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Countryside #2
The Tears of Adina
Luke Rayburn has spent summer vacation running up and down sandy beaches with his family. He’s explored hidden coves, learned how to write invisible letters, and even met an ocean nymph. But his friends write to tell him of strange happenings in Countryside and he’s anxious to get back.
When Luke returns, he finds that much has changed. Mischievous gnomes are spreading chaos across the valley, a lone wolf haunts the forests, and Mayeem, one of Luke’s new teachers, just happens to be a mermaid. And then there’s the hunter, a man with golden eyes, only part of a soul and the belief that Luke has hidden something he wants—something he’s willing to destroy Countryside in order to get.
Hounded by blackhearted men and soulless creatures and with darkness luring him in, Luke must gather his wits and ferret out his true friends. But as he draws close to finding what it is the hunter seeks, he will learn that there is more at stake than he understands. He’ll learn that it’s not the hunter he should be afraid of and that, once done, some things cannot be undone.
When Luke returns, he finds that much has changed. Mischievous gnomes are spreading chaos across the valley, a lone wolf haunts the forests, and Mayeem, one of Luke’s new teachers, just happens to be a mermaid. And then there’s the hunter, a man with golden eyes, only part of a soul and the belief that Luke has hidden something he wants—something he’s willing to destroy Countryside in order to get.
Hounded by blackhearted men and soulless creatures and with darkness luring him in, Luke must gather his wits and ferret out his true friends. But as he draws close to finding what it is the hunter seeks, he will learn that there is more at stake than he understands. He’ll learn that it’s not the hunter he should be afraid of and that, once done, some things cannot be undone.
- GenresFantasy
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 8, 2015
2 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Cope IV
2 books144 followersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/JTCopeIV
J.T. Cope IV was born in Texas, and grew up in the small farming community of Wheelock, living on land that had been in the family for over a century. In 2002 J.T. graduated from Centenary College of Louisiana with a bachelor's degree in physics. This college was also where J.T. met his beautiful wife, Katie. He joined the United States Marine Corps in January 2003 and was married to Katie in July of that same year. In 2006 he returned from Iraq and in a small table in the back of a local coffee shop, on a cold and rainy day took down the first notes and ideas for his Countryside Series. In November 2006, J.T and Katie moved back to Fort Worth, Texas where J.T. pursued a master's in geology at The University of Texas in Arlington. As a geologist, J.T. spent much of his time visiting drilling rigs, and picking through rocks brought up form two miles below the surface. Over the next couple years, he completed and published the first book in the Countryside Series. He now lives in Texas with his wife and three daughters.
J.T. Cope IV was born in Texas, and grew up in the small farming community of Wheelock, living on land that had been in the family for over a century. In 2002 J.T. graduated from Centenary College of Louisiana with a bachelor's degree in physics. This college was also where J.T. met his beautiful wife, Katie. He joined the United States Marine Corps in January 2003 and was married to Katie in July of that same year. In 2006 he returned from Iraq and in a small table in the back of a local coffee shop, on a cold and rainy day took down the first notes and ideas for his Countryside Series. In November 2006, J.T and Katie moved back to Fort Worth, Texas where J.T. pursued a master's in geology at The University of Texas in Arlington. As a geologist, J.T. spent much of his time visiting drilling rigs, and picking through rocks brought up form two miles below the surface. Over the next couple years, he completed and published the first book in the Countryside Series. He now lives in Texas with his wife and three daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 11, 2017
Such an amazing book!
Usually second books in a series aren't as good as the first ones, but this one! Was! Great!
I love absolutely everything about this book, I've talked about this before, the world building is miraculous, the characters are so respectful! It was so relaxing to get back to a familiar, magical story but at the same time I was constantly worried for the well-being of everyone. I think the author did a great job! I couldn't put down the book (which, let me tell you, my professors weren't happy about!), thank you for not ending it with a cliffhanger, I don't think my heart could've handled that!
What else to say? I love the books and I'll make sure to make my relatives read them as well. I'm pretty excited to see where the story goes!
Side note, I have a crush on almost every character and it's not like I can do anything about it.
P. S. There's an ocean nymph called Josephine, if I ever get a cat I'm gonna name it Josephine.
Usually second books in a series aren't as good as the first ones, but this one! Was! Great!
I love absolutely everything about this book, I've talked about this before, the world building is miraculous, the characters are so respectful! It was so relaxing to get back to a familiar, magical story but at the same time I was constantly worried for the well-being of everyone. I think the author did a great job! I couldn't put down the book (which, let me tell you, my professors weren't happy about!), thank you for not ending it with a cliffhanger, I don't think my heart could've handled that!
What else to say? I love the books and I'll make sure to make my relatives read them as well. I'm pretty excited to see where the story goes!
Side note, I have a crush on almost every character and it's not like I can do anything about it.
P. S. There's an ocean nymph called Josephine, if I ever get a cat I'm gonna name it Josephine.
April 10, 2017
I love this book so much! It's better than the first one I think. I love the story and I love the journey. It's so interesting. I love all the characters too. If you love HP, you'll love this book too
November 27, 2017
Good sequel
I enjoyed this sequel to the first book. I am looking forward to seeing more books in this series. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for adventure.
I enjoyed this sequel to the first book. I am looking forward to seeing more books in this series. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for adventure.
March 29, 2018
Fantastic!
Very captivating and enjoyable book! I bought it after reading the first book in the series. Would definitely recommend. Hoping the next one will come out soon!
Very captivating and enjoyable book! I bought it after reading the first book in the series. Would definitely recommend. Hoping the next one will come out soon!
September 7, 2018
I was not given this sequel, but bought it myself so I could find out what happened next, always something I can't resist in a good book. I hope there will be more books in this series. It is even better written than the first one, The Book of the Wise.
This story begins with a family vacation to the beach in our world. Almost immediately, the fun is interrupted by those from Countryside who have come to cause Luke trouble. We still don't know the identity of the person behind Luke's problems, but they continue as he and his friends race to find the Tears of Adina before the dark forces do. Mr. Roberts is as enigmatic a helper in this story as he was in the first of Luke's quests, and his friends, Matt, Marti and Samantha, are even more important now. His younger brother is growing up and also has a taste of adventure.
This story is not a repeat of the first book, but an entirely fresh adventure. some of the characters are the same, but there are new ones, as well. Luke is maturing and beginning to take on family responsibilities, but he still is a child and makes mistakes in his good intentions. If you enjoyed book one, you will like book two, and be anticipating the next step, as well.
This story begins with a family vacation to the beach in our world. Almost immediately, the fun is interrupted by those from Countryside who have come to cause Luke trouble. We still don't know the identity of the person behind Luke's problems, but they continue as he and his friends race to find the Tears of Adina before the dark forces do. Mr. Roberts is as enigmatic a helper in this story as he was in the first of Luke's quests, and his friends, Matt, Marti and Samantha, are even more important now. His younger brother is growing up and also has a taste of adventure.
This story is not a repeat of the first book, but an entirely fresh adventure. some of the characters are the same, but there are new ones, as well. Luke is maturing and beginning to take on family responsibilities, but he still is a child and makes mistakes in his good intentions. If you enjoyed book one, you will like book two, and be anticipating the next step, as well.
November 24, 2018
Countryside: Tears of Adina was very well done. The author has definitely grown in his craft of writing without losing the great characters within his story. It was well written and I couldn’t wait for them to get from the seaside town they’d spent their summer in back to Countryside. The mysteries around Saul and Mr. Robinson and their part in the story as well as the greater story makes you may greater attention during their parts of the book. What makes the story great is the enduring friendship of Luke, Matt, Marti, and Samantha. This story reminds me a little of the Harry Potter series and a little of the Narnia series with its magical drawing of an intricate place that lives in the authors imagination and now in my own. I look forward to the next installment.
May 21, 2018
Good series
I’ve enjoyed both books of this series. I’m ready fore the next ones to come out. This last book is setup to let you know there will be more, I hope they come soon!
I’ve enjoyed both books of this series. I’m ready fore the next ones to come out. This last book is setup to let you know there will be more, I hope they come soon!
June 21, 2018
This was a suprisingly good book! It took me off guard how well the charactors were written, and a story that hasnt been done before. It really reminded me of a series called Fablehaven that I also enjoyed. If you liked that you like that, you will love these books.
October 27, 2018
A riveting story,
Love the writing, the details, the lives of the people. Ever read a book and had a hard time putting it down when you get hungry or tired?
This is how I felt while reading this. I hope Countryside lives on. There is so much I want to know still.
Love the writing, the details, the lives of the people. Ever read a book and had a hard time putting it down when you get hungry or tired?
This is how I felt while reading this. I hope Countryside lives on. There is so much I want to know still.
November 13, 2018
Another great one filled with more adventure and new creatures and people to get to know and care for. Can't wait for the next one!!
June 8, 2018
WOW, what a book. It starts at full speed and keeps on going. It is a great book for both those young and those young at heart. It was a great book to read, and take a break from my Computer Engineering books for my third degree. I can't wait for the next one.
January 18, 2018
Even better than the first novel, Tears has not been a disappointment at all! You can feel as each character grows (develops or ages) in their relationships within their circle and with the readers as a whole and as the generations interact. Another fine addition to the Countryside saga.
June 28, 2018
Pretty captivating for a YA book
September 15, 2016
Wow, THIS BOOK THOUGH! Seriously, it's probably the best middle grade book I've read in years. :)
I will be writing a full review to put on my blog (nevertoomanyb00ks.wordpress.com), so I just want to highlight a few things here.
First of all, I mentioned the manners and respect for authority in my review of the first book. In this second book of the series, Luke faces even more frustrations and temptations, and that gives him a lot of room for character growth. (And he definitely grows a lot over the course of the story!)
For instance, Luke is bullied by a boy at school and his natural reaction is to strike back equally cruelly. In most other middle grade books, this would be seen as an acceptable response. However, Luke is reprimanded by his father and other adults in positions of authority over him and shown that this is NOT the correct way to deal with people who hurt him.
In similar fashion, Luke is taught to fight in order to "protect people who can't protect themselves" and, lastly, as self defense. It is emphasized that he is not being taught this skills so he can pick fights, etc. The emphasis on the protection of innocents is critical here. Luke is being taught not just to be a gentleman, but a MAN. I don't think there is enough emphasis placed on that in today's literature at all. And I appreciate J.T. Cope IV including such a mindset in his children's series.
Toward the end of the series, Luke has to deal with some difficult circumstances; those circumstances lead to very profound conversations. Cope's writing broaches these topics in such a way that they would prompt an older reader to think deeply yet wouldn't bore a younger child. I myself couldn't help but stop and think about what the author was discussing! (No spoilers from me! If you're curious, you'll have to read the book...)
At the end of the story, we also get some interesting insights into the character of Mr. Roberts. I have my theories, and I can't wait for the next book to come out so that I can learn more about him! Such a fascinating character...
As in the first book, the story is fast-paced and extremely engaging. I couldn't turn the last 150 pages fast enough. I would recommend this book to readers of all ages!!
Thank you, Mr. Cope, for writing such a wonderful series!
I will be writing a full review to put on my blog (nevertoomanyb00ks.wordpress.com), so I just want to highlight a few things here.
First of all, I mentioned the manners and respect for authority in my review of the first book. In this second book of the series, Luke faces even more frustrations and temptations, and that gives him a lot of room for character growth. (And he definitely grows a lot over the course of the story!)
For instance, Luke is bullied by a boy at school and his natural reaction is to strike back equally cruelly. In most other middle grade books, this would be seen as an acceptable response. However, Luke is reprimanded by his father and other adults in positions of authority over him and shown that this is NOT the correct way to deal with people who hurt him.
In similar fashion, Luke is taught to fight in order to "protect people who can't protect themselves" and, lastly, as self defense. It is emphasized that he is not being taught this skills so he can pick fights, etc. The emphasis on the protection of innocents is critical here. Luke is being taught not just to be a gentleman, but a MAN. I don't think there is enough emphasis placed on that in today's literature at all. And I appreciate J.T. Cope IV including such a mindset in his children's series.
Toward the end of the series, Luke has to deal with some difficult circumstances; those circumstances lead to very profound conversations. Cope's writing broaches these topics in such a way that they would prompt an older reader to think deeply yet wouldn't bore a younger child. I myself couldn't help but stop and think about what the author was discussing! (No spoilers from me! If you're curious, you'll have to read the book...)
At the end of the story, we also get some interesting insights into the character of Mr. Roberts. I have my theories, and I can't wait for the next book to come out so that I can learn more about him! Such a fascinating character...
As in the first book, the story is fast-paced and extremely engaging. I couldn't turn the last 150 pages fast enough. I would recommend this book to readers of all ages!!
Thank you, Mr. Cope, for writing such a wonderful series!
October 29, 2017
Loved it even more than the first book! Great young adult book for fantasy fans!
April 5, 2018
The 2nd Novel of the Countryside Series
JTC has penned the (2nd) Novel of the Countryside series, which contains a more defined characterization of the characters from the 1st installment of the Countryside series. HTC has displayed an imagination, which is as good as any others, I thoroughly enjoyed the two books and will keep an eye out for the third. This is an excellent read for the genre.....ER
JTC has penned the (2nd) Novel of the Countryside series, which contains a more defined characterization of the characters from the 1st installment of the Countryside series. HTC has displayed an imagination, which is as good as any others, I thoroughly enjoyed the two books and will keep an eye out for the third. This is an excellent read for the genre.....ER
July 5, 2016
A good second book. I can't wait to see what is in store for the next book. There are still some questions I would like to get answered though. Like is the shadowy wizard really good and what exactly is Mr. Roberts?
July 31, 2017
What?? No third book? This can't be how the story ends! Too many questions left unanswered. A great build up to a climax that didn't happen; yet? I WANT MORE!!!
June 23, 2025
I loved the first book in this series—[[ASIN:B00MPIXOB2 Countryside: The Book of the Wise]]—and was pleasantly surprised to discover that I enjoyed this second one even more. Sometimes I find that I enjoy the introduction to a series because of the newness, and once that has worn off, I don't enjoy the author's writing anymore, or he/she seems to be out of ideas for keeping the story interesting. That is NOT the case with Countryside! In fact, the opposite seems to have happened here! Now that our introduction to the characters and the world is done, the story gets even MORE interesting. I literally could NOT put the book down at some points: I carried it around the house with me, reading while I was walking, and pretty much ignoring my family until I got to a stopping point (sorry, guys!). I stayed up past 1am two nights in a row, because it took that long to find a place to stop for the night. (I actually love it when that happens, even though it DOES affect my productivity levels for the next day....)
There are a few new characters in this story, along with lots of familiar ones; mysteries deepen, and some things are clarified. One thing I love about these books is that while the kids are integral to solving the problems that crop up, the adults are NOT portrayed as bumbling idiots (as they would be in SO many books targeted to this age group). Every one of the characters—even the bad guys—is given the same respect from the author, and none of them are one-dimensional. (I've read books targeted to adults that don't handle this as well as it is handled in this "kid" book.)
Definitely getting a hard copy of this one for the bookshelf, and can't wait for the rest to be written!
There are a few new characters in this story, along with lots of familiar ones; mysteries deepen, and some things are clarified. One thing I love about these books is that while the kids are integral to solving the problems that crop up, the adults are NOT portrayed as bumbling idiots (as they would be in SO many books targeted to this age group). Every one of the characters—even the bad guys—is given the same respect from the author, and none of them are one-dimensional. (I've read books targeted to adults that don't handle this as well as it is handled in this "kid" book.)
Definitely getting a hard copy of this one for the bookshelf, and can't wait for the rest to be written!
October 24, 2015
After reading the first book in the series, I was looking forward to see what happens to Luke and his friends next. And I wasn't disappointed.
Luke is as curious and adventurous as ever, and although he's told time and again to stay clear of the dangers 'attacking' the area, Luke can't stay out of it. Some of this is due to circumstances beyond his control. Other times, it's not. But it's exactly this inability to always obey, which makes him a true kid. Luke is in general a good kid too. . .despite the darkness that he's trying to control. . .and truly respects those around him. Sometimes he looses his temper, but again, it's these characteristics which make it easy for readers to relate to him.
From the first gnome attack in the beginning pages, Luke and his friends find themselves wrapped up in an unexpected adventure. Dangerous creatures, creepy individuals, puzzling messages and all sorts of magic make a delightful mystery full of tension and surprises, which kept me guessing until the very end. Kids will love diving into the fantasy filled world, while following Luke and his friends as they try to figure out what is really going on.
My favorite part of this series is the simpleness of the world. Despite the mythical creatures and use of magic, much of the described world is familiar--sports, teachers, and lemonade. The scenes are beautifully described making it easy to dive into the world. And the importance of family and friends, and the love they have for each other is always clear no matter how bad things get.
This is a fun series, full of adventure, action and fantasy, which kids ages nine and up are sure to enjoy.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Luke is as curious and adventurous as ever, and although he's told time and again to stay clear of the dangers 'attacking' the area, Luke can't stay out of it. Some of this is due to circumstances beyond his control. Other times, it's not. But it's exactly this inability to always obey, which makes him a true kid. Luke is in general a good kid too. . .despite the darkness that he's trying to control. . .and truly respects those around him. Sometimes he looses his temper, but again, it's these characteristics which make it easy for readers to relate to him.
From the first gnome attack in the beginning pages, Luke and his friends find themselves wrapped up in an unexpected adventure. Dangerous creatures, creepy individuals, puzzling messages and all sorts of magic make a delightful mystery full of tension and surprises, which kept me guessing until the very end. Kids will love diving into the fantasy filled world, while following Luke and his friends as they try to figure out what is really going on.
My favorite part of this series is the simpleness of the world. Despite the mythical creatures and use of magic, much of the described world is familiar--sports, teachers, and lemonade. The scenes are beautifully described making it easy to dive into the world. And the importance of family and friends, and the love they have for each other is always clear no matter how bad things get.
This is a fun series, full of adventure, action and fantasy, which kids ages nine and up are sure to enjoy.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2025
I loved the first book in this series—[[ASIN:B00MPIXOB2 Countryside: The Book of the Wise]]—and was pleasantly surprised to discover that I enjoyed this second one even more. Sometimes I find that I enjoy the introduction to a series because of the newness, and once that has worn off, I don't enjoy the author's writing anymore, or he/she seems to be out of ideas for keeping the story interesting. That is NOT the case with Countryside! In fact, the opposite seems to have happened here! Now that our introduction to the characters and the world is done, the story gets even MORE interesting. I literally could NOT put the book down at some points: I carried it around the house with me, reading while I was walking, and pretty much ignoring my family until I got to a stopping point (sorry, guys!). I stayed up past 1am two nights in a row, because it took that long to find a place to stop for the night. (I actually love it when that happens, even though it DOES affect my productivity levels for the next day....)
There are a few new characters in this story, along with lots of familiar ones; mysteries deepen, and some things are clarified. One thing I love about these books is that while the kids are integral to solving the problems that crop up, the adults are NOT portrayed as bumbling idiots (as they would be in SO many books targeted to this age group). Every one of the characters—even the bad guys—is given the same respect from the author, and none of them are one-dimensional. (I've read books targeted to adults that don't handle this as well as it is handled in this "kid" book.)
Definitely getting a hard copy of this one for the bookshelf, and can't wait for the rest to be written!
There are a few new characters in this story, along with lots of familiar ones; mysteries deepen, and some things are clarified. One thing I love about these books is that while the kids are integral to solving the problems that crop up, the adults are NOT portrayed as bumbling idiots (as they would be in SO many books targeted to this age group). Every one of the characters—even the bad guys—is given the same respect from the author, and none of them are one-dimensional. (I've read books targeted to adults that don't handle this as well as it is handled in this "kid" book.)
Definitely getting a hard copy of this one for the bookshelf, and can't wait for the rest to be written!
February 29, 2016
I was so excited to get back to Countryside. This book starts a little bit after the first book ends. Luke and his family have been on vacation but unexpectedly decide to end it early and return to Countryside. When they get back, Luke finds out that all sorts of strange things have been going on. There are gnomes acting crazy, wolves, and then a hunter who wants something from Luke himself! Luke has no clue what he wants but he has to find out before all of Countryside is destroyed!
I really do adore Luke! He has changed so much since the start of the first book. I also love how the different friends and family are all written into the book and have their own special roles to play. The place itself, Countryside, seems very much like a place I would love to visit, even with its issues. I can picture it as I read the pages of the story. I thought since this is a young adult book, I would be able to guess/figure it out quickly and easily but not so much! The author did a good job with the story line and kept me guessing. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
This is a 5/5 for me. It is second in the series so read the first one first but once you do, you will have to read this!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
I really do adore Luke! He has changed so much since the start of the first book. I also love how the different friends and family are all written into the book and have their own special roles to play. The place itself, Countryside, seems very much like a place I would love to visit, even with its issues. I can picture it as I read the pages of the story. I thought since this is a young adult book, I would be able to guess/figure it out quickly and easily but not so much! The author did a good job with the story line and kept me guessing. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
This is a 5/5 for me. It is second in the series so read the first one first but once you do, you will have to read this!
Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
April 11, 2017
The Tears of Adina was even better than the first book. I don't normally enjoy middle grade books. I read them with my son these days and he loved it! I was even eager to continue the story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews