Through the Notches: A Zane Johns Adventure

Byways #9

by C.J. Milbrandt

Zane Johns follows his nose into the sweet-smelling town of Sugar Hill. Everywhere they turn, there are warning posters, and Jovan knows more than he’s telling. Meanwhile, Zane’s eager to join in on the lumberjacks’ games. What’s more, they’ll need help from the Old Man of the Mountain to make it through the notches.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. LEARNING MADE FUN. The Byways books take readers on a cross-country road trip through a fantasy landscape. But the series isn’t just a story. This is one long game, and you can play. Hide and seek! Search and find! Each Byways book is tied to one of the USA’s fifty states. Details are “hidden” within the story. Book 9 covers “The Granite State,” New Hampshire. The Byways books are geared for young readers who are ready for their first chapter books (ages 6–10). Cover art and illustrations by Hannah Christenson. Look for upcoming titles, cast pictures, teacher resources, waypoint log, and a special hometown challenge at CJMilbrandt.com.

81 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2016

About the author

C. 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.]

Reviews

[Lexie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweets and games and kilts!

So what's better then Bree treating Zane like an overgrown adorable puppy? Learning that Jovan has some nicknames for Zane he can never tell!

Our well complimented but mismatched trio find themselves amongst lumberjacks, tree sap and kilted games of strength. When I was younger I remember reading Little House in Big Woods and being fascinated by the maple syrup chapters - this was no different.

Meanwhile seeing Bree keep up with Zane as they participated in the games was a fun treat. Part of what I enjoy of these books is everyone gets a chance to show off what they're strengths are - hidden or otherwise. We got to see Jovan come to the fore a bit more here and that was lovely.

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Reads Giveaway 3.5 stars. First let me say that I am truly in love with the art work on these books. The cover alone will make you pick it up. There were even cute little drawling's along the way. These books are family friendly about three brothers on adventures. Since this is the ninth one in the series I thought I'd be lost but Milbrant does a good job explaining what's going on before the story even starts. If your kids like historical fiction they may find these books interesting since each adventure covers a US state as a different place to travel. I'd say this book is geared more to late elementary school early middle school who might like this book best.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads Giveaway Rating 4.5/5.

I really enjoyed this the adventure story was truly engaging. I recommend this adventure to anyone who likes middle grade books. I definitely did need to do some research since this was my first book from the series but I will keep up with the new books that come out.

[Karelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the wonderful opportunity to read this as a goodreads first read. From start to finish, this book was an immersive experience! Thank you for the opportunity to visit such a fun and adventurous world, my timers was far too short. I hope to visit again soon. I will definitely be recommending this book series to friends and family alike!