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Will Wilder #3
The Amulet of Power
8 Hours
In book three of the series, twelve-year-old Will Wilder is back to protect the town of Perilous Falls after he's given a talisman with a lock of Samson's hair. But a new dark demon will force family secrets to be revealed, friendships to be tested, and Will's strength to be pushed to the limit.
Will Wilder yearns to join the Perilous Falls Middle School football team. But he was never big enough or strong enough to make the cut, until he comes in contact with a talisman containing the fabled locks of Samson. But using the Amulet of Power attracts dark forces to Perilous Falls like moths to a flame.
Suddenly, hunched creatures are shadowing people around town, graves are being disturbed, the music of a mysterious DJ lulls half of Perilous Falls into a stupor, and to top it all off, Will is convinced that a teammate may be a demon himself!
As he tries to identify the demon before it causes untold havoc, Wilder family secrets will be unlocked, the limits of physical strength and the power of friendship are tested--and Will might even score a touchdown or two.
In book three of the series, twelve-year-old Will Wilder is back to protect the town of Perilous Falls after he's given a talisman with a lock of Samson's hair. But a new dark demon will force family secrets to be revealed, friendships to be tested, and Will's strength to be pushed to the limit.
Will Wilder yearns to join the Perilous Falls Middle School football team. But he was never big enough or strong enough to make the cut, until he comes in contact with a talisman containing the fabled locks of Samson. But using the Amulet of Power attracts dark forces to Perilous Falls like moths to a flame.
Suddenly, hunched creatures are shadowing people around town, graves are being disturbed, the music of a mysterious DJ lulls half of Perilous Falls into a stupor, and to top it all off, Will is convinced that a teammate may be a demon himself!
As he tries to identify the demon before it causes untold havoc, Wilder family secrets will be unlocked, the limits of physical strength and the power of friendship are tested--and Will might even score a touchdown or two.
Audio CD
First published February 19, 2019
About the author
Raymond Arroyo
28 books254 followersRaymond Arroyo is an award winning journalist, a New York Times Bestselling author, and a producer. He is the news director and lead anchor of EWTN News; creator and host of the international news magazine The World Over Live seen in 200 million households each week. Arroyo lives in the Washington DC area with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 11, 2020
Wow! Just wow! The story feels real and the characters' undertakings are relatable. I only hope that the succeeding books would incorporate a big overarching thread rather than the monster-of-the-week cliche of a plot we witnessed in the first three books. And I think the author has laid the seeds already. So, it's just a matter of time.
I can't wait to read the rest of the series! The ending was a cliffhanger for sure. I pray ASL is okay.
When is the fourth book coming out?
I can't wait to read the rest of the series! The ending was a cliffhanger for sure. I pray ASL is okay.
When is the fourth book coming out?
March 24, 2019
I enjoyed the book, but the pattern is kind of the same as with the first two. A few new twists. Would recommend for middle school kids.
May 15, 2025
While the writing style and storyline are fabulously engrossing, I continue to wonder about some of the theological content of the Will Wilder novels and if the mix of the supernatural with hybrid fantasy will confuse younger readers. Relics, while wonderful sacramentals, do not generally offer any supernatural powers to their users. The devil is all to real and the primary weapons to fight him are the sacraments, prayer, fasting, and charity. Demons are directly present in these novels, while God isn't, and even the good angels are quite impersonal. I recommend that parents talk over these books with their children, particularly those under the age of 14.
March 14, 2019
Another great story in the Will Wilder Series. My family really has loved reading these aloud together and journeying with Will Wilder and his family and friends as they battle diabolical enemies. I love how Will doesn't always make the right choices and suffers consequences for his bad decisions, but always has love and support in his family and friends who all try to help each other grow into better individuals. I also love how there are so many good and strong characters for readers to look up to with all types of personalities and capabilities.
One quote from the book I loved was "'so you learned somethin' from your mistake. That's what mistakes are for, Will.' Bart brushed the soil from the sleeves of his loud coat. 'Keep looking beneath the surface. Most important this is that question Gamaliel asked you. Get that right and everything else will follow: On what have you set your heart, my man? On what have you set your heart?'"
One quote from the book I loved was "'so you learned somethin' from your mistake. That's what mistakes are for, Will.' Bart brushed the soil from the sleeves of his loud coat. 'Keep looking beneath the surface. Most important this is that question Gamaliel asked you. Get that right and everything else will follow: On what have you set your heart, my man? On what have you set your heart?'"
Read
July 8, 2020The Amulet of Power (Will Wilder #3) by Raymond Arroyo, 280 pages. Yearling (Random House), 2019. $8 (paperback)
Violence: PG (danger, fighting)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Will Wilder is getting more comfortable with the relics he is protecting – so comfortable that he uses one to give him strength to excel on the school football team. Perilous Falls is also in trouble, because strange shadow beings are stalking the residents, but only Will can see the creatures. Throw in betrayal being plotted by someone close to Will and you have a recipe for danger, doubt, and self-discovery.
I was a bit disappointed by the third book in this series – especially because I love the first two so much. Why – because Will becomes so selfish this time around and causes problems by overt choices he makes. It seems to have gone straight to paperback – so at least it is cost effective.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
Violence: PG (danger, fighting)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Will Wilder is getting more comfortable with the relics he is protecting – so comfortable that he uses one to give him strength to excel on the school football team. Perilous Falls is also in trouble, because strange shadow beings are stalking the residents, but only Will can see the creatures. Throw in betrayal being plotted by someone close to Will and you have a recipe for danger, doubt, and self-discovery.
I was a bit disappointed by the third book in this series – especially because I love the first two so much. Why – because Will becomes so selfish this time around and causes problems by overt choices he makes. It seems to have gone straight to paperback – so at least it is cost effective.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2020...
July 17, 2025
THIS. BOOK. How could he leave us on a cliffhangerrrrrr??! 😖
I will say that DJ Cassian was kinda just Pothinus Sab 2.0. There were cool things about him, but he's a) a famous public figure, and b) lures people to sin. Just like Sab. I don't see many differences. Everyone wore those amulet things Sab gave them. Everyone blasted Cassian's music.
I hope these books develop more of an overarching story, rather than just "here's the beast of the book!". It's gotten a bit repetitive. Arroyo has cleared laid the groundwork for what we can presume to end up a seven book series, but more overarching plots would be nice.
Will steals the amulet with Samson's hair in it, which is kinda odd because you think he WOULDN'T do that after what happened with St. Thomas' bone. But nope! I guess he just felt like learning the same lesson again. XD
Dan's stuff was surprisingly good. It was nice to see the "I completely resent my past" stuff resolved.....well, mostly. We learn that Dan is a Repeller, I believe, just like Lucille. But we also learn that he's a Seer. This is where my problems arise.
If Dan is a Seer, then why on earth did the Brethren worry about Will so much? They kept acting like Will was the only dude on the face of the earth with such abilities like his, besides for his great-grandfather and maybe a few others. But they NEVER bother to tell the boy that, "Oh, by the way, your pops is a Seer, too," presuming that they all knew. Maybe they wanted Dan to tell Will himself, but it just doesn't make any sense.
And if Dan really is gonna rejoin the Brethren, it kind of undermines Will's role as the only Seer. Not saying it's ideal to only have one dude who can see the monsters, but from a story perspective, it makes fights more challenging, especially as Will learns to harness his sight. If Will weren't the "chosen one," then he'd basically be useless by now.
I can't criticize too much since we've barely seen Dan's abilities or how Arroyo's going to handle his role, but it's just a bit of cautionary optimism.
But this is actually my favorite book in the Will Wilder series! Will's arc especially is great character development.
I only have one more question, though: fourth book when? 🥲
I will say that DJ Cassian was kinda just Pothinus Sab 2.0. There were cool things about him, but he's a) a famous public figure, and b) lures people to sin. Just like Sab. I don't see many differences. Everyone wore those amulet things Sab gave them. Everyone blasted Cassian's music.
I hope these books develop more of an overarching story, rather than just "here's the beast of the book!". It's gotten a bit repetitive. Arroyo has cleared laid the groundwork for what we can presume to end up a seven book series, but more overarching plots would be nice.
Will steals the amulet with Samson's hair in it, which is kinda odd because you think he WOULDN'T do that after what happened with St. Thomas' bone. But nope! I guess he just felt like learning the same lesson again. XD
Dan's stuff was surprisingly good. It was nice to see the "I completely resent my past" stuff resolved.....well, mostly. We learn that Dan is a Repeller, I believe, just like Lucille. But we also learn that he's a Seer. This is where my problems arise.
If Dan is a Seer, then why on earth did the Brethren worry about Will so much? They kept acting like Will was the only dude on the face of the earth with such abilities like his, besides for his great-grandfather and maybe a few others. But they NEVER bother to tell the boy that, "Oh, by the way, your pops is a Seer, too," presuming that they all knew. Maybe they wanted Dan to tell Will himself, but it just doesn't make any sense.
And if Dan really is gonna rejoin the Brethren, it kind of undermines Will's role as the only Seer. Not saying it's ideal to only have one dude who can see the monsters, but from a story perspective, it makes fights more challenging, especially as Will learns to harness his sight. If Will weren't the "chosen one," then he'd basically be useless by now.
I can't criticize too much since we've barely seen Dan's abilities or how Arroyo's going to handle his role, but it's just a bit of cautionary optimism.
But this is actually my favorite book in the Will Wilder series! Will's arc especially is great character development.
I only have one more question, though: fourth book when? 🥲
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2019
Yet another good book in the Will Wilder series.
Will's bully Caleb feels Will purposely shows him up. But Will is stuck in his own academic world, thriving in content that he loves.
Until he tries out for the football team and actually does show Caleb up, thanks to the power of Sampson's hair in an amulet.
(Will annoys me because he constantly acts like a [pre?] teen who yields to temptation and stupidly justifies his actions.
There is more of the Sinestri and evil in general--like imps. This is a very scary book on the dangers and powers of demonic possession and influence. Demons unearth our desires and wreak havic/sin on the world. It's interesting and informative and a very good warning.
There is more about some saints, both common and otherwise.
Although Will bothers me, he does not hesitate to learn on the love and support of family and friends. When he is in danger or is uncertain about something, he talks to Cami, Max, Andrew and Simon; he calls his aunt Lucille and tells her what he witnesses.
He trusts the adults' role in life.
(I'm looking for this more because I heard Arroyo saying this was a downside of 'Harry Potter,' that the adults just let these 11-year-old kids do things, which is incredibly unrealistic).
The fact that there is a character named Lilith made me groan and roll my eyes.
THAT END IS MORE INTENSE THAN IN PREVIOUS BOOKS!! :O
Will's bully Caleb feels Will purposely shows him up. But Will is stuck in his own academic world, thriving in content that he loves.
Until he tries out for the football team and actually does show Caleb up, thanks to the power of Sampson's hair in an amulet.
(Will annoys me because he constantly acts like a [pre?] teen who yields to temptation and stupidly justifies his actions.
There is more of the Sinestri and evil in general--like imps. This is a very scary book on the dangers and powers of demonic possession and influence. Demons unearth our desires and wreak havic/sin on the world. It's interesting and informative and a very good warning.
There is more about some saints, both common and otherwise.
Although Will bothers me, he does not hesitate to learn on the love and support of family and friends. When he is in danger or is uncertain about something, he talks to Cami, Max, Andrew and Simon; he calls his aunt Lucille and tells her what he witnesses.
He trusts the adults' role in life.
(I'm looking for this more because I heard Arroyo saying this was a downside of 'Harry Potter,' that the adults just let these 11-year-old kids do things, which is incredibly unrealistic).
The fact that there is a character named Lilith made me groan and roll my eyes.
THAT END IS MORE INTENSE THAN IN PREVIOUS BOOKS!! :O
September 9, 2024
Didn’t enjoy this, as much as the other 2 books in the series. One of the main issues, I had was remembering who all the characters were, from the last 2 books, made harder, by a few new ones. There is nothing I really hatred about it, just liked the other two books better.
The overall narrative was O.K, and the points of Will learning his gifts are not for his own satisfaction, instead to be used for others, was a good feature of the storyline. The twist about Will’s grandmother at the end of the story, was my favourite aspect of the plot, so is she good or evil? Guess, I have to read the next one, when it finally comes out, as it seems people have been waiting for it, for a while.
Beware, this book may be scary for little kids, as demons are figured in the storyline. Overall, it’s a good tale, for young kids to learn, the true nature of good vs evil, and how friendship and family are the most important things in our lives.
The overall narrative was O.K, and the points of Will learning his gifts are not for his own satisfaction, instead to be used for others, was a good feature of the storyline. The twist about Will’s grandmother at the end of the story, was my favourite aspect of the plot, so is she good or evil? Guess, I have to read the next one, when it finally comes out, as it seems people have been waiting for it, for a while.
Beware, this book may be scary for little kids, as demons are figured in the storyline. Overall, it’s a good tale, for young kids to learn, the true nature of good vs evil, and how friendship and family are the most important things in our lives.
August 2, 2019
I finally feel like I'm really into this series. I like how Arroyo uses subtle clues for the reader to figure out who is dangerous before Will does (although I only picked up on one of the two at first - however, the foreshadowing worked). I really like how the relationship between Will and Cami is progressing (especially when Cami is wearing a helmet like Will often does). That said, I still have issues with the set up of the next book moving the timeline along too fast. It took 12 years for Will to get to the point of the first prophecy, and now we've had three in a matter of months? I think the pacing can be slowed down a bit, so it doesn't feel like we're being tossed about from adventure to adventure quite so much.
June 16, 2020
Delightful story, combining adventure and faith.
My husband and I listened to this on Audible, narrated by the author Raymond Arroyo. We have several great-nieces and nephews, and were looking for books to give them. Turns out, we enjoyed this ourselves!
It is definitely written for younger readers; some plot elements were very predictable for us, but may be more intriguing to kids. As Catholics, we enjoyed the use of Catholic elements, along with various Indiana Jones inspirations. The character voices were a bit exaggerated and many sounded as though they were from different parts of the country. I'm guessing this is to help young audiences keep track of the characters.
We have listened to all 3 books now, and look forward to the next installment!
My husband and I listened to this on Audible, narrated by the author Raymond Arroyo. We have several great-nieces and nephews, and were looking for books to give them. Turns out, we enjoyed this ourselves!
It is definitely written for younger readers; some plot elements were very predictable for us, but may be more intriguing to kids. As Catholics, we enjoyed the use of Catholic elements, along with various Indiana Jones inspirations. The character voices were a bit exaggerated and many sounded as though they were from different parts of the country. I'm guessing this is to help young audiences keep track of the characters.
We have listened to all 3 books now, and look forward to the next installment!
June 26, 2021
Same issues as the earlier books. Similar to Dean Koontz - morality/Catholicism with a large dash of salt. Disappointing if you have high theological expectations due to the author. Great if you stumble upon it (thinking it is a secular book) without any expectations.
I would not recommend this book for young children. Maybe middle school or high school?
I enjoyed it as an adult, although there were troubling parts. There were also really enjoyable parts and it made me think about some spiritual elements of life that I hadn't considered before.
The climax at the end of the book was great and it ended with a cliffhanger that I'm sure I'll forget... Note to self: read the next book when it comes out.
I would not recommend this book for young children. Maybe middle school or high school?
I enjoyed it as an adult, although there were troubling parts. There were also really enjoyable parts and it made me think about some spiritual elements of life that I hadn't considered before.
The climax at the end of the book was great and it ended with a cliffhanger that I'm sure I'll forget... Note to self: read the next book when it comes out.
August 13, 2019
This was another fun read but it wasn’t without its flaws. It’s biggest being that it was sometimes hard to follow with events jumping from one to another suddenly or changing character perspectives without breaks in the chapter. Second con for me was that this felt very much like the middle book in a series and didn’t add too much that hadn’t already been given in the previous two.
This book did, however, have a very exciting climax and did a great job surprising me with the big reveal at the end. Also, I liked seeing a relic for my favorite saint being used primarily by Cami (Joan of Arc) and the reference to her being the Maid of Loraine.
This book did, however, have a very exciting climax and did a great job surprising me with the big reveal at the end. Also, I liked seeing a relic for my favorite saint being used primarily by Cami (Joan of Arc) and the reference to her being the Maid of Loraine.
May 4, 2020
Will WILDER AND THE AMULET OF POWER
by
Raymond Arroyo
Will Wilder yet again finds a way to misuse a relic from Peleneil. That is where his Great Grandfather has housed many relics. This time it's the amulet of power which contains a lock of Samson's hair
The third book answers some of the mysteries left unanswered in the first two books, get this book resd it and let your imagination be freed.
by
Raymond Arroyo
Will Wilder yet again finds a way to misuse a relic from Peleneil. That is where his Great Grandfather has housed many relics. This time it's the amulet of power which contains a lock of Samson's hair
The third book answers some of the mysteries left unanswered in the first two books, get this book resd it and let your imagination be freed.
May 6, 2020
Third Time’s ... A BELOVED RELIC!
One of the things that makes me rank a story as 5-Star quality is the fact that it pulls me into a place with its characters! Great writing only happens with passion and purpose. I found Perilous Falls at the time we ALL need heroes to fight for right and struggle against wrong to find pieces we didn’t realize we’d lost until they are found in the fictional place by a fictional character who we relate to PERFECTLY! THANK YOU, RAYMOND, FOR WILL WHO HELPED ME TO FIND MY LOST PIECES 💖 Tonja Condray Klein; Eirinth Writer, Singer, Songwriter, and Webpage Designer 😊
One of the things that makes me rank a story as 5-Star quality is the fact that it pulls me into a place with its characters! Great writing only happens with passion and purpose. I found Perilous Falls at the time we ALL need heroes to fight for right and struggle against wrong to find pieces we didn’t realize we’d lost until they are found in the fictional place by a fictional character who we relate to PERFECTLY! THANK YOU, RAYMOND, FOR WILL WHO HELPED ME TO FIND MY LOST PIECES 💖 Tonja Condray Klein; Eirinth Writer, Singer, Songwriter, and Webpage Designer 😊
March 1, 2024
Once more, a great book, and there are so many cliffhangers that I didn’t want to stop reading! The greatest cliffhanger is at the end. I am patiently waiting for the 4th book to be released to find out what happens. I hope it’s soon!
There was one quote in the book that, when I was reading, I had to write it down. On pages 258-259, Marian Wilder says: “I have spent my life…watching from the shadows—terrified—petrified by what I saw that day. It’s no way to live. We have to act—to bring light. I see that now. It’s not enough to observe evil. We have to risk everything—even our lives—to fight the darkness.” I think that is so true.
There was one quote in the book that, when I was reading, I had to write it down. On pages 258-259, Marian Wilder says: “I have spent my life…watching from the shadows—terrified—petrified by what I saw that day. It’s no way to live. We have to act—to bring light. I see that now. It’s not enough to observe evil. We have to risk everything—even our lives—to fight the darkness.” I think that is so true.
June 18, 2019
It's better than the first book, but not quite as good as the second book. It gets better as you get further into it though, then at the end the story was as good as this series gets. I feel like I didn't get enough normal interaction between Will and his friends. I really like that Cami had her time to shine in this book, as she is my favorite character. Thank you God and Mr. Arroyo for this great addition to the series and I will be eagerly awaiting the next.
April 9, 2020
Will Wilder is back at middle school and he wants to join the football team, but he isn’t fit for it. Will also must deal with a school bully. While Will is heading towards Peniel for training, he hears music coming from the park. When Will investigates, he sees a man playing music. Everyone that was listening to this guy's music acted like they were in a trance. Will also saw weird creatures around people too, but he didn’t know why. When Will arrived at Peniel he told his Aunt Lucille about what he saw. He and his Aunt Lucille were worried; as they were leaving, Will saw a relic that he thought would help him get on the football team and keep him safe from any demon. Will takes the relic without thinking about the consequences that will follow him, and all the strange things and people he will meet. I enjoyed the adventures and mysteries in this book.
March 18, 2026
My son absolutely loves this series and I have read through all three books to him at night. He has been re-reading the books in his free time and we’ve recommended them to a number of friends.
I wish there were more books in this series!
I wish there were more books in this series!
March 7, 2019
Great read
Another original story! This was another enthralling yarn, with intriguing bits and pieces of the past and the future and family.
Another original story! This was another enthralling yarn, with intriguing bits and pieces of the past and the future and family.
March 31, 2019
another good entry in Will Wilder sage as he learns that power is not all that matters
May 7, 2019
This is a fabulous series, full of adventures for ALL ages.
October 7, 2019
I think I probably should have started with book number one in this series. It took me a while to get connected to this one. I was impressed though with the reading.
July 4, 2020
This book is great. Includes the relic of Samson hair. Is left on a cliff hanger.
November 20, 2021
F7n series. This time Will uses an amulet to get Samson's strength. Learns a very valuable lesson in the, be who you were meant tobe.
July 8, 2022
My favorite of the three. I've just been dying to learn more about Dan Wilder and we finally got a few more breadcrumbs in this book!
January 19, 2023
Not as good as the second book but it still has a dark and thrilling story that is worth every page!
August 16, 2023
All of the Will Wilder books were great!
September 4, 2024
i realy like the series just dont read it before bed
ps the other books aren't on GoodReads but I have read them
ps the other books aren't on GoodReads but I have read them
January 23, 2025
Son says “fantastic”.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews