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Battle of the Blocks #1
Descent into Overworld: Battle of the Blocks 1
Things got serious when the creeper blew up the cafeteria.
Hamid, Ant and Jaina just want to create epic builds in Minecraft. When a mysterious stranger gives them four foam swords, the three friends and their videogame-hating principal are transported into a world of blocks and thrown into an epic battle to save their favorite game.
An army of Minecraft monsters threatens to rampage across the real world, destroying neighborhoods, terrorizing families and totally giving videogames a bad name.
Together, Hamid and his friends must harness the power of their swords to fight the horde of zombies, skeletons and creepers. But first, they have to stop their principal before he makes a deal with the game’s ultimate dark force to destroy Minecraft once and for all.
Grab your pickaxe, the Battle of the Blocks has begun . . .
Hamid, Ant and Jaina just want to create epic builds in Minecraft. When a mysterious stranger gives them four foam swords, the three friends and their videogame-hating principal are transported into a world of blocks and thrown into an epic battle to save their favorite game.
An army of Minecraft monsters threatens to rampage across the real world, destroying neighborhoods, terrorizing families and totally giving videogames a bad name.
Together, Hamid and his friends must harness the power of their swords to fight the horde of zombies, skeletons and creepers. But first, they have to stop their principal before he makes a deal with the game’s ultimate dark force to destroy Minecraft once and for all.
Grab your pickaxe, the Battle of the Blocks has begun . . .
- GenresChildrens
200 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2014
34 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Liam O'Donnell
79 books38 followersI’m an award-winning author, educator and literacy advocate. I have created over 35 graphic novels and books specifically for reluctant readers, including Max Finder Mystery, Graphic Guide Adventures, Geeked Out Mysteries and two new series Tank & Fizz and Battle of the Blocks.
Visit liamodonnell.com and say hi! That'd be awesome.
Visit liamodonnell.com and say hi! That'd be awesome.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 16, 2014
Descent into Overworld by @liamodonnell @GamingEdus
Descent into Overworld
Liam O'Donnell
Feeding Change Media
Liam O'Donnell's latest novel Descent into the Overworld is going to be a big hit with students aged 7-12 because the adventure takes place in a very popular setting; inside the computer game Minecraft!
I volunteered to read an advanced reading copy (as a beta reader) because I wanted to learn more about Minecraft as I have never experienced the game firsthand. I enjoyed learning about Minecraft, as the setting, through the author's descriptions. I thought the characters were likable and reminded me of students I know in my own school. Although falling into a Minecraft game is not typical, the characters reactions' as events unfolded seemed realistic. The story's plot moved along quickly yet there was enough detail given to create the needed visuals as I read.
I learned a lot more about the appeal of Minecraft while reading this novel. The ability to create and build items in Minecraft is a big attraction for many. I now understand how to keep oneself healthy while you are in the world of Minecraft. I also think the quest like story line has a universal appeal.
I predict this book will be very popular with your adventure readers and Minecraft players alike. It would make a great read aloud in a grade 3 or 4 classroom. I think many lively discussions will be ignited while reading this novel. I'm looking forward to the sequel!
Descent into Overworld
Liam O'Donnell
Feeding Change Media
Liam O'Donnell's latest novel Descent into the Overworld is going to be a big hit with students aged 7-12 because the adventure takes place in a very popular setting; inside the computer game Minecraft!
I volunteered to read an advanced reading copy (as a beta reader) because I wanted to learn more about Minecraft as I have never experienced the game firsthand. I enjoyed learning about Minecraft, as the setting, through the author's descriptions. I thought the characters were likable and reminded me of students I know in my own school. Although falling into a Minecraft game is not typical, the characters reactions' as events unfolded seemed realistic. The story's plot moved along quickly yet there was enough detail given to create the needed visuals as I read.
I learned a lot more about the appeal of Minecraft while reading this novel. The ability to create and build items in Minecraft is a big attraction for many. I now understand how to keep oneself healthy while you are in the world of Minecraft. I also think the quest like story line has a universal appeal.
I predict this book will be very popular with your adventure readers and Minecraft players alike. It would make a great read aloud in a grade 3 or 4 classroom. I think many lively discussions will be ignited while reading this novel. I'm looking forward to the sequel!
November 15, 2014
Here are my thoughts on Descent into Overworld - Battle of the Blocks #1 – by Liam O’Donnell:
Readers are immediately drawn into a school scene which is hosting the first ever Minecraft convention for their town. There is a very flexible teacher who runs a Minecraft group after school with limits as to the amount of students who can be part of the group, three. The school has a very negative principal who is more concerned about homework and test scores versus student individual growth and interests. There are quite exciting action scenes that quickly begin the story which has the three Minecraft group members meet a mysterious guest at the Minecraft convention who gives them some special swords. When the magic and adventure begin it is quite exciting and a little mine-stretching. Minecraft’s characters enter Earth for some great action scenes and then our main characters are thrown into Minecraft’s Overworld with different adventures, moments of creative survival, and fantastic situations. This will be quite a popular book with readers, especially players of Minecraft. I personally enjoyed reading the book aloud with my son and found that it was an interesting story and easy read aloud.
Warning, this book leaves you hanging at the end, don’t expect a conclusion.
Readers are immediately drawn into a school scene which is hosting the first ever Minecraft convention for their town. There is a very flexible teacher who runs a Minecraft group after school with limits as to the amount of students who can be part of the group, three. The school has a very negative principal who is more concerned about homework and test scores versus student individual growth and interests. There are quite exciting action scenes that quickly begin the story which has the three Minecraft group members meet a mysterious guest at the Minecraft convention who gives them some special swords. When the magic and adventure begin it is quite exciting and a little mine-stretching. Minecraft’s characters enter Earth for some great action scenes and then our main characters are thrown into Minecraft’s Overworld with different adventures, moments of creative survival, and fantastic situations. This will be quite a popular book with readers, especially players of Minecraft. I personally enjoyed reading the book aloud with my son and found that it was an interesting story and easy read aloud.
Warning, this book leaves you hanging at the end, don’t expect a conclusion.
August 26, 2015
I wrote it, so I'm a bit biased, but it's really good.
February 25, 2016
Descent into Overworld: Battle of the Blocks 1
A perfect book for fans of the game Mine Craft and a great "in" for parents and educators looking for something to excite a reluctant reader!
Liam O'Donnell takes the award winning game and gives it a new twist, bringing the characters and creatures from the game into the real world and creating an immersive world and an un-put-down-able book.
A real page turner, popular with all ages
A perfect book for fans of the game Mine Craft and a great "in" for parents and educators looking for something to excite a reluctant reader!
Liam O'Donnell takes the award winning game and gives it a new twist, bringing the characters and creatures from the game into the real world and creating an immersive world and an un-put-down-able book.
A real page turner, popular with all ages
September 14, 2015
I am not a Minecraft player so I wondered if I would be lost in this first installment of Battle of the Blocks. Liam O'Donnell has done an excellent job of creating a fast-paced adventure that is detailed yet easy to follow. I agree this book is well suited to reading aloud. I got to know the kid characters, Hamid, Ant & Jaina, as they made their way through the Overworld. I hope to find out why Principal Whiner is so negative, perhaps in the next installment "Nether Nightmare".
Read
February 25, 2016This book shows why all kids can learn to love reading with the proper motivation. My son did great following the story and was keenly attuned to the plot while there were nights when I was just reading the words. In fact, I have been roped into reading the next book in the series, because according to my son, I wouldn't want to be confused.
October 27, 2015
good book for kids
November 30, 2015
My 2 grandsons liked this alot, good bedtime story for them.
July 11, 2016
Dogs can't go in the nether!!!!
Why do you say dogs can go in the nether??? . . . .. . .. . . . . .?????
Why do you say dogs can go in the nether??? . . . .. . .. . . . . .?????
January 15, 2016
The Minecraft-crazy Elis kids loved it! Already downloaded the 2nd book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews