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The Tapestry #2
Drugie oblężenie
Tajemnicza księga, złe moce i podróż, niebezpieczna jak ciemne lasy Schwarzwaldu – oto, co wypełnia drugą część fantastyczno-przygodowej trylogii, pełnej zaskakujących zdarzeń i emocji.
Max i David, koledzy ze szkoły, podejmują wielką wyprawę, by odnaleźć Księgę Thotha – ukryte arcydzieło o sekretach tworzenia. Muszą to zrobić, nim księga wpadnie w ręce demona Astarotha, bo inaczej świat czeka katastrofa. Chłopcy wyruszają do Europy, a nawet jeszcze dalej, poza granicę Ziemi... Czy pokonają Zło?
Największy przebój czytelniczy od czasów „Harry’ego Pottera”!
Max i David, koledzy ze szkoły, podejmują wielką wyprawę, by odnaleźć Księgę Thotha – ukryte arcydzieło o sekretach tworzenia. Muszą to zrobić, nim księga wpadnie w ręce demona Astarotha, bo inaczej świat czeka katastrofa. Chłopcy wyruszają do Europy, a nawet jeszcze dalej, poza granicę Ziemi... Czy pokonają Zło?
Największy przebój czytelniczy od czasów „Harry’ego Pottera”!
492 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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3543 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews
June 5, 2008
I'm very excited about this book - the second in The Tapestry series. It is an altogether bigger book - the pace, scale, and stakes all jump a notch relative to the first book, The Hound of Rowan: Book One of the Tapestry. I hope you enjoy it! Henry Neff
June 4, 2019
Rowan Academy, the enchanted boarding school that is home to thirteen-year-old Max McDaniels and hundreds of other students in the magical arts, has a brief moment to relax. Having escaped confinement, Astaroth is sure to attack eventually, but until then Max and his friend David Menlo can focus on training for the final battle against the all-powerful Demon. The respite ends when Dame Mala, a witch, visits Rowan to make a demand: centuries ago the school's founder, Elias Bram, promised that the witches could take any two students to permanently keep. In return Elias received the Book of Thoth, which could destroy the world if it fell into Astaroth's hands. Now the time has come for Rowan to complete their end of the agreement by handing Max and David over to the witches. The school's Director, Ms. Richter, has no desire to relinquish two of her best students, but the witches will terrorize Rowan if their demands aren't satisfied. What will befall Max and David in captivity?
They needn't have worried. Agent William Cooper and Miss Boon, a teacher, flee Rowan with the boys. Cooper employs every tactic he knows to evade the witches hunting them down, but there's more to worry about than Dame Mala. Astaroth is coming, and he's worse than any witch. For months the refugees from Rowan remain on the run, taking a circuitous path back to the academy. The situation here is no more settled than before their departure.
"Beware the flatterers of the world...for what is music to the ears may be poison to the soul."
—David, The Second Siege, P. 89
Minor mysteries from before Dame Mala's visit offer clues to Astaroth's grand plan. Why did Julie Teller, a girl Max grew close with during their first year at the school, ignore him at the beginning of their second year? Was there more to her behavior than the unpredictability of a preteen girl interacting with a boy she likes? What is the truth behind Mr. Sikes, the miniature imp that Connor Lynch uses to bolster his grades? David, whose talent for magic eclipses even Max's, warned Connor not to trust Mr. Sikes, but is the imp as sinister as David suspected? Another journey lies ahead for Max and David, into the realm of Astaroth. The boys must locate the Book of Thoth before the Demon does, but there's a second reason for the journey. A message from Astaroth indicates that Max's mother, who mysteriously disappeared a few years ago, in this realm. What sacrifices will Max need to make if he wants a reunion? Astaroth is too potent even for Max and David's combined energies to stop, but can they prevent him from annihilating Rowan and all its inhabitants? Is there hope that the war with Astaroth is winnable as the Tapestry series moves forward?
The Second Siege is more than a reloaded version of The Hound of Rowan. Max and his companions are away from the school much of the time, whereas the first book centered on drama and action at the academy. The story is long and paced oddly, but Max and David's few victories feel more legitimate because of their enemy's strength. Their struggle with Astaroth is not between roughly equal opponents; the Demon is unimaginably powerful, and it's hard to see how he could be defeated. Book three, The Fiend and the Forge, is considerably longer than The Second Siege, but I look forward to how the series develops as it approaches the halfway point. I'll see you there.
They needn't have worried. Agent William Cooper and Miss Boon, a teacher, flee Rowan with the boys. Cooper employs every tactic he knows to evade the witches hunting them down, but there's more to worry about than Dame Mala. Astaroth is coming, and he's worse than any witch. For months the refugees from Rowan remain on the run, taking a circuitous path back to the academy. The situation here is no more settled than before their departure.
"Beware the flatterers of the world...for what is music to the ears may be poison to the soul."
—David, The Second Siege, P. 89
Minor mysteries from before Dame Mala's visit offer clues to Astaroth's grand plan. Why did Julie Teller, a girl Max grew close with during their first year at the school, ignore him at the beginning of their second year? Was there more to her behavior than the unpredictability of a preteen girl interacting with a boy she likes? What is the truth behind Mr. Sikes, the miniature imp that Connor Lynch uses to bolster his grades? David, whose talent for magic eclipses even Max's, warned Connor not to trust Mr. Sikes, but is the imp as sinister as David suspected? Another journey lies ahead for Max and David, into the realm of Astaroth. The boys must locate the Book of Thoth before the Demon does, but there's a second reason for the journey. A message from Astaroth indicates that Max's mother, who mysteriously disappeared a few years ago, in this realm. What sacrifices will Max need to make if he wants a reunion? Astaroth is too potent even for Max and David's combined energies to stop, but can they prevent him from annihilating Rowan and all its inhabitants? Is there hope that the war with Astaroth is winnable as the Tapestry series moves forward?
The Second Siege is more than a reloaded version of The Hound of Rowan. Max and his companions are away from the school much of the time, whereas the first book centered on drama and action at the academy. The story is long and paced oddly, but Max and David's few victories feel more legitimate because of their enemy's strength. Their struggle with Astaroth is not between roughly equal opponents; the Demon is unimaginably powerful, and it's hard to see how he could be defeated. Book three, The Fiend and the Forge, is considerably longer than The Second Siege, but I look forward to how the series develops as it approaches the halfway point. I'll see you there.
April 24, 2009
This book bothered me so much, I was just like, rolling my eyes and sighing frustratedly every few minutes. Ugh. Okay, so this'll probably be more of a rant than a review, but whatev.
Characters: 4/10
Okay, so, first we have this Max person, who's gonna save the world (and you know it!) and who's also, y'know, 13, and the author makes him act like he's 30. I mean, honestly. I hate authors who write children like adults. Interestingly, these writers are almost always adults. (That's why I enjoyed the Outsiders more, I guess.)
And then he's like all compassionate- with no boundaries. Pfft. Within the range of human emotion there's always boundaries. And if there's not, it should be looked upon as a "neutral" trait- not a strength or weakness, because whether it is one of those depends entirely on the situation the person's in (writing and plot wise, of course).
And don't even get me started on- Okay, so he is basically subverting the stereotype that "adults don't trust their lives with little children"- but it's happened so much that it's simply ridiculous. What is he, a martyr? A hero? Okay, so... but you're putting your life on the line based on some myths? Heck, how brainless and unmolded by the world is this society? He could be a sociopath for all you know, and just act nice on the outside. Max is not particularly smart either- at the end of the book, I feel he could've gone over to Astaroth's side and kinda spied for the Rowan people, which gives him a huge advantage when the Big Battle comes, 'cos Astaroth would fight against him with th bias that Max once worked for him, and the betrayal would be like sweet revenge for all that Mr. Sikes did.
But no... everyone likes him. Even The Guys Want Him.
...Gary Stu, anyone?
David is a little better written, but not by much. He IS much more likeable, though.
Almost everyone and everything else is just plain ole archetypes of fantasy fiction. Like witches being old and all that. I mean, they're sort of different, but they're still old, and that's the longest-standing witch stereotype there is.
(He should take writing lessons from Terry Pratchett. ^^)
One thing I enjoyed, though, was Astaroth. Never mind that his name was synonymous with the devil (hey- maybe that's why he turned bad!). Simply, the Orochimaru likeness was startling. Black hair, creepy eyes... HELLO?! Oh yeah, and pedophiliac tendencies.
Orochimaru: For the last time, I AM NOT MICHAEL JACKSON'S BROTHER!
Anyway...
In terms of character development, I would say Dr. Rasmussen is the winner. Yeah, sad, I know.
Plot/Pacing: 6/10
I was surprised by how many catastrophes there were in this book. I mean, really. It's like he doesn't even care what happens to his characters (see below). It's fine to throw in a couple MEANINGUFUL deaths/bad things, but he just makes the book look like the Great Plot Melting Pot. Oops, bad pun. ^^'
And then he has a case of They Won't Stay Dead Syndrome, where he presses the Die button and later (hastily) presses the Revive button. Examples: Cooper, multiple times. Ms. Richter. And that old guy, what's his name. Even his mother dying wasn't enough to redeem the emotional aspect of the book, and I usually break down pretty easily. I don't know, it just seemed too.. Idealistic? No... it just didn't have a personal feel to it. It was his life, and I had nothing to empathize with.
The Sidh part was really weird, too. If I was a free-thinking individial latched to the upward spires of reality, I would probably think I'd gone insane. I mean, c'mon. Sailing through the sky, getting out of the atmosphere, going through deep space (which has no air if you don't remember, it's one huge vacuum).. I have no idea what happened. Magic is magic, but it also has to make sense. Did they sail into the moon, or what? And then it's like a version of Alice in Wonderland, or whatever.
(Not to mention the-supposedly- large amount of character development he went through there... which took a total of 2 pages to get through. Yeah, training's pretty easy for our hero.)
The ending surprised me too, and not in a good way. Heck, Neff's gonna have one big mess to clean up in the third book, and I hope it wouldn't be as cheesy as the conclusions to most fantasy series- aka, Good Defeats Evil, Everyone is Happy, Thanks to Our Hero.
Writing Style: 4/10
Oh. My. Gawd. Neff doesn't have enough of a voice to entertain a cockroach. He says what happens. That's all. There's no sign that he's enjoying this- in fact, during several parts it positively felt like he hated writing this part of the book- LITERALLY. Not because some character was dying. He just didn't want to write it.
There are pwetty phrases here and there- "opiate of water" and such. But it's like he's using a fancy verb for everything the characters do, instead of tellin' it like it is. Maybe that's just a personal preference though, I don't know. I'm too used to pTerry's wonderful writing to get used to this kind of hardcore fantasy, I guess.
His lack of introspection also made me feel like no one was feeling anything, especially Max. Look, you've got third-person perspective- MILK IT FOR ALL IT'S WORTH. Even Rowling managaes to make Harry sound believable- Here, he sometimes doesn't even give the basic details of what he's feeling. Show, not Tell, sure... but Tell sometimes too! Story TELLER, remember? This is not a screenplay!
I sometimes say too much of a writing voice is bad... I'm scratchin' that now.
Overall: 4/10
Pure fantasy, nothing deep. It frustrated me, an omnivorous reader, very much... but maybe that's because I've read great classics like 1984 and Lord of the Flies. Heh, I wonder how well Max would do against pure, human savagery... .
Characters: 4/10
Okay, so, first we have this Max person, who's gonna save the world (and you know it!) and who's also, y'know, 13, and the author makes him act like he's 30. I mean, honestly. I hate authors who write children like adults. Interestingly, these writers are almost always adults. (That's why I enjoyed the Outsiders more, I guess.)
And then he's like all compassionate- with no boundaries. Pfft. Within the range of human emotion there's always boundaries. And if there's not, it should be looked upon as a "neutral" trait- not a strength or weakness, because whether it is one of those depends entirely on the situation the person's in (writing and plot wise, of course).
And don't even get me started on- Okay, so he is basically subverting the stereotype that "adults don't trust their lives with little children"- but it's happened so much that it's simply ridiculous. What is he, a martyr? A hero? Okay, so... but you're putting your life on the line based on some myths? Heck, how brainless and unmolded by the world is this society? He could be a sociopath for all you know, and just act nice on the outside. Max is not particularly smart either- at the end of the book, I feel he could've gone over to Astaroth's side and kinda spied for the Rowan people, which gives him a huge advantage when the Big Battle comes, 'cos Astaroth would fight against him with th bias that Max once worked for him, and the betrayal would be like sweet revenge for all that Mr. Sikes did.
But no... everyone likes him. Even The Guys Want Him.
...Gary Stu, anyone?
David is a little better written, but not by much. He IS much more likeable, though.
Almost everyone and everything else is just plain ole archetypes of fantasy fiction. Like witches being old and all that. I mean, they're sort of different, but they're still old, and that's the longest-standing witch stereotype there is.
(He should take writing lessons from Terry Pratchett. ^^)
One thing I enjoyed, though, was Astaroth. Never mind that his name was synonymous with the devil (hey- maybe that's why he turned bad!). Simply, the Orochimaru likeness was startling. Black hair, creepy eyes... HELLO?! Oh yeah, and pedophiliac tendencies.
Orochimaru: For the last time, I AM NOT MICHAEL JACKSON'S BROTHER!
Anyway...
In terms of character development, I would say Dr. Rasmussen is the winner. Yeah, sad, I know.
Plot/Pacing: 6/10
I was surprised by how many catastrophes there were in this book. I mean, really. It's like he doesn't even care what happens to his characters (see below). It's fine to throw in a couple MEANINGUFUL deaths/bad things, but he just makes the book look like the Great Plot Melting Pot. Oops, bad pun. ^^'
And then he has a case of They Won't Stay Dead Syndrome, where he presses the Die button and later (hastily) presses the Revive button. Examples: Cooper, multiple times. Ms. Richter. And that old guy, what's his name. Even his mother dying wasn't enough to redeem the emotional aspect of the book, and I usually break down pretty easily. I don't know, it just seemed too.. Idealistic? No... it just didn't have a personal feel to it. It was his life, and I had nothing to empathize with.
The Sidh part was really weird, too. If I was a free-thinking individial latched to the upward spires of reality, I would probably think I'd gone insane. I mean, c'mon. Sailing through the sky, getting out of the atmosphere, going through deep space (which has no air if you don't remember, it's one huge vacuum).. I have no idea what happened. Magic is magic, but it also has to make sense. Did they sail into the moon, or what? And then it's like a version of Alice in Wonderland, or whatever.
(Not to mention the-supposedly- large amount of character development he went through there... which took a total of 2 pages to get through. Yeah, training's pretty easy for our hero.)
The ending surprised me too, and not in a good way. Heck, Neff's gonna have one big mess to clean up in the third book, and I hope it wouldn't be as cheesy as the conclusions to most fantasy series- aka, Good Defeats Evil, Everyone is Happy, Thanks to Our Hero.
Writing Style: 4/10
Oh. My. Gawd. Neff doesn't have enough of a voice to entertain a cockroach. He says what happens. That's all. There's no sign that he's enjoying this- in fact, during several parts it positively felt like he hated writing this part of the book- LITERALLY. Not because some character was dying. He just didn't want to write it.
There are pwetty phrases here and there- "opiate of water" and such. But it's like he's using a fancy verb for everything the characters do, instead of tellin' it like it is. Maybe that's just a personal preference though, I don't know. I'm too used to pTerry's wonderful writing to get used to this kind of hardcore fantasy, I guess.
His lack of introspection also made me feel like no one was feeling anything, especially Max. Look, you've got third-person perspective- MILK IT FOR ALL IT'S WORTH. Even Rowling managaes to make Harry sound believable- Here, he sometimes doesn't even give the basic details of what he's feeling. Show, not Tell, sure... but Tell sometimes too! Story TELLER, remember? This is not a screenplay!
I sometimes say too much of a writing voice is bad... I'm scratchin' that now.
Overall: 4/10
Pure fantasy, nothing deep. It frustrated me, an omnivorous reader, very much... but maybe that's because I've read great classics like 1984 and Lord of the Flies. Heh, I wonder how well Max would do against pure, human savagery... .
October 9, 2008
The Hound of Rowan set the tone for this exciting series--introducing us to the intriguing characters and world of Rowan Academy with warmth, humor and a fantastical dose of magic. The Second Siege turns that world upside down, starting with the arrival of a mysterious visitor who sets events into motion that will change Max's life—-and the world at large--forever.
Max and his roommate David embark on an epic journey that takes them away from the safety of Rowan into the chaos around them--from the burning streets of Spain to a wildly technocentric underworld in Frankfurt, Germany and an alternate, time-bending universe.
All of this is vividly laid out by Neff, who deftly balances the action with strong character development, emotional weight and moments of laughter to break the tension (hot diggity!). It's clear that while weaponry, physical strength and mysticism will help in the battle against the coldly cunning villain, Astaroth, the ultimate keys to survival are the bonds of friendship and love.
The Second Siege kicks The Tapestry into high gear. It's a darker, more thrilling tale that will draw kids deeper into this exciting and imaginative series.
Can't wait to see what happens next!
Max and his roommate David embark on an epic journey that takes them away from the safety of Rowan into the chaos around them--from the burning streets of Spain to a wildly technocentric underworld in Frankfurt, Germany and an alternate, time-bending universe.
All of this is vividly laid out by Neff, who deftly balances the action with strong character development, emotional weight and moments of laughter to break the tension (hot diggity!). It's clear that while weaponry, physical strength and mysticism will help in the battle against the coldly cunning villain, Astaroth, the ultimate keys to survival are the bonds of friendship and love.
The Second Siege kicks The Tapestry into high gear. It's a darker, more thrilling tale that will draw kids deeper into this exciting and imaginative series.
Can't wait to see what happens next!
September 20, 2011
Where "The Hound of Rowan: Book One of the Tapestry" sets the table, "The Second Siege: Book Two of the Tapestry" serves the feast. I was drawn pleasantly along in the first book sensing a story with remarkable potential and then like a roller coaster making its slow inexorable rise to the summit, the second book drops into free fall and you're on your way for a thrilling ride. All the characters you've come to know, the hero Max McDaniels, David Menlo, Conner, the enigmatic Cooper, and the staff of Rowan are all pulled headlong into the twists and turns of Henry Neff's very capable imaginings. As the storyline turns darker, he avoids predictability at every turn and in the end you're starving to move to the next installment. At the heart of the story the basic theme of good versus evil (sometimes in pretty raw form) constantly challenges Max, while he simultaneously deals with teenage and family issues. It's exciting to experience how he continues to rise to the occasion. Though the story is classified as young-adult fare, it easily engages adult audiences as well.
June 20, 2008
Imagine reading Harry Potter 1 and then reading Harry Potter 7 right after that. That's the speed at which Neff takes this newest installment his Tapestry series. I'm actually quite fond of these books. Yes, you could call them the American Harry Potter (with a bit of old-timey Celtic mythology thrown in for kicks) but how cool a premise is this: Your hero is not "the chosen one". He's the chosen one's bodyguard. Quite a killer ending too.
March 12, 2009
I am going to dare say that I was way more involved with the characters in this book than I was with the characters in Harry Potter. And this is just the second book! Since comparisons are inevitable, I am also going to say that I admired the way Neff brought the outside world into the magical world (or vice versa) much more than Rowling did, and how he acknowledged the tension between magic and technology--how they antagonized and benefited each other.
There were 2 parts where I was like--wait, what? Why are they reacting that way? But the rest of it won me over and made me--not forget, but put those qualms aside.
There were 2 parts where I was like--wait, what? Why are they reacting that way? But the rest of it won me over and made me--not forget, but put those qualms aside.
April 10, 2023
The story does a very good job of blurring myth, history, fantasy and the current world. Some aspects may seem less than credible at times, such as entire nations seeming to succumb to the Enemy in a matter of months, but honestly with magic and power hungry politicians I suppose most things are possible.
The new characters are really awesome. I always love Neff's characters, as they have a very real quirkiness about them.
With the revelation of secrets, Neff expertly guides the reader beyond our world and back without once being inconsistent or choppy.
Clearly, he is a brilliant story teller and can appreciate characters' eccentricities as compelling rather than off-putting. There are even moments of sheer brilliance, and it was great to see Max feel safe enough to be vulnerable with David.
Bravo. 3.5/5 (rounded to 4) stars because of the aspects that need to be worked upon.
Character Development
- Max's character seems to shift without much explanation, or at least reflection. It is not until the very end of the book that Neff focuses on the shift between the Max of Hound of Rowan and that of Second Siege. I literally am referring to the very end of the book. He's still courageous and a lover of personal and universal justice, but any quirks are non-existent. Perhaps this is simply the nature of the protagonist?
- David's character and his constant quirkiness and chronic cold is dimmed and at the same time called to the forefront. He plays a very large role in the story, which he deserves, yet I feel he gets the short end of the stick. David is admittedly my favorite character, and I was annoyed at how very unmoved he was at the loss of his dominant right hand. I would have been appeased by one moment of weakness from the strong, wonderful boy, but he only once mentioned that it was strange to not have his hand, claiming he could feel his nonexistent fingers itching. Bah, come on Davie. You're a frail little blonde with enormous power, but you're still 13. You wouldn't be so unaffected that you'd fail to realize that something very much a part of you such as your dominant hand would be stripped away.
- And don't worry about most other characters, they simply aren't developed, save Miss Boon and Cooper. As a word of encouragement, Neff portrays very interesting villains, who are equally well-developed.
Relationship Development
- The only potential relationship done right was that of Miss Boon and Cooper. I was thoroughly annoyed when Max kisses Sarah's hand—the girl he did not even want to consider going to the dance with the previous year—and even more enraged when Cynthia was decidedly thrust upon David as a consolation prize.
- In terms of non-romantic relationships, I was disappointed that Miss Boon never made an appearance or even was mentioned after the group had returned. She never visisted David in the medical wing or anything. She just faded to the background. I was annoyed simply because she seemed to be stepping in as one of the most central characters, only to shuffle back once characters with great potential like Lucia, Cynthia, Sarah, and Connor took her place at Max's side.
The new characters are really awesome. I always love Neff's characters, as they have a very real quirkiness about them.
With the revelation of secrets, Neff expertly guides the reader beyond our world and back without once being inconsistent or choppy.
Clearly, he is a brilliant story teller and can appreciate characters' eccentricities as compelling rather than off-putting. There are even moments of sheer brilliance, and it was great to see Max feel safe enough to be vulnerable with David.
Bravo. 3.5/5 (rounded to 4) stars because of the aspects that need to be worked upon.
Character Development
- Max's character seems to shift without much explanation, or at least reflection. It is not until the very end of the book that Neff focuses on the shift between the Max of Hound of Rowan and that of Second Siege. I literally am referring to the very end of the book. He's still courageous and a lover of personal and universal justice, but any quirks are non-existent. Perhaps this is simply the nature of the protagonist?
- David's character and his constant quirkiness and chronic cold is dimmed and at the same time called to the forefront. He plays a very large role in the story, which he deserves, yet I feel he gets the short end of the stick. David is admittedly my favorite character, and I was annoyed at how very unmoved he was at the loss of his dominant right hand. I would have been appeased by one moment of weakness from the strong, wonderful boy, but he only once mentioned that it was strange to not have his hand, claiming he could feel his nonexistent fingers itching. Bah, come on Davie. You're a frail little blonde with enormous power, but you're still 13. You wouldn't be so unaffected that you'd fail to realize that something very much a part of you such as your dominant hand would be stripped away.
- And don't worry about most other characters, they simply aren't developed, save Miss Boon and Cooper. As a word of encouragement, Neff portrays very interesting villains, who are equally well-developed.
Relationship Development
- The only potential relationship done right was that of Miss Boon and Cooper. I was thoroughly annoyed when Max kisses Sarah's hand—the girl he did not even want to consider going to the dance with the previous year—and even more enraged when Cynthia was decidedly thrust upon David as a consolation prize.
- In terms of non-romantic relationships, I was disappointed that Miss Boon never made an appearance or even was mentioned after the group had returned. She never visisted David in the medical wing or anything. She just faded to the background. I was annoyed simply because she seemed to be stepping in as one of the most central characters, only to shuffle back once characters with great potential like Lucia, Cynthia, Sarah, and Connor took her place at Max's side.
June 3, 2021
The Second Siege is the second book in the Tapestry series. The book begins with a new school year at Rowan Academy. Max and David stayed at the school over the summer and Max's dad now lives at the school with them. (He's been recruited to work in the kitchen by Mum and Bob.) While Max is excelling at exercises and battle training, he knows he will have to use the skills outside of the Course soon. And he's right.
It all starts with the visit of a witch who makes a claim to Max and David. If they do not follow through, she says, Rowan will be cursed. Max and David must figure out what to do, which sends them running through war-torn countries. In the process, they learn more about Max's mother, the secrets of Rowan and the real purpose of the Kestral. And just when the two think they've figured all of it out, the second siege begins.
While the first book, The Hound of Rowan, was similar to Harry Potter, this sequel radiated more of a Percy Jackson vibe. The story is a long one and filled with many twists and turns. Some of the plot twists were cliche, and yet I was still shocked by them. That's good writing right there!
I had a little trouble remembering everything from the first book, since it had been a while, but once I got it all figured out reading it was a breeze. Well, no. Not exactly a breeze. The events and suspense had me very nervous. But again, that's just a sign of good writing!
The only part that I didn't like was when he's with the Sidh. I don't know much about them and I got pretty confused. It happened with another fantasy book too when the Sidh got involved, so I'm going to say that maybe it's just me. It's only two chapters and all you really need to know is that the world of the Sidh is very similar to Wonderland. Roads change, marching armies, riddles. Very similar. The rest of the book makes up for the slightly confusing part.
The story takes the time to build more on Max's character, as well as the people who accompany him on his journey. While we're on that note, the group that goes with him is most interesting and I loved it! It's not who you would expect, but once they get going, you see that it's actually a really well-balanced group. And on top of that, the balance of action was wonderful too! The timing for travel, battles and down time was realistic, which I always appreciate.
On the whole, the 476 pages of this book are worth your attention. If you don't believe me, start reading it. The book will steal you attention instead.
It all starts with the visit of a witch who makes a claim to Max and David. If they do not follow through, she says, Rowan will be cursed. Max and David must figure out what to do, which sends them running through war-torn countries. In the process, they learn more about Max's mother, the secrets of Rowan and the real purpose of the Kestral. And just when the two think they've figured all of it out, the second siege begins.
While the first book, The Hound of Rowan, was similar to Harry Potter, this sequel radiated more of a Percy Jackson vibe. The story is a long one and filled with many twists and turns. Some of the plot twists were cliche, and yet I was still shocked by them. That's good writing right there!
I had a little trouble remembering everything from the first book, since it had been a while, but once I got it all figured out reading it was a breeze. Well, no. Not exactly a breeze. The events and suspense had me very nervous. But again, that's just a sign of good writing!
The only part that I didn't like was when he's with the Sidh. I don't know much about them and I got pretty confused. It happened with another fantasy book too when the Sidh got involved, so I'm going to say that maybe it's just me. It's only two chapters and all you really need to know is that the world of the Sidh is very similar to Wonderland. Roads change, marching armies, riddles. Very similar. The rest of the book makes up for the slightly confusing part.
The story takes the time to build more on Max's character, as well as the people who accompany him on his journey. While we're on that note, the group that goes with him is most interesting and I loved it! It's not who you would expect, but once they get going, you see that it's actually a really well-balanced group. And on top of that, the balance of action was wonderful too! The timing for travel, battles and down time was realistic, which I always appreciate.
On the whole, the 476 pages of this book are worth your attention. If you don't believe me, start reading it. The book will steal you attention instead.
June 11, 2022
Actually I always loved this book a lot more than the first one.
First of all Cooper, I always enjoyed his character so much and I ship him so badly with a certain lady and I am pretty sure my ship practically sailed - I mean what more than handholding do you need?
Secondly I always enjoyed how much more Max becomes sure in his own powers and how he trains. Also we finally learn what happened to Max´s mother.
And like the whole world kind of falls apart. Interesting to watch. And even more interesting are the people during the war. Interests clash and betrayal to one might mean loyalty to others. I really liked the difference between people, small moments of heroism from unlikely places, weird alliances, that get broken and restored based on circumstances and so much more.
Among the betrayals one stood up as being the worst. Should have burned the traitor while we could.
And like Max is really cool in this book. Seriously overpowered even though he still does not have his legendary weapon.
Last of all I remembered why I stopped reading at this book. The end is not a cliffhanger. Of course many more battles will be fought, but we are ending a bit more peacefully. I intended to wait for the rest of the series to get translated, but it never happened.
Also I wanna see Astaroth die so badly it is not even funny. How can he be so freaking sleazy?
First of all Cooper, I always enjoyed his character so much and I ship him so badly with a certain lady and I am pretty sure my ship practically sailed - I mean what more than handholding do you need?
Secondly I always enjoyed how much more Max becomes sure in his own powers and how he trains. Also we finally learn what happened to Max´s mother.
And like the whole world kind of falls apart. Interesting to watch. And even more interesting are the people during the war. Interests clash and betrayal to one might mean loyalty to others. I really liked the difference between people, small moments of heroism from unlikely places, weird alliances, that get broken and restored based on circumstances and so much more.
Among the betrayals one stood up as being the worst. Should have burned the traitor while we could.
And like Max is really cool in this book. Seriously overpowered even though he still does not have his legendary weapon.
Last of all I remembered why I stopped reading at this book. The end is not a cliffhanger. Of course many more battles will be fought, but we are ending a bit more peacefully. I intended to wait for the rest of the series to get translated, but it never happened.
Also I wanna see Astaroth die so badly it is not even funny. How can he be so freaking sleazy?
August 18, 2024
Okay fine it gets five because what the hell normally shit doesn’t hit the ceiling quite as hard as that in book 2 of 5. *hastily scribbles notes for own projects*
That said, this book did feel like it had the plot of about three smooshed into one, but it worked alright. Definitely possessing of a better pace than Eldest *squints at that cursed book from afar*
Still think the story would be more believable if the characters were slightly older but that’s probably just me relating more to the adults than the children at this point in my life. How depressing.
Now then, to book three, as it was a gift from a classmate during my freshman year of college? (I think the dear man gave me his own copy with the knowledge that it was one of his favorite books and I’ve kept it since then.) OR! Do we continue working on any of the other series within I’ve found myself entrenched?
Decisions decisions.
That said, this book did feel like it had the plot of about three smooshed into one, but it worked alright. Definitely possessing of a better pace than Eldest *squints at that cursed book from afar*
Still think the story would be more believable if the characters were slightly older but that’s probably just me relating more to the adults than the children at this point in my life. How depressing.
Now then, to book three, as it was a gift from a classmate during my freshman year of college? (I think the dear man gave me his own copy with the knowledge that it was one of his favorite books and I’ve kept it since then.) OR! Do we continue working on any of the other series within I’ve found myself entrenched?
Decisions decisions.
May 19, 2023
After reading book one I had to dive right into two. Right off the bat this book takes on a much more mature tone. The teenage drama is still pretty annoying (when is it not) but the story felt noticeably more adult than the previous book. I certainly felt like the character building went much deeper and the plot began to unfold in a way that felt properly unique. Very much enjoyed this book.
October 4, 2025
Apparently, my school library only had the first two volumes of this series, because I still remember the ending of this one. Read it maybe 15 years ago, and it vaguely stuck in my head because it was so different. Really enjoy the ride so far and am curious to see how the series actually ends
Read
November 30, 2025and the fun begins...
y'know the jokes you see on tumblr sometimes about how YA fantasy is so basic meanwhile MG:
yea first series I think of when I see those jokes
never got to read the last book in the series when I was a kid so kinda looking forward to it
y'know the jokes you see on tumblr sometimes about how YA fantasy is so basic meanwhile MG:
yea first series I think of when I see those jokes
never got to read the last book in the series when I was a kid so kinda looking forward to it
April 23, 2017
This one really drew me in.
December 25, 2022
3,5
Kurcze ciężko wydać ocenę bo czytałam tą książkę na "dwa razy" i akcja była przerwana, ale miałam teraz takie momenty frustracji że kilka sytuacji nie miało sensu no ale poza tym fajne fajne
Kurcze ciężko wydać ocenę bo czytałam tą książkę na "dwa razy" i akcja była przerwana, ale miałam teraz takie momenty frustracji że kilka sytuacji nie miało sensu no ale poza tym fajne fajne
July 7, 2012
Depois de ter lido o primeiro livro desta saga tive de ler o segundo, pois o primeiro deixou-me muito curiosa para saber o desenvolvimento das aventuras de Max e David e o que iria acontecer. E depois de o ter lido, só posso dizer que este livro, o 2, é ainda melhor do que o primeiro! Excelente continuação!
Pois bem, em primeiro lugar vou fazer uma breve descrição do enredo, muito muito por alto:
Depois do primeiro ano em Rowan, Max prepara-se para o seu segundo ano. No entanto ele sabe que não vai ser tão pacifico, depois do que aconteceu no final do primeiro ano.
Max começa a a ser treinado como Agente, devido aos seus poderes cada vez mais desenvolvidos, tendo como tutor o Agente Cooper.
Certo dia, Max e David são chamados à presença da diretora Richter e de uma Feiticeira. A Feiticeira explica que está na altura de cumprir o juramento de Bram, um poderoso místico e Feiticeiro morto por Astaroth na batalha de Solas. O Livro das Origens, um poderoso livro imensamente interessante e fantástico, e perigoso estava na posse das Feiticeiras, e Astaroth queria-o. Mas as Feiticeiras aceitaram a proposta de Bram e deram-lhe o Livro, querendo um contrato. E ficou dito que elas poderiam ter três crianças com Magia Antiga para ensinar. O tempo foi passando e essas crianças não apareceram. Mas, por fim, as Feiticeiras, por meio de outrem, descobriram Max e David e mandam a Feiticeira a Rowan para levar David, uma vez que sabiam que Max era necessário à Escola (o Guardião de Rowan). A diretora recusou-se a deixar David ir com a Feiticeira e elas prometeram voltar para o buscar ou vingança.
E David começou a pesquisar sobre o juramento de Bram e uma forma de encontrar a chave e o livro, com a ajuda de Max.
E na viagem, Cooper dá uma missão a Max: proteger o David, custe o que custar, mantê-lo bem e vivo.
Uma viagem de Rowan para a Europa, que começa a ser dominada por Astaroth e pelos seus lacaios, com aventuras constantes e perigos imensos é o recheio principal deste segundo livro. A luta pela posse do Livro das Origens, disputada entre David e Max e Astaroth é a base para este maravilhoso volume.
Os dois amigos viajam por locais reais e por locais fantásticos e maravilhosos, com principal destaque para a Oficina de Frankfurt (um local altamente tecnológico) e para o Sidh (um outro espaço/tempo onde a realidade não é o que parece e a magia é palpável no ar e na terra).
Mistérios resolvidos e outros para resolver, personagens misteriosas e personagens que resolvem diversas situações e enigmas, aparecem neste segundo livro. Verdadeiras batalhas, com cenas totalmente descritas, com todos os pormenores, são aqui muito bem apresentadas e desenvolvidas e dão um toque esplêndido a esta história.
Quanto às personagens, vê-se um claro desenvolvimento psicológico de todas, em especial de Max. David é sempre bastante misterioso e estou imensamente curiosa para saber mais sobre ele, porque é a minha personagem favorita. Quero saber como é que ele sabe tanta coisa, como é que ele é um Feiticeiro e muito mais. Ele tem um papel muito importante na história e o mistério à sua volta intensifica a minha curiosidade.
Não existem pontas soltas no enredo, tudo é explicado (nem tudo, porque penso que isso, só no final da saga, claro). Gosto muito do enredo e das personagens. O facto de existir umas doses de humor ao longo do livro também é interessante. Muito bom!
Recomendo este livro a todos os que gostam de Fantasia e não só, a todos os que gostam de Aventuras, porque é disso que esta saga fala, e da amizade e coragem, bravura e amor. Exelente!
Pois bem, em primeiro lugar vou fazer uma breve descrição do enredo, muito muito por alto:
Depois do primeiro ano em Rowan, Max prepara-se para o seu segundo ano. No entanto ele sabe que não vai ser tão pacifico, depois do que aconteceu no final do primeiro ano.
Max começa a a ser treinado como Agente, devido aos seus poderes cada vez mais desenvolvidos, tendo como tutor o Agente Cooper.
Certo dia, Max e David são chamados à presença da diretora Richter e de uma Feiticeira. A Feiticeira explica que está na altura de cumprir o juramento de Bram, um poderoso místico e Feiticeiro morto por Astaroth na batalha de Solas. O Livro das Origens, um poderoso livro imensamente interessante e fantástico, e perigoso estava na posse das Feiticeiras, e Astaroth queria-o. Mas as Feiticeiras aceitaram a proposta de Bram e deram-lhe o Livro, querendo um contrato. E ficou dito que elas poderiam ter três crianças com Magia Antiga para ensinar. O tempo foi passando e essas crianças não apareceram. Mas, por fim, as Feiticeiras, por meio de outrem, descobriram Max e David e mandam a Feiticeira a Rowan para levar David, uma vez que sabiam que Max era necessário à Escola (o Guardião de Rowan). A diretora recusou-se a deixar David ir com a Feiticeira e elas prometeram voltar para o buscar ou vingança.
E David começou a pesquisar sobre o juramento de Bram e uma forma de encontrar a chave e o livro, com a ajuda de Max.
E na viagem, Cooper dá uma missão a Max: proteger o David, custe o que custar, mantê-lo bem e vivo.
Uma viagem de Rowan para a Europa, que começa a ser dominada por Astaroth e pelos seus lacaios, com aventuras constantes e perigos imensos é o recheio principal deste segundo livro. A luta pela posse do Livro das Origens, disputada entre David e Max e Astaroth é a base para este maravilhoso volume.
Os dois amigos viajam por locais reais e por locais fantásticos e maravilhosos, com principal destaque para a Oficina de Frankfurt (um local altamente tecnológico) e para o Sidh (um outro espaço/tempo onde a realidade não é o que parece e a magia é palpável no ar e na terra).
Mistérios resolvidos e outros para resolver, personagens misteriosas e personagens que resolvem diversas situações e enigmas, aparecem neste segundo livro. Verdadeiras batalhas, com cenas totalmente descritas, com todos os pormenores, são aqui muito bem apresentadas e desenvolvidas e dão um toque esplêndido a esta história.
Quanto às personagens, vê-se um claro desenvolvimento psicológico de todas, em especial de Max. David é sempre bastante misterioso e estou imensamente curiosa para saber mais sobre ele, porque é a minha personagem favorita. Quero saber como é que ele sabe tanta coisa, como é que ele é um Feiticeiro e muito mais. Ele tem um papel muito importante na história e o mistério à sua volta intensifica a minha curiosidade.
Não existem pontas soltas no enredo, tudo é explicado (nem tudo, porque penso que isso, só no final da saga, claro). Gosto muito do enredo e das personagens. O facto de existir umas doses de humor ao longo do livro também é interessante. Muito bom!
Recomendo este livro a todos os que gostam de Fantasia e não só, a todos os que gostam de Aventuras, porque é disso que esta saga fala, e da amizade e coragem, bravura e amor. Exelente!
February 21, 2017
Holy crap, this book doesn't hold back! Usually 2nd books are more of the first but just better since it barely needs to build the world more and focuses instead on the characters. This is NOT that book. This book takes its events seriously. Of course it is still more of the first book, but it is summed and multiplied that it becomes a different animal all on its own.
Great story and story telling. Characters have depth and you are emotionally invested. The world makes sense and doesn't just shoo away the modern world to be forgotten and stakes are high and you feel it compel you to turn just one more page.
Worth the time and money.
Great story and story telling. Characters have depth and you are emotionally invested. The world makes sense and doesn't just shoo away the modern world to be forgotten and stakes are high and you feel it compel you to turn just one more page.
Worth the time and money.
September 11, 2013
Any of you who actually follow my reviews may have noticed that these books have been listed as "currently reading" for a while as I add the books in the series. That's because I've reserved my rating and reviews.
First these are listed/shelved as YA fantasy. I agree that younger readers will like them and there are parts that will appeal to younger readers. It takes place (at first) in a school. The characters "bond" with interesting mythical creatures. Our "heroes" are young.
When I reviewed the first in the series I noted that the resemblances to the Harry Potter books was almost inescapable. That's not true here. When the Potter books proceeded through several volumes getting slightly darker with each step, this book/these books get very dark very fast.
The players here are somewhat based (at least largely based) on Irish myth (some of my favorite myths by the way). Then we have the Demons .
Why have I held off? Well there is an apparent story arc here and then there seems to be an arc I'm not sure of. I have some ideas where he might be headed but I guess we'll wait and see.
Anyway the title here refers to the "first siege" which we learn(ed) about. Now Rowan is under siege from the demons....
I can recommend this book and tell you it's a very good read. The plot is enthralling and characters are very well written. While it has the feel of a YA book I suggest that you be very sure that any youths reading it are mature enough for the story.
That said while this is more a yA book than a YA or Ya it's an excellent read.
First these are listed/shelved as YA fantasy. I agree that younger readers will like them and there are parts that will appeal to younger readers. It takes place (at first) in a school. The characters "bond" with interesting mythical creatures. Our "heroes" are young.
When I reviewed the first in the series I noted that the resemblances to the Harry Potter books was almost inescapable. That's not true here. When the Potter books proceeded through several volumes getting slightly darker with each step, this book/these books get very dark very fast.
The players here are somewhat based (at least largely based) on Irish myth (some of my favorite myths by the way). Then we have the Demons .
Why have I held off? Well there is an apparent story arc here and then there seems to be an arc I'm not sure of. I have some ideas where he might be headed but I guess we'll wait and see.
Anyway the title here refers to the "first siege" which we learn(ed) about. Now Rowan is under siege from the demons....
I can recommend this book and tell you it's a very good read. The plot is enthralling and characters are very well written. While it has the feel of a YA book I suggest that you be very sure that any youths reading it are mature enough for the story.
That said while this is more a yA book than a YA or Ya it's an excellent read.
January 2, 2017
I got this book as a strip from when I worked at Barnes and Noble. So for me it was free, and I'm glad I didn't pay for this.
Again this series suffers from too much. Too many people, too many places, too much explanation, too much action, too much of everything. There is also not enough. We learn Max and David are officially special, though not how or why, or what it means. Max goes to some weird (fae?) realm and he trains for months, it's super important that he did this the training altered him as a person. Do we know what he did do we know what he learned, do we know why? NO --
This book really needed to be cut in half and edited. Take out a third of the characters, half the random trips and give us some details as to why I need to care about any of this. We learn there are witches, what do they do? Not a clue. We learn there is a super scientific organization that is a lot of 'Brave New World' -- and yet if we never went there at all the story would not have changed at all. And I think that is part of this book (and the first book) issue. There is so much that happens, but if you removed these things from the story it doesn't change the characters, their motivations, any of that. And if nothing changes when you take out part of the story, then why is it there?
This book was ok. I have the third one as a strip and so I'll read that, but I don't know if I'll ever finish the series out. For sixth grade on up looking for a book with magic, and fighting.
Again this series suffers from too much. Too many people, too many places, too much explanation, too much action, too much of everything. There is also not enough. We learn Max and David are officially special, though not how or why, or what it means. Max goes to some weird (fae?) realm and he trains for months, it's super important that he did this the training altered him as a person. Do we know what he did do we know what he learned, do we know why? NO --
This book really needed to be cut in half and edited. Take out a third of the characters, half the random trips and give us some details as to why I need to care about any of this. We learn there are witches, what do they do? Not a clue. We learn there is a super scientific organization that is a lot of 'Brave New World' -- and yet if we never went there at all the story would not have changed at all. And I think that is part of this book (and the first book) issue. There is so much that happens, but if you removed these things from the story it doesn't change the characters, their motivations, any of that. And if nothing changes when you take out part of the story, then why is it there?
This book was ok. I have the third one as a strip and so I'll read that, but I don't know if I'll ever finish the series out. For sixth grade on up looking for a book with magic, and fighting.
April 16, 2009
Someone commented that this reminded them of The Two Towers, the second book of "The Lord of the Rings" and that's how I felt about it.
It's the book you slog through hoping for a great finale in book 3, with only a few good bits that get you through the rest.
There is little character development--Max and David become cardboard epic figures, though in David's case he mostly seems to get injured and then spout out something that will move the plot along. Most of their classmates fade into the background and the only comic relief is the arrival of Mum the Hag's cousin Bellagrog.The pacing is not good. There is one sequence--very vital--that takes place over months, but is glossed over in a page or two in the middle of the chapter. (It's "Among the Sidh"). The action piles up at a breakneck speed. Before you can figure out what has happened, Neff has moved onto the next catastrophe. And the ending is not a cliffhanger so much as an abrupt "okay, let's save the rest for a third book".
I'll buy and read book 3. I'm just hoping it redeems Neff the way Tolkien was redeemed by [book:The Return of the King|18512.
It's the book you slog through hoping for a great finale in book 3, with only a few good bits that get you through the rest.
There is little character development--Max and David become cardboard epic figures, though in David's case he mostly seems to get injured and then spout out something that will move the plot along. Most of their classmates fade into the background and the only comic relief is the arrival of Mum the Hag's cousin Bellagrog.The pacing is not good. There is one sequence--very vital--that takes place over months, but is glossed over in a page or two in the middle of the chapter. (It's "Among the Sidh"). The action piles up at a breakneck speed. Before you can figure out what has happened, Neff has moved onto the next catastrophe. And the ending is not a cliffhanger so much as an abrupt "okay, let's save the rest for a third book".
I'll buy and read book 3. I'm just hoping it redeems Neff the way Tolkien was redeemed by [book:The Return of the King|18512.
November 14, 2011
The Second Siege starts off easy before launching its characters abruptly into a chaotic adventure that takes them into new and unfamiliar environments. Suffice to say, The Second Siege is significantly more action-packed than The Hound of Rowan. Without spoiling too much I will say that a good deal of world building is wrapped up in this book as readers are introduced to some of the various factions and powers working behind the scenes. Or, perhaps, not so much behind the scenes as they originally thought. Having read the next book I will say that this world building comes heavily into play later on and that The Second Siege sets things up wonderfully for things to come. Focusing on this book alone, however, Neff has written splendid character interactions that left this reader wanting more. Of particular note, though I happily admit to being biased, is the development of Agent William Cooper. He made a few appearances in the first book though they were, arguable, unimportant. Now in The Second Siege we come to realize exactly what kind of man he is as he grows to become an extremely important and likeable character. Overall I would say that if you in any way enjoyed The Hound of Rowan, then to pick this book up and give it a go.
January 1, 2016
I can't say I really liked this book, yet it was good enough to make me want to finish the series - or at least to go on into the third book. The over-arching story has not been completed in this Book 2. I'm wondering where "the tapestry" comes in again, as that is the title that was given to the series of four books and it was only obvious to me as something portentous in Book 1.
As in the Harry Potter series, the environment and focus moves away from the boarding school setting towards some more surreal and dark adventures, and, as I did with the HP series, I found myself sorry to see that happen. The other-worldly characters and events were really not fully developed so that I had a sense that I didn't understand what was happening and why. I think that one must read the first book to even begin to grasp this second one. I'm continuing with Book 3, The Fiend and the Forge, so I'll see if this series is worth the time.
As in the Harry Potter series, the environment and focus moves away from the boarding school setting towards some more surreal and dark adventures, and, as I did with the HP series, I found myself sorry to see that happen. The other-worldly characters and events were really not fully developed so that I had a sense that I didn't understand what was happening and why. I think that one must read the first book to even begin to grasp this second one. I'm continuing with Book 3, The Fiend and the Forge, so I'll see if this series is worth the time.
May 27, 2015
In this book, Max and David learn that a past student made an agreement that gives witches the ability to take 3 Rowan students. This made Max and David feel anxious at what might happen. This book was good with sensory details like describing life at Rowan. In the Workshop, Max found Bram's key and this helped them with opening a mysterious case on the Rowan campus. The author makes me relate to the characters as in hating the "bad" ones and liking the "good" ones. Finally, he has good descriptions of setting.
September 9, 2017
I really liked this book. It's creativity made it a very exciting tale. It may be in a similar realm of Harry Potter, but this was based in an alternative world of its own. The creative concept, plot foundation, character development, and pace were all amazing.
October 31, 2008
This book was a lot more frightening than book 1. Again, it was really well written. It was well paced, and creative. I care about the characters. It ended making me eager for book 3.
August 23, 2013
We're enjoying this - reading aloud to my children, both now middle-schoolers. Henry Neff's bio on Amazon gives a great background on his influences and these books!
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