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Byways #1
On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins
Ewan, Zane, and Ganix--three half-brothers take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland.
Magic isn't the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother--and his two companions--must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.
Book #1 in the Byways series introduces the Johns family and sees the brothers to the starting line. Ewan is dependable but shy. Zane has a rebel's reputation and a lone friend. Ganix has a gift for getting into mischief and enough luck to get back out of it. All three boys have inherited their father's magic and are Changers with an animal form. But they'll need more than a magical quirk to reach the finish line. A coming-of-age story times three with an educational twist. The storyline includes a states-based geography quest.
Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.
Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They're Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.
Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography--icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They're hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there's a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. On Your Marks takes its cues from "The First State," Delaware.
Excerpt:
Laurel jumped when loud growling came from the front hall. Hooves clattered, and a howl filled the house with its high, eerie note. "There they go again," she said.
"What now?" Ian hurried out of the kitchen. He slowed to step over the shattered pieces of a glass candle stand. "Boys? What's the meaning of ...!"
He was interrupted when a full-grown elk minced past with a young raccoon dangling from his antlers.
"Not in the house!" Ian started after them, but a snarling wolf zoomed between his legs, tripping him.
Magic isn't the only legacy Mr. Ian Johns wants for his bickering sons. The Postmaster hoped the boys would bond during a family trip, but they twist his vacation plans into a race. Ewan, Zane, and Ganix soon find themselves far from home, facing choices that are far from easy. Three routes stretch from coast to coast. The rules: each brother--and his two companions--must check in at post offices along their route. At these waypoints, they stamp in with their personal seal and report their progress by postcard.
Book #1 in the Byways series introduces the Johns family and sees the brothers to the starting line. Ewan is dependable but shy. Zane has a rebel's reputation and a lone friend. Ganix has a gift for getting into mischief and enough luck to get back out of it. All three boys have inherited their father's magic and are Changers with an animal form. But they'll need more than a magical quirk to reach the finish line. A coming-of-age story times three with an educational twist. The storyline includes a states-based geography quest.
Welcome to Liberty: Big cities and hill-country outposts thrive on busy byways, but people are scarce in the Wilds, where mythical creatures are alive and well. Folks commonly use lanterns to light their homes, and peace is kept by rangers on horseback. In the Byways books, readers will encounter dragons, griffins, river monsters, and rogue magicians.
Magic is a rare trait that runs in families. Some magical gifts are quite useful; others are downright quirky. Like the talent inherited by members of the Johns family. They're Changers who can take the form of an animal. Not that magic will make winning the race any easier for Ewan, Zane, and Ganix.
Educational Twist: Each of the Byways books is tied to one of the fifty states and borrows from its history and geography--icons, mottos, landmarks, people, places, and famous firsts. They're hidden throughout the story, turning the series into one long game of hide-and-seek. At the end of each Byways book, there's a master list that covers everything from the state tree to the state insect. Nicknames, sports teams, state heroes, and national parks also find their way into the story. States are covered in order of ratification. On Your Marks takes its cues from "The First State," Delaware.
Excerpt:
Laurel jumped when loud growling came from the front hall. Hooves clattered, and a howl filled the house with its high, eerie note. "There they go again," she said.
"What now?" Ian hurried out of the kitchen. He slowed to step over the shattered pieces of a glass candle stand. "Boys? What's the meaning of ...!"
He was interrupted when a full-grown elk minced past with a young raccoon dangling from his antlers.
"Not in the house!" Ian started after them, but a snarling wolf zoomed between his legs, tripping him.
- GenresMiddle GradeFantasy
50 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2014
5 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Milbrandt
21 books184 followersC. J. Milbrandt has always believed in miracles, especially small ones. A lifelong bookworm with a love for fairy tales, far-off lands, and fantasy worlds, CJ began spinning adventures of her own on the advice of a dear friend. Her family-friendly stories mingle humor and whimsy with a dash of danger and a touch of magic.
The Galleries of Stone trilogy [A magic master sculptor of Pred descent and the only Flox boy with the nubs to take his hand. Cozy fantasy.]
Journeymen of Stone [Readers join other Meadowsweets as they go out into the world. More mountains. New cultures. Adventure!]
Byways Books [Ewan, Zane, and Ganix take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Chapter books for young readers, beginning around age 6, escalating into middlegrade.]
The Galleries of Stone trilogy [A magic master sculptor of Pred descent and the only Flox boy with the nubs to take his hand. Cozy fantasy.]
Journeymen of Stone [Readers join other Meadowsweets as they go out into the world. More mountains. New cultures. Adventure!]
Byways Books [Ewan, Zane, and Ganix take sibling rivalry to new lengths as they race each other across their homeland. Chapter books for young readers, beginning around age 6, escalating into middlegrade.]
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 10, 2020
#TeamEwan
And not just because he's got to deal with exasperating younger siblings.
Quickly paced, snappy dialogue and energetic characters made this go by very quickly for me (granted its quite short, but everyone knows the shortest story can feel an eternity if its not engaging).
Welcome to Liberty, a magically polished America where the Postmaster becomes a golden eagle. This gave me a similar sort of vibe as Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels (or the few I've read) in that magic just *is* and blending fiction with reality is a massive game of hide & seek.
I appreciated that Milbrandt offered a guide to the easter eggs about Delaware strewn throughout the book. Its a clever way to educate kids without beating them over the head with dry, dull facts.
And can we admire the artwork? I love the cover and each chapter also has an image that gives you a peak into it.
Overall this was a lovely treat and makes me glad I have the next few in hand to read (though the series itself is on Kindle Unlimited for reading).
And not just because he's got to deal with exasperating younger siblings.
Quickly paced, snappy dialogue and energetic characters made this go by very quickly for me (granted its quite short, but everyone knows the shortest story can feel an eternity if its not engaging).
Welcome to Liberty, a magically polished America where the Postmaster becomes a golden eagle. This gave me a similar sort of vibe as Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels (or the few I've read) in that magic just *is* and blending fiction with reality is a massive game of hide & seek.
I appreciated that Milbrandt offered a guide to the easter eggs about Delaware strewn throughout the book. Its a clever way to educate kids without beating them over the head with dry, dull facts.
And can we admire the artwork? I love the cover and each chapter also has an image that gives you a peak into it.
Overall this was a lovely treat and makes me glad I have the next few in hand to read (though the series itself is on Kindle Unlimited for reading).
July 22, 2016
I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
Initial thoughts:
The start to what I believe will be a fun, magical, and adventurous series of short books. I really like that at the end of the book is a 'game' that urges you to find things in the book that coincide with the state that this book is set in (Delaware). I believe each following book will be set in a new state and therefore sets the pace for a VERY long series.
This review was originally posted on Lazy Day Literature
Mr. Ian Johns, Postmaster and shapeshifter, wants his three sons to get along so he suggests a long excursion to bring them together. The boys, who are all half-siblings meaning they have different mothers, have other ideas. They don't want to work together so instead they devise a race from the East Coast to the West Coast.
This is the start to what I believe will be a fun, magical, and adventurous series of really short books. The mix of historical fiction with bits of fantasy and a cross-country adventure make this really appealing.
Because this series starter is so short - less than 50 pages - we don't really get a good feel for the characters but the idea that they can shapeshift into their own separate animal form really sucks me into wanting to continue this series. I'm eager to see what adventures await them.
I think one of the best things about this series is that each book takes place in a different state - this one in Delaware - and at the end of the book there is a 'game' that urges you to find things within the story that coincide with the state that the book is set in. There are also plenty of facts about the state. So not only is this a fun little story, but it can also be used as a learning tool. I can see this being the perfect curriculum for homeschoolers to learn the states and information about them in an exciting and unique way.
I must also add that the cover art and illustrations for all of C.J. Milbrandt's books are illustrated by the very talented Hannah Christenson. Each and every cover is absolutely gorgeous. Even if I didn't like this book I would want this series for the covers. Luckily both cover and story are equally wonderful but I am a little extra happy that my copy of this book came with three postcard sized prints of the cover art!
Initial thoughts:
The start to what I believe will be a fun, magical, and adventurous series of short books. I really like that at the end of the book is a 'game' that urges you to find things in the book that coincide with the state that this book is set in (Delaware). I believe each following book will be set in a new state and therefore sets the pace for a VERY long series.
This review was originally posted on Lazy Day Literature
Mr. Ian Johns, Postmaster and shapeshifter, wants his three sons to get along so he suggests a long excursion to bring them together. The boys, who are all half-siblings meaning they have different mothers, have other ideas. They don't want to work together so instead they devise a race from the East Coast to the West Coast.
This is the start to what I believe will be a fun, magical, and adventurous series of really short books. The mix of historical fiction with bits of fantasy and a cross-country adventure make this really appealing.
Because this series starter is so short - less than 50 pages - we don't really get a good feel for the characters but the idea that they can shapeshift into their own separate animal form really sucks me into wanting to continue this series. I'm eager to see what adventures await them.
I think one of the best things about this series is that each book takes place in a different state - this one in Delaware - and at the end of the book there is a 'game' that urges you to find things within the story that coincide with the state that the book is set in. There are also plenty of facts about the state. So not only is this a fun little story, but it can also be used as a learning tool. I can see this being the perfect curriculum for homeschoolers to learn the states and information about them in an exciting and unique way.
I must also add that the cover art and illustrations for all of C.J. Milbrandt's books are illustrated by the very talented Hannah Christenson. Each and every cover is absolutely gorgeous. Even if I didn't like this book I would want this series for the covers. Luckily both cover and story are equally wonderful but I am a little extra happy that my copy of this book came with three postcard sized prints of the cover art!
January 1, 2015
On Your Marks by CJ Milbrandt is a wonderful read for children of all ages.
In this book three brothers, Ewan, Zane, and Ganix are asked by their father to travel together and tour a land called 'Liberty'. Instead the brothers turn their father's request into a race to see who can finish touring Liberty first. The boys father has been married three times, his first two wives having died early.
I found all the characters very charming and easy to relate to, each with their own very unique personality. The brothers have their squabbles, but deep down it is clear that they really love each other.
This book is great for beginner readers. Most of the words are simple and easy to understand, those which aren't have their meanings explained. For example, the author used the word "couriers" which may be a bit harder for younger children to understand. Two sentences later however a brief definition is given "His couriers delivered letters and packages throughout the land." This really pleased me, for the child is learning the meanings of new words as he/she reads. The writing, although kept simple, is not only reserved for younger readers. I feel older kids will also enjoy this book for it's lovely characters, fun setting, and astounding creativity.
At the end of the book there is a little game played, which has the reader participating in a hunt to find things in the book related to one of the fifty states. A list of fun facts about the state is given in the back of the book. For me personally the book was a bit short, but because it is geared towards younger readers I consider it perfect for their shorter attention spans. This was truly a enchanting book, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
In this book three brothers, Ewan, Zane, and Ganix are asked by their father to travel together and tour a land called 'Liberty'. Instead the brothers turn their father's request into a race to see who can finish touring Liberty first. The boys father has been married three times, his first two wives having died early.
I found all the characters very charming and easy to relate to, each with their own very unique personality. The brothers have their squabbles, but deep down it is clear that they really love each other.
This book is great for beginner readers. Most of the words are simple and easy to understand, those which aren't have their meanings explained. For example, the author used the word "couriers" which may be a bit harder for younger children to understand. Two sentences later however a brief definition is given "His couriers delivered letters and packages throughout the land." This really pleased me, for the child is learning the meanings of new words as he/she reads. The writing, although kept simple, is not only reserved for younger readers. I feel older kids will also enjoy this book for it's lovely characters, fun setting, and astounding creativity.
At the end of the book there is a little game played, which has the reader participating in a hunt to find things in the book related to one of the fifty states. A list of fun facts about the state is given in the back of the book. For me personally the book was a bit short, but because it is geared towards younger readers I consider it perfect for their shorter attention spans. This was truly a enchanting book, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
May 4, 2015
'On Your Marks: The Adventure Begins' is the first book in the Byways series by C. J. Milbrandt.
In this book, we're introduced to the three half-brothers who will be the main characters of the rest of the series, as well as to the rest of their family.
Ian Johns is concerned about the fact that his three sons get on so poorly, and plans to send them on a trip together across their country of Liberty, a cross between colonial America and mediaeval Europe.
But the intended trip ends up as a race among the three youths to see who will reach the western side of Liberty first.
Each state in Liberty corresponds to a state of the United States, with many references to places, names and well-known features of the real state. 'On Your Marks' is set in Liberty's equivalent of Delaware.
The series is intended to advance in reading level along with its readers. This book and the three that follow it are written for readers between six and ten years old, although later 'episodes' will have a progressively higher reading level.
I'm an adult reader in Australia, so I don't normally read books intended for this age range. And spotting the references specific to each American state is likely to give greater enjoyment to the youthful inhabitants of those states than it does to me on the other side of the world. :)
But I enjoy C.J. Milbrandt's writing no matter what she writes, so I'm willing to recommend it likewise to anyone who enjoys carefully-chosen words and well-defined characterisation.
In this book, we're introduced to the three half-brothers who will be the main characters of the rest of the series, as well as to the rest of their family.
Ian Johns is concerned about the fact that his three sons get on so poorly, and plans to send them on a trip together across their country of Liberty, a cross between colonial America and mediaeval Europe.
But the intended trip ends up as a race among the three youths to see who will reach the western side of Liberty first.
Each state in Liberty corresponds to a state of the United States, with many references to places, names and well-known features of the real state. 'On Your Marks' is set in Liberty's equivalent of Delaware.
The series is intended to advance in reading level along with its readers. This book and the three that follow it are written for readers between six and ten years old, although later 'episodes' will have a progressively higher reading level.
I'm an adult reader in Australia, so I don't normally read books intended for this age range. And spotting the references specific to each American state is likely to give greater enjoyment to the youthful inhabitants of those states than it does to me on the other side of the world. :)
But I enjoy C.J. Milbrandt's writing no matter what she writes, so I'm willing to recommend it likewise to anyone who enjoys carefully-chosen words and well-defined characterisation.
February 28, 2015
On Your Marks by C. J. Milbrandt was an exciting start to the Byways series. The use of State Facts is genious. City names, state symbols, and famous sites are hidden within the story, which makes you want to read it all over again when you reach the end so that you can find them.
The story itself is filled with imaginative fantasy elements, stunning illustrations, and light-hearted humor that will keep kids turning pages. The fast pace, rich vocabulary, and loveable characters ensure that adults won't mind reading just one more chapter either.
The story itself is filled with imaginative fantasy elements, stunning illustrations, and light-hearted humor that will keep kids turning pages. The fast pace, rich vocabulary, and loveable characters ensure that adults won't mind reading just one more chapter either.
June 7, 2015
Introduction to the Johns Family
Book 1 takes us inside the home of Ian Johns, postmaster of Liberty, with magic in his blood that allows him to take the form of a great soaring eagle. His three sons are imbued with similar gifts, but their constant bickering wears on Ian and he decides to send them across country, each brother taking a different route with the goal of reaching the rendezvous point first. The next books will follow each boy's magical adventure.
Book 1 takes us inside the home of Ian Johns, postmaster of Liberty, with magic in his blood that allows him to take the form of a great soaring eagle. His three sons are imbued with similar gifts, but their constant bickering wears on Ian and he decides to send them across country, each brother taking a different route with the goal of reaching the rendezvous point first. The next books will follow each boy's magical adventure.
August 24, 2016
I enjoyed reading On Your Marks. It is a short book that sets the stage for a series of books in which three shape-shifting brothers who do not get along go on a cross-country race to discover their country. The book was fun and easy to read. As soon as I finished I wanted to pick up the next one.
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks!
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks!
August 28, 2017
I received this as a GoodReads giveaway.
So this story follows 3 brothers on their quest to get along.
I found this fun and entertaining. A nice quick read.
I would recommend this for middle grade but I'm sure anyone of any age would love it.
So this story follows 3 brothers on their quest to get along.
I found this fun and entertaining. A nice quick read.
I would recommend this for middle grade but I'm sure anyone of any age would love it.
July 15, 2016
Great chapter book for children - full of adventure. I won it in a contest and look forward to the others in the series.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews