A young boy longs to be a knight. A drastic invasion destroys his home. Will a childish dream be enough to save the ones he loves?
Eager to escape his suffocating life, Jahrys Grent trains daily to fulfill his dream of becoming a knight. But he gets more than he bargained for when mysterious invaders attack and destroy his home. Trapped outside the castle walls, Jahrys uses his knightly instincts to survive in the hope of seeing the ones he loves again.
Anguished and betrayed, he joins the Retrievers—a rebel group designed to locate supplies for inhabitants of the castle. After learning of a secret mission that could grant him his dream, he doesn’t hesitate to pursue it. But things are not as they seem, and the danger he faces makes him realize there’s only one way to save his home from the dark sorcery that plagues it: Give up his road to knighthood, and rise up to become something far greater.
It’s kill or be killed out in the Junkland. Has Jahrys’s childhood dream prepared him for the darkness to come?
If you are a lover of fairy tales with heroic knights and rebellious princesses, then pick up your copy of Junkland today and find out if every fairy tale ends with a happily ever after.
Born and raised in Ramsey, New Jersey, Patrick Johns attended university at Virginia Tech, obtaining an engineering and mathematics degree. Go Hokies! However, writing is Patrick’s true passion. After writing his first novel, Junkland, the first book in The Hoarding series, Patrick left his engineering job to teach English in Spain and pursue writing. Four years later, Patrick returned to his roots to connect and spread his joy for books with readers all over New Jersey. When he’s not writing, managing his literary magazine, The Kraken’s Spire, and teaching English, he’s surfing, hiking, traveling, or writing music.
Jahrys is all of us-- everyone who's ever had a dream, or a wish to be different. Jahrys is a protagonist you can root for, and root for him I did! I also loved Alana; she's a realistic female lead, which isn't always the case. She's kind and fearless. I also loved the characters of the Poolesguard.
What I liked most about this novel was the hint at an impressive past and the mystery-- something big is coming, and I can't wait to find out what! Some of my favorite parts were of Partha, and I'm aching to better understand the magic of the spheres.
I laughed at several points--I even cried--and with those two, you know it's a great read. Johns has created an extensive world of fantasy, full of unique and unknown magic, and a history full of incredible characters. I'm anxiously awaiting the sequel-- I hope the mysteries of the past (especially Partha and her family) are revealed.
Junkland is a story that I could relate to (not to magic or being a knight) but each of the characters has something they want and something they believe in, and the main character Jahrys's (O'Jahrys) desire to be a knight is no different. I think that in every person's life, they wanted to be something, perhaps without fully understanding the meaning of that desire. Jahrys grows up fast, and it is neat to watch him change from situation to situation always striving to keep his ideals. There are a few grammatical errors, but if you can see your way past that, you're in for a fun/action filled adventure somewhere between a dystopian novel and a fairy tale. I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for the next in The Hoarding series.
It is an adventurous book about a boy called Jahrys, who trains himself hard to become a knight someday. He thinks that heroes are not fearless, but might be scared and still believe in themselves and fight for their country bravely.
Through the book, this journey is described mainly through three different viewpoints: 1) Jahrys, who dreams to become a knight to save the country from the Hoarders, 2) Alana, who is a princess whose father lost his parents and his beloved wife due to the sickness and leaves the castle’s gate shut since then and 3) Piller, who is the captain of the knights and wonders if keeping the gate shut and guarding it all day is the right thing to do as a knight although people scream outside the castle due to the hoarding.
While reading the book, I was wondering what I would do if I were Jahrys, Alana and Piller and who is similar to my personality. Then after half the book, the story changes dramatically due to one plot and moves at high speed. It is a well-plotted story and all the events are connected to a surprising conclusion. All the actions are described thoroughly as if I were in the story, and I was sincerely cheering on Jahrys to save the country and be a hero! I loved that some of words to inspire Jahrys’s army as a leader and what he thinks heroes are: heroes believe in themselves!
This is the type of the story I don’t normally read, but I enjoyed it! Thank you very much for gifting me this copy @patrickjohnswrites ! Look forward to reading the next adventure “The Lost Soul”.
I almost DNF, but I'm glad I did! Because holy hell that ending
To start: I absolutely loved the audio ook narrator of this book, he was amazing!
But let's get started on the story:
It is clear that this is a debut book. That is not necessarily a bad thing. It just means that there is still room for improvement in the pace, different pov's and writing. Which I'm sure the author will improve upon in his next books 🤗
This book has several POV's which I always love. Although I have to admit that in some spots the extra POV's weren't really necessary, and in some spots where I really wanted another one, I didn't get one. The author most likely has his reasons for this, but it still made the story a tad repetive sometimes.
The story line itself and the concept was absolutely amazing! I had never thought of Medieval dystopian, and I'm absolutely here for it! It fit perfectly! Although in the beginning we did get a big info dumb (which is not unusual for fantasy books)
All in all, not a bad book, especially for a debut one! I can't wait to see the author's next work
Junkland is a masterclass in world building. As I went through the novel I was thoroughly convinced by the world that was set up. The characters are believable, each experiencing their own relatable high and low points throughout the story. The multiple perspectives used also kept me engaged into the entire setting, not just that of a single character. The kingdom of Astenpoole established within Junkland feels like a real place, with its own his history, legends, and traditions. It was a joy to follow the characters along within the kingdom, and watch how they all grew and changed over the course of the story.
By the end, I was left wanting more and excited to read about more stories that could take place within this world and about the characters that inhabit it. The potential seems truly limitless as the setting is rich, filled with life, and not afraid to change up the status quo. I'll be looking forward to whatever comes next in The Hoarding series!
It was quick and easy read with an amazing world of imagination. Author has created a truly unique world, where a traditional Medieval world with stories about knights and princesses turns into a sci-fi world with lots of twists and tension. And there’s always the intrigue that makes you want to turn page after page and leads a reader to an unexpected ending. There was some things in the story that seemed unnecessary and relationships between Jahrys and Princess Alana seemed more suitable for these days. The beginning of the book was slow but the middle of it started to pull into a story and I couldn't stop reading until the last page. Junkland is about adventures, friendship, love, loss, fight and, most importantly, growing. I wanted to shout “How could you??” at the end :D Author has really surprised me with some choices. But it was good and intense ending. And yet it left a huge intrigue
I was kindly gifted an audiobook copy of Junkland: The Hoarding by Patrick John's to listen to before reading Book 2 The Lost Soul, as I'm part of the book tour in June.
The genre of book is a bit out of my comfort zone but I'm always open to something new, and being able to listen to Junkland on audible was a real eye-opener for me. I've spent many enjoyable hours listening while pottering about in my greenhouse. I really enjoyed the journey I went on with Jahrys. He really fights for what he believes in. He's dreamt of being a Knight. However this wasn't just a story about knights and princesses in a castle. I loved the dystopian storyline, coupled with a sci-fi feel. Fast paced with twists and turns. I'm excited to read book 2 and continue Jahrys' journey.
“Junkland” by Patrick Johns is an intense mix of adventure, sci-fi, romance, and fantasy that will have readers hooked from the first page. Everything about this story is light-humored, full of non-stop action, with a variety of characters audiences will immediately take a liking to. Anyone who enjoys a fun, addictive read will enjoy jumping into the “Junkland.”
The story is told from the perspective of three main characters: Jahrys Grent (the son of a winemaker), Alana (the daughter of the King of Astenpoole), and Sir Piller (one of the King’s Knights). These three characters are connected by an event that destroys the place they have called home and irrevocably changes it into an unrecognizable land of junk where death lurks around every corner. When the people of Astenpoole become divided by those within the castle walls and those outside, it becomes a desperate fight for survival. As more people Jahrys’ cares about begins to perish in this strange new world, the only hope to overcome the threats that plague his homeland is by getting within the castle walls and convincing the King and his people to fight—a task that is far more difficult and dangerous than Jahrys could ever imagine.
The world-building in this was amazing. There are different kingdoms, a group of knights, a kickass princess, hilarious common people, faraway lands, magic, and sorcery, along with unusual objects and machinery. It seems like a lot to comprehend, but all of it is woven flawlessly into the story. The only part that felt slightly jarring was the three-year-leap in time at the beginning in which a major event took place. It seemed as though the reader was missing out on a bit of action but it picked up seamlessly afterward.
On top of the world-building, the character development in this was crazy good. There’s a very diverse cast of characters that expand and grow as the novel progresses. Johns creates characters that are easily likable—including the villain! There were a few times in the novel I had to remind myself that the person I’m suddenly sympathizing with is someone I’m most definitely not supposed to like. Which for me, doesn’t happen very often in the books I read. Even enjoying several characters doesn’t happen too often because unless they’re the main two, they usually fade into the background. Instead, it felt like each one had their own personality, quirks, sense of humor, and talent that helps drive the story and make it interesting.
If “Junkland” hasn’t been on your radar, it is now! Pick it up and give it a read or add it to your reading lists for the future. This is one book you don’t want to miss out on!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Junkland. At times I couldn't put down the book as I needed to know what happened next. I loved the world building and original ideas we saw in Johns' first book. Can't wait to see how he progresses as a writer and follow the journeys of Jahrys and company in the Lost Soul.
I enjoyed this medieval story that had some sci-fi elements. The songs in the book were great, and we had a smart chicken that I loved! The story had a bunch of surprising twists! I feel like the writing needs a bit of polishing. Great debut novel but it ended with so many unanswered questions ahhhg
The author brought me into a unique and imaginative new world with this book! Adding his combination of love and action to the plot made it very hard for me to put down. I would definitely recommend this book!
Absolutely loved this book. Jahrys is such a loveable character. He is a hopeful dreamer and fights for what he wants! Very excited for the second book coming out this year
This book is perfect for any fantasy lover. It's got everything from adventure to drama to romance. I fell in love with the characters and you will too! Can’t wait to dive into book #2!
I am looking forward to reading the next book! The story was full of unexpected plot twists. If you like fantasy and adventure then this book is for you!
I thoroughly enjoyed this epic tale of knights and faraway kingdoms. The author has created characters I truly care about and an exciting plot that was a page-turner. I highly recommend it!
I gotta say I thoroughly enjoyed Junkland. It's an innovative take on the fantasy genre, the juxtaposition between two vastly unfamiliar worlds, executed through a compelling narrative and shrouded in a healthy dose of mystery. I'm excited to read the next one!
Junkland is not your typical retelling. Patrick has this innate ability I take something and make it his. Junkland follows the story a Jahrys Grent from his humbled beginngs as a young boy who dreamt of glory, to a young man who was faced with impossible emotional challenges to over come. I love the pacing of this story, it was actually probably my favorite thing about Patrick’s writing. It’s so hard to describe. The beginning is what would be called “slow”. Innocent and sweet. It showed the main characters living their lives and really took the time to establish a sort of routine. But the thing about it was that this section wasn’t boring. It was as interesting as the rest of the story and I honestly think it added so much. The plot itself is very interesting and leaves you with so many questions. This book doesn’t end off leaving you satisfied . It makes you hungry for more. There’s so much about the main character left to discover and it’s entire world. My biggest issue was that I felt some things were rushed and overlooked. There were some characters I wish we could’ve gotten to see more of like Nadia, Sir Pillar, and Willem. There were scenes that were pushed past and needed to be detailed so we could really feel what the autor was trying to portray. It just felt a little empty at times and it made it hard to connect with the characters
Overall I liked this story and I’m excited to dive into part two
We are all Jahrys! This was a wonderful novel. The world was well thought out and the characters all were uniquely relatable. I found myself longing to have a conversation, have some fine ales, and sing drunkenly at the Archelayne (sp?) with Jahrys and his band of friends! I listened to the audio book on audible and especially enjoyed the original songs and the narration. Highly recommend!
What a great story Patrick has developed! A truly unique land with some fantastic science fiction aspects. Jarhys is a character that anyone can relate to whether it be the responsibility to his land and friends, or finding a true love. Alana also goes through a great deal of character development from her introduction to the final moments of the book. Turns out she isn't just a damsel in distress! Highly recommend this book as it sets up a fantastic world that seemingly will only get more magical!
The Hoarding Series by Patrick Johns Junkland - Publication Date: November 2017 The Lost Soul - Publication Date: June 2021 .
Junkland “Jahrys Grent, a young boy from Palor, has only one dream: to become a knight. While he works in his father’s shop, he daydreams of fearless knights from tales long ago. He longs to save a princess from treacherous outlaws, overthrow cruel kings, and explore the lands beyond the Farrest Sea and the Western Mountains. He believes that a knight fears nothing—until the Hoarding comes to Astenpoole and he experiences fear firsthand. With his family gone and his home destroyed, Jahrys is one of many whose life is turned upside down when he is left abandoned outside the castle walls by the once loved king. In order to survive, Jahrys is forced to become a Retriever, locating things beyond the castle walls in the Junkland for inhabitants of the castle. When one mission puts him and his friends in danger, he realizes the only way to stop the Hoarding is to get into the castle and find the mysterious princess he had fallen in love with three years before.” . The Lost Soul “Jahrys Grent, now King of Astenpoole, is faced with restoring the kingdom and cleaning up the Junkland. While King Jahrys reshapes the kingdom, dealing with lords and knights, word of another sorceress, Emilia Danell, reaches Astenpoole. Preparing for another fight, Jahrys worries that Emilia comes for the same reason as the previous sorceress, Nadia Danell. Once Emilia reaches Astenpoole, Jahrys quickly realizes things are not as they seem. With nightmares plaguing him, and a power he doesn’t understand, The Lost Soul takes Jahrys on a quest beyond the Western Mountains and into his destiny.” . Thank you to @patrickjohnswrites for the digital copies of the books in return for my honest review. Also, thank you for inviting me to your book tour. Support #indieauthors . . My thoughts… Junkland and The Lost Soul are books one and two, respectively, from The Hoarding series. Both books were quick reads and overall the characters were fun, albeit corny at times, but I think that was the point, making them more relatable to the readers. The theme “junkland” gave it a dystopian feel in a middle-grade/YA scifi-fantasy book. The characters developed well from book one to book two: different personalities, from the main characters, evolved to endure loss and find love. A coming-of-age story in a world full of unrest, but also filled with hope.
This book was amazing! Definitely a lot of action and a super interesting storyline. It kinda felt like I was reading a scifi and old time fairytale plot combination. After reading the first couple of chapters I was hooked. The story is very detailed and you are able to paint a picture in your head of what Junkland looks like, the personality of characters, setting, etc. which I appreciate. I personally thought the beginning was a bit slow but the pace quickens up smoothly. I also highly enjoyed how the chapters are told from different characters perspectives, but tie into one another so you aren't constantly shifting back and forth between storylines (which can be annoying and confusing if not done right, but this book NAILED IT!). There were also a lot of twists and turns, as well as a bit of a suspenseful ending (literally couldn't stop reading it). I can't wait until the second book is released!
I had so much fun in this world; Junkland is a twist on a few familiar stories but in a whole new way! The main character is a retriever, hired to run through the land of junk that is his home to retrieve whatever the hiring patron is looking for. There are laser guns and creative weapons within the story, as well as a love interest storyline and a pet chicken named Miller. Entertaining and engaging, I think I binge-read this in a few days, despite its longer length. I am heading into book two asap!
*I received this book for free to feature the author in my podcast, Read It With Whiskey.
The first portion of the novels sets it up as a classic knight’s tale, where the main character dreams of chivalry and falls in love with the princess. This included the Insta-love trope, which I generally don’t like. The book does take an interesting turn later in the novel, but I wasn’t interested enough in the characters to continue.
Junkland is a wonderfully written story. I felt very connected to the characters and could easily place myself in this new world. It is a book I could not put down and left me anxiously anticipating the next book!