Waybound

The Books of Ore #2

by Cam Baity, Benny Zelkowicz

Phoebe Plumm and Micah Tanner are a long way from home and entrenched in a struggle with no end in sight. The Foundry, an all-powerful company that profits off the living metal creatures of Mehk, is unleashing a wave of devastating attacks to crush the rebel army of mehkans known as the Covenant and capture Phoebe and Micah, dead or alive.

But the Covenant believes that their ancient god, Makina, has chosen Phoebe for a sacred task: to seek the Occulyth, a mysterious object they hope can turn the tide against the Foundry. With her father gone, Phoebe's once unshakable determination is broken, and while Micah tries to uphold the vow he made to protect her no matter the cost, their enemies are closing in and time is running out.

Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction

368 pages, Hardcover

First published April 12, 2016

About the author

Cam was born during a nasty heat wave in Richardson, Texas. He has been drawing ever since he figured out how to use his hands, and in second grade he wrote his first book about an adventurous wombat in fluorescent high-top sneakers named “Mr. Cuzul.” In fourth grade, he got his first taste of celluloid when he starred in an independent feature penned by Pulitzer Prize winning writer, Tracy Letts. Fortunately for Cam, the film was never completed.

He discovered Dungeons & Dragons in middle school and soon became obsessed with making art and telling stories. Attending the Arts Magnet High School in Dallas, Cam won accolades for his work including First Place in Painting at the 1996 Visual Arts Guild Exhibit. His obsessions with art and story collided when he studied animation at The School of Visual Arts in Manhattan as well as CalArts. He made short films, which screened around the world at festivals like Cinequest, Anima Mundi, and the BBC British Short Film Festival. With eighteen years of experience in the film industry, his credits include major motion pictures such as TEAM AMERICA: WORLD POLICE and popular television series like SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS and ROBOT CHICKEN, for which he won an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation.

Most recently, Cam has written on Dreamworks TV’s TROLLS, and he is completing his trilogy of fantasy novels published by Disney, THE BOOKS OF ORE. In his spare time, he has returned to the passion of his youth, threatening the livelihood of adventurers as their beloved and oft feared "Dungeon Master."

Reviews

[Carolynn Markey · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it!

[kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly compelling read, Waybound brilliantly moves forward the Book of Ore saga in exciting and dynamic ways. Baity and Zelkowicz expand their stunningly imaginative world in this second installment of what has become my favorite fiction series of the past decade. After the gripping conclusion of the first book I was eager to see the direction these authors would take in this pivotal second act, and they did not disappoint. As Phoebe and Micah further explore the remarkably well-considered, mechanized corners of this spectacular landscape they are joined and challenged by an alliance of rich and complex characters. In the tradition of progressive world-building and masterful storytelling, the stakes are raised and the reader is gently engaged to grow alongside the protagonists. The map continues to unfold as does the rich ontology of the native Mehkans, which I found to be particularly exciting. These authors once again expertly crafted a breathtaking adventure story through a truly unique setting and I am very eager to read the next book in the series!

[Lulu Sully · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! These guys have absolutely done it again!! I loved "The First Book of Ore" so-o-o-o much that I was a little worried Cam Baity and Benny Zelkowicz's second effort might not measure up. (Hey, it happens.) But instead, I was immediately pulled right back into the magical, mysterious world of Mehk within the first few pages, then I found myself hanging on for dear life as these amazing writers take Phoebe and Micah on yet another heart-stopping flight to escape the deadly clutches of their gloriously creative--and seriously menacing--metallic creations. Way to go, Cam and Benny! You've definitely raised the literary bar with "Waybound." Oh, and thanks for adding the awesome glossary. It's a super-handy guidebook that really helps readers navigate through the phantasmagorical landscape of your deep, dark, delicious universe. Now I can't wait for Book Three!!

[Meyer Potashman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got the Kindle version this morning so I could get started first thing. This is an amazing follow-up to The Foundry's Edge. Cam and Benny have created an amazing fantasy world of living metal, and filled it in this book with even more suspense than in Book 1. No spoilers, but the end was mind-blowing! I can't wait to find out how what happens in Book 3.

[Anya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warning for parents: this middle grade gets pretty dark and scary at times. However, I absolutely love this world and concept of technology really being harvested from a world of living metal! The plot is captivating and the characters imperfect but realistic. Definitely recommended if you want a truly unique middle grade.

[Adam]

Wow.

They just keep taking this world -- on the surface so like ours but with completely different underpinnings -- and making it richer and richer. I had to reread book one to remind myself what was going on, but SO worth it!

[Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great sequel to book 1! More action and the story moves quickly with a great ending that makes you just want Book 3 to come out already!

[Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Incredible. Such a cool and unique story. This book is sooooooooooooo good I can't even believe it.