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Escape from the Past #1
Escape from the Past: The Duke's Wrath
"... will grip the reader'stotal attention from beginning to end. Very highly recommended for school and community library..." -Midwest Book Review
"... an entertaining and fast-paced read that guarantees to thrill any young reader's/gamer's wish to be a hero in a faraway time." -Historical Novel Society
When nerd and gamer, Max Anderson, tries out an experimental computer game, he doesn't realize he's playing the ultimate history game, time-traveling into the past...anywhere...anytime. Survival is optional. To return home he must decipher the game's rules and complete its missions--if he lives long enough. To fail means to stay in the past--forever.
Now he's trapped in medieval Germany, unprepared and clueless. It is 1471 and he quickly learns that being an outcast may cost him his head. Especially after rescuing a beautiful peasant girl from a deadly infection and thus provoking sinister wannabe Duke Ott. Overnight he is dragged into a hornet's nest of feuding lords who will stop at nothing to bring down the conjuring stranger in their midst.
Kids graduating from the Magic Tree House series and fans of time-travel and historical action/adventure will love this trilogy based on actual historical events, locations and people.
"... an entertaining and fast-paced read that guarantees to thrill any young reader's/gamer's wish to be a hero in a faraway time." -Historical Novel Society
When nerd and gamer, Max Anderson, tries out an experimental computer game, he doesn't realize he's playing the ultimate history game, time-traveling into the past...anywhere...anytime. Survival is optional. To return home he must decipher the game's rules and complete its missions--if he lives long enough. To fail means to stay in the past--forever.
Now he's trapped in medieval Germany, unprepared and clueless. It is 1471 and he quickly learns that being an outcast may cost him his head. Especially after rescuing a beautiful peasant girl from a deadly infection and thus provoking sinister wannabe Duke Ott. Overnight he is dragged into a hornet's nest of feuding lords who will stop at nothing to bring down the conjuring stranger in their midst.
Kids graduating from the Magic Tree House series and fans of time-travel and historical action/adventure will love this trilogy based on actual historical events, locations and people.
299 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2015
24 people are currently reading
920 people want to read
About the author
Annette Oppenlander
42 books318 followersAnnette Oppenlander is an award-winning writer, literary coach and educator. As a bestselling historical novelist, Oppenlander is known for her authentic characters and stories based on true events, coming alive in well-researched settings. Having lived in Germany the first half of her life and the second half in various parts in the U.S., Oppenlander inspires readers by illuminating story questions as relevant today as they were in the past. Oppenlander’s bestselling true WWII story, Surviving the Fatherland, was elected to IWIC’s Hall of Fame and won the 2017 National Indie Excellence Award. Her historical time-travel trilogy, Escape from the Past, takes readers to the German Middle Ages and the Wild West. Uniquely, Oppenlander weaves actual historical figures and events into her plots, giving readers a flavor of true history while enjoying a good story. Oppenlander shares her knowledge through writing workshops at colleges, libraries and schools. She also offers vivid presentations and author visits. The mother of fraternal twins and a son, she recently returned to her home, Solingen, Germany where she lives with her husband and old mutt, Mocha.
"Nearly every place holds some kind of secret, something that makes history come alive. When we scrutinize people and places closely, history is no longer a date or number, it turns into a story."
"Nearly every place holds some kind of secret, something that makes history come alive. When we scrutinize people and places closely, history is no longer a date or number, it turns into a story."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 2, 2016
Max Anderson is a teenage boy that lives in Germany with his mother. Jimmy is his friend who has a video game designer for a father. Max had coaxed his friend to allow him to try out their newest game.
Things went strange for Max not long after he entered the game. He found himself feeling like he was actually living the game. The problem was that the game was set in the middle ages.
Max found a boy around his age named Bero. He was relieved that Bero allowed him to stay at his hovel. Max finds himself struggling to not stand out dressed in his modern clothes and his modern speech.
The adventure Max is living is interesting and you really get a good sense of his personality. He is a caring guy and he tries to help whenever he can. Times are dangerous for serfs like Bero and his family. These are times where people are burned at the stake if witchcraft is suspected, and Max tends to get questioning looks from the community members every time he does something odd or opens his mouth.
The adventure continues as Max is in a dangerous situation. After meeting Bero's sister Juliana, he tries to save her and save her life. He is making himself noticed and he doesn't need that. But he can not resist helping these people he is living with.
This book is one huge fun adventure. The people are gritty and they feel like actual people. I was not wanting the end to come. I want to continue this story with Max. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Things went strange for Max not long after he entered the game. He found himself feeling like he was actually living the game. The problem was that the game was set in the middle ages.
Max found a boy around his age named Bero. He was relieved that Bero allowed him to stay at his hovel. Max finds himself struggling to not stand out dressed in his modern clothes and his modern speech.
The adventure Max is living is interesting and you really get a good sense of his personality. He is a caring guy and he tries to help whenever he can. Times are dangerous for serfs like Bero and his family. These are times where people are burned at the stake if witchcraft is suspected, and Max tends to get questioning looks from the community members every time he does something odd or opens his mouth.
The adventure continues as Max is in a dangerous situation. After meeting Bero's sister Juliana, he tries to save her and save her life. He is making himself noticed and he doesn't need that. But he can not resist helping these people he is living with.
This book is one huge fun adventure. The people are gritty and they feel like actual people. I was not wanting the end to come. I want to continue this story with Max. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 14, 2015
I'm not usually a reader of historical novels, but I really enjoyed Ms. Oppenlander's fun and exciting tale of a gamer named Max who inadvertently gets himself trapped in the past. The author deftly used language to transport the reader to a foreign world through the use of evocative sensory details. I was able to envision the sounds, sights, and smells of medieval Germany. As well, I managed to learn some of the geographical and temporal history of that area. All in all, a terrific read that teens and adult will like.
January 20, 2016
I received this as an arc from the book club (tbc) in exchange for an honest review.
Max sneaked a preview of a new game from his friend Jimmy. But it was no ordinary game. He was transported into the game itself......
OMG. Wow. Absolutely fantastic read.
I loved the story and the characters.
Max was my favourite character.
I loved the ending too.
I felt like I was in there in the game with Max and Bero.
It felt so real.
I do hope there is more to come.
Highly recommended. 5 *.
Max sneaked a preview of a new game from his friend Jimmy. But it was no ordinary game. He was transported into the game itself......
OMG. Wow. Absolutely fantastic read.
I loved the story and the characters.
Max was my favourite character.
I loved the ending too.
I felt like I was in there in the game with Max and Bero.
It felt so real.
I do hope there is more to come.
Highly recommended. 5 *.
February 1, 2016
SPOILERS
I offered to review this to recapture my youth! It’s a book for young adults and I haven’t been a young adult for (… runs out of fingers . . .!) well, let’s just agree it’s been a while. So this was an experiment. I still re-read my Famous Five books and remain addicted to the Chalet School but this was my first modern book for young people. Would I drown in text speak? No. Would everyone under 20 in modern times make me feel the need to ask them please to pull up their jeans!? No. Would I be able to transcend age, language (it’s set in Germany and has young people in it) and the concept of a time travelling computer game that really travels? Well …… yes!
I came out of the book rather fond of Max, the lead character who travels back in time to Germany in 1471. Annette has written him as someone you wouldn’t mind having as a neighbour’s son or even one of your own; he’s decent, assertive but not aggressive and not arrogant. He talks easily about masturbating but panics at the thought of marriage at the age of 15. He succeeds in what he has to do to survive but Annette makes him work for it: the bad times are pretty unpleasant. As the hero and because I’m pretty certain this is the first in a trilogy I knew, deep down, he was going to get to the end of the first book alive. The fact that when I realised this I thought it was good news means it’s getting four stars.
There is a scattering of German in the book. Odd words appear in sentences with the rest of the sentence in English as a reminder that the language the characters are speaking is German. I don’t think it’s necessary as the fact it’s set in Germany is background and little more. The issues would probably be similar anywhere in Western Europe at that time although it was nice for a chance for the setting not to be the UK. The practical issues that usually annoy me in electronic books were pretty minimal. I only spotted one obvious typo. A couple of sentences were clumsy enough to jar me from the story. Otherwise it’s a fluid read.
There is a level of realism – it’s a book where characters actually have to go to the lavatory, where being poor and living in 1471 is fraught with risk, particularly if you are female. Everywhere smells bad and so do the people! Would I want to live there or even be transported there unexpectedly for a time? Definitely not. As my introduction to modern YA fiction, though, it was an experiment that worked.
I offered to review this to recapture my youth! It’s a book for young adults and I haven’t been a young adult for (… runs out of fingers . . .!) well, let’s just agree it’s been a while. So this was an experiment. I still re-read my Famous Five books and remain addicted to the Chalet School but this was my first modern book for young people. Would I drown in text speak? No. Would everyone under 20 in modern times make me feel the need to ask them please to pull up their jeans!? No. Would I be able to transcend age, language (it’s set in Germany and has young people in it) and the concept of a time travelling computer game that really travels? Well …… yes!
I came out of the book rather fond of Max, the lead character who travels back in time to Germany in 1471. Annette has written him as someone you wouldn’t mind having as a neighbour’s son or even one of your own; he’s decent, assertive but not aggressive and not arrogant. He talks easily about masturbating but panics at the thought of marriage at the age of 15. He succeeds in what he has to do to survive but Annette makes him work for it: the bad times are pretty unpleasant. As the hero and because I’m pretty certain this is the first in a trilogy I knew, deep down, he was going to get to the end of the first book alive. The fact that when I realised this I thought it was good news means it’s getting four stars.
There is a scattering of German in the book. Odd words appear in sentences with the rest of the sentence in English as a reminder that the language the characters are speaking is German. I don’t think it’s necessary as the fact it’s set in Germany is background and little more. The issues would probably be similar anywhere in Western Europe at that time although it was nice for a chance for the setting not to be the UK. The practical issues that usually annoy me in electronic books were pretty minimal. I only spotted one obvious typo. A couple of sentences were clumsy enough to jar me from the story. Otherwise it’s a fluid read.
There is a level of realism – it’s a book where characters actually have to go to the lavatory, where being poor and living in 1471 is fraught with risk, particularly if you are female. Everywhere smells bad and so do the people! Would I want to live there or even be transported there unexpectedly for a time? Definitely not. As my introduction to modern YA fiction, though, it was an experiment that worked.
April 6, 2016
Where to begin on my review! I really enjoyed reading this book! It brings you to a whole new world and opens up a lot of possibilities. I love the concept of a game transporting you back in time and for the gamer to be live acting with the game. Max had to make real life decisions to figure out what was going on with the game and he needed to survive to get home.
I loved Max from the beginning, the author did a great job developing him as a character. At first we can see him as a kid who loves video games and just wants to be an expert at everything. Max grows up so much throughout the book that I feel it is really inspirational. I also love how he uses knowledge from different current television shows in medieval times. I love watching the survival shows and love how this was incorporated into the book. It really brings the past and present together for me. Max also evaluates his home life during the game he really misses his family and friends and he reflects back on what he might do differently if he ever gets out of the game.
I loved the author's details of the surroundings that Max is seeing. The details seem to real to the medieval times as you are reading I felt like I was transported to that time as well. I also loved how Max would relate what he was seeing to modern day Germany. It really made you see the historical significance of the past and how they shape what we see today. Max not only got to see what the castle looked like in medieval times, but also told the reader how the castle looks in ruins today.
I feel like in the end of the book the author leaves it very open to a sequel. I still had a lot of questions and I feel like Max had just as many questions as I did about this game. I did read the synopsis to the second book and it travels to a different time period. I will most likely read the second book at some point, but would love to hear more about what happens with Bero and Max's other friends!
I would suggest this as a end of the day read. It was a very quick read and easy to follow. It allows you to escape away from the day and immerse yourself in a different world. I would highly suggest this book if you love historical fiction it is a great read!
I received a copy of this book from YA Bound Book Tours for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of this book.
I loved Max from the beginning, the author did a great job developing him as a character. At first we can see him as a kid who loves video games and just wants to be an expert at everything. Max grows up so much throughout the book that I feel it is really inspirational. I also love how he uses knowledge from different current television shows in medieval times. I love watching the survival shows and love how this was incorporated into the book. It really brings the past and present together for me. Max also evaluates his home life during the game he really misses his family and friends and he reflects back on what he might do differently if he ever gets out of the game.
I loved the author's details of the surroundings that Max is seeing. The details seem to real to the medieval times as you are reading I felt like I was transported to that time as well. I also loved how Max would relate what he was seeing to modern day Germany. It really made you see the historical significance of the past and how they shape what we see today. Max not only got to see what the castle looked like in medieval times, but also told the reader how the castle looks in ruins today.
I feel like in the end of the book the author leaves it very open to a sequel. I still had a lot of questions and I feel like Max had just as many questions as I did about this game. I did read the synopsis to the second book and it travels to a different time period. I will most likely read the second book at some point, but would love to hear more about what happens with Bero and Max's other friends!
I would suggest this as a end of the day read. It was a very quick read and easy to follow. It allows you to escape away from the day and immerse yourself in a different world. I would highly suggest this book if you love historical fiction it is a great read!
I received a copy of this book from YA Bound Book Tours for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of this book.
October 19, 2015
Wow! That's all I can say. A very riveting story and great writing! Max felt so real and I really like his character development. In fact, all the characters felt real! I love Bero--who is so funny--and Juliana is very sweet. It is an intense and sometimes violent story. I like it though. Very entertaining and the detail is exceptional! It made me appreciate living in this time period. I even felt the pain and joys Max felt.
Highly recommended! Especially for fantasy, historical fiction and action/adventure fans. Recommended to me by a good friend. :)
Highly recommended! Especially for fantasy, historical fiction and action/adventure fans. Recommended to me by a good friend. :)
September 8, 2015
I have to get my hands on the next book quick! Loving me some Max Nerds!
March 4, 2016
I received a free copy of the book from the author for my honest opinion.
Are you a big gamer? Have you ever wished you could be a beta gamer? Have you ever wished you could get your hands on a copy of a game before it was published? Well that is just what Max did in Escape from the Past: The Duke’s Wrath. His best friend Jimmy’s dad is a game developer. So Max kept begging and begging Jimmy to get him a copy of his dad’s new game. Jimmy finally gave in and gave him a copy.
Max loaded the game into computer that night thinking he would only play for a couple of hours. It was not the first time he had pulled an all-nighter playing a game. To him it was no big deal. He was young and didn’t need that much sleep besides if and when it did eventually catch up with him he would sleep then. When he loaded it up it gave no options or clues as to what or how to play the game. Well I guess it did have a few options something like beginner or advance player. Max being the big gamer that he is of course he choose advance player thinking he with the time he has put in to games and seeing how he is good gamer then advance would be a piece of cake to him. But he was in for a big surprise.
When Max entered the game and he took a good look around him he realized that he may be playing a game but it was real. He had been transported to the past but where he had no idea. But he did hit it lucky though as he met a nice young man or boy who helped him out and became his best friend. Max’s new friend Bero took him home with him. Bero and his family didn’t have much but what they had they shared it with Max but of course Max was nice as well and helped Bero with his chores.
Max liked being with Bero and his family and spending time in the past but he soon became homesick. But he didn’t know how to get back home. He didn’t know what missions that he needed to complete in order for him to leave the game and return home again.
When I read the summary of The Duke’s Wrath I knew I had to read it. I like the idea of traveling back in time but to do it through a game is awesome. Just to think about time traveling and visiting places in the past is just amazing to me. I would love to travel back in time and visit lots of historical events in history but I don’t think I would like being stuck in a game not knowing when or if I would ever find my way home again. Now that would be scary. I am so glad that I got the opportunity to read The Duke’s Wrath. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series The Kid. I know it will be just as amazing and The Duke’s Wrath.
If you like reading historical novels or playing games then I think you would probably enjoy reading The Duke’s Wrath. So go and grab your copy today!
January 19, 2016
I received a free copy of this book via the author in exchange for an honest review. THis will not affect my decision in any way.
Characters: Max kind of had a good heart. He wanted to save the people he grew to love, but sometimes when he was irritated with Bero he just annoyed me. Bero’s and Max’s friendship was a weird one. At times they are on the best of terms, and other times, it’s like they want to fight each other.
I really liked the Duke. TBH I never learned how to say his name. I think it was Werner? He was really cool, and this book got me into knights. The peasant aspect was cool. It seemed as if this could be a real book. Everything seemed so real with the struggles of the peasants and the dangers of being a knight.
Plot: I love how well-researched Escape from the Past: TDW was! There were so many really cool facts weaved into the plot, it was awesome. I actually learned a lot about old-time-y German. I didn’t know they had castles. (I don’t know a lot about medieval Europe.) (Sorry but they don’t teach about that in American schools.)
Physically going into a role-playing video game is a dream come true. I would love to play a game like that, and I really enjoyed the idea that Oppenlander had. The last book that I read about “physically” playing in video games was Nexis by A.L. Davroe, and both books stack up well. I’d say Nexis and Escape from the Past: TDW were almost on the same level. I loved it!
I really liked the quests that Max had to do. It really was like a videogame with different levels of difficulty and multiple challenges in order to complete one. It was well thought out.
Ending: I’m so happy that it ended the way it did. I want more of Max going into the game! It seems as if no one really knows what’s going to happen, so I love the bit of mystery. Jimmy irritated me though. He should’ve believed his best friend. That’s like the basics rules of friendship. Always believe everything your friend tells you unless they give you a reason not to.
Overall: The Duke’s Wrath was a great read. Honestly, there was never a dull moment! It’s not something that can easily be put down. The characters were good, the setting was great! It was action-packed AND suspenseful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Escape from the Past: THe Duke’s Wrath and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Characters: Max kind of had a good heart. He wanted to save the people he grew to love, but sometimes when he was irritated with Bero he just annoyed me. Bero’s and Max’s friendship was a weird one. At times they are on the best of terms, and other times, it’s like they want to fight each other.
I really liked the Duke. TBH I never learned how to say his name. I think it was Werner? He was really cool, and this book got me into knights. The peasant aspect was cool. It seemed as if this could be a real book. Everything seemed so real with the struggles of the peasants and the dangers of being a knight.
Plot: I love how well-researched Escape from the Past: TDW was! There were so many really cool facts weaved into the plot, it was awesome. I actually learned a lot about old-time-y German. I didn’t know they had castles. (I don’t know a lot about medieval Europe.) (Sorry but they don’t teach about that in American schools.)
Physically going into a role-playing video game is a dream come true. I would love to play a game like that, and I really enjoyed the idea that Oppenlander had. The last book that I read about “physically” playing in video games was Nexis by A.L. Davroe, and both books stack up well. I’d say Nexis and Escape from the Past: TDW were almost on the same level. I loved it!
I really liked the quests that Max had to do. It really was like a videogame with different levels of difficulty and multiple challenges in order to complete one. It was well thought out.
Ending: I’m so happy that it ended the way it did. I want more of Max going into the game! It seems as if no one really knows what’s going to happen, so I love the bit of mystery. Jimmy irritated me though. He should’ve believed his best friend. That’s like the basics rules of friendship. Always believe everything your friend tells you unless they give you a reason not to.
Overall: The Duke’s Wrath was a great read. Honestly, there was never a dull moment! It’s not something that can easily be put down. The characters were good, the setting was great! It was action-packed AND suspenseful. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Escape from the Past: THe Duke’s Wrath and I cannot wait to see what happens next.
March 15, 2016
This is a great story about a teenage gamer who is transported to 1471 Germany. Max thought he was beta testing a new video game, but immediately finds himself far from home and modern day. While desperately looking for an "exit button" or way to pause the action, he must evade detection. In his contemporary clothing and shoes, he is obviously not a local. Once it becomes clear there is no simple solution to leaving the game, Max must do his best to save himself and the people that help him, even if they are as confused as he is.
I really loved this book. I am a huge fan of medieval history, and I especially love realistic accounts of the life and times of people who lived during this time. It is very easy to romanticize castles and knights and medieval nobility. In Escape from the Past, the author does a beautiful job of depicting a brutal time before civil rights for women, basic hygiene and healthy diets. The sights, sounds and odors of 1471 are incredibly descriptive. About two chapters in, you want the hero to Escape from the Past as much as he does... it will also make you appreciate indoor plumbing, grocery stores and laws that protect citizens from immoral rulers and enforcers.
The action is fast paced, the details are historically accurate and the plot is original and entertaining. It was fun reading about a modern day Max navigating his way through a tough time and place. It was also great watching him come of age in an age long ago. He is both a fish WAY out of water and a marvel to those he meets.
Mike Mullin, author of the Ashfall trilogy says it best: "Escape from the Past is chock-full of the tiny details that make a story feel realistic and immersive, from the leather ribbons used to fasten shoes to the slimy gruel that formed the bulk of the peasants' diet....those who love historical fiction or medieval fantasy will certainly enjoy Escape from the Past."
I really loved this book. I am a huge fan of medieval history, and I especially love realistic accounts of the life and times of people who lived during this time. It is very easy to romanticize castles and knights and medieval nobility. In Escape from the Past, the author does a beautiful job of depicting a brutal time before civil rights for women, basic hygiene and healthy diets. The sights, sounds and odors of 1471 are incredibly descriptive. About two chapters in, you want the hero to Escape from the Past as much as he does... it will also make you appreciate indoor plumbing, grocery stores and laws that protect citizens from immoral rulers and enforcers.
The action is fast paced, the details are historically accurate and the plot is original and entertaining. It was fun reading about a modern day Max navigating his way through a tough time and place. It was also great watching him come of age in an age long ago. He is both a fish WAY out of water and a marvel to those he meets.
Mike Mullin, author of the Ashfall trilogy says it best: "Escape from the Past is chock-full of the tiny details that make a story feel realistic and immersive, from the leather ribbons used to fasten shoes to the slimy gruel that formed the bulk of the peasants' diet....those who love historical fiction or medieval fantasy will certainly enjoy Escape from the Past."
January 17, 2017
I enjoy historical time travel books and this one was an entertaining read. It is also set in Germany, which, since I'm going through quite a bit of German history currently, fit in well with my reading mood.
The main character, Max, is a teenager, who is loaned a new video game 'EarthRider' by Jimmy, his school friend. Jimmy's father owns a gaming company and this is their newest product, yet to be launched on the market. Our hero, impatient with the slow-loading game, clicks enter and then upgrades to an expert level, and, lo and behold, finds himself transported back in time. He is still in his own town of Bornhagen, except it is 1471, and all the old buildings that he had known as familiar ruins or well-preserved heritage places are intact and in use. It takes him a while to grasp this fact and then it is struggle to fit in and survive in Medieval Germany, and, at the same time, find a way to get back to the present age.
The author writes well and does a good job of describing how life was for the ordinary people and the nobility in Germany back then. Max is likeable and shows growth and maturity as the story progresses; the story is told in first person. The side characters are interesting, and it was amusing that, given the social mores of the time, Max, aged 15, is expected to propose marriage to his new friend Bero's sister, Juliana, also 15. As a result of his infatuation for Juliana, Max finds himself caught in the middle of a political and a personal power struggle between Lord Werner Von Hanstein and Duke Heinrich von Schwarzburg; these two nobles are both enamored with the beautiful Lady Clara. The action is fast-paced and holds your attention throughout.
Both teenagers and adults will like this story. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Oppenlander's books.
The main character, Max, is a teenager, who is loaned a new video game 'EarthRider' by Jimmy, his school friend. Jimmy's father owns a gaming company and this is their newest product, yet to be launched on the market. Our hero, impatient with the slow-loading game, clicks enter and then upgrades to an expert level, and, lo and behold, finds himself transported back in time. He is still in his own town of Bornhagen, except it is 1471, and all the old buildings that he had known as familiar ruins or well-preserved heritage places are intact and in use. It takes him a while to grasp this fact and then it is struggle to fit in and survive in Medieval Germany, and, at the same time, find a way to get back to the present age.
The author writes well and does a good job of describing how life was for the ordinary people and the nobility in Germany back then. Max is likeable and shows growth and maturity as the story progresses; the story is told in first person. The side characters are interesting, and it was amusing that, given the social mores of the time, Max, aged 15, is expected to propose marriage to his new friend Bero's sister, Juliana, also 15. As a result of his infatuation for Juliana, Max finds himself caught in the middle of a political and a personal power struggle between Lord Werner Von Hanstein and Duke Heinrich von Schwarzburg; these two nobles are both enamored with the beautiful Lady Clara. The action is fast-paced and holds your attention throughout.
Both teenagers and adults will like this story. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Oppenlander's books.
May 12, 2015
Escape from the Past – Annette Oppenlander
15 year-old Max Anderson suddenly has to deal with the repercussions of his love of gaming when a mal-functioning computer game sucks him in and transports him back 600 years to medieval Germany. The town he knows so well is immediately different - full of peasants trying to survive in squalid conditions and an aristocracy vying for power and position. Max is forced to grow up quickly as he is thrown straight into a strange and brutal land, with no idea how he will get home again. With the help of local boy Bero, and his family, Max tries to help Lord Werner von Hanstein in his fight against those determined to oust him from power. Enduring captivity, torture and conditions that take him to the very edge of what he can endure, Max also experiences the awkward intensity of teenage love. He can't work out whether this is just a game or his life now...
A face-paced, thrilling adventure story, full of fascinating details about medieval life, Annette Oppenlander's Escape from the Past is a must read for teenage adventure and historical fiction lovers.
Annette OppenlanderEscape from the Past
15 year-old Max Anderson suddenly has to deal with the repercussions of his love of gaming when a mal-functioning computer game sucks him in and transports him back 600 years to medieval Germany. The town he knows so well is immediately different - full of peasants trying to survive in squalid conditions and an aristocracy vying for power and position. Max is forced to grow up quickly as he is thrown straight into a strange and brutal land, with no idea how he will get home again. With the help of local boy Bero, and his family, Max tries to help Lord Werner von Hanstein in his fight against those determined to oust him from power. Enduring captivity, torture and conditions that take him to the very edge of what he can endure, Max also experiences the awkward intensity of teenage love. He can't work out whether this is just a game or his life now...
A face-paced, thrilling adventure story, full of fascinating details about medieval life, Annette Oppenlander's Escape from the Past is a must read for teenage adventure and historical fiction lovers.
Annette OppenlanderEscape from the Past
December 23, 2015
When 15 year- old nerd and gamer Max Anderson decides to try his hand at the master level of an unpublished video game, he isn’t prepared for the ultimate gaming experience: being transported into the actual past. The actual past turns out to be Medieval Germany, 1471 and Castle Hanstein, near the village of Rimbach, and the Klausenhof Inn, which still exist today in present-day Germany. Without any clues about the game’s rules or missions or even how to return to his time, Max uses his ingenuity, whatever he remembers from history lessons about the places and time, and friendships with a peasant boy, a healer, a beautiful servant girl, a lady in distress, knights, squires, and the lord of the castle to help him survive and pick his way through ordeals and hardships.
The historical details in the novel are on the mark and just enough to reveal the conditions of medieval life as a peasant, a servant, a craftsman, a lord, a lady, a squire, and a knight. Max stumbles through the time and masters the game but matures and comes out a changed young man. Geared to a young adult audience, Escape from the Past was an entertaining and fast-paced read that guarantees to thrill any young reader/gamer’s wish to be a hero in a faraway time.
Reviewed for the Historical Novels Society
The historical details in the novel are on the mark and just enough to reveal the conditions of medieval life as a peasant, a servant, a craftsman, a lord, a lady, a squire, and a knight. Max stumbles through the time and masters the game but matures and comes out a changed young man. Geared to a young adult audience, Escape from the Past was an entertaining and fast-paced read that guarantees to thrill any young reader/gamer’s wish to be a hero in a faraway time.
Reviewed for the Historical Novels Society
March 15, 2016
I love time travel books. This one here was over the top. You have a kid transported to another time through a video game. Every kid today will be able to identify with that. Imagine going from current time to medieval times. No matter what you have read in books, you would not have everything you need to fit in.
I loved that you were brought into the book and into the time period. This is what great Historical Fiction does. Students will be so enthralled with Max and his situation they won’t even realize they have been learning history until they start talking with each other. Through this book readers will learn what life was like for everyone during this time from the lowly peasant all the way up to the life of a knight.
My problem with a lot of time travel stories is the manner in which the author chooses to bring their character back to present time. I’m often left feeling cheated. I can tell you up front you won’t feel that way with this book. You will love it. This is a series I can say I will enjoy from beginning to end. I can’t wait for my first student to read it.
I received a copy to facilitate my review my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
I loved that you were brought into the book and into the time period. This is what great Historical Fiction does. Students will be so enthralled with Max and his situation they won’t even realize they have been learning history until they start talking with each other. Through this book readers will learn what life was like for everyone during this time from the lowly peasant all the way up to the life of a knight.
My problem with a lot of time travel stories is the manner in which the author chooses to bring their character back to present time. I’m often left feeling cheated. I can tell you up front you won’t feel that way with this book. You will love it. This is a series I can say I will enjoy from beginning to end. I can’t wait for my first student to read it.
I received a copy to facilitate my review my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
July 13, 2016
Escape from the Past: The Duke’s Wrath had me hooked from the first paragraph. Annette Oppenlander has written a tight, original story where she inhabits the inner world of a fifteen-year old gamer who finds himself sucked into a computer game into medieval Germany. But Max soon finds this is no game. There are no rules. No exit button. The game has become uncomfortably real. The book is visceral and engages all the senses from the stench of a pig farmer’s hut, to bleeding cuts and bruises, to the hormonal rush of a boy in love. Escape from the Past is a thrilling action-packed read. And there is plenty of humour. Max, who arrives in medieval Germany wearing jeans, a tee shirt and tennis shoes is dubbed Max Nerds by Knight Werner because his tee shirt has a logo with “nerds” written under a crown. “Max Nerds, come and partake in our nourishment,” Werner invites him to his table. I never thought I would find the world of a fifteen-year old boy so entertaining. The Duke’s Wrath is the first book in an Escape from the Past trilogy about Max and his adventures. This Young Adult novel is highly recommended.
September 4, 2015
Author Annette Oppenlander has written an exciting new novel filled with action and historical events. The main character in the book, Max, loves computer games and is transported back to the mediaeval time period where he must complete his mission in order to get home. Filled with plenty of action, historical events, and even a little romance, teens will thoroughly enjoy Annette’s first novel in The Duke’s Wrath series. I would recommend this novel to any young reader who loves video games and wants to be transported back in time on a grand and thrilling adventure.
Series: The Duke’s Wrath
Genre: historical
Publisher: Lodestone Books
Publication date: July 31, 2015
Number of pages: 299
Age: 12+
Grade level: 6+
A review copy of this novel was provided by I am a Reader.
Series: The Duke’s Wrath
Genre: historical
Publisher: Lodestone Books
Publication date: July 31, 2015
Number of pages: 299
Age: 12+
Grade level: 6+
A review copy of this novel was provided by I am a Reader.
January 11, 2016
I was given a copy for a fair and unbiased review.
What can I say, I love it, loved it!! I have never been a great fan of YA books as I tend to find them quite child like in writing. But this book is great from the first page the story flows so easily and gets you hooked.
Concept of a computer game that can take you back to the past is a great idea, but going back and not knowing what you are doing is even better!!
I would highly recommend this book, I do not tend to give many five star ratings, but this one deserves it, and can cover a huge age range, genres include action, adventure, history and romance.
What can I say, I love it, loved it!! I have never been a great fan of YA books as I tend to find them quite child like in writing. But this book is great from the first page the story flows so easily and gets you hooked.
Concept of a computer game that can take you back to the past is a great idea, but going back and not knowing what you are doing is even better!!
I would highly recommend this book, I do not tend to give many five star ratings, but this one deserves it, and can cover a huge age range, genres include action, adventure, history and romance.
September 28, 2016
I love the basis of this story! A teenager, Max, enjoys gaming like most peers his age. After borrowing a game from his buddy, Max gets way more than he bargained for. He travels to the game's world! Now in medieval time, Max is literally fighting for his life. Escape from the Past is action-packed! It was interesting to read about this period from a teen's point of view. Especially one who comes from a modern time. I loved the wide range of characters from the royalty to the peasants. In the end, I feel that Max takes something emotional away from this experience and comes home to see his family in a new light.
July 18, 2015
I loved this fast moving YA adventure.It's about a teenage game nerd named Max who is transported through a game on his computer into medieval Germany. Amid pigs and peasants, lords and ladies, friendships and romance, he encounters one adventure after another while trying to figure out the game and get himself home. The author has done a great job. The book is excellently written, with appealing and engaging characters, and provides a realistic dip into history.
February 15, 2016
Annette Oppenlander has written an entertaining, swashbuckling adventure aimed at young adults, but which older people with an interest in the Middle Ages should also enjoy. It follows teenager Max Anderson as he travels back in time, via a computer game, to 15th century Germany. Hopefully this novel will encourage 'gamers' like the hero of the story to quit their game consoles for a while and read some books.
March 5, 2016
This was the first of a series about Max Anderson. He is your typical gaming teenager, until the game takes him to the middle ages. He is not sure what is real and what is the game. HE works very hard to make sure that he does no damage to anyone he comes in contact with, in case it is real.
The details are so realistic and Max is such a likable character. He finds ways to incorporate the things he knows from the twenty first century to help as he can in this time.
A great find.
The details are so realistic and Max is such a likable character. He finds ways to incorporate the things he knows from the twenty first century to help as he can in this time.
A great find.
July 5, 2015
This is a great YA adventure. Max, a gamer suddenly transported to medieval Germany, is engaging. His medieval friends ring true. The author gives a real feel for the times. And the action doesn't stop. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
September 1, 2015
A great read for anyone, but kids will actually learn about history while reading through this fast-paced adventure. Readers are drawn in with characters they can relate to in scenes so realistic they feel they're right there.I highly recommend this book.
September 3, 2015
Science Fiction meets Fantasy in Medieval Germany.
This book carries a message for all gamers - the real world is scarier than you think! I seriously suggest you get off that keyboard and get your head into a good book - preferably this one. Most enjoyable!
This book carries a message for all gamers - the real world is scarier than you think! I seriously suggest you get off that keyboard and get your head into a good book - preferably this one. Most enjoyable!
September 9, 2019
This book is such an exciting, intriguing, suspenseful adventure – and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip!
This book reminded me of the Movie “Jumanji,” (the original with Robin Williams!!!) meets the TV Show, “Reverie.”
This is the third book I’ve read from the incredible writer, Annette Oppenlander. A few months ago, I had the privilege of reading her book, “Where the Night Never Ends,” and I totally loved it, so I was very excited to read her latest work, “Escape from the Past: The Duke’s Wrath.”
Mrs. Oppenlander’s writing continues to improve and grow with each book! I know she is an author I will remain following and reading over the years!
Mrs. Oppenlander has a style of writing that thrusts the reader into the story and makes them feel like they too, are walking those old, smelly, dirty, 1471 streets in medieval Germany alongside Max, Bero, and Juliana.
Unfortunately, I really didn’t connect with the main character, Max. He was nice and all, but he just seemed unrealistic and not the genuine article. He is supposed to be a 15-year-old gamer, teenager, but he doesn’t act like one and he knows things a typical kid his age most likely wouldn’t know. The author does provide insight to his special skills suggesting he learned his natural medical talents from his mom and from TV, and yes, I too, have learned quite a bit from all the TV shows I’ve watched. However, the extent of his skills and capabilities seem to far outreach what I’d assume someone could actually watch and learn and then apply for the first time in the field – and no less in a stressful medical emergency situation. But it was entertaining to hear someone else compare life situations with what they saw and learned on TV LOL!!! Guess I’m not the only one who does that LOL!!!
Perhaps that could have been enough to cover some of the extra knowledge points, but it continues on with him knowing other tidbits that seem unlikely for his proficiency and skill set. There were just too many gaps that needed further explanation and sadly detracted from the story and from me being able to share a bond with this character.
I really liked Bero and his sister, Juliana. They were likable, kind, and genuine. It was so nice that they took Max in even though they didn’t know him, and he was already getting a creepy, mysterious, odd/weird reputation – where anything but “normal” doesn’t fare well in 1471 and can have deadly consequences.
The author’s writing is strong and eloquently detailed. She really provided so much detail in her writing that it is easy to picture! There were a few times I found myself completely caught up in the story!
I really liked the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on the culture, customs, and traditions of 1471’s Medieval Germany. This is honestly not a time-period that I am very familiar with. However, the author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture.
I enjoyed the history lessons that were weaved throughout the book and learning more about Medieval Germany. Mrs. Oppenlander found a way to include accurate, historical content that was fun, intriguing, and educational. I really liked that she used real-life characters and events in the book to help set the tone and create an even stronger and more realistic ambience.
I loved the story line and hearing how the author came up with it! It was exciting to read about the author’s concept and then read her actual finished product and see how it all came together! I’ve had friends that really get into those video games and you could set off fireworks next to them and they still might not realize you are there LOL!!! So, it wouldn’t be hard to get totally sucked into the game – let alone maybe one day be transported to another time LOL!!!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
Please note this book ends with remaining questions unanswered and unknowns still unsolved. However, since this book is part of a book series, I assume (and hope!!!) there will be answers, solutions, and conclusions in book two.
This book is book one in the Escape from the Past Book Series. There are three books in this book series. All three books are currently available for sale at most book retail stores.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend not only this book, but this author as well! I was truly impressed with the quality of writing, and intriguing story line! I will definitely be continuing to follow this author and checking out her upcoming books! I think all young adult, time-travel readers will like this book too! So, be sure to add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
This book reminded me of the Movie “Jumanji,” (the original with Robin Williams!!!) meets the TV Show, “Reverie.”
This is the third book I’ve read from the incredible writer, Annette Oppenlander. A few months ago, I had the privilege of reading her book, “Where the Night Never Ends,” and I totally loved it, so I was very excited to read her latest work, “Escape from the Past: The Duke’s Wrath.”
Mrs. Oppenlander’s writing continues to improve and grow with each book! I know she is an author I will remain following and reading over the years!
Mrs. Oppenlander has a style of writing that thrusts the reader into the story and makes them feel like they too, are walking those old, smelly, dirty, 1471 streets in medieval Germany alongside Max, Bero, and Juliana.
Unfortunately, I really didn’t connect with the main character, Max. He was nice and all, but he just seemed unrealistic and not the genuine article. He is supposed to be a 15-year-old gamer, teenager, but he doesn’t act like one and he knows things a typical kid his age most likely wouldn’t know. The author does provide insight to his special skills suggesting he learned his natural medical talents from his mom and from TV, and yes, I too, have learned quite a bit from all the TV shows I’ve watched. However, the extent of his skills and capabilities seem to far outreach what I’d assume someone could actually watch and learn and then apply for the first time in the field – and no less in a stressful medical emergency situation. But it was entertaining to hear someone else compare life situations with what they saw and learned on TV LOL!!! Guess I’m not the only one who does that LOL!!!
Perhaps that could have been enough to cover some of the extra knowledge points, but it continues on with him knowing other tidbits that seem unlikely for his proficiency and skill set. There were just too many gaps that needed further explanation and sadly detracted from the story and from me being able to share a bond with this character.
I really liked Bero and his sister, Juliana. They were likable, kind, and genuine. It was so nice that they took Max in even though they didn’t know him, and he was already getting a creepy, mysterious, odd/weird reputation – where anything but “normal” doesn’t fare well in 1471 and can have deadly consequences.
The author’s writing is strong and eloquently detailed. She really provided so much detail in her writing that it is easy to picture! There were a few times I found myself completely caught up in the story!
I really liked the in-depth amount of research the author did while constructing this book. It was clear she was very familiar and well-versed on the culture, customs, and traditions of 1471’s Medieval Germany. This is honestly not a time-period that I am very familiar with. However, the author provided so much detail and such vivid descriptions it made the scenes easy to picture.
I enjoyed the history lessons that were weaved throughout the book and learning more about Medieval Germany. Mrs. Oppenlander found a way to include accurate, historical content that was fun, intriguing, and educational. I really liked that she used real-life characters and events in the book to help set the tone and create an even stronger and more realistic ambience.
I loved the story line and hearing how the author came up with it! It was exciting to read about the author’s concept and then read her actual finished product and see how it all came together! I’ve had friends that really get into those video games and you could set off fireworks next to them and they still might not realize you are there LOL!!! So, it wouldn’t be hard to get totally sucked into the game – let alone maybe one day be transported to another time LOL!!!
There are some predictable scenes. However, there are still a few unexpected twists and turns that you won’t see coming!
Please note this book ends with remaining questions unanswered and unknowns still unsolved. However, since this book is part of a book series, I assume (and hope!!!) there will be answers, solutions, and conclusions in book two.
This book is book one in the Escape from the Past Book Series. There are three books in this book series. All three books are currently available for sale at most book retail stores.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading this book and would absolutely recommend not only this book, but this author as well! I was truly impressed with the quality of writing, and intriguing story line! I will definitely be continuing to follow this author and checking out her upcoming books! I think all young adult, time-travel readers will like this book too! So, be sure to add it to your TBR List and get to reading - you won't be disappointed!
**Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book and have voluntarily provided an honest, and unbiased review in accordance with FTC regulations.**
December 3, 2020
In short: a great book, exciting on the rack, which puts the thumbscrews on you and does not release you from the Iron Maiden! Wow!
A completely involuntary voluntary journey through time!
This is a great book to start off a trilogy.
Fifteen year old Max is a crack at computer games. But then it happens!
He gets caught up in an experimental history game that functions like a time travel portal.
At first he doesn't even know what happens to him when he actually got stuck in Thuringia in 1471.
First he has to understand the rules of the game and complete missions, otherwise he is ad aeternis perdu in this special era!
Yes, he, the stranger like a mysterious healer can heal a maid from a lethal, nasty infection.
But the devious Count Ott becomes an all too real mortal enemy and will not remain the only one. He also wins allies - fortunately ...
Will he survive and be able to return?
The book is exquisite and excellently researched. It is also the real history of Hanstein Castle and the knight Werner von Hanstein.
It is written breathtakingly, skillfully under the sweet torture for a reader to continue fast, so that you can hardly keep up with reading. I already have such a sleep deficit, but such an exciting adventure more than makes up for it.
Perilous adventures, maybe a little flirting, humor, lethal dangers, epoch culture shock - what poor Max has to go through ...
With this bibliophile portal, you immerse yourself in a bygone era in an original, sculptural way - without any risk.
Max is intelligent and adaptable, quite flexible and agile. Realistic in appearance and action.
Very authentic and entertaining! You get an extreme appetite for volume two!
A completely involuntary voluntary journey through time!
This is a great book to start off a trilogy.
Fifteen year old Max is a crack at computer games. But then it happens!
He gets caught up in an experimental history game that functions like a time travel portal.
At first he doesn't even know what happens to him when he actually got stuck in Thuringia in 1471.
First he has to understand the rules of the game and complete missions, otherwise he is ad aeternis perdu in this special era!
Yes, he, the stranger like a mysterious healer can heal a maid from a lethal, nasty infection.
But the devious Count Ott becomes an all too real mortal enemy and will not remain the only one. He also wins allies - fortunately ...
Will he survive and be able to return?
The book is exquisite and excellently researched. It is also the real history of Hanstein Castle and the knight Werner von Hanstein.
It is written breathtakingly, skillfully under the sweet torture for a reader to continue fast, so that you can hardly keep up with reading. I already have such a sleep deficit, but such an exciting adventure more than makes up for it.
Perilous adventures, maybe a little flirting, humor, lethal dangers, epoch culture shock - what poor Max has to go through ...
With this bibliophile portal, you immerse yourself in a bygone era in an original, sculptural way - without any risk.
Max is intelligent and adaptable, quite flexible and agile. Realistic in appearance and action.
Very authentic and entertaining! You get an extreme appetite for volume two!
April 24, 2018
This was a fine ride of a story! I think teens who love computer games will enjoy this story. I like all the detail- it's well researched! Germany in the 1400's is an interesting choice to place game, adding a little history to the story may just pull some kids into enjoying history. It's a well written story and easy read for students just looking to be entertained. In paperback form, good for going back and forth to school on buses or a quick chapter or two in off hours. Kudos to the author! Great story!
I received a Kindle ARC in exchange for a fair review from Netgalley.
I received a Kindle ARC in exchange for a fair review from Netgalley.
September 3, 2019
Escape from the Past: The Duke's Wrath begins Annette Oppenlander’s series, Escape from the Past. I enjoyed this story. I found it to be fun, exciting and full of adventure. I loved the history, characters, setting and plot. I wanted to read just one chapter but ended up reading the whole book instead.
I give Escape from the Past: The Duke’s Wrath four and a half stars. I can not wait to find out what happens next in the Escape from the Past series. I recommend this one.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I give Escape from the Past: The Duke’s Wrath four and a half stars. I can not wait to find out what happens next in the Escape from the Past series. I recommend this one.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
January 7, 2017
Escape from the Past: The Duke's Wrath is a YA Fantasy about a boy who travels to Mid-evil Germany via a video game his friend's father developed.
From a formatting standpoint it felt like each page was a large wall of small text and my eyes became fatigued pretty quickly. My kiddo didn't have this same problem.
The book starts out kind of rocky, with a character we hardly know being thrown immediately into a situation where we are supposed to care about what happens to him, and I did not feel I had enough time to get to know him before this happened.
There is in-depth description of the technology through which he is transported, as well as his surroundings, but not much believable inner dialogue. It is briefly mentioned that his mother drinks a lot, but we aren't given much other information about his relationship until much later, when he feels guilty for behaving rudely to his mother in a situation the readers were not privy to beforehand.
Suddenly the character is thrust into the game…here I felt like his doubt of the situation may have been more believable if he had been using some sort of VR.
From there the plot develops at an acceptable pace, though there are still several examples of inconsistent personalities in the characters. There are also a few place where the author switches between first and third person.
Overall I liked the concept and I think with a little more work this could be a best seller. I handed it off to my 10-year-old after I was done with it and she absolutely loved it. The errors did not detract from the story enough to bother her, and she is anxious to continue the series. So I would say that while as an author I think the book could use further development, its intended audience may not find as much fault with it as I did. Also, despite its struggles I will be reading the next in the series.
From a formatting standpoint it felt like each page was a large wall of small text and my eyes became fatigued pretty quickly. My kiddo didn't have this same problem.
The book starts out kind of rocky, with a character we hardly know being thrown immediately into a situation where we are supposed to care about what happens to him, and I did not feel I had enough time to get to know him before this happened.
There is in-depth description of the technology through which he is transported, as well as his surroundings, but not much believable inner dialogue. It is briefly mentioned that his mother drinks a lot, but we aren't given much other information about his relationship until much later, when he feels guilty for behaving rudely to his mother in a situation the readers were not privy to beforehand.
Suddenly the character is thrust into the game…here I felt like his doubt of the situation may have been more believable if he had been using some sort of VR.
From there the plot develops at an acceptable pace, though there are still several examples of inconsistent personalities in the characters. There are also a few place where the author switches between first and third person.
Overall I liked the concept and I think with a little more work this could be a best seller. I handed it off to my 10-year-old after I was done with it and she absolutely loved it. The errors did not detract from the story enough to bother her, and she is anxious to continue the series. So I would say that while as an author I think the book could use further development, its intended audience may not find as much fault with it as I did. Also, despite its struggles I will be reading the next in the series.
December 31, 2016
From the first sentence, I ate this book up. I read this in two days, spent all my spare time reading it.
Max, is a 15 year old who lives in Germany. He says, "My mom and me share space with a thousand spiders in a two-bedroom cottage with a thatched roof. Who in the twenty-first century lives in a house covered with a bunch of straw?" His parents are divorced and his mum works. No other siblings were mentioned, so I assume Max is an only child.
Max was given a game to try out from his friend, Jimmy. Jimmy's father owns a gaming company and has created this new game; Earthrider. Before he knows it, Max has been swept into the 15th century German town of Bornhagen. Lucky for him, Bero was there. Bero is a peasant in the local town who raises pigs. Bero agrees to help Max and take him home. Max is helpful to Bero's family and through them meets people in the town. Max finds his way to the Lords castle where he intrigues the Lord. They strike up a bond and help each other throughout the book. Max also makes enemies in Miranda and Ott and The Duke of Schwarzburg. The Duke is a tax collector who has the hots for Lady Clara.
The game seemed to be a computer game, similar to WOW. I was kinda expecting an Xbox game. My husband has indoctrinated our lives with Halo and Call of Duty. The game itself is not described well. Max doesn't talk about what the game is like or what the goal is...the point of playing, before popping it in and being sucked into its grasp. By the end of the book, one came speculate the point of the game but the author never comes out directly with it.
Max gets in the way of Ott's plans to take advantage of Bero's sister. Max then finds himself in the way of the Duke and his greedy plans. These conflicts take Max on many adventures. I found the book to be quite exciting on every page. There wasn't a boring moment. Max was always on the run of busy doing something. He hardly rested.
There is quite a bit of violence, being as the book is in Medieval Germany. Just a warning for those readers who dislike or cannot tolerate warring with others and animal casualties.
I like how the book talks about the unpleasantness of this time. Things were filthy and people associated evil and witchcraft with science. Max took several risks in showing his knowledge to the people, like Bero's mother. Any kind of healing knowledge and you are a witch...or wizard.
I also liked how the author added in many instances of the characters questioning Max's clothes and language. Things like this are likely to slip and it made sense. It also kept me reminded about what I was reading about.
I liked how Max came to realize that he was lucky to have parents and certain things in his life, rather than being angry with what he doesn't have. This was refreshing and I wish there was more on this.
I didn't like how the author chose to use bad language and implement sexual situations that were unnecessary and added no benefit to the story. I didn't love how the author made Max revengeful. It made me disappointed in his character. However, for most teenagers this type of thinking is typical so perhaps it did make sense. See how I generalized there?
Overall, this book contains quite the mixture of romance, revenge and adventure. The book also contains underlying tones of making good choices and cultural differences. Often, Bero and Max disagreed with each other on moral issues pertaining to woman because of their cultural differences. Several times in the book, Max refers to Bero as his best friend. There is a bit of humor in the book. There is also talk of loss, distrust, selfishness, greed and looking out for #1. All of which, still exist today. I would hesitate on recommending this book to young adult readers.
Content: strong language, though no f words, sexual situations like masturbation and talk of sexual things, violence, animal issues.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Max, is a 15 year old who lives in Germany. He says, "My mom and me share space with a thousand spiders in a two-bedroom cottage with a thatched roof. Who in the twenty-first century lives in a house covered with a bunch of straw?" His parents are divorced and his mum works. No other siblings were mentioned, so I assume Max is an only child.
Max was given a game to try out from his friend, Jimmy. Jimmy's father owns a gaming company and has created this new game; Earthrider. Before he knows it, Max has been swept into the 15th century German town of Bornhagen. Lucky for him, Bero was there. Bero is a peasant in the local town who raises pigs. Bero agrees to help Max and take him home. Max is helpful to Bero's family and through them meets people in the town. Max finds his way to the Lords castle where he intrigues the Lord. They strike up a bond and help each other throughout the book. Max also makes enemies in Miranda and Ott and The Duke of Schwarzburg. The Duke is a tax collector who has the hots for Lady Clara.
The game seemed to be a computer game, similar to WOW. I was kinda expecting an Xbox game. My husband has indoctrinated our lives with Halo and Call of Duty. The game itself is not described well. Max doesn't talk about what the game is like or what the goal is...the point of playing, before popping it in and being sucked into its grasp. By the end of the book, one came speculate the point of the game but the author never comes out directly with it.
Max gets in the way of Ott's plans to take advantage of Bero's sister. Max then finds himself in the way of the Duke and his greedy plans. These conflicts take Max on many adventures. I found the book to be quite exciting on every page. There wasn't a boring moment. Max was always on the run of busy doing something. He hardly rested.
There is quite a bit of violence, being as the book is in Medieval Germany. Just a warning for those readers who dislike or cannot tolerate warring with others and animal casualties.
I like how the book talks about the unpleasantness of this time. Things were filthy and people associated evil and witchcraft with science. Max took several risks in showing his knowledge to the people, like Bero's mother. Any kind of healing knowledge and you are a witch...or wizard.
I also liked how the author added in many instances of the characters questioning Max's clothes and language. Things like this are likely to slip and it made sense. It also kept me reminded about what I was reading about.
I liked how Max came to realize that he was lucky to have parents and certain things in his life, rather than being angry with what he doesn't have. This was refreshing and I wish there was more on this.
I didn't like how the author chose to use bad language and implement sexual situations that were unnecessary and added no benefit to the story. I didn't love how the author made Max revengeful. It made me disappointed in his character. However, for most teenagers this type of thinking is typical so perhaps it did make sense. See how I generalized there?
Overall, this book contains quite the mixture of romance, revenge and adventure. The book also contains underlying tones of making good choices and cultural differences. Often, Bero and Max disagreed with each other on moral issues pertaining to woman because of their cultural differences. Several times in the book, Max refers to Bero as his best friend. There is a bit of humor in the book. There is also talk of loss, distrust, selfishness, greed and looking out for #1. All of which, still exist today. I would hesitate on recommending this book to young adult readers.
Content: strong language, though no f words, sexual situations like masturbation and talk of sexual things, violence, animal issues.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
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