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The Adventures of Jason Lex #1
The Rampart Guards
Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award Finalist **
After his mom disappears, Jason Lex and his family move to a small town where he has no friends, no fun, no life. Things get worse when he’s chased by weird flying creatures that only he can see--Jason thinks he’s losing it.
But when Jason discovers new information about his family, he’s stunned to learn that creatures like Skyfish, Kappa, and the Mongolian Death Worm aren’t just stories on the Internet--they’re real and they live unseen alongside the human race. Many of these creatures naturally emit energy capable of incinerating humans. An invisible shield keeps these creatures hidden and protects the human race from their threatening force, but someone, or some thing, is trying to destroy it.
Unsure who he can trust, Jason is drawn into the fight to save the people closest to him, and he finds help in surprising places. Confronted with loss, uncertainty, and a devastating betrayal, Jason must make a gut-wrenching decision:
Who lives, and who dies.
*** Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2016 ***
**
After his mom disappears, Jason Lex and his family move to a small town where he has no friends, no fun, no life. Things get worse when he’s chased by weird flying creatures that only he can see--Jason thinks he’s losing it.
But when Jason discovers new information about his family, he’s stunned to learn that creatures like Skyfish, Kappa, and the Mongolian Death Worm aren’t just stories on the Internet--they’re real and they live unseen alongside the human race. Many of these creatures naturally emit energy capable of incinerating humans. An invisible shield keeps these creatures hidden and protects the human race from their threatening force, but someone, or some thing, is trying to destroy it.
Unsure who he can trust, Jason is drawn into the fight to save the people closest to him, and he finds help in surprising places. Confronted with loss, uncertainty, and a devastating betrayal, Jason must make a gut-wrenching decision:
Who lives, and who dies.
*** Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best Books of 2016 ***
**
- GenresFantasyTeenYoung Adult
277 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2017
17 people are currently reading
534 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 7, 2016
Yes, I quite love this book. And, yes, I also wrote it. So this is a biased review. :)
February 24, 2020
This book is a non-stop action-adventure, mixed with mystery, and lots of surprises. It is the story of Jason Lex. Jason’s mom is missing and thought dead. This is the beginning of discovering who she was and who he really is. With the help of his uncle and his new friend Sadie, he will find out his purpose in life. This is just the beginning, and he will face many tests and dangers before his calling as a Rampart Guardian is confirmed. There is no sure thing. When his mother resurfaced, everything changes, and he must face the biggest challenge which is to save the Earth.
🙋🏼♀️ Thank you, BookForward for sending me a copy of this exciting novel. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 by Wendy Terrien is already available at your favourite bookstore.
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May 24, 2017
Really, I'd like to give this a 3.5
When I picked this book up, I assumed it was young adult. I latter found people calling it middle grade. Having finished it, I still feel like it falls pretty solidly in young adult, due to teenage characters, violence, and plot twists.
The story itself was fun, I enjoyed reading it, and the writing was good. There were a couple places that felt like they came together a little too quickly (like Jason pairing up with Sadie), and a few loose ends tied up at the end with a "here's what happened" explanation scene that was kinda dry.
All-in-all, I was pleased but not blown away.
When I picked this book up, I assumed it was young adult. I latter found people calling it middle grade. Having finished it, I still feel like it falls pretty solidly in young adult, due to teenage characters, violence, and plot twists.
The story itself was fun, I enjoyed reading it, and the writing was good. There were a couple places that felt like they came together a little too quickly (like Jason pairing up with Sadie), and a few loose ends tied up at the end with a "here's what happened" explanation scene that was kinda dry.
All-in-all, I was pleased but not blown away.
January 19, 2016
The Rampart Guards is a well-written adventure story that kept me turning the pages. Wendy Terrien does a fantastic job of creating believable, yet emotionally vulnerable characters that readers will connect with. The pages are tension-filled and magical, and will intrigue readers of all ages. Well done!
September 6, 2017
I felt this book took a few chapters to get up to speed, but once it did, I was all in. The writing was consistently good. Conflicts and reveals kept a good momentum. An array of characters were easy to like and relate to. Quite a thrilling ending.
I listened on audio and thought the narrator did a good job, though I thought the uncle and grandmother sounded very much like each other. I would imagine that was because they were related, but sometimes I confused them.
I recommend this book on audio or in print.
I listened on audio and thought the narrator did a good job, though I thought the uncle and grandmother sounded very much like each other. I would imagine that was because they were related, but sometimes I confused them.
I recommend this book on audio or in print.
June 24, 2017
This book was a bit slow to start and it took quite a long time before there was any mention of the Rampart from the title of the book. After that if got far more interesting.
Jason thought life was pretty simple until his mother disappears and his father moves them to another town to be closer to the rest of their family. Then he learns there is far more to the world than he ever could have imagined. Strange creatures and other dimensions, Jason has powers he never would have dreamed of.
Jason thought life was pretty simple until his mother disappears and his father moves them to another town to be closer to the rest of their family. Then he learns there is far more to the world than he ever could have imagined. Strange creatures and other dimensions, Jason has powers he never would have dreamed of.
May 15, 2017
AWESOME!
June 15, 2018
I received this book for free from Roger Charlie in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Rampart Guards basically made me realize that I'm definitely growing out of middle grade books and I should move on. This is an extremely scary thought, because what if I get tired of young adult books next?! That probably won't happen for a good while, and I've yet to actually read an adult novel that isn't from the cause of required reading.
The first book in the Chronicles of Jason Lex starts out extremely slow, but picks up pace as the story progresses. Jason's mom suddenly goes missing, and Jason (along with his family) suddenly gets forced to move to a small town with their grandmother to get away from the painful memories of their mom. And to top it off, Jason sees weird blue electricity-like wisps coming out from his hands and eels in the sky later revealed as Skyfish. He's also a little whiny at the beginning of the novel, but eventually drops it as he realizes, "Oh, hey. Cryptids are real. Someone is hoping to expose these creatures and kill millions in the process, and if I don't get my act together, I might lose everything as well."
Wendy Terrien's debut novel is right up my alley in regards to concept – The Rampart Guards is about cryptozoology, the study of creatures that may or may not exist. It's not everyday Big Foot, Loch Ness, and other creatures play a critical role in the plot of a novel, and it's the primary reason why The Rampart Guards caught my eye the moment the book was pitched to me.
I adored learning about all kinds of different creatures I've never heard of until I read this book, and if I do decide to continue on with the series, learning more about the cryptids and how this entire world works is going to be one thing I'll be extremely excited for.
Even though I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped I would, The Rampart Guards will be a fantastic read for younger audiences.
This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts
October 31, 2016
Synopsis- Jason’s life has taken a turn for the worse – his mom disappeared. They sold their house and moved to a small town where everyone knows everything and everyone. The town’s crazy guy just so happens to be his uncle that he never knew existed. And there are these things that only Jason can see. But what if the things, the cryptids, are only on the edge of our reality? And what if they were at the point of breaking through the invisible barrier? And what if that would kill every human?
What I Thought- I absolutely loved this book! Ms. Terrien has written a book that rivets you to your seat – I read this book in about 2 hours, not that it was short or an easy read but it was that good! The plot just hooks you right in. Jason’s mother is missing, presumably dead. He moves. He’s seeing things. He’s got a loony uncle. Life’s bad on him. But throw in the fact that his mother may not be dead… and you understand why Jason is unsure of what to do. Jason’s character is one I identified with immediately. I love stories with great characters. The fact that there are “real-life” cryptids used throughout the book is fun. The book is being marketed for middle grade and young adult, I’d say it leans more towards early YA than middle grade. The story is pretty dark and intense for middle grade and there is a fair amount of language (nothing bad, but h***, s***, a**, and d***, with allusions to f***). Terrien’s writing skills shine through as she skates between the two worlds she created in the novel. The fantastic possibility of alternate realities comes to life in this exciting adventurous paranormal roller-coaster of a story! Sign me up for book two!
*NOTE* I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
What I Thought- I absolutely loved this book! Ms. Terrien has written a book that rivets you to your seat – I read this book in about 2 hours, not that it was short or an easy read but it was that good! The plot just hooks you right in. Jason’s mother is missing, presumably dead. He moves. He’s seeing things. He’s got a loony uncle. Life’s bad on him. But throw in the fact that his mother may not be dead… and you understand why Jason is unsure of what to do. Jason’s character is one I identified with immediately. I love stories with great characters. The fact that there are “real-life” cryptids used throughout the book is fun. The book is being marketed for middle grade and young adult, I’d say it leans more towards early YA than middle grade. The story is pretty dark and intense for middle grade and there is a fair amount of language (nothing bad, but h***, s***, a**, and d***, with allusions to f***). Terrien’s writing skills shine through as she skates between the two worlds she created in the novel. The fantastic possibility of alternate realities comes to life in this exciting adventurous paranormal roller-coaster of a story! Sign me up for book two!
*NOTE* I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
March 3, 2016
I am not usually a reader of the Middle Grade genre but I was given a chance to read this book and I couldn't say no. (Who says no to reading and books anyway?!?)
This was an okay book. I had fun reading about Jason's family and his adventures. But I didn't feel much connection with him. It's not that I didn't like him. He's actually pretty likable and he's not overly whiny or dramatic like some hero/heroine I know. It's probably because I can't imagine myself in his shoes. It felt more like I'm hearing the story from a little cousin/brother of mine. And I just feel left out.
The first part of the book was a bit bland for me. I almost DNF-ed this but it picked up pace eventually and I'm so glad it did. The writing style is good and there were some twists which I love.
I would definitely recommend this to young readers.
This was an okay book. I had fun reading about Jason's family and his adventures. But I didn't feel much connection with him. It's not that I didn't like him. He's actually pretty likable and he's not overly whiny or dramatic like some hero/heroine I know. It's probably because I can't imagine myself in his shoes. It felt more like I'm hearing the story from a little cousin/brother of mine. And I just feel left out.
The first part of the book was a bit bland for me. I almost DNF-ed this but it picked up pace eventually and I'm so glad it did. The writing style is good and there were some twists which I love.
I would definitely recommend this to young readers.
May 18, 2017
My review is based on the Audiobook: The Rampart Guards: Chronicle One in the Adventures of Jason Lex was a fun enjoyable listen. I loved to hear about the all of the interesting strange characters that Jason and his strange Uncle encountered. Brian Callanan did a great job as narrator. This is Chronicle One so it will be interesting to see where the series heads after this.
August 14, 2017
I quite enjoyed this book, and yes I also wrote it, so this is a biased review. :)
October 15, 2017
After 14 year old Jason Lex's mom disappears one night and is presumed dead, his family is uprooted and moved to the small town of Salton, Idaho. Jason leaves everything behind, his school, his friends, and any hope of seeing his mom again. Once in Salton, he starts to see mysterious creatures in the sky that no one else can see, sparkling streamers that seem to be trying to hurt his family. When Jason meets a man in town with a connection to him, he's told that all the mythical creatures like Bigfoot exist. And Jason himself might be able to wield powers to protect the human world from them.
This was a fun YA fantasy adventure! I thought the cryptozoology angle was original, and learning about the different cryptids is going to be interesting. It takes some time to get to the action part of the story, but it spends that time building the characters. By the time the cryptids were introduced, I was hooked and wanted to see what happened to Jason and Alexander. I thought the identity of the 'bad guy' was really well done, a bold choice for a YA. The twists and turns kept me guessing right up til the end!
I liked the characters, a lot of the focus of the book was on the family and their relationships.
Jason's interactions with Della were sweet and with Kyle were hilarious, they were so natural I felt like I was reading conversations with my own siblings. I'd love to hear more about Sadie, a martial arts loving 'hacker' with her own interesting backstory that was only hinted at. I've seen this series compared to Percy Jackson, and while I read the first book in that series and had no desire to continue it, I want to read the rest of Jason Lex's journey.
The narration was really well done, Brian Callanan has a great range of voices. Each character is distinct and performed so you know exactly what they're feeling. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a fun YA fantasy adventure! I thought the cryptozoology angle was original, and learning about the different cryptids is going to be interesting. It takes some time to get to the action part of the story, but it spends that time building the characters. By the time the cryptids were introduced, I was hooked and wanted to see what happened to Jason and Alexander. I thought the identity of the 'bad guy' was really well done, a bold choice for a YA. The twists and turns kept me guessing right up til the end!
I liked the characters, a lot of the focus of the book was on the family and their relationships.
Jason's interactions with Della were sweet and with Kyle were hilarious, they were so natural I felt like I was reading conversations with my own siblings. I'd love to hear more about Sadie, a martial arts loving 'hacker' with her own interesting backstory that was only hinted at. I've seen this series compared to Percy Jackson, and while I read the first book in that series and had no desire to continue it, I want to read the rest of Jason Lex's journey.
The narration was really well done, Brian Callanan has a great range of voices. Each character is distinct and performed so you know exactly what they're feeling. I requested a copy of the audiobook, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
October 31, 2017
This is an engaging middle grade/young teen fantasy adventure.
Jason Lex is just a young teen when his mother disappears. His father moves the family, Jason, his older brother, Kyle, and his younger sister, Della, to a new town near his grandmother and uncle. Jason is struggling and things get worse when he begins to see swarming fish diving at him in the sky. His father warns Jason away from his Uncle Alexander, his mother’s sister, who studies cryptozoology and is known for strange behaviors.
Slowly Jason begins to learn that there are creatures that exist that are not known by the public. He suddenly has physical skills, like lightning bolts from his hands, that he doesn’t understand and can’t control. Then he is approached in secrecy by his mother. He is lured to help her but realizes he has to make a hard choice to prevent the destruction of his family, friends and the world as he knows it.
The story moves along quickly with danger and light action. Jason faces a lot of new challenges – new facts and betrayals -- in a short time. The adventure is fun, if not always quite plausible. But it is a fantasy adventure after all. I was disappointed by a little bit of language although that isn’t unrealistic.
I do think that middle graders/young teens would enjoy this as would fantasy, adventure, light sci fi fans. The end has a bit of a twist and I was glad to have book 2 to follow the adventure.
Audio Notes: Brian Callanan does a good job with the narration. He gives personality to the characters with appropriate voices and emotions. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.
I received this title from the narrator.
Jason Lex is just a young teen when his mother disappears. His father moves the family, Jason, his older brother, Kyle, and his younger sister, Della, to a new town near his grandmother and uncle. Jason is struggling and things get worse when he begins to see swarming fish diving at him in the sky. His father warns Jason away from his Uncle Alexander, his mother’s sister, who studies cryptozoology and is known for strange behaviors.
Slowly Jason begins to learn that there are creatures that exist that are not known by the public. He suddenly has physical skills, like lightning bolts from his hands, that he doesn’t understand and can’t control. Then he is approached in secrecy by his mother. He is lured to help her but realizes he has to make a hard choice to prevent the destruction of his family, friends and the world as he knows it.
The story moves along quickly with danger and light action. Jason faces a lot of new challenges – new facts and betrayals -- in a short time. The adventure is fun, if not always quite plausible. But it is a fantasy adventure after all. I was disappointed by a little bit of language although that isn’t unrealistic.
I do think that middle graders/young teens would enjoy this as would fantasy, adventure, light sci fi fans. The end has a bit of a twist and I was glad to have book 2 to follow the adventure.
Audio Notes: Brian Callanan does a good job with the narration. He gives personality to the characters with appropriate voices and emotions. The narration added to my enjoyment of the story.
I received this title from the narrator.
June 16, 2020
I enjoyed the read. The premise was interesting, using the idea of what many consider "hoaxes" to provide a framework in a sense for the story. It worked though and the author did a wonderful job building her world around it. The storyline was engaging, as we tried to figure out the deepening mystery behind what Jason was experiencing and how it related to his mother's disappearance. The characters are well done, as you see them struggling still with what has happened to their family and attempting to deal with the secrets that begin to unfold before them. Then there is Jason, who is forced to uncover all that has been hidden and is faced with a decision that takes a measure of courage that is beyond comprehension. It makes for an satisfying, but thrilling ending to the first book that sets up nicely the next book in the series.
November 9, 2017
I found the idea behind this story really interesting, the idea of the rampart protecting humanity from other beings is not an idea I've come across before and this story is well written.
I was a bit unsettled by the age of the hero, he's only 14 for most of the story and experiences things that no 14 year old should so I didn't really like that aspect, but everything else worked for me.
The narration is well done, good character voices and the delivery was engaging.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was a bit unsettled by the age of the hero, he's only 14 for most of the story and experiences things that no 14 year old should so I didn't really like that aspect, but everything else worked for me.
The narration is well done, good character voices and the delivery was engaging.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2017
A very innovative story, that unravels just as all good stories should, answering the readers unasked questions, and giving a look at the scenario from various characters perspective. I appreciated the audio rendition of each character, making it more like an old time radio play.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting suspense, drama and supernatural themes.
I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting suspense, drama and supernatural themes.
June 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book for many reasons. The first is the new take on traditional magic in books; the author uses the dark reality of what would really happen if magic was real. The second reason I liked it was because it kept me on the edge of my seat, and I never knew what was going to happen next. I would recommend this book to anyone age 10+, who likes action/magic books.
December 17, 2017
From its gut wrenching beginning to surprising ending, Wendy Terrien’s The Rampart Guards is packed with action, adventure, and unexpected twists to its very unique plot. After turning page after page to keep up with Jason Lex, his family, friends, and near invincible enemies, readers will definitely have to check out the series’ remaining books as well.
October 11, 2016
The main character of "The Rampart Guards" is a teenager named Jason. He celebrates his fourteenth birthday in the opening pages of this book, so I don't know whether that makes this fantasy a Young Adult novel or middle grade fiction. It was sold to me as middle grade fiction, and it reads as middle grade, but I'm still unsure. Fourteen seems like YA territory to me, but maybe readers are so used to YA novels that star sixteen-year-old protagonists, fourteen doesn't qualify for the marketing demographic.
No matter how this book is shelved, the story takes a long time to delve into the "fantasy" part of the book's plot. Jason's mother goes missing, the family moves to a small town in Idaho, Jason makes a new friend and settles in. He meets his quirky uncle, discovers his uncle studies fantastical creatures called cryptids, and that his uncle is a Rampart Guard.
The Rampart is defined as "a shield" (page 77). This shield has something to do with electricity, and the shield covers the earth. As the uncle explains to Jason (page 78): "Regions around the world are assigned Rampart Guards who are charged with sustainment of the Rampart -- the shield I mentioned -- to maintain the balance of energy between cryptids and humans, ensuring peace and safety for all."
So of course, an Evil Villain with a Team of Sidekicks has decided to destroy the Rampart in order to kill off the human race. This Evil Team can only be stopped by Jason, even though he has received no formal training and blunders repeatedly into traps. If you enjoy fantasy stories with ineffectual villains, "The Rampart Guards" will delight.
Late in the book, Jason learns these evil villains want to wipe out the human race due to human-caused global warming and pollution. What was especially odd about this reveal was that no mention of human pollution and/or global warming was made in the story until this big mwhahahaha-declaration of evil-intent quite late in the book. The agenda of Team Evil felt uninspired and pat.
If you pick up this book hoping that the story will be full of magical creatures and action, be warned that most of this book focuses on the mundane world of a small town in Idaho, and the novel takes a long time to turn into a fantasy story.
The prose is adequate, the writing is clean and easy to read, but highly repetitive of dull story details. I never felt like I learned enough about the Rampart, the regions, or how this "shield" really worked, where it came from, or how the Rampart Guards began. Instead, characters repeated previous scene information in detail, either in phone conversations or direct dialogue. The constant use of so many food descriptions -- such as the eating of sandwiches, cookies, drinking glasses of water -- read as distracting and unneeded.
By the time the big final action scene began, I was skimming, and wishing the novel had featured that level of action much sooner. As it was, I had such a hard time accepting the plot twists at the end, concerning Jason's father especially, that the ending left me dissatisfied.
"The Rampart Guards" receives a full 5 stars for the identity of Evil Henchman #1, who is the primary antagonist of this novel. The author made an excellent choice with Jason's big nemesis in this book.
But the novel receives a one-star for the excessive repetition of information, and the lack of information about the Rampart. I also give this novel a two-star rating for taking so long to introduce the cryptids, and forcing me to read so many pages before delivering an engaging action scene.
Overall, I give this book 3 stars. Recommended for anyone who is craving a middle grade fantasy that is heavy on mundane detail, light on fantasy world-building, and features a big action scene at the end.
No matter how this book is shelved, the story takes a long time to delve into the "fantasy" part of the book's plot. Jason's mother goes missing, the family moves to a small town in Idaho, Jason makes a new friend and settles in. He meets his quirky uncle, discovers his uncle studies fantastical creatures called cryptids, and that his uncle is a Rampart Guard.
The Rampart is defined as "a shield" (page 77). This shield has something to do with electricity, and the shield covers the earth. As the uncle explains to Jason (page 78): "Regions around the world are assigned Rampart Guards who are charged with sustainment of the Rampart -- the shield I mentioned -- to maintain the balance of energy between cryptids and humans, ensuring peace and safety for all."
So of course, an Evil Villain with a Team of Sidekicks has decided to destroy the Rampart in order to kill off the human race. This Evil Team can only be stopped by Jason, even though he has received no formal training and blunders repeatedly into traps. If you enjoy fantasy stories with ineffectual villains, "The Rampart Guards" will delight.
Late in the book, Jason learns these evil villains want to wipe out the human race due to human-caused global warming and pollution. What was especially odd about this reveal was that no mention of human pollution and/or global warming was made in the story until this big mwhahahaha-declaration of evil-intent quite late in the book. The agenda of Team Evil felt uninspired and pat.
If you pick up this book hoping that the story will be full of magical creatures and action, be warned that most of this book focuses on the mundane world of a small town in Idaho, and the novel takes a long time to turn into a fantasy story.
The prose is adequate, the writing is clean and easy to read, but highly repetitive of dull story details. I never felt like I learned enough about the Rampart, the regions, or how this "shield" really worked, where it came from, or how the Rampart Guards began. Instead, characters repeated previous scene information in detail, either in phone conversations or direct dialogue. The constant use of so many food descriptions -- such as the eating of sandwiches, cookies, drinking glasses of water -- read as distracting and unneeded.
By the time the big final action scene began, I was skimming, and wishing the novel had featured that level of action much sooner. As it was, I had such a hard time accepting the plot twists at the end, concerning Jason's father especially, that the ending left me dissatisfied.
"The Rampart Guards" receives a full 5 stars for the identity of Evil Henchman #1, who is the primary antagonist of this novel. The author made an excellent choice with Jason's big nemesis in this book.
But the novel receives a one-star for the excessive repetition of information, and the lack of information about the Rampart. I also give this novel a two-star rating for taking so long to introduce the cryptids, and forcing me to read so many pages before delivering an engaging action scene.
Overall, I give this book 3 stars. Recommended for anyone who is craving a middle grade fantasy that is heavy on mundane detail, light on fantasy world-building, and features a big action scene at the end.
March 1, 2017
Skyfish are Real
Jason has had it rough. His mom has disappeared. His dad has given up on finder her and they are moving away from all of his friends. Things can't get much worse. Unless, of course you count losing your mind. Jason has started seeing things, and those things can see him too.
Jason discovers a whole world hidden from most of humanity. A world filled with incredible and dangerous creature. Beings that wield such power, that a mere touch could incinerate the unwary. It will be up to Jason, his new friend, and a crazy black sheep uncle to unravel the mystery. Who is trying to destroy the barrier between worlds, and what does it have to do with his missing mother?
Wendy Terrien weaves a tale of discovery. A young boy learning what it means to trust himself and others. Life gives you challenges. Jason's journey will teach him that what you do with those challenges determines who you are. A great story for readers of all ages.
Jason has had it rough. His mom has disappeared. His dad has given up on finder her and they are moving away from all of his friends. Things can't get much worse. Unless, of course you count losing your mind. Jason has started seeing things, and those things can see him too.
Jason discovers a whole world hidden from most of humanity. A world filled with incredible and dangerous creature. Beings that wield such power, that a mere touch could incinerate the unwary. It will be up to Jason, his new friend, and a crazy black sheep uncle to unravel the mystery. Who is trying to destroy the barrier between worlds, and what does it have to do with his missing mother?
Wendy Terrien weaves a tale of discovery. A young boy learning what it means to trust himself and others. Life gives you challenges. Jason's journey will teach him that what you do with those challenges determines who you are. A great story for readers of all ages.
March 1, 2016
The Rampart Guards is the first book in The Adventures of Jason Lex, a new urban fantasy series by author Wendy Terrien. The series was inspired by an episode of Bones, where the killer is believed to be a chupacabra, a fabled cryptid. After watching, Terrien was inspired to research cryptozoology - the study of animals who may or may not exist. That set the wheels in motion for The Rampart Guards.
I'll be honest, I found the beginning of this book a bit meh. I felt like not much happened for the first 90 pages or so. It wasn't boring, but I was hoping for more action and adventure. It never felt like the book was dragging though, so I got through it quite quickly, and from there, things started picking up. We started entering the world of fantasy and cryptids, and I found myself wanting to read more and figure out what was going on. About halfway through the book was when I really found myself getting hooked. Things were happening that I didn't completely understand, and I was desperate to see them resolved! One thing I really liked was that - despite the fact that this is the first book in a series - it had a satisfactory ending. There was just enough mystery at the end to keep me intrigued for book two, but I feel like the main plot of book one was wrapped up nicely. Nothing annoys me more than when literally nothing happens in the first book of a series, because they're "setting the tone" for the next few books. Like, world building is important, but so is the plot! I guess my biggest complaint for this book would be the opposite: I didn't get as fully immersed in the world as I would have liked.
Jason - the book's protagonist - is quite a bit younger than me (I'm 19 and he's 14) but he's not whiny and annoying like so many young fictional teens, which I liked. There's no angst or woe is me. That being said, this series is aimed at middle grade and young adult readers, and I think I would have enjoyed The Rampart Guards more if I was a little younger. Because Jason and his friend, Sadie, are so much younger than me, I feel like I didn't connect with them as much as I would have if I was their age. It felt more like I was reading a book about my little brother than about someone I could be friends with. I also like my fantasy a little grittier, like the Song of Ice and Fire books, so while there were some fairly graphic moments in this book (skin melting off hands. Yum), this just wasn't quite dark enough for me.
I guess in terms of my enjoyment, I'd give The Rampart Guards 3/5 stars. But in terms of the book itself, I think it deserves 4/5. The writing was good, as was the character development. And, like I said, I definitely think I would have enjoyed it more if I was younger. I would probably recommend it to people between about 10 and 14.
The series will be made up of two more books, but with book two split into two installments - different stories, told concurrently.
I'll be honest, I found the beginning of this book a bit meh. I felt like not much happened for the first 90 pages or so. It wasn't boring, but I was hoping for more action and adventure. It never felt like the book was dragging though, so I got through it quite quickly, and from there, things started picking up. We started entering the world of fantasy and cryptids, and I found myself wanting to read more and figure out what was going on. About halfway through the book was when I really found myself getting hooked. Things were happening that I didn't completely understand, and I was desperate to see them resolved! One thing I really liked was that - despite the fact that this is the first book in a series - it had a satisfactory ending. There was just enough mystery at the end to keep me intrigued for book two, but I feel like the main plot of book one was wrapped up nicely. Nothing annoys me more than when literally nothing happens in the first book of a series, because they're "setting the tone" for the next few books. Like, world building is important, but so is the plot! I guess my biggest complaint for this book would be the opposite: I didn't get as fully immersed in the world as I would have liked.
Jason - the book's protagonist - is quite a bit younger than me (I'm 19 and he's 14) but he's not whiny and annoying like so many young fictional teens, which I liked. There's no angst or woe is me. That being said, this series is aimed at middle grade and young adult readers, and I think I would have enjoyed The Rampart Guards more if I was a little younger. Because Jason and his friend, Sadie, are so much younger than me, I feel like I didn't connect with them as much as I would have if I was their age. It felt more like I was reading a book about my little brother than about someone I could be friends with. I also like my fantasy a little grittier, like the Song of Ice and Fire books, so while there were some fairly graphic moments in this book (skin melting off hands. Yum), this just wasn't quite dark enough for me.
I guess in terms of my enjoyment, I'd give The Rampart Guards 3/5 stars. But in terms of the book itself, I think it deserves 4/5. The writing was good, as was the character development. And, like I said, I definitely think I would have enjoyed it more if I was younger. I would probably recommend it to people between about 10 and 14.
The series will be made up of two more books, but with book two split into two installments - different stories, told concurrently.
March 5, 2016
Are you bemused by Bigfoot, nuts about Nessie, and fascinated with faeries? Mystical and mysterious creatures have captured our imagination since humans first began to swap stories over campfires. The world of unexplained and unverified lifeforms now falls under its own fringe scientific category – cryptozoology. Debut author Wendy Terrien has her own ideas about this secret world and has turned them into an action-packed, magical mystery.
When Jason Lex arrives home with his dad and siblings from his afterschool basketball game to find his mom missing, he isn’t sure what to think. Has she abandoned them or did something terrible happen to her? Night stretches into the next morning and the police arrive on their doorstep with her bloodied shirt in hand. While they never find a body, the conclusion based upon the amount of blood on the shirt is that she was attacked by a mountain lion and can’t possibly have survived.
The family mourns for several months before Jason’s dad finally decides it would be better for all of them to pack up and move several hours away to be near his mother’s family. As the moving van is pulling away from the house, Jason looks back at it one last time and he is convinced he sees his mom walk past a window. Everyone seems convinced Jason is simply consumed with grief.
The mystery continues to deepen when he meets his mom’s brother – an uncle he never knew existed. His uncle is known around town as a quirky oddball who wanders about gathering data for his research on mythical creatures as a self-proclaimed cryptozoologist. As he begins to build a relationship with his uncle, he learns about the secret role his mother’s family has played in maintaining balance between cryptids and the human world; his mother was a Rampart Guard.
Terrien has crafted a fun romp that is sure to please middle grade readers clamoring for a new series after devouring Rick Riordan, JK Rowling, and the 000 section of their elementary and middle school libraries.
When Jason Lex arrives home with his dad and siblings from his afterschool basketball game to find his mom missing, he isn’t sure what to think. Has she abandoned them or did something terrible happen to her? Night stretches into the next morning and the police arrive on their doorstep with her bloodied shirt in hand. While they never find a body, the conclusion based upon the amount of blood on the shirt is that she was attacked by a mountain lion and can’t possibly have survived.
The family mourns for several months before Jason’s dad finally decides it would be better for all of them to pack up and move several hours away to be near his mother’s family. As the moving van is pulling away from the house, Jason looks back at it one last time and he is convinced he sees his mom walk past a window. Everyone seems convinced Jason is simply consumed with grief.
The mystery continues to deepen when he meets his mom’s brother – an uncle he never knew existed. His uncle is known around town as a quirky oddball who wanders about gathering data for his research on mythical creatures as a self-proclaimed cryptozoologist. As he begins to build a relationship with his uncle, he learns about the secret role his mother’s family has played in maintaining balance between cryptids and the human world; his mother was a Rampart Guard.
Terrien has crafted a fun romp that is sure to please middle grade readers clamoring for a new series after devouring Rick Riordan, JK Rowling, and the 000 section of their elementary and middle school libraries.
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March 16, 2016Originally posted on booklovingnut.com
This book is fun. It's a enjoyable read, certainly light than a lot of the stuff I've been reading lately. Or at least it seems that way. It's probably not something I would have picked up if it wasn't offered for review, nor is it what I would call great. It's just good. It's fine.
The main character's mother goes missing. I think we know where it's going to go from there, most books that use this trope are pretty similar. I will agree though that this one does have a unique take on it, especially for a middle grade. As a rule I don't read a lot of middle grade but I do enjoy what I do pick up. I can see this book appealing to kids of that age group who are in to Percy Jackson and the like. It's very adventurous like that.
So here's the big thing, and it's a problem I have with a lot of middle grade books. I could not connect with the MC. He's not badly written, not at all, He's likable, he's not grating, I don't feel like punching him for the whole book, but I also can't get fully on board with him. He has nothing that grabs me, nothing that pulls me into his story and won't let go. He's just there and his adventure is happening. Yipee?
But still, it's a good book. It's a great adventure, particular for the age group it is aiming at. I don't know if hardcore YA or older readers would necessarily connect with it, it's very firmly middle grade. But if you're a person who likes to delve into the land on middle grade I'd definitely recommend it.
From my shelf to yours,
This review was originally posted on The Book Nut: A Book Lover's Guide
This book is fun. It's a enjoyable read, certainly light than a lot of the stuff I've been reading lately. Or at least it seems that way. It's probably not something I would have picked up if it wasn't offered for review, nor is it what I would call great. It's just good. It's fine.
The main character's mother goes missing. I think we know where it's going to go from there, most books that use this trope are pretty similar. I will agree though that this one does have a unique take on it, especially for a middle grade. As a rule I don't read a lot of middle grade but I do enjoy what I do pick up. I can see this book appealing to kids of that age group who are in to Percy Jackson and the like. It's very adventurous like that.
So here's the big thing, and it's a problem I have with a lot of middle grade books. I could not connect with the MC. He's not badly written, not at all, He's likable, he's not grating, I don't feel like punching him for the whole book, but I also can't get fully on board with him. He has nothing that grabs me, nothing that pulls me into his story and won't let go. He's just there and his adventure is happening. Yipee?
But still, it's a good book. It's a great adventure, particular for the age group it is aiming at. I don't know if hardcore YA or older readers would necessarily connect with it, it's very firmly middle grade. But if you're a person who likes to delve into the land on middle grade I'd definitely recommend it.
From my shelf to yours,
This review was originally posted on The Book Nut: A Book Lover's Guide
March 21, 2016
I’m not a middle grade genre but I like some and this one is good, there is a lot of actions, some mysteries and family problems.
The Lex family is composed by the mother, the father, two sons, Kyle and Jason and a daughter Della. I won’t tell you the story because the synopsis is enough but there is some family bond in the story and maybe you can trust anyone.
I like Jason, he is mature for his age, and he’s only fourteen years old and has a lot on his shoulder. He sees things and he’s talking about them to his uncle, he’s discovering a lot of things about his family but he doesn’t really believe in it. He has a good friend, Sadie, she’s helping him a lot to think and to take good decisions.
Alexander is a great character, he’s a little creepy in the beginning but I like him, he’s important to the story and his dog Finn is so great, without her, the story wouldn’t be the same, she’s saving life of a lot of people.
All the secondary characters are very realistic, the good and the bad ones, you don’t have to love them but they give a thing to story.
Wendy Terrien has written a real adventure with some great hero, with suspense, friendship and mystery. The characters are young but very realistic in their reactions and feelings, there is no love attraction because fourteen is young but I like the relation between Sadie and Jason.
There will be a sequel and I will read it because even if the book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, there are a lot of questions without answer. I need to know more about The Cryptics, The League of Governors and the Bad guy.
I definitely recommend this book if you want to go on an adventure full of mysterious creatures.
The Lex family is composed by the mother, the father, two sons, Kyle and Jason and a daughter Della. I won’t tell you the story because the synopsis is enough but there is some family bond in the story and maybe you can trust anyone.
I like Jason, he is mature for his age, and he’s only fourteen years old and has a lot on his shoulder. He sees things and he’s talking about them to his uncle, he’s discovering a lot of things about his family but he doesn’t really believe in it. He has a good friend, Sadie, she’s helping him a lot to think and to take good decisions.
Alexander is a great character, he’s a little creepy in the beginning but I like him, he’s important to the story and his dog Finn is so great, without her, the story wouldn’t be the same, she’s saving life of a lot of people.
All the secondary characters are very realistic, the good and the bad ones, you don’t have to love them but they give a thing to story.
Wendy Terrien has written a real adventure with some great hero, with suspense, friendship and mystery. The characters are young but very realistic in their reactions and feelings, there is no love attraction because fourteen is young but I like the relation between Sadie and Jason.
There will be a sequel and I will read it because even if the book doesn’t end on a cliffhanger, there are a lot of questions without answer. I need to know more about The Cryptics, The League of Governors and the Bad guy.
I definitely recommend this book if you want to go on an adventure full of mysterious creatures.
March 7, 2016
Jason's home life is upended when his mother suddenly disappears. It isn't long before his dad moves him, his sister Della, and his brother Kyle to the small town of Salton, where he meets his eccentric Uncle Alexander. Grieving and frustrated with all the changes, the last thing Jason needs is to find out about a long-held family secret, and that he could be the key to protecting the people he loves. Jason may just be a special guardian, tasked with protecting the Rampart, a protective divider between humans and cryptids. Could creatures like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster truly be real? Why are they such a mystery?
Wendy Terrien has crafted a true adventure story for young adult and older readers. Suspense, friendship, the complications of family dynamics and loyalty – all of these were deftly incorporated into the plot. I particularly enjoyed the foray into barely braved territory of cryptids and cryptozoology. While I may not necessarily believe in Bigfoot, I do realize that there are many species out there that we have yet to discover. Weaving that sense of mystery and excitement into this novel was handled well and made the read that much more enjoyable.
Jason's adventures will continue with the next book in the series, “The League of Governors”. I look forward to reading it!
Wendy Terrien has crafted a true adventure story for young adult and older readers. Suspense, friendship, the complications of family dynamics and loyalty – all of these were deftly incorporated into the plot. I particularly enjoyed the foray into barely braved territory of cryptids and cryptozoology. While I may not necessarily believe in Bigfoot, I do realize that there are many species out there that we have yet to discover. Weaving that sense of mystery and excitement into this novel was handled well and made the read that much more enjoyable.
Jason's adventures will continue with the next book in the series, “The League of Governors”. I look forward to reading it!
March 6, 2016
The Rampart Guards was an awesome book! I was actually not familiar with cryptozoology at all. This was my first time hearing about it. One of the things I actually love about this book is the backstory of the book. The idea came from an episode of a tv show that the author watched. I just thought that was so cool.
Wendy Terrien is, without a doubt, a talented writer. The writing, storyline, character development, all were impeccable.
And much to my delight, another fresh idea in the paranormal genre. I've definitely been on a paranormal kick lately and reading new ideas makes it even better.
Jason, the main character was a true protagonist and a relatable character.
I definitely enjoyed this, even though its targeted more for middle grade. I look forward to adding more from Wendy Terrien.
I give The Rampart Guards four stars.
Also thank you to Samantha Lien at Roger Charlie and the author, Wendy Terrien for providing me with a review copy of The Rampart Guards.
Wendy Terrien is, without a doubt, a talented writer. The writing, storyline, character development, all were impeccable.
And much to my delight, another fresh idea in the paranormal genre. I've definitely been on a paranormal kick lately and reading new ideas makes it even better.
Jason, the main character was a true protagonist and a relatable character.
I definitely enjoyed this, even though its targeted more for middle grade. I look forward to adding more from Wendy Terrien.
I give The Rampart Guards four stars.
Also thank you to Samantha Lien at Roger Charlie and the author, Wendy Terrien for providing me with a review copy of The Rampart Guards.
February 23, 2016
With strong character development and intriguing imaginative world ‘The Rampart Guard’ by Wendy Terrien is definitely distinctive. The cover of this book doesn’t make it look appealing. So, simple tip, don’t judge a book by its cover.
The author has great command over the words; she has created an intrigue world which seems more realistic. The character of Jason, a fourteen year old kid is well portrayed. He dealt with many obstacles and finally embraced the truth, which destiny had decided for him. The writing style is crisp and none of the scenes are exaggerated. The plot of the story is simple and the story line moves with smooth pace.
The only thing I want to highlight that if I were a high school student, then I would’ve enjoyed the story a little more. I will give it 3.75 out of 5 stars for the well story line and author’s writing style. This novel is appealing to those, who’re high school students or paranormal, fantasy and adventure fans.
The author has great command over the words; she has created an intrigue world which seems more realistic. The character of Jason, a fourteen year old kid is well portrayed. He dealt with many obstacles and finally embraced the truth, which destiny had decided for him. The writing style is crisp and none of the scenes are exaggerated. The plot of the story is simple and the story line moves with smooth pace.
The only thing I want to highlight that if I were a high school student, then I would’ve enjoyed the story a little more. I will give it 3.75 out of 5 stars for the well story line and author’s writing style. This novel is appealing to those, who’re high school students or paranormal, fantasy and adventure fans.
February 28, 2016
3.5 stars.
This book was so interesting! I had no idea a job like cryptozoology even existed, but now I do and I loved reading about it. The premise of this book is so unique and the action gripped me from start to finish.
Jason as a protagonist was great as he felt like someone who wouldn't normally be the main character of a story. However, that just made me like him more as he felt so relatable.
I really enjoyed the fact that this book focuses so heavily on family and how this big tradition of being a Guard runs in the family.
Despite this being a fantasy novel, none of the circumstances in which Jason finds himself in felt over-the-top or unnecessary, as Terrien has the ability to make everything seem relatable, particularly the grieving parts of this book.
Overall this is a fun Middle Grade novel that I would recommend to young lovers of magic and supernatural creatures.
This book was so interesting! I had no idea a job like cryptozoology even existed, but now I do and I loved reading about it. The premise of this book is so unique and the action gripped me from start to finish.
Jason as a protagonist was great as he felt like someone who wouldn't normally be the main character of a story. However, that just made me like him more as he felt so relatable.
I really enjoyed the fact that this book focuses so heavily on family and how this big tradition of being a Guard runs in the family.
Despite this being a fantasy novel, none of the circumstances in which Jason finds himself in felt over-the-top or unnecessary, as Terrien has the ability to make everything seem relatable, particularly the grieving parts of this book.
Overall this is a fun Middle Grade novel that I would recommend to young lovers of magic and supernatural creatures.
April 4, 2016
I love this book. Whenever I started to read it, I got completely absorbed and could not stop. It mixes sadness and happiness to the perfect degree. Then that plot twist right smack dab in the middle of the book? Wow! That was something I definitely wasn’t expecting! Plus the degree of research into cryptology seems quite extensive. The imagery helped me to lunge right into Jason’s world. And that Cover art is beyond amazing.
P.S. I had to look up sky fish to know what they look like because I did not expect them to actually be rods but when I looked it up I saw that you described them perfectly.
I received a paperback copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Wendy, for this opportunity!
P.S. I had to look up sky fish to know what they look like because I did not expect them to actually be rods but when I looked it up I saw that you described them perfectly.
I received a paperback copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Wendy, for this opportunity!
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