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The Oldenglen Chronicles #1
Oldenglen
In a rarely explored corner of the Pacific Northwest stands a forested sliver of land steeped in magic that only some can see.
"Oldenglen," the first in a new fantasy series for middle-grade readers, introduces Jax, a twelve-year-old city boy from England, forced to move with his parents to a remote part of Oregon. Initially bitter about leaving his life behind, he begins to feel a strange draw to the woods, which only intensifies when he meets Sarah, the granddaughter of the nearest neighbors. Together they begin to unravel the secrets of the glen.
But when invaders threaten the wildwood and its inhabitants, Jax and Sarah and a most unusual army must prepare for war.
Great peril has come to Oldenglen, but who and what must Jax and Sarah confront in the battle to save it?"
"Oldenglen," the first in a new fantasy series for middle-grade readers, introduces Jax, a twelve-year-old city boy from England, forced to move with his parents to a remote part of Oregon. Initially bitter about leaving his life behind, he begins to feel a strange draw to the woods, which only intensifies when he meets Sarah, the granddaughter of the nearest neighbors. Together they begin to unravel the secrets of the glen.
But when invaders threaten the wildwood and its inhabitants, Jax and Sarah and a most unusual army must prepare for war.
Great peril has come to Oldenglen, but who and what must Jax and Sarah confront in the battle to save it?"
- GenresFantasy
312 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2015
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407 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
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August 29, 2016This book was entered and was a FINALIST in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Oldenglen
Author: Robin Mason
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 20
Stats
Editing 9/10
Plot 10/10
Writing Style 9/10
Cover 8/10
Of the 20 readers:
17 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the covers were exciting
15 felt the writing style was excellent: easy to follow and descriptive.
13 felt the exciting plot was the best part.
17 felt the ending was exciting.
20 felt the underlying message was good for children.
Readers’ Comments
‘Jax and Sarah go on a fun adventure in this story of animals and woodlands. It was a bit too slow for me but I enjoyed it anyway and the ending was brill’. The cover’s really good too.’ Boy, aged 12
‘I liked that the chapters were not too long and the style of writing was easy to follow. The plot was fun too with lots happening. It was a bit slow to get going but then it got very exciting.’ Girl, aged 12
‘I will read the next book in the set too.’ Girl, aged 12
‘The children, for the most part, enjoyed this adventure/fantasy novel. I think the girls enjoyed it the most and awarded it the top marks. The boys, I felt, thought it was a bit too warm and fuzzy. I would be very happy to read this book to my children. I particularly liked the central message of how humans are encroaching on wildlife. It’s important for children to understand this.’ Primary school teacher, aged 34
‘I love being outside and I love fantasy so this was perfect for me. My sister liked it too. The plot’s got tons of twists in it. But the best was that it’s very funny,’ Boy, aged 11
‘A fun-filled, fantasy adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended for 9 to 12 year olds.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Oldenglen
Author: Robin Mason
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 20
Stats
Editing 9/10
Plot 10/10
Writing Style 9/10
Cover 8/10
Of the 20 readers:
17 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the covers were exciting
15 felt the writing style was excellent: easy to follow and descriptive.
13 felt the exciting plot was the best part.
17 felt the ending was exciting.
20 felt the underlying message was good for children.
Readers’ Comments
‘Jax and Sarah go on a fun adventure in this story of animals and woodlands. It was a bit too slow for me but I enjoyed it anyway and the ending was brill’. The cover’s really good too.’ Boy, aged 12
‘I liked that the chapters were not too long and the style of writing was easy to follow. The plot was fun too with lots happening. It was a bit slow to get going but then it got very exciting.’ Girl, aged 12
‘I will read the next book in the set too.’ Girl, aged 12
‘The children, for the most part, enjoyed this adventure/fantasy novel. I think the girls enjoyed it the most and awarded it the top marks. The boys, I felt, thought it was a bit too warm and fuzzy. I would be very happy to read this book to my children. I particularly liked the central message of how humans are encroaching on wildlife. It’s important for children to understand this.’ Primary school teacher, aged 34
‘I love being outside and I love fantasy so this was perfect for me. My sister liked it too. The plot’s got tons of twists in it. But the best was that it’s very funny,’ Boy, aged 11
‘A fun-filled, fantasy adventure. A FINALIST and highly recommended for 9 to 12 year olds.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
January 12, 2016
"Oldenglen" it's simply marvelous.
I know that this book is for 8-12 years old, but it's so beautiful written that no matter what age you have, you'll love it.
The narration it's outstanding, the plot flows at a steady pace, the Authors have created a rich story, full of magic, details, with amazing characters, very funny dialogues (my preferred ones are between Jax and his Father) and using a realistic, and painful, topic like the advance of "progress" into wildlife.
Overall the story is, like I already said, marvelous, I wish I had a kid because this will make a great bed time story.
5 magical stars.
Highly Recommended for EVERYONE.
*I received a Free copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
I know that this book is for 8-12 years old, but it's so beautiful written that no matter what age you have, you'll love it.
The narration it's outstanding, the plot flows at a steady pace, the Authors have created a rich story, full of magic, details, with amazing characters, very funny dialogues (my preferred ones are between Jax and his Father) and using a realistic, and painful, topic like the advance of "progress" into wildlife.
Overall the story is, like I already said, marvelous, I wish I had a kid because this will make a great bed time story.
5 magical stars.
Highly Recommended for EVERYONE.
*I received a Free copy in exchange for an Honest Review*
March 10, 2021
I won this book from a goodreads giveaway
January 26, 2016
4.5 out of 5 stars
“Oldenglen” by Robin Mason and Michael Mason is the initial story in the ‘Oldenglen Chronicles’ series. It introduces a twelve-year-old boy named Jackson (Jax) who has been relocated to Oregon from England, to his dismay. There are no peers around to play with, so Jax begins to explore the woods around his new home, and finds there is a wealth of new experiences available. His growing connection to his new home becomes threatened, and he will have to muster his newfound allies, including a girl named Sarah, to defend the special glen that is home to so many creatures, great and small, and that still may not be enough.
This charming children’s story blends many of the commonplace issues that can challenge a youngster--such as a new home (albeit with the added complication of being in an entirely different country), lack of friends, and an uncertain future with a slowly expanding appreciation of nature and a mystical connection. I love that the animals gradually reveal their hierarchy and true natures, the names they share with Jax are wonderfully appropriate, and the inclusion of the unique names for the group of a particular animal species provides a great resource for discussing new vocabulary words, as does the slang that peppers Jax's language. The climax was a little awkward for me, as the reason behind the major conflict and the resolution didn’t quite gel for me, but that did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.
There is a wealth of information about nature presented in a very readable and entertaining manner and this book is sure to become a favorite to those who enjoy animal stories such as the ‘Redwall’ series. I think this is a great start to the series and that the tale will appeal to adults and children alike. It is my hope that this will be a long-running series and I will enjoy sharing it with young readers.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
“Oldenglen” by Robin Mason and Michael Mason is the initial story in the ‘Oldenglen Chronicles’ series. It introduces a twelve-year-old boy named Jackson (Jax) who has been relocated to Oregon from England, to his dismay. There are no peers around to play with, so Jax begins to explore the woods around his new home, and finds there is a wealth of new experiences available. His growing connection to his new home becomes threatened, and he will have to muster his newfound allies, including a girl named Sarah, to defend the special glen that is home to so many creatures, great and small, and that still may not be enough.
This charming children’s story blends many of the commonplace issues that can challenge a youngster--such as a new home (albeit with the added complication of being in an entirely different country), lack of friends, and an uncertain future with a slowly expanding appreciation of nature and a mystical connection. I love that the animals gradually reveal their hierarchy and true natures, the names they share with Jax are wonderfully appropriate, and the inclusion of the unique names for the group of a particular animal species provides a great resource for discussing new vocabulary words, as does the slang that peppers Jax's language. The climax was a little awkward for me, as the reason behind the major conflict and the resolution didn’t quite gel for me, but that did not detract from my overall enjoyment of the story.
There is a wealth of information about nature presented in a very readable and entertaining manner and this book is sure to become a favorite to those who enjoy animal stories such as the ‘Redwall’ series. I think this is a great start to the series and that the tale will appeal to adults and children alike. It is my hope that this will be a long-running series and I will enjoy sharing it with young readers.
A copy of this title was provided to me for review
December 3, 2015
Fascinating and easy to read.
Jackson, a young boy, has to move with his parents when his dad get a new job opportunity. Far from the civilization, he will learn the beauty of the nature. In a final attempt to save the glen, Jackson will use all his power and his new friend, Sarah, power to keep the animals habitat intact.
The book has been written for 8-12 years old, but as 25 years old quebecer, I can still say that I enjoyed my reading. The story is inspiring and reflect the way most of people think nature. It will make your kids think that, even tho we stay way more inside, the outside is still there and so magnificent.
I liked the writing, the diversity of animals encountered and the personalities of the characters. It might be hard for very young people to read, but with time it becomes really easy to read.
Thumbs up.
I got to thank Robin Mason for this book I received through Goodreads giveaways.
Jackson, a young boy, has to move with his parents when his dad get a new job opportunity. Far from the civilization, he will learn the beauty of the nature. In a final attempt to save the glen, Jackson will use all his power and his new friend, Sarah, power to keep the animals habitat intact.
The book has been written for 8-12 years old, but as 25 years old quebecer, I can still say that I enjoyed my reading. The story is inspiring and reflect the way most of people think nature. It will make your kids think that, even tho we stay way more inside, the outside is still there and so magnificent.
I liked the writing, the diversity of animals encountered and the personalities of the characters. It might be hard for very young people to read, but with time it becomes really easy to read.
Thumbs up.
I got to thank Robin Mason for this book I received through Goodreads giveaways.
February 2, 2016
I loved how the author created a world that the target audience (8-12 year olds) can escape to. Who would not want to find new to them animal species? Especially when they seem to be surrounded by the unknown? I can not imagine having to move, and leaving my life and everything I have known. This is great for kids to relate to as well. We do not all fit in. I liked the words used in the book and I think that young readers will be able to expand their vocabulary. The author;s writing style brought his pages to life, and I could picture the glen in my head. The overall message of the book is a good one for kids to learn as well. I can not wait for book two. I am giving this book a 5/5. I was given a copy to review, however all opinions are my own.
July 1, 2016
A fun story with some life lessons thrown in for good measure. Interesting story line about the relationship of man and animal, and their relationship to the earth. This is an adventure story that shows the symbiotic relationship between man and nature in a way that draws you in. Great book for children to read, might just make them more interested in learning about the animal world!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews