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Return to Lan Darr: Heroes of Distant Planets Book 2
Surviving Lan Darr not only changed Allan’s life, it rocked him to his bones. On Earth, he’s simply a boy in a wheelchair who got lost in the woods, but across the galaxy, Allan is a hero. He must find a way back there.
Returning to Lan Darr might just kill him. Though Allan's learned the hard way that he does not die easily.
Back on Earth, Allan’s uncle and his best friend race after Allan without an inkling of how deadly Hubbu travel can be. Chaos ensues, spawning disorder, confusion and panic as the travelers end up on different worlds at different times and face extreme ecosystems, mysterious enemies and push the clock of death to the absolute breaking point.
The second book of the Heroes of Distant Planet Series cranks up the excitement, the mystery and even the humor. A perfect and inspiring story for 12 and up.
Returning to Lan Darr might just kill him. Though Allan's learned the hard way that he does not die easily.
Back on Earth, Allan’s uncle and his best friend race after Allan without an inkling of how deadly Hubbu travel can be. Chaos ensues, spawning disorder, confusion and panic as the travelers end up on different worlds at different times and face extreme ecosystems, mysterious enemies and push the clock of death to the absolute breaking point.
The second book of the Heroes of Distant Planet Series cranks up the excitement, the mystery and even the humor. A perfect and inspiring story for 12 and up.
340 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2016
212 people want to read
About the author
Anderson Atlas
38 books35 followersAnderson Atlas is an author and illustrator that lives in the hot Sonoran Desert among scaled survivors, steely eye hawks, and majestic saguaros and is inspired by crowded malls, streams hidden by massive boulders, dense forests, and distant mountain ranges.
He went to school for graphic design but found putting exciting and lengthy stories to his illustrations fit like bananas and ice cream. He’s written children’s books, YA and middle-grade novels, and a conspiracy-filled apocalypse novel. He also runs a successful freelance career involving painting for other children’s book writers and novelists.
Atlas is actively involved in book groups, writing groups, hiking, and sailing in Southern Arizona lakes. In his free time, he reads, watches movies, and spends a lot of time with family and friends.
Anderson Atlas's Author platform page is https://AndersonAtlas.com
Check out his freelance website at http://UniqueGraphicArt.com
He went to school for graphic design but found putting exciting and lengthy stories to his illustrations fit like bananas and ice cream. He’s written children’s books, YA and middle-grade novels, and a conspiracy-filled apocalypse novel. He also runs a successful freelance career involving painting for other children’s book writers and novelists.
Atlas is actively involved in book groups, writing groups, hiking, and sailing in Southern Arizona lakes. In his free time, he reads, watches movies, and spends a lot of time with family and friends.
Anderson Atlas's Author platform page is https://AndersonAtlas.com
Check out his freelance website at http://UniqueGraphicArt.com
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 10, 2016
"An Advanced Review Copy Provided by the Author in Exchange for an Honest Review"
Before I write any of my thoughts about the book, I must warn to every reader.
WARNING
"When You Go to Mountain Side for a Walk....
Don't Try to Smell or Pluck the Strange Flowers in There....
If You Spread the Pollens of Hubbu Above Your Head by Mistake....
You'll Figure Out How Far They Can Take You Away....!
So, be careful!
"Return to Lan Darr" is the second book of the "Heroes of Distant Planet" series by Anderson Atlas. The first book of the series is "Surviving the Improbable Quest". It doesn't matter if the reader didn't read the first book of the series, second book will give a rough idea about what happen in the beginning of the series. But, I think it'll probably useful to the readers if they read the first book. You can get a better & clear idea of the story if you read the first one as well.
I'm really pleasure to find out that "Return to Lan Darr" was interesting as same as the "Surviving the Improbable Quest". Allan Westerfield was the my favourite character, our hero in the story. He is a paraplegic young boy though he discovered a mysterious another world and brave enough to return to that world "Lan Darr" again. And all of the characters of this story [Allan, Rubic, Laura, Jibbwak, Asantia, Allice, etc...] are well-developed. When I read chapter to chapter, I feel as they were real people & animals and I was able to build up a clear mind-pictures of the characters & the incidents happen in the story, like a movie.
The story was always able to kept me guessing of the upcoming incidents. But unfortunately, I always made up wrong guesses. I really expected Allan will return straight to the Lan Darr. But instead of that, he end-up with discovering another parallel world named "Peebland".
Sometimes, some of the incidents of the book made me feel sad, pleasure & anger. For instance, I feel sad for Allan after he treated like a lunatic who talks about other worlds by his whole school friends. There were no one who believes Allan. The effort Alice took to find her lost daughter make me feel sad. I really felt happy when Laura chose Allan as her boyfriend. It was a rare incident of the modern days. A bit of people can do such a dedication like choose paraplegic person as a life partner. I really proud about the character of Laura.
I admire the impressive writing style of the author, Anderson Atlas. His writing style , plot of the story & the methodical way he built up the story gripped me into the book and kept me turning pages along. I also think the author was gave some of his aspects as well as from the story. For instance, I'd like to abstract couple of parts of the book that sank deep into my heart indeed.
#."Nothing is free, Everything that comes to you must be paid for. The payment for stealing, for instance, can be spending many years behind bars. Payment for laziness which can seem free will be poverty. Even if a stranger tries to give you something for free, they will come for some kind of payment. It's just the way the world works."
#."He's also said that we have to discover and invent something in our own. He'd say, give a man a fish & he'll eat for one meal. Teach him how to be a fisherman and he'll eat for a lifetime."
I think those are valuable quotes for someone to remember.
Overall, This was a excellent and exciting story. Unpredictable! A page-turner! I'd recommended the book not only for YA fans, but also everyone those who loves to read some extremely different kind of story. An incomparable most dangerous exploration book. I really did enjoy the reading of this handy & stunning work of the author!!!
Before I write any of my thoughts about the book, I must warn to every reader.
WARNING
"When You Go to Mountain Side for a Walk....
Don't Try to Smell or Pluck the Strange Flowers in There....
If You Spread the Pollens of Hubbu Above Your Head by Mistake....
You'll Figure Out How Far They Can Take You Away....!
So, be careful!
"Return to Lan Darr" is the second book of the "Heroes of Distant Planet" series by Anderson Atlas. The first book of the series is "Surviving the Improbable Quest". It doesn't matter if the reader didn't read the first book of the series, second book will give a rough idea about what happen in the beginning of the series. But, I think it'll probably useful to the readers if they read the first book. You can get a better & clear idea of the story if you read the first one as well.
I'm really pleasure to find out that "Return to Lan Darr" was interesting as same as the "Surviving the Improbable Quest". Allan Westerfield was the my favourite character, our hero in the story. He is a paraplegic young boy though he discovered a mysterious another world and brave enough to return to that world "Lan Darr" again. And all of the characters of this story [Allan, Rubic, Laura, Jibbwak, Asantia, Allice, etc...] are well-developed. When I read chapter to chapter, I feel as they were real people & animals and I was able to build up a clear mind-pictures of the characters & the incidents happen in the story, like a movie.
The story was always able to kept me guessing of the upcoming incidents. But unfortunately, I always made up wrong guesses. I really expected Allan will return straight to the Lan Darr. But instead of that, he end-up with discovering another parallel world named "Peebland".
Sometimes, some of the incidents of the book made me feel sad, pleasure & anger. For instance, I feel sad for Allan after he treated like a lunatic who talks about other worlds by his whole school friends. There were no one who believes Allan. The effort Alice took to find her lost daughter make me feel sad. I really felt happy when Laura chose Allan as her boyfriend. It was a rare incident of the modern days. A bit of people can do such a dedication like choose paraplegic person as a life partner. I really proud about the character of Laura.
I admire the impressive writing style of the author, Anderson Atlas. His writing style , plot of the story & the methodical way he built up the story gripped me into the book and kept me turning pages along. I also think the author was gave some of his aspects as well as from the story. For instance, I'd like to abstract couple of parts of the book that sank deep into my heart indeed.
#."Nothing is free, Everything that comes to you must be paid for. The payment for stealing, for instance, can be spending many years behind bars. Payment for laziness which can seem free will be poverty. Even if a stranger tries to give you something for free, they will come for some kind of payment. It's just the way the world works."
#."He's also said that we have to discover and invent something in our own. He'd say, give a man a fish & he'll eat for one meal. Teach him how to be a fisherman and he'll eat for a lifetime."
I think those are valuable quotes for someone to remember.
Overall, This was a excellent and exciting story. Unpredictable! A page-turner! I'd recommended the book not only for YA fans, but also everyone those who loves to read some extremely different kind of story. An incomparable most dangerous exploration book. I really did enjoy the reading of this handy & stunning work of the author!!!
April 27, 2017
***This review was written by my husband. We were asked for an honest review and he read the book. My husband doesn't not have a Goodreads account, so I am posting the review with his permission in his place.***
I like the inclusion of a disabled character. 2nd in the series, gladly kept reading the tale.
It still gets a star for character development, and one for the plot and world building.
Another star for unique critters. Not an elf, dwarf, or "Human except blue" to be seen.
I like the inclusion of the disabled character, and an early on scene where he thinks about it.
Only lost a star because there are a few times the writing gets rough. I didn't have to stop and try to figure out what was meant, the meaning was generally clear, but the clunky wording in a few spots made me fall out of my suspension of disbelief.
Another note to the author, like in your first books review:
A gun with a slide, you pull the slide back to chamber a round, this will also eject a round if one is already chambered. Most of them you can still cock the hammer, only a few I've seen are hammerless. Cocking back the slide was one of those scenes that broke immersion in the story.
I'm no gun nut but I'd gladly talk guns for a bit and share what I know.
I like the inclusion of a disabled character. 2nd in the series, gladly kept reading the tale.
It still gets a star for character development, and one for the plot and world building.
Another star for unique critters. Not an elf, dwarf, or "Human except blue" to be seen.
I like the inclusion of the disabled character, and an early on scene where he thinks about it.
Only lost a star because there are a few times the writing gets rough. I didn't have to stop and try to figure out what was meant, the meaning was generally clear, but the clunky wording in a few spots made me fall out of my suspension of disbelief.
Another note to the author, like in your first books review:
A gun with a slide, you pull the slide back to chamber a round, this will also eject a round if one is already chambered. Most of them you can still cock the hammer, only a few I've seen are hammerless. Cocking back the slide was one of those scenes that broke immersion in the story.
I'm no gun nut but I'd gladly talk guns for a bit and share what I know.
May 25, 2016
I have read a few books by this author so I’m familiar with his style of writing and I’ve come to enjoy it. My review may be biased here but I think anyone who picks up a copy of Atlas’s work will fall in love with this awesome and adventurous story.
I have to say I am somewhat envious of Atlas, its been a longstanding passion of mine to do something to help shine light on characters as unique as Allan. Atlas beat me to the punch. So the next best thing would be to give this book the review it deserves. Passion aside, Return to Lan Darr is just as good as Book I in this series, if not better. If you haven’t read the first book, it isn’t exactly necessary to grab a copy as Atlas does a wonderful job at keeping the audience updated on things but it is definitely worth a read and helps bring a bit more meaning to the rest of the story.
We have a very unique cast in this book. Allan is a paraplegic, which is interesting alone, but there are also talking animals, creatures, aliens, and a number of intriguing humans who play a part in this series. Allan is most definitely my favorite because he’s so strong, physically and mentally. I think it takes a lot of bravery to be confined to a wheelchair yet take the stand that Allan did and discover an entirely new world!
There are a lot of surprises in this book, ones that I didn’t see coming, and others that helped bring the story together. Beyond the shock, the adventure, and plain old treks across the galaxy, this Book II has a budding romance that I found to be one of the best romances I’ve ever read. I think it was a wise yet cautious step that Atlas took in developing a relationship between Allan and his love-interest. Everyone deserves to have love and to demonstrate that so well in this book is something I greatly appreciated.
Once again, the imagery and the detail were spot on in this book. I couldn’t have asked for more to see and envision as I read the pages of this novel. You don’t have to have a large imagination to see this story play out in your head, but Atlas makes it clear just how large his imagination is with the depth he includes in his dialogue and the deliberate detail he uses in is descriptions. I am definitely a fan of this author and I look forward to reading more in this series.
I would recommend this book to readers of all ages and interests. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, this is the book for you. You will not be disappointed in this series whatsoever!
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
I have to say I am somewhat envious of Atlas, its been a longstanding passion of mine to do something to help shine light on characters as unique as Allan. Atlas beat me to the punch. So the next best thing would be to give this book the review it deserves. Passion aside, Return to Lan Darr is just as good as Book I in this series, if not better. If you haven’t read the first book, it isn’t exactly necessary to grab a copy as Atlas does a wonderful job at keeping the audience updated on things but it is definitely worth a read and helps bring a bit more meaning to the rest of the story.
We have a very unique cast in this book. Allan is a paraplegic, which is interesting alone, but there are also talking animals, creatures, aliens, and a number of intriguing humans who play a part in this series. Allan is most definitely my favorite because he’s so strong, physically and mentally. I think it takes a lot of bravery to be confined to a wheelchair yet take the stand that Allan did and discover an entirely new world!
There are a lot of surprises in this book, ones that I didn’t see coming, and others that helped bring the story together. Beyond the shock, the adventure, and plain old treks across the galaxy, this Book II has a budding romance that I found to be one of the best romances I’ve ever read. I think it was a wise yet cautious step that Atlas took in developing a relationship between Allan and his love-interest. Everyone deserves to have love and to demonstrate that so well in this book is something I greatly appreciated.
Once again, the imagery and the detail were spot on in this book. I couldn’t have asked for more to see and envision as I read the pages of this novel. You don’t have to have a large imagination to see this story play out in your head, but Atlas makes it clear just how large his imagination is with the depth he includes in his dialogue and the deliberate detail he uses in is descriptions. I am definitely a fan of this author and I look forward to reading more in this series.
I would recommend this book to readers of all ages and interests. If you’re looking for a unique adventure, this is the book for you. You will not be disappointed in this series whatsoever!
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
December 8, 2016
This story i enjoyed reading about a boy named allan. He survived lan darr and it changed him forever so to speak. Connected to the planetary system in Hubbu he is a hero. Hubbu travel is dangerous but his uncle and best friend have no clue to those facts. A wonderful adaption of extreme ecosystems and well written story. A must read.
May 10, 2017
After reading Strange Lands, I couldn’t wait to read book 2. I couldn’t wait to get back to Lan Darr with Allan and see what adventures were in store for him. I wasn’t disappointed and was thrilled that different worlds were introduced. I love it when worlds are added in a series that had only one world. It totally changes how I see the book. Return to Lan Darr does this and it makes the book magical.
I felt bad for Allan, in the beginning of the book. He went to a wonderful land, became a hero and when he tells people, they think that he is hallucinating and the therapist discussed with Rubic that he may be suffering from a form of schizophrenia. But the biggest blow came when Laura, his best friend, doesn’t believe him and then steals his diary….only to lose it at school and the pages are photocopied and passed around the school. The humiliation (and the fact that Laura wasn’t allowed to hang out with him), made Allan do something rash. He went back to the mountain to prove to Laura and his schoolmates that he was right. Except, he didn’t land in Lan Darr with the first poof of pollen. Nope, he landed in a place called Peebleland (inhabited by bat people). To get to Land Darr, he has to go through a planet called Katonaay to get the flower for Lan Darr. Katonaay isn’t what it seems and when Allan gets to Lan Darr, he is in for a big surprise. If you want to know what, read the book!!
I did like that Rubic tried to be more of a parent to Allan in this book. He settled down, got a job (with a 401K and health insurance) and was preparing to be a “regular” adult (but is there such thing as being a perfect adult). When Allan disappeared after inhaling the pollen of a purple Hubbu flower, he does the responsible thing and looks for Allan, then Laura when it comes up that Laura is missing also. But evil is coming his way and when Jibbawk, the evil ex-ruler of Lan Darr, makes his appearance at the house, Rubic goes with him…..looking for Allan. Rubic and Jibbawk have their own adventures while searched for Allan on distant planets with the help of multicolored Hubbu flowers.
Laura has a different sort of adventure, and in a way, made up for her stealing Allan’s diary. Not going to go into it, because doing so would kinda ruin her story, but she isn’t as weak or as helpless as you think she is. She also shows great compassion for certain people at certain points in the book. Again, I really can’t get into her story because there will be spoilers.
I was thrilled that Mizzi made an appearance in the book and I was even more thrilled that Asantia was featured more in this book. There was a secret that was revealed in the book that I actually guessed in book 1. Not going to say what but I wasn’t surprised when the connection was made.
The end of the book was not what I expected….at all. I liked it because it was different and I usually don’t see these types of endings. It did leave the series open for a book 3, too. Which I can’t wait to read if/when it happens.
How many stars will I give Return to Lan Darr: 4
Why: I really enjoyed reading this book. From the unforgettable characters to the engaging plotlines, this is a book that any tween, teen or adult would love to read.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age Range: Young Teen
Why: mild violence
**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**
I felt bad for Allan, in the beginning of the book. He went to a wonderful land, became a hero and when he tells people, they think that he is hallucinating and the therapist discussed with Rubic that he may be suffering from a form of schizophrenia. But the biggest blow came when Laura, his best friend, doesn’t believe him and then steals his diary….only to lose it at school and the pages are photocopied and passed around the school. The humiliation (and the fact that Laura wasn’t allowed to hang out with him), made Allan do something rash. He went back to the mountain to prove to Laura and his schoolmates that he was right. Except, he didn’t land in Lan Darr with the first poof of pollen. Nope, he landed in a place called Peebleland (inhabited by bat people). To get to Land Darr, he has to go through a planet called Katonaay to get the flower for Lan Darr. Katonaay isn’t what it seems and when Allan gets to Lan Darr, he is in for a big surprise. If you want to know what, read the book!!
I did like that Rubic tried to be more of a parent to Allan in this book. He settled down, got a job (with a 401K and health insurance) and was preparing to be a “regular” adult (but is there such thing as being a perfect adult). When Allan disappeared after inhaling the pollen of a purple Hubbu flower, he does the responsible thing and looks for Allan, then Laura when it comes up that Laura is missing also. But evil is coming his way and when Jibbawk, the evil ex-ruler of Lan Darr, makes his appearance at the house, Rubic goes with him…..looking for Allan. Rubic and Jibbawk have their own adventures while searched for Allan on distant planets with the help of multicolored Hubbu flowers.
Laura has a different sort of adventure, and in a way, made up for her stealing Allan’s diary. Not going to go into it, because doing so would kinda ruin her story, but she isn’t as weak or as helpless as you think she is. She also shows great compassion for certain people at certain points in the book. Again, I really can’t get into her story because there will be spoilers.
I was thrilled that Mizzi made an appearance in the book and I was even more thrilled that Asantia was featured more in this book. There was a secret that was revealed in the book that I actually guessed in book 1. Not going to say what but I wasn’t surprised when the connection was made.
The end of the book was not what I expected….at all. I liked it because it was different and I usually don’t see these types of endings. It did leave the series open for a book 3, too. Which I can’t wait to read if/when it happens.
How many stars will I give Return to Lan Darr: 4
Why: I really enjoyed reading this book. From the unforgettable characters to the engaging plotlines, this is a book that any tween, teen or adult would love to read.
Will I reread: Yes
Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes
Age Range: Young Teen
Why: mild violence
**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**
October 29, 2017
Allan Westerfield has just returned from his adventures in Lan Darr where he is a hero. But when he tells his friends and others at school they think he is making it up for attention and needs to go to a therapist. Then he is ultimately betrayed by a friend and he decides to go back to Lan Darr. But when he spreads the pollen he lands in Peebleland and with a bat like people. He learns of a path to Lan Darr but he is going to have another adventure getting there.
I really like Allan as a character. He has grown so much from the first book but after Laura steals his journal I don’t blame him for wanting to run away. Of course he is not going to just show up in Lan Darr, what kind of adventure would that be.
Then there is Rubic. He is actually trying to be a father for Allan and I give him kudos for that. Of course when he learns Allan has disappeared, then Laura too, he goes with Jibbawk to search for the both of them. They have their own adventure while trying to find the kids.
This is a great story and could be read as a stand-alone although I recommend the books in order to get the full immersion of the stories. I do love how Allan has learned not to let his disability stop him. He has grown so much mentally from when I first read his story.
If you are looking for a great young adult fantasy adventure look no further. This is an amazing series and one that I strongly recommend.
I received Return to Lan Darr from the author for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
I really like Allan as a character. He has grown so much from the first book but after Laura steals his journal I don’t blame him for wanting to run away. Of course he is not going to just show up in Lan Darr, what kind of adventure would that be.
Then there is Rubic. He is actually trying to be a father for Allan and I give him kudos for that. Of course when he learns Allan has disappeared, then Laura too, he goes with Jibbawk to search for the both of them. They have their own adventure while trying to find the kids.
This is a great story and could be read as a stand-alone although I recommend the books in order to get the full immersion of the stories. I do love how Allan has learned not to let his disability stop him. He has grown so much mentally from when I first read his story.
If you are looking for a great young adult fantasy adventure look no further. This is an amazing series and one that I strongly recommend.
I received Return to Lan Darr from the author for free. This has in no way influenced my opinion of this book.
July 20, 2017
Thoughts: When I wrote the review for Strange Lands, I said, "Another thing I loved about Strange Lands is that its story line is like a bunch of tree branches all over the place, but the branches all are connected to the same trunk." Now, writing the review to the sequel of Strange Lands, Return to Lan Darr, I realize how much Anderson Atlas stepped it up. There are a ton of characters, all from different places, that all end up in the same spot - like in the first book, but somehow better. This was amazing to read.
I also loved this book for how it shows a few worlds traveled by three different groups of people, and how every single one of them had a different experience. For example, Allan, the main character, goes to Peebland and is treated like a king by the Peeblies. But then Rubic and Jibbawk goes to Peebland, and they get attacked by the Peeblies and giant dinosaurs. And when Laura and Alice go to Peebland, they almost get killed by lava and have to be saved by Peeblies. This was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Overall, this book and series is amazing and one of my personal favorites.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own.
I also loved this book for how it shows a few worlds traveled by three different groups of people, and how every single one of them had a different experience. For example, Allan, the main character, goes to Peebland and is treated like a king by the Peeblies. But then Rubic and Jibbawk goes to Peebland, and they get attacked by the Peeblies and giant dinosaurs. And when Laura and Alice go to Peebland, they almost get killed by lava and have to be saved by Peeblies. This was one of my favorite parts of the book.
Overall, this book and series is amazing and one of my personal favorites.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review. All thoughts are my own.
Want to read
November 10, 2016I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. It is an advance reading copy. It is autographed.
April 29, 2017
This is the second book of the "Otherworldly Fantasy by Anderson Atlas.
The story continues, well, not quite straight after the first, a half year goes by, when Allan finally decided to go back to Lan Darr, after he was humiliated, since he told his girl fried all about Lan Darr. but she would not believe her.
Will she believe and will she stay his girl friend?
Get the book and find out. It's a great read.
Well, i have to say a lot about it, but won't. One thing:
I loved the story. I already loved the first, and loved that one. Great fantasy.
Well done Anderson.
The story continues, well, not quite straight after the first, a half year goes by, when Allan finally decided to go back to Lan Darr, after he was humiliated, since he told his girl fried all about Lan Darr. but she would not believe her.
Will she believe and will she stay his girl friend?
Get the book and find out. It's a great read.
Well, i have to say a lot about it, but won't. One thing:
I loved the story. I already loved the first, and loved that one. Great fantasy.
Well done Anderson.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews