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Portallas #1
Forestium
Joshua’s life is on the line, as he attempts to navigate through the magical world of Forestium to find the truth about his father. He and his companions will need to use all their cunning to stay alive and avoid the dark forces of the Goat. Will he find the magical orbs and open the Portallas, a magical gateway to other worlds, before he’s killed?
Joshua sets out to learn the truth about his father. Along the way, he finds friends, enemies, adventure, romance and himself.
Joshua sets out to learn the truth about his father. Along the way, he finds friends, enemies, adventure, romance and himself.
290 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
November 13, 2017
Christopher D. Morgan takes us on a journey into a world long filled with wars, death, and soldiers that have never returned. Families are left behind missing a piece of their hearts. Joshua’s heart tells him his father, who left long ago and never returned is alive. As a young man, he sets out on a quest to either find his father, find out what happened to him or die trying. By his side is his best friend and a newly found creature long thought killed off through the slaughter of the dark forces of the Goat, evil personified. Magical portals may reveal the lost and long thought dead, but to open them, magical orbs must be procured. Follow the journey of this ragtag group as they add a beautiful and talented teen off on her own guest for knowledge. Their journey will teach them about life, about living in a dangerous world, about survival and especially learning to trust another in matters of life, death and the heart.
Forestium is a beautifully written tale that introduces us to a strange new world, its many races, feats of magic and the power of love and truth. Christopher D. Morgan has done a fabulous job of creating scenes that come to life where the sense of action and the emotional entanglements feel real. With great dialogue, a smorgasbord of characters and evil always lurking in the shadows, this fantasy is easy to fall into and hard to leave! A great start to a new YA fantasy series!
I received an ARC edition in exchange for my honest review.
Forestium is a beautifully written tale that introduces us to a strange new world, its many races, feats of magic and the power of love and truth. Christopher D. Morgan has done a fabulous job of creating scenes that come to life where the sense of action and the emotional entanglements feel real. With great dialogue, a smorgasbord of characters and evil always lurking in the shadows, this fantasy is easy to fall into and hard to leave! A great start to a new YA fantasy series!
I received an ARC edition in exchange for my honest review.
February 17, 2018
My rating 3.7
The Book of Joshua and the Magical Forest (Portallas # 1) by Christopher D. Morgan is a nice YA story placed in the magical world of Forestium. It is obvious that the writer is a lover of Tolkien because on several occasions I have noted in the book links to writing that are a bit like Tolkien's books. With respect to Tolkien's writing, it is ok, but the writer has a very good imagination and should go towards creating only his worlds. No matter what, the book is fun and I would recommend to the lovers of YA fantasy genre. The story leads us into the Forestium world where Joshua lives, although his father disappeared when he was a child, he came to him in dreams and Joshua decided to go to find out if his father was alive. On this journey, he will discover many secrets about his family and find himself on the path to a dangerous enemy. The story tells us about friendship, love and secrets that are hidden in the world Forestium. I hope the writer will show his full imagination in the following two sequels of the book. I would recommend the book to fans of YA fantasy genres.
The Book of Joshua and the Magical Forest (Portallas # 1) by Christopher D. Morgan is a nice YA story placed in the magical world of Forestium. It is obvious that the writer is a lover of Tolkien because on several occasions I have noted in the book links to writing that are a bit like Tolkien's books. With respect to Tolkien's writing, it is ok, but the writer has a very good imagination and should go towards creating only his worlds. No matter what, the book is fun and I would recommend to the lovers of YA fantasy genre. The story leads us into the Forestium world where Joshua lives, although his father disappeared when he was a child, he came to him in dreams and Joshua decided to go to find out if his father was alive. On this journey, he will discover many secrets about his family and find himself on the path to a dangerous enemy. The story tells us about friendship, love and secrets that are hidden in the world Forestium. I hope the writer will show his full imagination in the following two sequels of the book. I would recommend the book to fans of YA fantasy genres.
February 25, 2016
Christopher D. Morgan takes us on a journey into a world long filled with wars, death, and soldiers that have never returned. Families are left behind missing a piece of their hearts. Joshua’s heart tells him his father, who left long ago and never returned is alive. As a young man, he sets out on a quest to either find his father, find out what happened to him or die trying. By his side is his best friend and a newly found creature long thought killed off through the slaughter of the dark forces of the Goat, evil personified. Magical portals may reveal the lost and long thought dead, but to open them, magical orbs must be procured. Follow the journey of this ragtag group as they add a beautiful and talented teen off on her own guest for knowledge. Their journey will teach them about life, about living in a dangerous world, about survival and especially learning to trust another in matters of life, death and the heart.
Forestium is a beautifully written tale that introduces us to a strange new world, its many races, feats of magic and the power of love and truth. Christopher D. Morgan has done a fabulous job of creating scenes that come to life where the sense of action and the emotional entanglements feel real. With great dialogue, a smorgasbord of characters and evil always lurking in the shadows, this fantasy is easy to fall into and hard to leave! A great start to a new YA fantasy series!
I received an ARC edition in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Portallas - Book 1
Expected publication: February 28th 2016
ISBN13 9780994525703
Paperback, First edition, 290 pages
Purchase sites coming
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Forestium is a beautifully written tale that introduces us to a strange new world, its many races, feats of magic and the power of love and truth. Christopher D. Morgan has done a fabulous job of creating scenes that come to life where the sense of action and the emotional entanglements feel real. With great dialogue, a smorgasbord of characters and evil always lurking in the shadows, this fantasy is easy to fall into and hard to leave! A great start to a new YA fantasy series!
I received an ARC edition in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Portallas - Book 1
Expected publication: February 28th 2016
ISBN13 9780994525703
Paperback, First edition, 290 pages
Purchase sites coming
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 4, 2016
Forestium takes readers on a coming of age journey with Joshua as he searches for his father. He is drawn to believe his father is still alive by his dreams and sets out on his adventure with his best friend. The magic begins as they are joined by colorful characters on the way. Each character brings more to the story. As Joshua searches for his father; he finds love, courage, magic and himself. Forestium is a wonderfully magical story to be enjoyed by all ages. There’s so much in this story, it’s hard to review without giving away any spoilers. I highly recommend this book and give it 4 Boundless stars; I loved it....Beth
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June 24, 2017
This book says that it is for Young Adult readers, but it reads more like something for middle school age. That being said, it is an enjoyable, well written book.
Adventure, a little romance, creatures abounding, magic......this book has all of that & more. Joshua has been dreaming of his Father, who left home one day & never returned. After these dreams, he knows that he has to try to find out what really happened. Along the way, he & his friend Andrew meet a young girl (who quickly becomes a love interest, even though she never stops talking) and an Imp who is looking for any other Imps left alive.
Great world building, great characters & great story. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Adventure, a little romance, creatures abounding, magic......this book has all of that & more. Joshua has been dreaming of his Father, who left home one day & never returned. After these dreams, he knows that he has to try to find out what really happened. Along the way, he & his friend Andrew meet a young girl (who quickly becomes a love interest, even though she never stops talking) and an Imp who is looking for any other Imps left alive.
Great world building, great characters & great story. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
May 2, 2016
Absolutely fantastic book. Hard to believe this is the Author's first published work!! He has created a stunning world, eloquently described without being overly wordy. It is very easy to visualise the scenery, the creatures, the characters and the atmosphere of the story. The interactions between the characters is natural and sincere. The pace of the story does not dip as we follow the main character and friends on a dangerous quest, with the odd twist that keeps you guessing just when you think you know where the story is headed.
Highly recommended, a real page turner for lovers of YA fantasy fiction.
Highly recommended, a real page turner for lovers of YA fantasy fiction.
June 19, 2016
*I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
The book follows the adventures of Joshua's as he and his friends travel through the magical land of Forestium on a mission to rescue his long-lost father.
The clean and easy writing style of the author kept the narration flowing, all in all this is a book that lets itself be read with no particular issues. The plot wasn't bad but it was a bit too straight, with almost no twist; making it unsurprising.
The world building was really poor, I really couldn't find any particular detail to distinguish Forestium from other woods in another two thousand books. The characters felt flat and inconsequential and the lack of detail just sharpened the feeling.
We are told that different tribes wear different colors and people wear different outfits based on their profession but those aren't described, not even a little bit, not even to say if they are wearing a tunic, trousers or whatever.
The same lack of descriptive dept affected the characters as well. Apart from maybe Joshua and a couple of people all the characters our fellowship crossed paths with just felt dull and common. For example; of the Sarah's father, the elder, we didn't get to know anything except that he had an imposing figure...not even if he was really old or middle-aged! And what about Isabelle? The only thing told about her is the fact that she's a couple of years younger than Sarah but there was nothing to help me give her or anyone else a face!
The lack of detail didn't help me to visualize the characters and prevented me from becoming fully immersed in the book. In the end I just mentally dressed all the characters (primary, secondary and passing ones) with random outfits seen in various movies and other fantasy and high-fantasy books. I also gave them either a random face or blurry features with just a name printed above their head. This lack of specifics made everything - the whole book really - feel nondescript. It felt like something I read before a thousand times.
Moreover, I believe names are an important part of the world building, in this case I found the made up names (e.g blood-bad, metamorph etc.) very bland. I really couldn't take seriously an all-evil antagonist that went by the name of The Goat. Nope, sorry I couldn't do it not even if he looked like the devil himself. Also, for some reason I kept mistaking the Valley of Moross for the Valley of Morons (but this was solely my own fault).
And now let's spend a moment talking about the romance. Oh the insta-love! The plight of almost every young adult!
Even tough I learned to overlook my annoyance toward it long ago, here - I'm sorry to say - it simply grated on my nerves. I'm not fond of line"They looked into each other and they fell suddenly deeply in love" Please?! Why countless authors have to play this same card? I'd rather not have romance at all. (Mind you I might pass love at first sight in the sense of being mutually attracted/interested, but from there to being deeply in love just after a short while---ugh I can't bear it).
Although I understand that this book might have been aimed to the younger age range of the young adult category; some dialogues felt way to childish. For example, when Sarah was speaking with her father, it sounded like a six years old girl not sixteen. And The elder? Oh boy! Let's talk about him. Isn't he supposed to be wise (as the name hits)? Well, he didn't sound too reasonable or wise to me. Another thing that really bothered me was how everyone in this seemed to cry and every given moment. I'm okay with boys and girls showing their emotion but--GOD! At some point everyone was crying or had their eyes on the verge of tears.
And to finish the things of "character's habits that annoyed me" we have the "giggling". Sarah giggles a lot. She talks and giggles, she giggles with Isabelle. Now, let's break this new to the world: girls don't spend most of the time giggling, we do giggle occasionally (or when drunk but that's another thing) but not always!I don't understand why in people's mind girls giggles all the time
Furthermore, here and there I found some of the suggested images"dissonant" (or at least they felt that way to me) One example? The oracle's voice being triumphant. I don't know about other people but I hardly associate something mystic as an oracle to a triumphant tone of voice. Pleased maybe? But triumphant it feels like the oracle was gloating which given the circumstance and who was doing it...it didn't feel right . Another example of this "dissonance" was the description of the elder's lip quivering at the mention of his wife death. I'd have rather seen a sign of emotion in a set jaw or even lone tear escaping him but a grown up and though men with a quivering lip? lame.
And then we have *drum rolls* the "accidental stabbing"!Not once but twice (this is stretching it!)! Really? Are you kidding me right? Is there even such thing? (And by the way, what sensible person faced with a fight just walks straight into two warriors battling? Not. A.Smart.One)
Let's not get me started on what happened to Joshua's father at the end. That was a bitch slap and a sadistic turn of events .
So, in the end...Did I like the book? Well it was okay I suppose, but nothing too original... just another nondescript average book.
Would I recommend it? Yes (sort of). To those who are still new to the fantasy genre and those that would like to read a "light"fantasy (without expecting too much of it.) or want a book to bring down to the beach during their sun bathing time.
To finish this review on a a sweet note, there was a thing I liked very much namely the sketches that accompanied each characters and the glossary(very artsy!)!
The review (complete with images) can be found also here: http://fieldofbookishdreams.blogspot....
The book follows the adventures of Joshua's as he and his friends travel through the magical land of Forestium on a mission to rescue his long-lost father.
The clean and easy writing style of the author kept the narration flowing, all in all this is a book that lets itself be read with no particular issues. The plot wasn't bad but it was a bit too straight, with almost no twist; making it unsurprising.
The world building was really poor, I really couldn't find any particular detail to distinguish Forestium from other woods in another two thousand books. The characters felt flat and inconsequential and the lack of detail just sharpened the feeling.
We are told that different tribes wear different colors and people wear different outfits based on their profession but those aren't described, not even a little bit, not even to say if they are wearing a tunic, trousers or whatever.
The same lack of descriptive dept affected the characters as well. Apart from maybe Joshua and a couple of people all the characters our fellowship crossed paths with just felt dull and common. For example; of the Sarah's father, the elder, we didn't get to know anything except that he had an imposing figure...not even if he was really old or middle-aged! And what about Isabelle? The only thing told about her is the fact that she's a couple of years younger than Sarah but there was nothing to help me give her or anyone else a face!
The lack of detail didn't help me to visualize the characters and prevented me from becoming fully immersed in the book. In the end I just mentally dressed all the characters (primary, secondary and passing ones) with random outfits seen in various movies and other fantasy and high-fantasy books. I also gave them either a random face or blurry features with just a name printed above their head. This lack of specifics made everything - the whole book really - feel nondescript. It felt like something I read before a thousand times.
Moreover, I believe names are an important part of the world building, in this case I found the made up names (e.g blood-bad, metamorph etc.) very bland. I really couldn't take seriously an all-evil antagonist that went by the name of The Goat. Nope, sorry I couldn't do it not even if he looked like the devil himself. Also, for some reason I kept mistaking the Valley of Moross for the Valley of Morons (but this was solely my own fault).
And now let's spend a moment talking about the romance. Oh the insta-love! The plight of almost every young adult!
Even tough I learned to overlook my annoyance toward it long ago, here - I'm sorry to say - it simply grated on my nerves. I'm not fond of line"They looked into each other and they fell suddenly deeply in love" Please?! Why countless authors have to play this same card? I'd rather not have romance at all. (Mind you I might pass love at first sight in the sense of being mutually attracted/interested, but from there to being deeply in love just after a short while---ugh I can't bear it).
Although I understand that this book might have been aimed to the younger age range of the young adult category; some dialogues felt way to childish. For example, when Sarah was speaking with her father, it sounded like a six years old girl not sixteen. And The elder? Oh boy! Let's talk about him. Isn't he supposed to be wise (as the name hits)? Well, he didn't sound too reasonable or wise to me. Another thing that really bothered me was how everyone in this seemed to cry and every given moment. I'm okay with boys and girls showing their emotion but--GOD! At some point everyone was crying or had their eyes on the verge of tears.
And to finish the things of "character's habits that annoyed me" we have the "giggling". Sarah giggles a lot. She talks and giggles, she giggles with Isabelle. Now, let's break this new to the world: girls don't spend most of the time giggling, we do giggle occasionally (or when drunk but that's another thing) but not always!I don't understand why in people's mind girls giggles all the time
Furthermore, here and there I found some of the suggested images"dissonant" (or at least they felt that way to me) One example? The oracle's voice being triumphant. I don't know about other people but I hardly associate something mystic as an oracle to a triumphant tone of voice. Pleased maybe? But triumphant it feels like the oracle was gloating which given the circumstance and who was doing it...it didn't feel right . Another example of this "dissonance" was the description of the elder's lip quivering at the mention of his wife death. I'd have rather seen a sign of emotion in a set jaw or even lone tear escaping him but a grown up and though men with a quivering lip? lame.
And then we have *drum rolls* the "accidental stabbing"!Not once but twice (this is stretching it!)! Really? Are you kidding me right? Is there even such thing? (And by the way, what sensible person faced with a fight just walks straight into two warriors battling? Not. A.Smart.One)
Let's not get me started on what happened to Joshua's father at the end. That was a bitch slap and a sadistic turn of events .
So, in the end...Did I like the book? Well it was okay I suppose, but nothing too original... just another nondescript average book.
Would I recommend it? Yes (sort of). To those who are still new to the fantasy genre and those that would like to read a "light"fantasy (without expecting too much of it.) or want a book to bring down to the beach during their sun bathing time.
To finish this review on a a sweet note, there was a thing I liked very much namely the sketches that accompanied each characters and the glossary(very artsy!)!
The review (complete with images) can be found also here: http://fieldofbookishdreams.blogspot....
July 4, 2016
***I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review of it. The opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***
Forestium is a book by Christopher D. Morgan and is the first in the Forestium series. In this book we are quickly thrust into a world of where danger is running rampant in a city. There is a sickness and a man and his wife and two children are looking for a creature who will help them because one of their children is sick and if they can find no help the child will die. But there is even more danger at hand…an evil is in the land and he will stop at nothing to bring about pain and destruction and he has eyes everywhere. While they are able to find the help that they seek the evil that all fear comes and begins capturing many in orbs of light and disappearing with them.
The husband is able to escape but only after his wife and children are taken even though he believes that they and all others who disappeared in the balls of light were killed. But he himself escapes into an orb after a stranger uses it and disappears. Years later we are introduced to another character who the story focuses on and around…Joshua. He keeps having dreams about his father who disappeared years ago. He wants to find his father and decides to set out to find him. There is much that he must endure not only along the way but in order to meet the end of his quest.
I really enjoyed this book and since it’s short I don’t want to give too much away by telling much more. This is a unique and interesting fantasy book. It has some well crafted and put together elements even though there are spots of where I wish that there was more detail or that we were told more about the situation or the scene that we’re in but all in all this is a book that I really enjoyed. There are definitely some spots of where it keeps you guessing a bit but if you are into YA Fantasy books that are also a bit of a coming of age then I definitely recommend this book. I look forward to the next book in this series to see what happens. I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Forestium is a book by Christopher D. Morgan and is the first in the Forestium series. In this book we are quickly thrust into a world of where danger is running rampant in a city. There is a sickness and a man and his wife and two children are looking for a creature who will help them because one of their children is sick and if they can find no help the child will die. But there is even more danger at hand…an evil is in the land and he will stop at nothing to bring about pain and destruction and he has eyes everywhere. While they are able to find the help that they seek the evil that all fear comes and begins capturing many in orbs of light and disappearing with them.
The husband is able to escape but only after his wife and children are taken even though he believes that they and all others who disappeared in the balls of light were killed. But he himself escapes into an orb after a stranger uses it and disappears. Years later we are introduced to another character who the story focuses on and around…Joshua. He keeps having dreams about his father who disappeared years ago. He wants to find his father and decides to set out to find him. There is much that he must endure not only along the way but in order to meet the end of his quest.
I really enjoyed this book and since it’s short I don’t want to give too much away by telling much more. This is a unique and interesting fantasy book. It has some well crafted and put together elements even though there are spots of where I wish that there was more detail or that we were told more about the situation or the scene that we’re in but all in all this is a book that I really enjoyed. There are definitely some spots of where it keeps you guessing a bit but if you are into YA Fantasy books that are also a bit of a coming of age then I definitely recommend this book. I look forward to the next book in this series to see what happens. I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.
March 7, 2016
Good Monday everyone. I hope you have a great weekend. I have been so busy lately that I have barely had time to read. Barely.
This week I got the pleasure of reading this book, sent to me by the author, which has just been published. Now you all have the chance to go check it out at the links I will provide at the end of this review.
The book is a little different than what I normally do, since it is a Fantasy novel. But all the same it is still a great book and I'm glad I got the chance to read it.
Now let me tell you a bit about it.
For years the world of Forestium has lived in fear of the Goat, a villain who is so powerful he made an entire species vanish in just a few days.
In a quiet part of the world Joshua and Andrew, two boys from a local tribe, are out practicing when they run into an Imp, long thought to be extinct. The Imp's name is Galleon and he is in search of others of his kind.
Joshua and Andrew agree to go with him to try to find his kind because Joshua believes that his long lost father is out there somewhere. Joined by a traveling girl named Sarah the gang will embark of a quest that none of them could have expected.
Now the race is on to unite three magical orbs scattered across the land and save those trapped by the Goats power. But the Goat is not going to take this sitting down. A party is sent to hunt the group while each side races for the final orb.
Honestly I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Normally Fantasy books don't interest me in the slightest but this one really drew my attention in an held it. The variety of characters and the illustrations starting each chapter made it easier to navigate through the story.
The author has a strong voice throughout the story making it easy to forget you are reading a story. He knows the world he created well.
Story: B-
Characters: A-
Pace: A
Ending: B+
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
This week I got the pleasure of reading this book, sent to me by the author, which has just been published. Now you all have the chance to go check it out at the links I will provide at the end of this review.
The book is a little different than what I normally do, since it is a Fantasy novel. But all the same it is still a great book and I'm glad I got the chance to read it.
Now let me tell you a bit about it.
For years the world of Forestium has lived in fear of the Goat, a villain who is so powerful he made an entire species vanish in just a few days.
In a quiet part of the world Joshua and Andrew, two boys from a local tribe, are out practicing when they run into an Imp, long thought to be extinct. The Imp's name is Galleon and he is in search of others of his kind.
Joshua and Andrew agree to go with him to try to find his kind because Joshua believes that his long lost father is out there somewhere. Joined by a traveling girl named Sarah the gang will embark of a quest that none of them could have expected.
Now the race is on to unite three magical orbs scattered across the land and save those trapped by the Goats power. But the Goat is not going to take this sitting down. A party is sent to hunt the group while each side races for the final orb.
Honestly I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. Normally Fantasy books don't interest me in the slightest but this one really drew my attention in an held it. The variety of characters and the illustrations starting each chapter made it easier to navigate through the story.
The author has a strong voice throughout the story making it easy to forget you are reading a story. He knows the world he created well.
Story: B-
Characters: A-
Pace: A
Ending: B+
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
March 7, 2016
Disclaimer: I helped copyedit this book, so I will not comment on the author’s writing style, as I am too close to it. However, that does not stop me from passing along my recommendations on who should read this book and why.
Forestium is the coming-of-age journey of Joshua, a young woodsman of a heavily forested fantasy world in tribal times. At the urging of his dreams, he goes on a quest to discover the fate of his father, who disappeared many years ago. Aided by two companions – his best friend Andrew and the Imp, Galleon – he starts out for the other end of the land. Soon he meets Sarah, who is on her own coming-of-age journey, and it is love at first sight.
Now the conflict increases, as his developing relationship with Sarah – one of the sweetest stories of new love I have ever read – is overshadowed by the growing intrusions of the Goat, an evil magical being that becomes more and more antagonistic towards the small party. Joshua’s simple journey of discovery develops into a quest to find three magical Orbs that will open the Portallas, the connection between several different worlds where the Goat sends his victims. The intertwining elements of the personal, environmental, and metaphysical conflicts weave together to create an agonizing climax.
Superb artwork, both cover and interior, combines with the author’s detailed world-building skills to enhance the reader’s enjoyment of the story.
The lovely naiveté of the romance, the simplicity of the characters and the personal problems of younger people suggest readers in the 12-14 age group.
Powerful emotion, tense conflict, desperate action and quirky secondary characters make this story a delight to read. Recommended especially for younger teenagers and for Fantasy readers in general.
Forestium is the coming-of-age journey of Joshua, a young woodsman of a heavily forested fantasy world in tribal times. At the urging of his dreams, he goes on a quest to discover the fate of his father, who disappeared many years ago. Aided by two companions – his best friend Andrew and the Imp, Galleon – he starts out for the other end of the land. Soon he meets Sarah, who is on her own coming-of-age journey, and it is love at first sight.
Now the conflict increases, as his developing relationship with Sarah – one of the sweetest stories of new love I have ever read – is overshadowed by the growing intrusions of the Goat, an evil magical being that becomes more and more antagonistic towards the small party. Joshua’s simple journey of discovery develops into a quest to find three magical Orbs that will open the Portallas, the connection between several different worlds where the Goat sends his victims. The intertwining elements of the personal, environmental, and metaphysical conflicts weave together to create an agonizing climax.
Superb artwork, both cover and interior, combines with the author’s detailed world-building skills to enhance the reader’s enjoyment of the story.
The lovely naiveté of the romance, the simplicity of the characters and the personal problems of younger people suggest readers in the 12-14 age group.
Powerful emotion, tense conflict, desperate action and quirky secondary characters make this story a delight to read. Recommended especially for younger teenagers and for Fantasy readers in general.
August 19, 2016
First, the cover. Look at it! LOOK. AT. IT! See the detail? Everything shows you something important in the book, even if you don't realize it at first. (Well, you will because you are reading this in your awesomeness.) Beautiful! It doesn't stop there. From the beginning of chapter art pieces (!!!!), the map, and even the section dividers, everything coordinates well and brings you into the world Christopher Morgan has created - which is good because you're not going to want to leave any time soon.
Now, onward to the actual writing itself. For Americans, it is a bit of an adjustment reading in the appropriate British English. The author is thoughtful enough to include a note regarding this, so the reader is prepped for the mysteries related to the characters and plot. Starting off with a bang helped sustain me through the "getting to know you" phase with the characters and their world. Morgan keeps it interesting, but it is even better knowing that there is going to be a nice payoff in the end. Of course, this is merely the first in a new series.
The writing is clear without bogging the reader down with unnecessary events or lengthy descriptions that don't add to the experience. It was easy to follow without talking down to the readers. My 11 year old is receiving this book next as a prequel to fantasy greats such as Lord of the Rings. Forestium is a great way to introduce any reader to well-written fantasy. Reluctant readers will enjoy the action and spacing between lines.
As an adult who has read plenty of novels, this is the first book that I've been comfortable saying is a great beginner fantasy - regardless of age or life experience. Well worth any time and money you invest.
Now, onward to the actual writing itself. For Americans, it is a bit of an adjustment reading in the appropriate British English. The author is thoughtful enough to include a note regarding this, so the reader is prepped for the mysteries related to the characters and plot. Starting off with a bang helped sustain me through the "getting to know you" phase with the characters and their world. Morgan keeps it interesting, but it is even better knowing that there is going to be a nice payoff in the end. Of course, this is merely the first in a new series.
The writing is clear without bogging the reader down with unnecessary events or lengthy descriptions that don't add to the experience. It was easy to follow without talking down to the readers. My 11 year old is receiving this book next as a prequel to fantasy greats such as Lord of the Rings. Forestium is a great way to introduce any reader to well-written fantasy. Reluctant readers will enjoy the action and spacing between lines.
As an adult who has read plenty of novels, this is the first book that I've been comfortable saying is a great beginner fantasy - regardless of age or life experience. Well worth any time and money you invest.
May 2, 2016
First of all, I like to give a hand to the artist for the artful drawings in this book. It was amazing. I was looking forward to finish a chapter, as that meant a new drawing.
The author’s writing style is pretty good. I like it when he gives his characters different accents, it made it easier to picture them and it was a bit funny too. It gave the book a bit of humor. His characters are well developed. My favorite has to be Sarah, even though she did annoy me a bit, which I suspect was a part of author’s intention. I did have my negative thoughts about our main character, but that's mostly because I never tend to like any main characters.
It's a cute and funny story, it's an easy read (even though I used some time on it, I blame my studies). It has a lot of romance and action, something I personally appreciate. The romance is a bit awkward but very cute, just how romance should be, at least that's my opinion. Love should be awkward! The worlds he creates are interesting and entertaining. I would love to read more and keep exploring this worlds with the characters, but I have to admit that I'm glad I'm only exploring that worlds through their eyes, since I think I would have been pretty scared if I was there. Ha ha, I'm brave at heart, I promise.
I do recommend this book to people aged 12-17. But I'm 20 and still enjoyed reading it, so if you like fantasy, romance and a bit of action, I recommend you giving it a try. Chances are you will like it. Cheers.
For more reviews: http://karenschoice-books.blogspot.no/
The author’s writing style is pretty good. I like it when he gives his characters different accents, it made it easier to picture them and it was a bit funny too. It gave the book a bit of humor. His characters are well developed. My favorite has to be Sarah, even though she did annoy me a bit, which I suspect was a part of author’s intention. I did have my negative thoughts about our main character, but that's mostly because I never tend to like any main characters.
It's a cute and funny story, it's an easy read (even though I used some time on it, I blame my studies). It has a lot of romance and action, something I personally appreciate. The romance is a bit awkward but very cute, just how romance should be, at least that's my opinion. Love should be awkward! The worlds he creates are interesting and entertaining. I would love to read more and keep exploring this worlds with the characters, but I have to admit that I'm glad I'm only exploring that worlds through their eyes, since I think I would have been pretty scared if I was there. Ha ha, I'm brave at heart, I promise.
I do recommend this book to people aged 12-17. But I'm 20 and still enjoyed reading it, so if you like fantasy, romance and a bit of action, I recommend you giving it a try. Chances are you will like it. Cheers.
For more reviews: http://karenschoice-books.blogspot.no/
February 13, 2016
When reading first time novelists one often gets disappointed with the lack of depth in the writing. The ability to very quickly immerse the reader into the world, the situations and the characterisations not only for lead roles, but as important in fantasy writing, all those small elements surrounding the main characters like animals, or other such additions, is a credit to the author. I was sceptical taking on an ARC position for this first in series novel, but I was very surprised just how fluid and believable everything quickly became. That skill is beyond that of a first time writer and I can only marvel at why the author hasn't published before. Forestium creates a whole new world of mystery, adventure and more skilfully, emotions through some clever and concise writing. The main thread of the work is clear to follow, but includes twists and turns that you cannot help get embroiled in. The conclusion of Forestium leaves me in no doubt that there are many more opportunities and adventures just waiting to be revealed. I literally couldn't put it down!
March 5, 2016
SNSBAH Rating: 4.0
~~~~~~~~~~Lillian's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Of the other books are going to as good as this, it is going to be awesome series. The story revolves a young man Joshua who needs to make a decision that will change his life forever. He needs to find his father who went off to fight and never came back. He has given himself the task of going off into foreign lands to find him and he is willing to go alone but his best friend Andrew can't allow that. They are going to go through many a trying time and at times it will seem that all is lost.
They have Galleon & Sarah to help them along the way but can you trust them as you don't know them? There are many funny creatures that are good & bad and the Goat is the devil himself.
A great story of growing up, friendship and new relationships. A easy book to follow as the story just flows.
We all have to make choices in life and most of the time they turn out okay and others just suck. I am certain that Christopher is going to welcomed into many a children's home as it is a pure fantasy story.
~~~~~~~~~~Lillian's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~
Of the other books are going to as good as this, it is going to be awesome series. The story revolves a young man Joshua who needs to make a decision that will change his life forever. He needs to find his father who went off to fight and never came back. He has given himself the task of going off into foreign lands to find him and he is willing to go alone but his best friend Andrew can't allow that. They are going to go through many a trying time and at times it will seem that all is lost.
They have Galleon & Sarah to help them along the way but can you trust them as you don't know them? There are many funny creatures that are good & bad and the Goat is the devil himself.
A great story of growing up, friendship and new relationships. A easy book to follow as the story just flows.
We all have to make choices in life and most of the time they turn out okay and others just suck. I am certain that Christopher is going to welcomed into many a children's home as it is a pure fantasy story.
February 2, 2016
I reviewed this novel as an ARC, I can see this series really taking off. It has all the ingredients to capture and to stimulate almost any YA or even adult by immersing them in a new and quite fresh setting that you are taken through with fluid style and prose. I loved the character intros and antics and feel a part of their journey already, which for a first in series is important. This author's imagination spills onto the pages in a difficult to put down opening book and I am left excited for the next encounter. Isn't that what a good fantasy series should do?
June 23, 2016
Forestium: The Mirror never Lies is a fantasy about a young man's search for his father. Joshua's life is in danger from the dark forces of the Goat, in a magical world where he must use his cunning to stay alive. Joshua is joined by three companions who will help him search for his father and the magical orbs that will open the Portallas, a gateway to other worlds. Along the way they find frienship, enemies, adventure and romance. For those who like to read a good fantasy this is a good read for young and old adults.
August 23, 2016
First book by Christopher D. Morgan-Introducing Forestium!
Joshua has been raised to believe his father had died a heroic death-However, through vivid dreams be believes his father is indeed alive. So, he sets out on an epic adventure to find him. The fantasy world that surrounds Joshua is imaginative and vivid. Characters are well developed and the pace is quick. I highly recommend this YA fantasy!
Joshua has been raised to believe his father had died a heroic death-However, through vivid dreams be believes his father is indeed alive. So, he sets out on an epic adventure to find him. The fantasy world that surrounds Joshua is imaginative and vivid. Characters are well developed and the pace is quick. I highly recommend this YA fantasy!
February 13, 2016
As an ARC I wasn't expecting a first time novelist to really capture my imagination in quite the way that Ferestium genuinely did. I liked the flow and character introductions. Didn't read it in one go but missed it when I wasn't reading it. Really good read and would certainly recommend to my friends
June 27, 2016
Portallas is a refreshingly compact fantasy world (so far!), far from the bewildering sprawl of Middle Earth or Pern. Morgan's clear voice keeps us invested in Joshua's quest to find a way home. Highly recommended for kids at young as 7 or 8 -- or older than 40 ;)
February 12, 2016
new friendships will be forged and a quest will take you to places like no other.
January 9, 2018
The author sent a free copy and I was asked to review. It doesn't matter: this book is a gem!
Christopher D. Morgan is a clever writer. He is writing a series of mythological novels which appeal to all levels of readers. His main target (thank you Christopher!) is the YA readers. However, almost like Potter, the plot transcends youthful boundaries.
The world of "Joshua and the Magical Forest" surrounds the strange word "Portallas." Here's what the author tells us about the word:
"The word PORTALLAS comes from the word PORTAL. PORTALLAS is the name of the portal that links the various worlds of the PORTALLAS universe together." https://portallas.com/about/
This Quantum Mechanics' imagery fascinates this reader.
The plot is, thankfully, a model of the universal literary journey myth: Joshua's father. We discover,, has disappeared, most think he was murdered. However, Joshua has nightmares about his father,, and wants to find him. The reader already knows someone, in the prologue, was enveloped in a blazing orb vortex. It seems only The Oracle can help him. (The Wizard of Oz?) The Elder tells Joshua: “There will be many dangers for you ahead, Joshua, but if the answer to your dream is what you desire, you must head east to the Valley of Moross. There you must find the Oracle of Forestium.”
It is this clarity, this purposeful reliance on myth, which makes this novel stand out as readable fantasy, compared to an overpowering one such as “The Wheel of Time”, which left me exhausted and scratching my head.
The author's mythical attachments begin to surface: to find his father, Joshua is given a friend, Andrew, and discovers tasks to complete in Forestium, one of the layers of this strange universe. Like Dorothy in Oz, he has companions to help him, and, like Oz, he must find the answers through classic adventurous means. He finds Galleon, who joins them and who tells the story of The Goat, an evil force in the Forestium.
However, and this is what I like the most: there is a love interest, Sarah. She is forbidden to love Joshua, which makes his interest, and ours, pique.
Sarah becomes the alternate interest in the saga, along with a mirror (the ruby slippers?) which tells the future.
Cleverly, the author makes up names for birds and insects in the forest, such as "twinkling Finkle flies" and "slow-flying Dengle bugs." The author's creation of his universe is not a dystopian vision (not yet: there are sequels) and gives hope to any reader who struggles with adventure. Smiles and warm feelings await you here in “the Forestium” ! Be careful!
portallas.com
Christopher D. Morgan is a clever writer. He is writing a series of mythological novels which appeal to all levels of readers. His main target (thank you Christopher!) is the YA readers. However, almost like Potter, the plot transcends youthful boundaries.
The world of "Joshua and the Magical Forest" surrounds the strange word "Portallas." Here's what the author tells us about the word:
"The word PORTALLAS comes from the word PORTAL. PORTALLAS is the name of the portal that links the various worlds of the PORTALLAS universe together." https://portallas.com/about/
This Quantum Mechanics' imagery fascinates this reader.
The plot is, thankfully, a model of the universal literary journey myth: Joshua's father. We discover,, has disappeared, most think he was murdered. However, Joshua has nightmares about his father,, and wants to find him. The reader already knows someone, in the prologue, was enveloped in a blazing orb vortex. It seems only The Oracle can help him. (The Wizard of Oz?) The Elder tells Joshua: “There will be many dangers for you ahead, Joshua, but if the answer to your dream is what you desire, you must head east to the Valley of Moross. There you must find the Oracle of Forestium.”
It is this clarity, this purposeful reliance on myth, which makes this novel stand out as readable fantasy, compared to an overpowering one such as “The Wheel of Time”, which left me exhausted and scratching my head.
The author's mythical attachments begin to surface: to find his father, Joshua is given a friend, Andrew, and discovers tasks to complete in Forestium, one of the layers of this strange universe. Like Dorothy in Oz, he has companions to help him, and, like Oz, he must find the answers through classic adventurous means. He finds Galleon, who joins them and who tells the story of The Goat, an evil force in the Forestium.
However, and this is what I like the most: there is a love interest, Sarah. She is forbidden to love Joshua, which makes his interest, and ours, pique.
Sarah becomes the alternate interest in the saga, along with a mirror (the ruby slippers?) which tells the future.
Cleverly, the author makes up names for birds and insects in the forest, such as "twinkling Finkle flies" and "slow-flying Dengle bugs." The author's creation of his universe is not a dystopian vision (not yet: there are sequels) and gives hope to any reader who struggles with adventure. Smiles and warm feelings await you here in “the Forestium” ! Be careful!
portallas.com
January 29, 2018
This is a review copy sent to me from hiddengems.com in exchange for my honest review and here is my honest review. I was only to review the second book in this and I did put that review in earlier so this is on the first book since when this book was sent I had the opportunity to have both books one and two sent to me and I am glad I did have the chance to read both and can't wait until I can get started reading on the third book in this series. The characters and journeys these kids make are so much like your actually there and I think that is what makes a fantastic book like this one. You are always wondering what is going to go on in the next corner and which character is going to do what next. I really enjoyed it but when things start changing it makes you wonder who is the GOAT and what's he up to now...Will Joshua and Sara and the gang make it to their final destination or will LIFE as they know or knew it change again... Come take a look and see if you can find a journey that is worth traveling with these kids. I know I did and survived the journey and I know you will want to travel along too.... Happy Reading 📚📚
January 24, 2018
This was a quick and easy novel that read in just a few sittings. Easy to visualize and fun.
December 28, 2017
A good story for young adult readers
January 10, 2018
Wasn't kindle unlimited but is now, Reminded me a little of Tolkien and the world building so that's not a bad thing, but it seems to need a bit more of that or something in all the stories but could be me switching reading genres too much as well.
Adventure, dark forces, romance & quests. Enter a realm where magic battles dark forces and creatures of the Underworld come to wreak destruction. Joshua’s father is dead, but his dreams say otherwise. A young man sets out on a journey to seek answers from the Oracle. Can the mystical being help him discover the truth? The path ahead is full of terrors, but Joshua befriends imps and traders on his travels across the realm, battling monsters and fiends. Along the way, he finds an unexpected romance, but all is not as it seems and gut-wrenching decisions must be made. The quest thickens when Joshua discovers a mirror that can reveal the future. Will he regret knowing his destiny? Magical artefacts may not prevent the imminent destruction looming near. To save the world, Joshua must perform heroic deeds, survive deadly battles and endure great sacrifice. Will Joshua ever find his father? Can he be together with his one true love? Will all perish in an epic war, where evil shall claim victory? Joshua and the Magical Forest is the first instalment in a high fantasy saga by New York Times Bestselling Author Chris Morgan. This young adult sword and sorcery novel is perfect for readers of all ages who enjoy an exciting story of action, adventure, and love.
Joshua and the Magical Forest (Portallas Book 1)
Joshua and the Magical Islands (Portallas Book 2)
Joshua and the Magical Temples {Portallas Book 3}
Joshua and the Magical Kingdoms {Portallas Book 4} {coming soon}
Andrew's Mission - A Portallas short story
Sarah's Farewell - A Portallas short story
Galleon's Prime - A Portallas short story
Adventure, dark forces, romance & quests. Enter a realm where magic battles dark forces and creatures of the Underworld come to wreak destruction. Joshua’s father is dead, but his dreams say otherwise. A young man sets out on a journey to seek answers from the Oracle. Can the mystical being help him discover the truth? The path ahead is full of terrors, but Joshua befriends imps and traders on his travels across the realm, battling monsters and fiends. Along the way, he finds an unexpected romance, but all is not as it seems and gut-wrenching decisions must be made. The quest thickens when Joshua discovers a mirror that can reveal the future. Will he regret knowing his destiny? Magical artefacts may not prevent the imminent destruction looming near. To save the world, Joshua must perform heroic deeds, survive deadly battles and endure great sacrifice. Will Joshua ever find his father? Can he be together with his one true love? Will all perish in an epic war, where evil shall claim victory? Joshua and the Magical Forest is the first instalment in a high fantasy saga by New York Times Bestselling Author Chris Morgan. This young adult sword and sorcery novel is perfect for readers of all ages who enjoy an exciting story of action, adventure, and love.
Joshua and the Magical Forest (Portallas Book 1)
Joshua and the Magical Islands (Portallas Book 2)
Joshua and the Magical Temples {Portallas Book 3}
Joshua and the Magical Kingdoms {Portallas Book 4} {coming soon}
Andrew's Mission - A Portallas short story
Sarah's Farewell - A Portallas short story
Galleon's Prime - A Portallas short story
March 28, 2016
I received this book from the author for my honest review.
Forestium is the story of a boy on a journey to find his father who he was told was killed but he believes alive because of a series of dreams. The boy, Joshua, sets off on his journey and finds old and new friends along the way. He learns he must find 3 orbs to open the Portallas to find his father, but doing so with require a sacrifice.
The Good:
The story was cute. It moved along VERY quickly with short choppy chapters. It seems like the book is much shorter because it's such a quick and easy read.
The quest to find his father, the finding of the orbs and what the orbs are/do are interesting and keep you engaged while reading.
The Not so Good:
The characters were flat and uninteresting. I didn't really care about any of them, perhaps because it was such a short book. If there was more character development than maybe I would have. However:
The characters did NOT read as 16-17ish. I had to keep telling myself he was 17. The book doesn't read like YA. It reads more like MG and if not told the character's age I would have guessed 10-11, 13 at the MOST.
Which made the "insta-love" super creepy. Even at 17, them professing their undying love was pretty creepy. I'm not a fan of insta-love anyways, so in this book it did NOT fit and I would have liked the book a LOT better without it.
Overall it was a good, but not great, book. Had it been classified a MG book and without the "romance" it may have been a 5 star book for me. But the flat characters and insta-love took it down a few notches for me. I couldn't see them as 16-17ish so all the romance was icky to me. The journey and the quest itself was great, the romance wasn't needed.
Forestium is the story of a boy on a journey to find his father who he was told was killed but he believes alive because of a series of dreams. The boy, Joshua, sets off on his journey and finds old and new friends along the way. He learns he must find 3 orbs to open the Portallas to find his father, but doing so with require a sacrifice.
The Good:
The story was cute. It moved along VERY quickly with short choppy chapters. It seems like the book is much shorter because it's such a quick and easy read.
The quest to find his father, the finding of the orbs and what the orbs are/do are interesting and keep you engaged while reading.
The Not so Good:
The characters were flat and uninteresting. I didn't really care about any of them, perhaps because it was such a short book. If there was more character development than maybe I would have. However:
The characters did NOT read as 16-17ish. I had to keep telling myself he was 17. The book doesn't read like YA. It reads more like MG and if not told the character's age I would have guessed 10-11, 13 at the MOST.
Which made the "insta-love" super creepy. Even at 17, them professing their undying love was pretty creepy. I'm not a fan of insta-love anyways, so in this book it did NOT fit and I would have liked the book a LOT better without it.
Overall it was a good, but not great, book. Had it been classified a MG book and without the "romance" it may have been a 5 star book for me. But the flat characters and insta-love took it down a few notches for me. I couldn't see them as 16-17ish so all the romance was icky to me. The journey and the quest itself was great, the romance wasn't needed.
December 11, 2017
Magical! The first book in this series, Joshua and the Magical Forest, is a great start! Full of action and twists, well written with a great plot and characters, a wonderful read!
April 7, 2016
Firstly, I beg to differ with the author for suggesting a specific age group for reading this story. Secondly, this story is awesome. Who would not like to embark on a magical journey into a magical world!
Christopher makes us travel into a world where fantasy and reality exist side by side. This story is about taking risks and opting for the road never travelled. Yes, it takes courage to choose something one does not know about and follow just that. Life has its set of unaswered questions but it is only the one who seeks it that finds it.
The language is simple yet has the capability to instantly involve the reader as the storyline progresses. Though there are no direct connotations but Christopher gives a subtle message. Christopher succeeds in portraying that mirror of life never lies.
The characterization is apt for the setting. You would love to hate the antagonist and live to love the protagonists. This story will make you squirm in your seats as you anticipate what happens next. It will make you go awww as love blossoms. It will make you wonder at the grandeur of the magical place.
To sum up, whether you are young ir old, have teens at home or not, you must read this book whenever you want to reach out to your inner child. Really awesome story.
P.S - Christopher is sure to find childlike adult fans along with teen lovers of his writings. Waiting for the next in this series.
Christopher makes us travel into a world where fantasy and reality exist side by side. This story is about taking risks and opting for the road never travelled. Yes, it takes courage to choose something one does not know about and follow just that. Life has its set of unaswered questions but it is only the one who seeks it that finds it.
The language is simple yet has the capability to instantly involve the reader as the storyline progresses. Though there are no direct connotations but Christopher gives a subtle message. Christopher succeeds in portraying that mirror of life never lies.
The characterization is apt for the setting. You would love to hate the antagonist and live to love the protagonists. This story will make you squirm in your seats as you anticipate what happens next. It will make you go awww as love blossoms. It will make you wonder at the grandeur of the magical place.
To sum up, whether you are young ir old, have teens at home or not, you must read this book whenever you want to reach out to your inner child. Really awesome story.
P.S - Christopher is sure to find childlike adult fans along with teen lovers of his writings. Waiting for the next in this series.
June 15, 2016
Christopher Morgan did a good job with this first book introducing readers to Forestium. The setting was easy to see in my mind without an over-abundance of description, which I appreciate. Joshua, the main character in the story, is easy to relate to, if a bit abrupt in his decisions. The story begins with him having a dream/vision in which he sees his father, and upon waking, he is convinced his father is still alive, even though he was thought dead for many years. This, in turn, leads him to make his next rash decision, and depart on a journey to find him.
Overall, I thought the story was good. Mostly, it flowed well, however, there were bumps along the way. Toward the beginning, I thought it was hard to understand the decisions Joshua made, and made with haste. It was almost like the author was in a hurry to start telling the rest of the story and forced the beginning. People were met, friendships were rather quickly thrown together, and an adventure was begun. Still, as the story progressed, I felt the characters did develop along the way, and it was a far from boring adventure they embarked on. Perhaps the target crowd was just a bit younger than I normally enjoy, but I would still read the second to see how things turn out. I would recommend this book for young adult adventure lovers.
Overall, I thought the story was good. Mostly, it flowed well, however, there were bumps along the way. Toward the beginning, I thought it was hard to understand the decisions Joshua made, and made with haste. It was almost like the author was in a hurry to start telling the rest of the story and forced the beginning. People were met, friendships were rather quickly thrown together, and an adventure was begun. Still, as the story progressed, I felt the characters did develop along the way, and it was a far from boring adventure they embarked on. Perhaps the target crowd was just a bit younger than I normally enjoy, but I would still read the second to see how things turn out. I would recommend this book for young adult adventure lovers.
September 17, 2016
I wanted to enjoy this book. The premise seemed interesting and I generally enjoy a fantasy adventure story. Unfortunately, there was a lot lost in execution.
The characters felt flat and the dialogue was forced. The magical elements were interesting, but nothing really seemed to mesh well together. There is very little in history of the world. Where did the imps and the metamorphs cone from? How did they fit into the world? For that matter, where did The Goat come from? The Jillian of the story is an ominous presence that we know nothing about.
I have never been a fan of the "boy meets girl and they fall desperately in love right away" trope. Add that to the cliche and abrupt cliffhanger, and the story left me a bit sour. Then of course there's the typos I found throughout the book.
I feel like this could be a good read for kids, but not if their expecting any kind of nuanced story telling.
I did enjoy the various flora and fauna created in this world.
The reason I decided on three stars instead of two was the obvious work that went into the book. There is a really interesting website that goes along with it and a glossary at the end of the book. The author is clearly dedicated to his world, which I commend.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. This had no impact on my review.
The characters felt flat and the dialogue was forced. The magical elements were interesting, but nothing really seemed to mesh well together. There is very little in history of the world. Where did the imps and the metamorphs cone from? How did they fit into the world? For that matter, where did The Goat come from? The Jillian of the story is an ominous presence that we know nothing about.
I have never been a fan of the "boy meets girl and they fall desperately in love right away" trope. Add that to the cliche and abrupt cliffhanger, and the story left me a bit sour. Then of course there's the typos I found throughout the book.
I feel like this could be a good read for kids, but not if their expecting any kind of nuanced story telling.
I did enjoy the various flora and fauna created in this world.
The reason I decided on three stars instead of two was the obvious work that went into the book. There is a really interesting website that goes along with it and a glossary at the end of the book. The author is clearly dedicated to his world, which I commend.
I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. This had no impact on my review.
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