most are not who or what they seem. Even better than the first book, TSOS is a roller coaster ride filled with “aha moments.” I cannot wait to take another adventure with Ethan.
May 16, 2015
Joe Roper's writing just gets better and better. Love the characters in this series, but especially love the way they grow in this book. There's suspense, humor, great storytelling—and a story that keeps you reading just one more chapter—and then one more—and then another one—before you can put down the book. You won't be disappointed. A great read because although it's written for middle school, it can be appreciated by all ages and readers of all genres. Give it a try.
May 25, 2015
Book 2 of the Morus Chronicles keeps the reader enthralled with a new adventure while the characters continue to grow. While reading the short story of Mel and the Black Rider isn't required to thoroughly enjoy this novel, it certainly adds depth. Mr. Roper's writing is full of energy and I'm looking forward to the next installment to this fantasy series for all ages.
July 11, 2015
Intense
This story was much more intense and action packed. The concurrent stories of Mel and Ethan are brilliantly done. I never saw the twist at the end coming but it left me dying for more! I don't think it's a true cliffhanger though. I like the way everything fell into place and how many different characters developed. Loved it!
This story was much more intense and action packed. The concurrent stories of Mel and Ethan are brilliantly done. I never saw the twist at the end coming but it left me dying for more! I don't think it's a true cliffhanger though. I like the way everything fell into place and how many different characters developed. Loved it!
February 11, 2016
Realized I never put in my son's review. Once I find it, I'll leave it :)
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews