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Julu #1
Julu
There is a magical land just beyond our imaginations called Jirvania; where stories grow. Muse faeries gather ripened “story-pearls” and carry them to writers, musicians, and poets here in our world. In the heart of Jirvania stands The Great Library, where every story is collected by the library’s guardian, Karel. This library is a portal to other times and places where one can step into stories and experience them first hand. Homework has never been such fun.
When eleven-year-old Jack Lemoine finds an opal dragon egg in Mystic, Connecticut, he discovers the real world is not what he thought.
Dragons, unicorns, faeries, centaurs, and countless others do exist. Unfortunately, so do witches, ogres, goblins, and monsters, and they want Jack dead, yesterday.
It has been prophesied he will one day save Jirvania, with the help of a magical opal dragon, Julu, but evil disrupts time itself, leading to the annihilation of Jirvania, seven years before Jack comes of age. Imagination ceases to exist. Libraries, art galleries, concert halls, and theme parks vanish. Our lives become meaningless and empty.
Jirvania's lone survivor, Karel receives a visitor from the stars, urging him to change the story.
Meanwhile, back in Mystic, Jack and his friend, Mia are thrown into a fantastical adventure when Julu hatches and takes them back in time to protect them.
Through her stories, they learn that family, friendship, and love are the threads that bind us together, no matter who or what we are and hope is often found in the most unexpected places.
Can Karel change the story and save our imaginations?
Jan Anderegg has lived in Australia, England, Spain and the United States, all before the age of twelve. She firmly believes in never growing up, even though her five children appear to have done so.
She’s worked as a nurse, a living-support staff to people with disabilities, a store clerk, a volunteer telephone counselor, and a fruit picker but her favorite occupations are being a wife, a mother, a friend and a writer.
She has a soft spot for animals, is fond of people, and believes in second chances.
When she isn’t out horse-back riding with her husband, she loves visiting theme parks in Florida (where she can act her ‘real’ age of nine) and exploring historical places that bring the past to life.
The daughter of a history professor and an artist, one of her biggest disappointments was not inheriting the ability to draw, so she learned to paint pictures with words instead.
An avid reader, she was never able to find one of those magic portals into her favorite stories, until Julu came along.
When eleven-year-old Jack Lemoine finds an opal dragon egg in Mystic, Connecticut, he discovers the real world is not what he thought.
Dragons, unicorns, faeries, centaurs, and countless others do exist. Unfortunately, so do witches, ogres, goblins, and monsters, and they want Jack dead, yesterday.
It has been prophesied he will one day save Jirvania, with the help of a magical opal dragon, Julu, but evil disrupts time itself, leading to the annihilation of Jirvania, seven years before Jack comes of age. Imagination ceases to exist. Libraries, art galleries, concert halls, and theme parks vanish. Our lives become meaningless and empty.
Jirvania's lone survivor, Karel receives a visitor from the stars, urging him to change the story.
Meanwhile, back in Mystic, Jack and his friend, Mia are thrown into a fantastical adventure when Julu hatches and takes them back in time to protect them.
Through her stories, they learn that family, friendship, and love are the threads that bind us together, no matter who or what we are and hope is often found in the most unexpected places.
Can Karel change the story and save our imaginations?
Jan Anderegg has lived in Australia, England, Spain and the United States, all before the age of twelve. She firmly believes in never growing up, even though her five children appear to have done so.
She’s worked as a nurse, a living-support staff to people with disabilities, a store clerk, a volunteer telephone counselor, and a fruit picker but her favorite occupations are being a wife, a mother, a friend and a writer.
She has a soft spot for animals, is fond of people, and believes in second chances.
When she isn’t out horse-back riding with her husband, she loves visiting theme parks in Florida (where she can act her ‘real’ age of nine) and exploring historical places that bring the past to life.
The daughter of a history professor and an artist, one of her biggest disappointments was not inheriting the ability to draw, so she learned to paint pictures with words instead.
An avid reader, she was never able to find one of those magic portals into her favorite stories, until Julu came along.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2018
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 18, 2020
Booktasters via the author provided a copy of Julu in exchange for an honest review.
Julu: The Julu Series, Volume 1 by Jan Anderegg is an explosive read from start to finish. The author has created an original fantastical world that draws the reader into the story immediately. The plot moves seamlessly with many unexpected twists and turns. This well-written page-turner does not disappoint. The characters have strong and distinct voices and unique characteristics as well. Imagine a place where homework is fun--make your way to the library in Jirvania. Looking forward to Volume 2 in the Julu series.
Julu: The Julu Series, Volume 1 by Jan Anderegg is an explosive read from start to finish. The author has created an original fantastical world that draws the reader into the story immediately. The plot moves seamlessly with many unexpected twists and turns. This well-written page-turner does not disappoint. The characters have strong and distinct voices and unique characteristics as well. Imagine a place where homework is fun--make your way to the library in Jirvania. Looking forward to Volume 2 in the Julu series.
October 29, 2020
Julu is the story of a fantasy island called Jirvania, and about its people, prince and princesses. The author has done a tremendous job in creating an entire fictional universe, and has managed to layout the story in a beautiful yet simple manner. I especially loved the way in which the author has created and divided the chapters into separate timelines, which not only helps in better understanding it also helps the reader in developing a mental image of the series of events. Inclusion of quotes by famous people at the start of chapters will help the readers to become more wiser. Overall, the book is a wonderful read for anyone who loves a beautiful journey through the universe of Jirvania and Julu.
May 28, 2020
* I received an ARC of this book from BookTasters in exchange for an honest review. *
Here’s what this book is about:”There is a magical land just beyond our imaginations called Jirvania; where stories grow. Muse faeries gather ripened “story-pearls” and carry them to writers, musicians, and poets here in our world. In the heart of Jirvania stands The Great Library, where every story is collected by the library’s guardian, Karel. This library is a portal to other times and places where one can step into stories and experience them first hand. Homework has never been such fun.”
I enjoyed reading this book. It was so much fun. I liked the world building and the characters.
Here’s what this book is about:”There is a magical land just beyond our imaginations called Jirvania; where stories grow. Muse faeries gather ripened “story-pearls” and carry them to writers, musicians, and poets here in our world. In the heart of Jirvania stands The Great Library, where every story is collected by the library’s guardian, Karel. This library is a portal to other times and places where one can step into stories and experience them first hand. Homework has never been such fun.”
I enjoyed reading this book. It was so much fun. I liked the world building and the characters.
August 30, 2019
“Strong start” was my first response after reading the first few pages of the book, and this first impression was only strengthened throughout the tome. The writing style is right up my alley, although the story is definitely aimed at a slightly younger audience.
The reader is taken on a journey through different times and worlds, while the jumps from one to the next are easy to follow. Each chapter has a heading which specifies the time and place, which is very helpful. There is a sense of realism despite the fantastical nature of the story as none of the characters are all-knowing. Sometimes, everyone is confused about how events play out and poor decisions are made by the characters. It gives the narrative a true-to-life feel, which I appreciate.
The book really absorbed me, and by the end of the book I found myself overjoyed when realizing that this book would be the first of a series. I suppose that tells you all you need to know!
The reader is taken on a journey through different times and worlds, while the jumps from one to the next are easy to follow. Each chapter has a heading which specifies the time and place, which is very helpful. There is a sense of realism despite the fantastical nature of the story as none of the characters are all-knowing. Sometimes, everyone is confused about how events play out and poor decisions are made by the characters. It gives the narrative a true-to-life feel, which I appreciate.
The book really absorbed me, and by the end of the book I found myself overjoyed when realizing that this book would be the first of a series. I suppose that tells you all you need to know!
April 19, 2019
Julu is an exceptional book.
The author, Jan Anderegg creates an amazing Utopian world, Jirvania for the story. It takes place in the future - a thousand years from now - and is centered around beautiful values, such as imagination. She showcases her talent as a writer for her world an characters are created with much detail. Because of this, it was easy to get lost in the book and follow along with the story that jumps back and forth time.
As imagination as the number one value, the characters can live through past events when reading a book, therefore they have insight about the past and can actually travel in time too. Jan Anderegg uses this aspect to showcase the differences in our worlds and does that beautifully.
The main fight in the book is when the evil side decides to destroy imagination in order to rule the world. There comes a time of crisis when the protagonists show their true depths and all the actions get exciting.
It was joyful reading the book. The author didn't just create a fascinating story with a dreamy world but put her core message into the book smoothly.
The author, Jan Anderegg creates an amazing Utopian world, Jirvania for the story. It takes place in the future - a thousand years from now - and is centered around beautiful values, such as imagination. She showcases her talent as a writer for her world an characters are created with much detail. Because of this, it was easy to get lost in the book and follow along with the story that jumps back and forth time.
As imagination as the number one value, the characters can live through past events when reading a book, therefore they have insight about the past and can actually travel in time too. Jan Anderegg uses this aspect to showcase the differences in our worlds and does that beautifully.
The main fight in the book is when the evil side decides to destroy imagination in order to rule the world. There comes a time of crisis when the protagonists show their true depths and all the actions get exciting.
It was joyful reading the book. The author didn't just create a fascinating story with a dreamy world but put her core message into the book smoothly.
March 7, 2023
I received a copy of this for free, to review for Booktasters.
This is the first in a series of books. It felt like a very magical book, a very pretty book. The characters and the setting came to life for me while I was reading. I felt there was a lot of very pretty imagery - in particular, there was a lot of emphasis on colours. It had the kind of nostalgic, warm feeling that I would expect when reading a fairy tale, and I thought it seemed like the kind of book that would bring joy to both children and adults.
Thank you to Booktasters and the author for a free copy to review.
This is the first in a series of books. It felt like a very magical book, a very pretty book. The characters and the setting came to life for me while I was reading. I felt there was a lot of very pretty imagery - in particular, there was a lot of emphasis on colours. It had the kind of nostalgic, warm feeling that I would expect when reading a fairy tale, and I thought it seemed like the kind of book that would bring joy to both children and adults.
Thank you to Booktasters and the author for a free copy to review.
June 7, 2019
An enjoyable fantasy where imagination itself meets peril and branches off into a puzzle of stories that are all intricately linked to tell a whole story. I enjoyed this read not only bevause of the characters, but the many different stories that connected directly and those that connected in a more subtle way. It made the adventure that muvh more interesting and kept me interested and invested as much as what I felt for the characters and their individual challenges did.
February 7, 2019
This book is so good, it has a los of fantasy, I love the world in it, is awesome. It has a lot of fantasy creatures. As I see this book is preparing you to the next book, cause you meet all characters, and the beginning of everything, so I'm looking forward to continue the serie.
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Este libro es muy bueno, tiene mucha fantasía, me encanta el mundo, es increíble. Tiene muchas criaturas fantásticas. A lo que veo, este libro te está preparando para el próximo, porque conoces a todos los personajes y el comienzo de todo, así que estoy ansiosa de continuar con la serie.
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Este libro es muy bueno, tiene mucha fantasía, me encanta el mundo, es increíble. Tiene muchas criaturas fantásticas. A lo que veo, este libro te está preparando para el próximo, porque conoces a todos los personajes y el comienzo de todo, así que estoy ansiosa de continuar con la serie.
January 26, 2019
Really enjoyed the book
I really enjoyed the book the vocabulary would be hard for my granddaughter who is 9 but I will encourage her to read it in a few years. Looking forward to the next book
I really enjoyed the book the vocabulary would be hard for my granddaughter who is 9 but I will encourage her to read it in a few years. Looking forward to the next book
April 16, 2021
What a beautiful novel which is so descriptive I was designing all of these lands and times in my head which is always a great thing. I was really immersed in this story and the imagery. I loved the main characters and this really is a lovely. It’s a great story and will open teenagers imaginations in the way the discworld series did for me as I was growing up.
September 21, 2018
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
It's a magical tale... That's the best review I can give the book. It has its flaws, no doubt, but it catches your mind and heart and doesn't let go. It's a long listen - but I finished it in two days, just couldn't stop listening. "Just ten more minutes, just one more chapter," I said to myself. Isn't that the best of recommendations?
The plot is quite complicated, with all the time jumps that at first may confuse you when you listen. I also thought it strange sometimes that the kids didn't recognize a person or a place although they had already been told that part of their story by Julu. But it really doesn't matter overall because the book is so engaging, emotional, suspenceful and intriguing that you dismiss all those small inadequacies as negligible.
All the characters in the book have their moments, their five minutes of fame, which is an achievement as there are really so many of them, and all of them equally important for the plot. I found Goran's story (I hope that's how you spell his name) the most moving, and I just hope in the next part he'll find some kind of redemption...
As for the narration, Ms Meisberger is perfect as usual. I really like the way she's reading the book - without hurrying up, but with perfectly conveyed emotions of all the characters. Her interpretation just adds even more magic to the already magical tale.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
It's a magical tale... That's the best review I can give the book. It has its flaws, no doubt, but it catches your mind and heart and doesn't let go. It's a long listen - but I finished it in two days, just couldn't stop listening. "Just ten more minutes, just one more chapter," I said to myself. Isn't that the best of recommendations?
The plot is quite complicated, with all the time jumps that at first may confuse you when you listen. I also thought it strange sometimes that the kids didn't recognize a person or a place although they had already been told that part of their story by Julu. But it really doesn't matter overall because the book is so engaging, emotional, suspenceful and intriguing that you dismiss all those small inadequacies as negligible.
All the characters in the book have their moments, their five minutes of fame, which is an achievement as there are really so many of them, and all of them equally important for the plot. I found Goran's story (I hope that's how you spell his name) the most moving, and I just hope in the next part he'll find some kind of redemption...
As for the narration, Ms Meisberger is perfect as usual. I really like the way she's reading the book - without hurrying up, but with perfectly conveyed emotions of all the characters. Her interpretation just adds even more magic to the already magical tale.
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
January 10, 2019
Julu is a magical tale about an opal dragon with sapphire eyes. Julu's main task is protecting two young children and their friends. Besides that, she has to help rid the land of Jirvania of the evil threatening it.
While Julu is indeed a delightful read, it is also a bit complicated. There are many characters and the story jumps from place to place and timeline to timeline.
I feel this is one that can be used as a teaching tool as its themes are love, kindness, hope and joy. It's a great bedtime story. I don't think it compares to Narnia, but it comes close.
While Julu is indeed a delightful read, it is also a bit complicated. There are many characters and the story jumps from place to place and timeline to timeline.
I feel this is one that can be used as a teaching tool as its themes are love, kindness, hope and joy. It's a great bedtime story. I don't think it compares to Narnia, but it comes close.
September 4, 2018
I picked up Julu because its cover from Netgalley gallery in exchange for an honest review. I don't set any expectation for this. It's fast-pace story with strong character that has a very detailed world building. Such a gripping story especially for children but still a fun book to read. What I really like about this book is the twist and how Anderegg created a strange creature with mysterious world and power behind all the real world that we know. it would be great if only Anderegg put some illustration inside this book because I really so keen to see Julu's world.
October 8, 2018
Wow! What a wonderful, imaginative story! I was drawn into the magical world, and what a place it is. It will captivate you. So cool!
I think it's an an amazing and creative audiobook, and the narration really was great, brought it to life!
I really enjoyed it, and love a world with a wild imagination.
Very fun and intriguing listen, I'd definitely recommend it :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I think it's an an amazing and creative audiobook, and the narration really was great, brought it to life!
I really enjoyed it, and love a world with a wild imagination.
Very fun and intriguing listen, I'd definitely recommend it :)
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
October 4, 2018
Loved this. Fast paced, the writing flowed perfectly. This enchanting storyline will keep a young readers attention captivated for hours. Their imagination will create a magical dreams filled with pearls in a different world filled with fairies and adventure. Definitely a great gift for any young reader.
October 1, 2024
Imagine
Julu” by Jan Anderegg
5 out of 5 “Julu” Jan Anderegg masterfully crafts an enchanting tale set in the magical realm of Jirvania, a world brimming with enchanted libraries, faeries, and benevolent dragons. This captivating story, suitable for readers from youth to adult, explores themes of imagination, kindness, and the eternal struggle between light and dark.
The narrative unfolds in Jirvania, a land where magic permeates every aspect of life. Readers are introduced to a cast of young protagonists who find themselves at the center of an unfolding mystery. As dark forces threaten the peace of this idyllic world, the children must embark on a perilous journey, crossing timelines and magical portals to save their home.
Anderegg’s strength lies in her vivid world-building and the creation of memorable characters. The opal dragon, serving as a protector and guide, is particularly noteworthy. The author populates Jirvania with an array of intuitive and glowing creatures, each adding depth to the magical setting. The contrast between the pure-hearted inhabitants of Jirvania and the dark forces at work creates a compelling dynamic that drives the plot forward.
The story skillfully balances moments of tranquil beauty with suspenseful page-turners. Anderegg doesn’t shy away from addressing deeper, more sensitive subjects, giving the tale an emotional resonance that elevates it above typical fantasy. The exploration of themes such as jealousy, redemption, and the power of love adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
One of the book’s strengths is its broad appeal. While it captivates younger readers with its magical elements and adventurous plot, adults will appreciate the depth of character development and the nuanced exploration of more complex themes. Anderegg also incorporates subtle undertones of Christianity, using light scripture references. However, these elements are handled with a deft touch, ensuring the story remains inclusive and accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
I give “Julu” 5 out of 5 stars for its rich imagination, heartwarming characters, and the seamless blend of whimsical adventure with deeper themes. The vivid world-building, character development, and emotional depth create an immersive reading experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.
“Julu” is an enchanting start to what promises to be an exciting series. It will appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages who enjoy immersive world-building, coming-of-age stories, and tales that balance light-hearted magic with more profound life lessons. Anderegg leaves readers eager for the next installment, having crafted a world that sparks the imagination and warms the heart.
Julu” by Jan Anderegg
5 out of 5 “Julu” Jan Anderegg masterfully crafts an enchanting tale set in the magical realm of Jirvania, a world brimming with enchanted libraries, faeries, and benevolent dragons. This captivating story, suitable for readers from youth to adult, explores themes of imagination, kindness, and the eternal struggle between light and dark.
The narrative unfolds in Jirvania, a land where magic permeates every aspect of life. Readers are introduced to a cast of young protagonists who find themselves at the center of an unfolding mystery. As dark forces threaten the peace of this idyllic world, the children must embark on a perilous journey, crossing timelines and magical portals to save their home.
Anderegg’s strength lies in her vivid world-building and the creation of memorable characters. The opal dragon, serving as a protector and guide, is particularly noteworthy. The author populates Jirvania with an array of intuitive and glowing creatures, each adding depth to the magical setting. The contrast between the pure-hearted inhabitants of Jirvania and the dark forces at work creates a compelling dynamic that drives the plot forward.
The story skillfully balances moments of tranquil beauty with suspenseful page-turners. Anderegg doesn’t shy away from addressing deeper, more sensitive subjects, giving the tale an emotional resonance that elevates it above typical fantasy. The exploration of themes such as jealousy, redemption, and the power of love adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
One of the book’s strengths is its broad appeal. While it captivates younger readers with its magical elements and adventurous plot, adults will appreciate the depth of character development and the nuanced exploration of more complex themes. Anderegg also incorporates subtle undertones of Christianity, using light scripture references. However, these elements are handled with a deft touch, ensuring the story remains inclusive and accessible to readers of all backgrounds.
I give “Julu” 5 out of 5 stars for its rich imagination, heartwarming characters, and the seamless blend of whimsical adventure with deeper themes. The vivid world-building, character development, and emotional depth create an immersive reading experience that lingers long after the final page is turned.
“Julu” is an enchanting start to what promises to be an exciting series. It will appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages who enjoy immersive world-building, coming-of-age stories, and tales that balance light-hearted magic with more profound life lessons. Anderegg leaves readers eager for the next installment, having crafted a world that sparks the imagination and warms the heart.
October 21, 2020
Julu is a literary gem house that celebrates and exposes a young generation of readers to timeless classical writers and authors like Emily Brontë, Loren Eiseley, Charles Dickens, and Beethoven, to name a few of the literary giants whose narratives interweave the novel’s tapestry.
What would be the results if imagination ceases to exist? Anderegg's narrative explores this dilemma. Julu, the dragon, and the eponymous character is the main transport and guide of Jack and Mia, the leading protagonists. Both Jack, Mia, and their parents portal to sometimes enchanting and other time perilous worlds and periods. Jirvania, the idyllic land of fairies, talking squirrels, and flying Pegasus contains Muse Mountain made up of the spine covers of famous stories. Horrid evil forces threaten to eradicate imagination everywhere, including the euphoric life in Jirvania, where humans, flora, fauna bond, and past characters of books. To save Jirvania and the human imagination, the protagonists Jack and Mia must discover their most important identities and figure out how they can transform the story to end the destructive forces strategizing to control both worlds. In the land of Jirvania, stories come alive. Thus Florence Nightingale is immediately recognizable when she tries to attend to Karyn, who re-entered the portal nearly at the point of death on one of her trips from the earth. I particularly appreciated the detailed descriptions that made the story pulsate with life.
I was not too fond of the wide array of characters who come in and out of the story. Also, some characters are different persons, in different worlds, which necessitated a close reading and sometimes a re-reading to understand the transition. I found the many random movements into either the past or future and the plotlines of the occurrence seemed somewhat farfetched. Thus I sometimes slipped out from being totally absorbed in the narrative.
All elements considered, Anderegg’s story is mesmerizing in its action-packed plotline with protagonists that are recognizably human and fallible.
What would be the results if imagination ceases to exist? Anderegg's narrative explores this dilemma. Julu, the dragon, and the eponymous character is the main transport and guide of Jack and Mia, the leading protagonists. Both Jack, Mia, and their parents portal to sometimes enchanting and other time perilous worlds and periods. Jirvania, the idyllic land of fairies, talking squirrels, and flying Pegasus contains Muse Mountain made up of the spine covers of famous stories. Horrid evil forces threaten to eradicate imagination everywhere, including the euphoric life in Jirvania, where humans, flora, fauna bond, and past characters of books. To save Jirvania and the human imagination, the protagonists Jack and Mia must discover their most important identities and figure out how they can transform the story to end the destructive forces strategizing to control both worlds. In the land of Jirvania, stories come alive. Thus Florence Nightingale is immediately recognizable when she tries to attend to Karyn, who re-entered the portal nearly at the point of death on one of her trips from the earth. I particularly appreciated the detailed descriptions that made the story pulsate with life.
I was not too fond of the wide array of characters who come in and out of the story. Also, some characters are different persons, in different worlds, which necessitated a close reading and sometimes a re-reading to understand the transition. I found the many random movements into either the past or future and the plotlines of the occurrence seemed somewhat farfetched. Thus I sometimes slipped out from being totally absorbed in the narrative.
All elements considered, Anderegg’s story is mesmerizing in its action-packed plotline with protagonists that are recognizably human and fallible.
March 14, 2023
I never give books 1 stars because that means I didn’t finish them, and I did finish this book. I thought many parts of it were charming, and the idea was splendid. Sadly, paired with inorganic dialogue, clunky passages, and simple characters, it took a lot of grit to get through the read.
Amazon recommended this book to me as I was perusing and I decided “Why not?” I wasn’t overly thrilled with the Amazon version cover, but I thought the title sounded like a cool movie, so I gave it a try.
Well…this was a no-go for me. Not necessarily because of the plot, which was imaginative and fun, but because of the writing. I will preface this by saying these are my own opinions. Another reader may disagree and like this book. I, however, thought the writing needed a lot of work and revision, and it affected my enjoyment of the magic and story.
Despite the foreword claiming “You are about to read an incredible story” (and essentially telling me what I’m going to read rather than just getting into it), what could’ve been incredible was muddied by inorganic dialogue and passive, clunky writing. It got to the point where I was asking myself if any editors brought these problems to the author's attention! Oof!
Sometimes, I’ll trudge through subpar writing because I realize every author’s style is different. Unless there are glaring grammatical errors, every “style” will be up at least one person’s alley (books are subjective, after all!). While a few descriptions made me more hopeful for the rest of the book, certain passages felt very clunky and unedited…too many to count.
Again, this is just my opinion, as is true of all book reviews. But sadly, it seems that Amazon recommendations did not have my best interests at heart this time around.
Amazon recommended this book to me as I was perusing and I decided “Why not?” I wasn’t overly thrilled with the Amazon version cover, but I thought the title sounded like a cool movie, so I gave it a try.
Well…this was a no-go for me. Not necessarily because of the plot, which was imaginative and fun, but because of the writing. I will preface this by saying these are my own opinions. Another reader may disagree and like this book. I, however, thought the writing needed a lot of work and revision, and it affected my enjoyment of the magic and story.
Despite the foreword claiming “You are about to read an incredible story” (and essentially telling me what I’m going to read rather than just getting into it), what could’ve been incredible was muddied by inorganic dialogue and passive, clunky writing. It got to the point where I was asking myself if any editors brought these problems to the author's attention! Oof!
Sometimes, I’ll trudge through subpar writing because I realize every author’s style is different. Unless there are glaring grammatical errors, every “style” will be up at least one person’s alley (books are subjective, after all!). While a few descriptions made me more hopeful for the rest of the book, certain passages felt very clunky and unedited…too many to count.
Again, this is just my opinion, as is true of all book reviews. But sadly, it seems that Amazon recommendations did not have my best interests at heart this time around.
August 31, 2024
Welcome to Jirvania, the enchanting realm of Julu's by Jan Anderegg, where stories flourish like precious "story pearls."
In Jirvania, muse faeries gather these pearls and deliver them to writers, musicians, and poets in our world. At the center lies The Great Library, a portal to different times and places, allowing you to step into stories and experience them firsthand. Here, homework transforms into adventure, and imagination knows no limits.
Meet Jack Lemoine, an eleven-year-old from Mystic, Connecticut, who discovers an opal dragon egg, revealing a world filled with dragons, unicorns, and faeries—alongside witches, ogres, and monsters who want him dead. He is prophesied to save Jirvania with the help of a magical opal dragon named Julu.
As Julu hatches, Jack and his friend Mia are sent back in time. Through Julu’s stories, they learn that family, friendship, and love connect us all, and that hope often hides in unexpected places.
Why You’ll Love It:
🐉 Julu blends magic, adventure, and heartwarming moments effortlessly.
🐉 The opal dragon symbolizes resilience and hope.
🐉 Jan Anderegg’s vivid writing brings Jirvania to life.
My Take: Reading Julu filled me with enchantment. The mix of fantasy and timeless themes—friendship, courage, and storytelling—left me in awe. And Julu? She’s not just a dragon; she’s a symbol of endless possibilities.
In Jirvania, muse faeries gather these pearls and deliver them to writers, musicians, and poets in our world. At the center lies The Great Library, a portal to different times and places, allowing you to step into stories and experience them firsthand. Here, homework transforms into adventure, and imagination knows no limits.
Meet Jack Lemoine, an eleven-year-old from Mystic, Connecticut, who discovers an opal dragon egg, revealing a world filled with dragons, unicorns, and faeries—alongside witches, ogres, and monsters who want him dead. He is prophesied to save Jirvania with the help of a magical opal dragon named Julu.
As Julu hatches, Jack and his friend Mia are sent back in time. Through Julu’s stories, they learn that family, friendship, and love connect us all, and that hope often hides in unexpected places.
Why You’ll Love It:
🐉 Julu blends magic, adventure, and heartwarming moments effortlessly.
🐉 The opal dragon symbolizes resilience and hope.
🐉 Jan Anderegg’s vivid writing brings Jirvania to life.
My Take: Reading Julu filled me with enchantment. The mix of fantasy and timeless themes—friendship, courage, and storytelling—left me in awe. And Julu? She’s not just a dragon; she’s a symbol of endless possibilities.
June 21, 2019
Julu by Jan Anderegg.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I chose to read and review this book solely based on the book cover. I loved the cover the moment I saw it and Immediately wanted to read the book. I was afraid it was a children’s book that would probably be only 10-30 pages long but boy was I wrong!
Also, I was very surprised when I received the book and started reading it at how lengthy it actually is as I had assumed it was a children’s book. The story itself is a beautiful tale and very well written. It reminds me of stories like Narnia and Peter Pan and it brings to mind how important it is for children and even adults to dream, believe and use their ‘Imaginations’ to create wonderful things. This book will definitely be a bit of a challenge for a younger audience to read on their own based on the telling of the story and the time jumps back and forth but also because of the length of the book.
However, It will be a great book for young adults who love reading as it’s not childish or Riddled with too much fantasy but actually realistic and full of adventure and action. It will keep you engaged and interested through out the story. Glad I got to read it and recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy books.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I chose to read and review this book solely based on the book cover. I loved the cover the moment I saw it and Immediately wanted to read the book. I was afraid it was a children’s book that would probably be only 10-30 pages long but boy was I wrong!
Also, I was very surprised when I received the book and started reading it at how lengthy it actually is as I had assumed it was a children’s book. The story itself is a beautiful tale and very well written. It reminds me of stories like Narnia and Peter Pan and it brings to mind how important it is for children and even adults to dream, believe and use their ‘Imaginations’ to create wonderful things. This book will definitely be a bit of a challenge for a younger audience to read on their own based on the telling of the story and the time jumps back and forth but also because of the length of the book.
However, It will be a great book for young adults who love reading as it’s not childish or Riddled with too much fantasy but actually realistic and full of adventure and action. It will keep you engaged and interested through out the story. Glad I got to read it and recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy books.
May 16, 2020
Julu by Jan Anderegg is a complex tale of fantasy and adventure. Set across multiple times and lands, readers are taken on a magical journey to save imagination.
Jack lives a normal life in Mystic, Connecticut with his parents and friend, Mia, and her family. Then one day, everything changes. A boy at school teases him about being adopted. Angry and confused, Jack returns home to find his mother under threat and a stranger at the house. All he can do is run. When he arrives at his secret cave, he finds the most amazing dragon protector who is there to keep him and Mia hidden from the outside world. Life will never be the same again as Jack and Mia begin an adventure that will take them into the past to Victorian England and introduce them to numerous mystical characters who will try to help and hinder them along the way.
Meanwhile, in Jirvania, an enchanted land in another dimension, the keeper of a magical library and members of the royal family are looking for ways to bring the children back safely and save life as they know it. Will they be able to stop the sorcerer who wants an end to the wonder of story-telling and the joy of invention and fantasia?
Jack lives a normal life in Mystic, Connecticut with his parents and friend, Mia, and her family. Then one day, everything changes. A boy at school teases him about being adopted. Angry and confused, Jack returns home to find his mother under threat and a stranger at the house. All he can do is run. When he arrives at his secret cave, he finds the most amazing dragon protector who is there to keep him and Mia hidden from the outside world. Life will never be the same again as Jack and Mia begin an adventure that will take them into the past to Victorian England and introduce them to numerous mystical characters who will try to help and hinder them along the way.
Meanwhile, in Jirvania, an enchanted land in another dimension, the keeper of a magical library and members of the royal family are looking for ways to bring the children back safely and save life as they know it. Will they be able to stop the sorcerer who wants an end to the wonder of story-telling and the joy of invention and fantasia?
February 22, 2021
Attention time-travelers! It’s time to buckle up for a journey to the magical parallel world.
In this novel, let us enthrall ourselves with our travel guide, the very tender and loving Dragon Julu, the main protagonist of the story, together with Jack, Mia, Isabella, and Oliver playing significant roles as the story unfolds.
Julu shall take us to the world of Jirvania-a magical place parallel to ours, where we will meet the Jirvanian royal families and people, mythical creatures, enchanted landscapes, castles, and this curious library where book characters move like mundane living creatures. Jirvania and the magical library will surely take our breath away. Yet, let us be cautious with Kor, the Orcs, and Gorn, the adversaries, who shall try to inflict demise on our heroes and heroines. But alas! Since we can time travel, and with magic navigated by Julu, we can prevent unfortunate events. Perhaps change the course of the parallel worlds and change the entire story!
I can say this marvelous chapter book novel of Sir Jan Anderegg of 356 pages takes me to the maximum realm of magic as I take the plunge to the depths of the tale.
Sir Jan Anderegg let me savor the lively colors it wants me to see in its pages. He ensures the reader will never get lost in the many intricate details. He courageously pursued conflicts with each chapter, which amazed me because it creatively integrated pressing concerns of the current times, like the pandemic, the question of power, poverty, equality, and human rights. The author writes the novel ingeniously with a quote as an introduction in each chapter, summarizing what values and learning to gain.
Written in the staccato of times, yet beautifully interwoven, it creates a powerful and compact story that will surely endear children and adults alike.
Overall, I find this novel by Sir Jan Anderegg entertaining and timeless. And I cannot wait for the sequel. Hats off, Sir Jan Anderegg!
In this novel, let us enthrall ourselves with our travel guide, the very tender and loving Dragon Julu, the main protagonist of the story, together with Jack, Mia, Isabella, and Oliver playing significant roles as the story unfolds.
Julu shall take us to the world of Jirvania-a magical place parallel to ours, where we will meet the Jirvanian royal families and people, mythical creatures, enchanted landscapes, castles, and this curious library where book characters move like mundane living creatures. Jirvania and the magical library will surely take our breath away. Yet, let us be cautious with Kor, the Orcs, and Gorn, the adversaries, who shall try to inflict demise on our heroes and heroines. But alas! Since we can time travel, and with magic navigated by Julu, we can prevent unfortunate events. Perhaps change the course of the parallel worlds and change the entire story!
I can say this marvelous chapter book novel of Sir Jan Anderegg of 356 pages takes me to the maximum realm of magic as I take the plunge to the depths of the tale.
Sir Jan Anderegg let me savor the lively colors it wants me to see in its pages. He ensures the reader will never get lost in the many intricate details. He courageously pursued conflicts with each chapter, which amazed me because it creatively integrated pressing concerns of the current times, like the pandemic, the question of power, poverty, equality, and human rights. The author writes the novel ingeniously with a quote as an introduction in each chapter, summarizing what values and learning to gain.
Written in the staccato of times, yet beautifully interwoven, it creates a powerful and compact story that will surely endear children and adults alike.
Overall, I find this novel by Sir Jan Anderegg entertaining and timeless. And I cannot wait for the sequel. Hats off, Sir Jan Anderegg!
December 23, 2022
Julu by Jan Anderegg is a fantasy story that is rich in characters and filled with an intriguing plot. Jirvania is in peril. A war is beginning between those who want to foster imagination and those who want to snuff it out. There is a wide array of characters who range in age, gender, and species. Multiple storylines occur in different timelines. The reader can expect to see Jack and Mia's family throughout various stages of their lives. All the characters and their stories are interconnected. At the center of all these storylines is the presence of Julu. Julu is a magical dragon who appears when needed to assist the other characters.
I have struggled to rate this book. I wanted to like it and immerse myself in Jirvania but was not able to. There was only one grammatical error in the story, and the writing style was fresh. The mixture of excessive time jumps, and blatant morality lessons really took away from my enjoyment of the book. I realize that other readers might not mind these shifts and lessons.
To read a more detailed review check out:https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
I have struggled to rate this book. I wanted to like it and immerse myself in Jirvania but was not able to. There was only one grammatical error in the story, and the writing style was fresh. The mixture of excessive time jumps, and blatant morality lessons really took away from my enjoyment of the book. I realize that other readers might not mind these shifts and lessons.
To read a more detailed review check out:https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
October 1, 2020
This book got me hooked in the first few pages and kept me engaged all the way to the end! (Spoiler: it’s the first book in a series which usually turns me off but in this case I’m super excited).
This is a fantasy story but with enough familiar elements so you don’t feel like you’ve been suddenly thrown into a completely different universe. The characters are very distinctive and have recognizable “voices” which helped me engage with each one and relate to them in different ways. At the beginning of the book you also get a short section that offers info important for you to quickly catch on to what’s happening plus the subheaders help you stay oriented as the story takes place in different times. I hope that as you read this review you can tell how happy and excited I am of having had a chance to read Julu!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Booktasters in exchange of an honest review.
This is a fantasy story but with enough familiar elements so you don’t feel like you’ve been suddenly thrown into a completely different universe. The characters are very distinctive and have recognizable “voices” which helped me engage with each one and relate to them in different ways. At the beginning of the book you also get a short section that offers info important for you to quickly catch on to what’s happening plus the subheaders help you stay oriented as the story takes place in different times. I hope that as you read this review you can tell how happy and excited I am of having had a chance to read Julu!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via Booktasters in exchange of an honest review.
January 30, 2020
You sometimes fall in love with the book after reading the synopsis- this book is one of that kinds. Julu is a wonderful concept connecting with anyone. It has fantasy, full of suspense, action, magic and all elements needed for the good story. The story keeps you engaged in very few pages and the pace keep the reader on the toes as it is a fast read. We do give up our interest in some book after a strong start, but Julu is an exception. All characters are written strongly and equally this is the talent of the author. Though they are magical, all are so delightful and you feel they are standing in front of you and telling their story. You never lose the touch of any character. The author's love for animals visible in the book. This book is the first of the series, it's so impactful that you eagerly wait for the next. It's a great read and a good escape from daily life.
May 12, 2019
This was a really fun one, however it is a rather complicated story as it bounces back and forth between different time periods. It is definitely a book that you can listen to 2 and 3 times and pick up more information on the story. I thought the narrator did a wonderful job with the acting, voices and emotion throughout the story. She was definitely a joy to listen to. I would recommend this to older Elementary and Middle School age kids as it is a more complex storyline and I think younger kids would have a hard time following it. Overall it was a great first book in a series and I am looking forward to the next one coming out.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
March 23, 2023
A fantasy tale you can indulge in irrespective of your age. Julu is a dragon gifted by Lulana to the Guardian of the Great Library because the evil Korrigan, Kore, doomed the World Beyond (read, our world) by destroying the Great Library and imagination. There are many time jumps in this saga because the story must be changed. Muse faeries help writers with their stories, and the muse mountain grows as the writers write new stories. I liked the concept of this book: what if I am living a story being written by a writer in some other world in another realm? This is the first book in the series of books for Julu, and it takes you on a wild trip to Jirvania, where imagination thrives and stories are collected.
April 12, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the author via Booktasters.
I think I picked a good one. There's magic and "story pearls" , fairies ans libraries with portals. It's the perfect fantasy come to life from the pages of my book. Especially if you're like me and live and breathe vicariously through the pages of your favourite story😉
Jan Anderegg is a captivating story teller. The characters are engaging and oddly relateable. There's no break in story, it's a wholesome adventure story with all the best aspects of fantasy weaved in between.
I'd highly recommend this book to middle graders or anyone who just enjoys fantasy ❤️
I think I picked a good one. There's magic and "story pearls" , fairies ans libraries with portals. It's the perfect fantasy come to life from the pages of my book. Especially if you're like me and live and breathe vicariously through the pages of your favourite story😉
Jan Anderegg is a captivating story teller. The characters are engaging and oddly relateable. There's no break in story, it's a wholesome adventure story with all the best aspects of fantasy weaved in between.
I'd highly recommend this book to middle graders or anyone who just enjoys fantasy ❤️
May 31, 2019
Julu is a delightful story that sweeps you away from your daily life. From this line, "Yes, we stars have souls, and we believe in friendship, kindness, acceptance, hope, and unconditional love." We are promised an adventure that embodies the traits we hold dear. Stars have a universal feel, and Jan Anderegg does a fantastic job exploring those connections. The characters are dynamic and feel like people we know. The world-building is excellent. Just the idea that stars have souls, personalities, and dreams is thrilling!
April 12, 2021
First I would say kudos to the author for weaving such an interesting new world for us readers to step into. We introduced to whole different world with lots if interesting characters which enchant us but also amuse us. Lots of themes of bravery and friendship going on.
What doesn't work is since there are so many characters and combined with abrupt changes it tends to get a little confusing. Also I did pick it up thinking it's children's fiction story but I guess the age would be on the higher side.
Definitely give it a go if you are reading it out to your younger ones.
What doesn't work is since there are so many characters and combined with abrupt changes it tends to get a little confusing. Also I did pick it up thinking it's children's fiction story but I guess the age would be on the higher side.
Definitely give it a go if you are reading it out to your younger ones.
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