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Bobby Ether and the Academy
“There is no such thing as magic.” That's what the mysterious stranger named Cassandra tells Bobby after helping him escape from the small army of secret agents who surround his house. The elegantly dressed older woman with the fancy car takes him someplace that appears safe, but can she be trusted?
Only a few hours earlier, Bobby won his middle school championship basketball game with a miraculous shot, a shot too incredible to be luck. Afterward, Cassandra shows up, claiming to know Bobby’s grandfather––a man he hasn’t seen in years––and asks Bobby to go with her.
Now the fourteen-year-old boy from the LA suburbs is not sure what to believe. Cassandra claims to have answers, but nothing she says explains why his parents are missing, what the goons outside his house wanted with him, or why inexplicable, seemingly magical things keep happening.
Thus begins an epic blend of young adult urban fantasy and spiritual fiction that takes readers on an grand adventure from indoor forests to vast archives; from a labyrinth of jade mines, to encounters with a mother bear turned spirit guide and the dire secrets hidden within her lair. Along the way, Bobby will learn that, while there may be no such thing as magic, there is powerful energy within us all. In fact, the entire universe is connected by energy, and he has the rare ability to control it.
Join Bobby and his best friend Jinx––whose abilities never trigger the intended effect––as they avoid school bullies, a suspected assassin, and meta-human henchmen alike to unravel the mysteries of the Academy––the ancient and secret monastery in Tibet where kids with extraordinary potential are sent to study. But is the Academy really what it claims to be?
A mysterious locket given to Bobby by his clairvoyant grandfather may hold answers, but first he and his friends have to figure out how to open it. Meanwhile, the leader of the Academics, Headmistress Grayson, has an agenda of her own––one that involves using Bobby for her own nefarious ends.
Can Bobby solve the mystery surrounding his grandfather and uncover the truth about the Academy before falling prey to the headmistress’s diabolical scheme? A fun, fast-paced adventure story, Bobby Ether and the Academy is a mind-bending, page-turning foray into a super-charged spiritual world full of excitement and wonder.
Only a few hours earlier, Bobby won his middle school championship basketball game with a miraculous shot, a shot too incredible to be luck. Afterward, Cassandra shows up, claiming to know Bobby’s grandfather––a man he hasn’t seen in years––and asks Bobby to go with her.
Now the fourteen-year-old boy from the LA suburbs is not sure what to believe. Cassandra claims to have answers, but nothing she says explains why his parents are missing, what the goons outside his house wanted with him, or why inexplicable, seemingly magical things keep happening.
Thus begins an epic blend of young adult urban fantasy and spiritual fiction that takes readers on an grand adventure from indoor forests to vast archives; from a labyrinth of jade mines, to encounters with a mother bear turned spirit guide and the dire secrets hidden within her lair. Along the way, Bobby will learn that, while there may be no such thing as magic, there is powerful energy within us all. In fact, the entire universe is connected by energy, and he has the rare ability to control it.
Join Bobby and his best friend Jinx––whose abilities never trigger the intended effect––as they avoid school bullies, a suspected assassin, and meta-human henchmen alike to unravel the mysteries of the Academy––the ancient and secret monastery in Tibet where kids with extraordinary potential are sent to study. But is the Academy really what it claims to be?
A mysterious locket given to Bobby by his clairvoyant grandfather may hold answers, but first he and his friends have to figure out how to open it. Meanwhile, the leader of the Academics, Headmistress Grayson, has an agenda of her own––one that involves using Bobby for her own nefarious ends.
Can Bobby solve the mystery surrounding his grandfather and uncover the truth about the Academy before falling prey to the headmistress’s diabolical scheme? A fun, fast-paced adventure story, Bobby Ether and the Academy is a mind-bending, page-turning foray into a super-charged spiritual world full of excitement and wonder.
ebook
First published September 12, 2013
4 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
R. Scott Boyer
4 books231 followersR. Scott Boyer graduated from the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley in 1996. In 2008, he became fascinated with the idea of blending young adult fantasy with new-age fiction. While maintaining a full-time job, he couldn't help but envision the kind of book he wanted to read. This exploration led to the creation of the Bobby Ether YA fantasy series, which combines spiritual elements with ancient myths and legends to create fun, fast-paced stories tailored for young adults but suited for adventure lovers of all ages.
Through his writing, Scott likes to explore various spiritual and metaphysical themes, including karma, serendipity, communion with nature, and the interconnectedness of all living things. In his free time, Scott likes to play basketball and tennis, as well as bike with his rescue dog, Patch. Over the years, Scott has been involved with a number of volunteer youth organizations, including United In Harmony, YMCA summer and winter camps, various basketball programs, and C5LA.
Raised in Santa Monica, California, Scott still resides in the Los Angeles area close to his family.
Through his writing, Scott likes to explore various spiritual and metaphysical themes, including karma, serendipity, communion with nature, and the interconnectedness of all living things. In his free time, Scott likes to play basketball and tennis, as well as bike with his rescue dog, Patch. Over the years, Scott has been involved with a number of volunteer youth organizations, including United In Harmony, YMCA summer and winter camps, various basketball programs, and C5LA.
Raised in Santa Monica, California, Scott still resides in the Los Angeles area close to his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 26, 2013
This was one amazing book! The author was nice enough to send me a copy and I want to thank him very much. This is a great book for young and old. It is I would say an adventure, mystery, fiction.
It is about a boy named Bobby Ether who, one night, is taken from his home and believes he sees his parents die. Thinking he has nowhere to go, he is taken and goes sort of willingly to "The Academy". He does not quite fit in there. But he soon finds the other kids that do not quite fit in and makes good friends.
Again, I do not do spoilers in a review. What happens on this amazing journey is Bobby, finding out who he is, finding out things about his parents, his grandparents, and his extended family he never knew he had.
Bobby is targeted for the Academy from a display he put on that one woman noticed (this is right in the beginning of the book) at Bobby's basketball game. Bobby does have special powers. But not the kind of special powers we are used to seeing in these types of books.
Bobby has to go to regular classes at The Academy and classes that teach him how to use his powers.
Go on a journey with Bobby as he finds his family, finds out about how to knock down his emotional walls, finds the power within, helps his friends, and finds out about something big and amazing going on in the world that has been around for a long time and that he is now a part of. Friends become enemies, enemies become friends.
You will turn page after page and root for Bobby. I know I did!
I hope there is a sequel!!!
It is about a boy named Bobby Ether who, one night, is taken from his home and believes he sees his parents die. Thinking he has nowhere to go, he is taken and goes sort of willingly to "The Academy". He does not quite fit in there. But he soon finds the other kids that do not quite fit in and makes good friends.
Again, I do not do spoilers in a review. What happens on this amazing journey is Bobby, finding out who he is, finding out things about his parents, his grandparents, and his extended family he never knew he had.
Bobby is targeted for the Academy from a display he put on that one woman noticed (this is right in the beginning of the book) at Bobby's basketball game. Bobby does have special powers. But not the kind of special powers we are used to seeing in these types of books.
Bobby has to go to regular classes at The Academy and classes that teach him how to use his powers.
Go on a journey with Bobby as he finds his family, finds out about how to knock down his emotional walls, finds the power within, helps his friends, and finds out about something big and amazing going on in the world that has been around for a long time and that he is now a part of. Friends become enemies, enemies become friends.
You will turn page after page and root for Bobby. I know I did!
I hope there is a sequel!!!
December 17, 2013
Great story. Very well written and captivating. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series. The story starts with a teenage boy playing basketball at school and something unexplainable happens. Next thing he knows two different groups of people are trying to kidnap him. The action is nonstop and intrigue is top notch. Who can he trust, who can he believe and what is really happening. A superb start to a new series.
February 2, 2014
Title: Bobby Ether And The Academy
Author: R Scott Boyer
Publisher: Create Space Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 9-12-2013
ISBN-10: 1482084821
ISBN-13: 978-1482084825
E-Book ASIN: B00FFHPKLW
Pages: 368
Genre: Fantasy
Tags: Paranormal, Magic, Suspense
Overall Rating: Very Good
It all started at a basketball game. Bobby Ether and his team the Bayside Bruins were playing the Coopertown Crows. The game was almost over and the Bruins trailed by two points. With seconds to go they needed to get to the other side of the court. With a last ditch effort Bobby made his move; maneuvering his way to center court and with a Hail Mary throw the ball was on its way to the basket. With a hopeful prayer from Bobby the ball suddenly seems to gain speed and momentum and all but flies into the basket. Stunned Bobby watches is sink and the auditorium erupts half shouting for joy and half moaning in defeat. Through it all Bobby watches the strange older woman sitting where his parents were suppose to be.
Feeling unwell Bobby goes to the locker room where he finds her again. She tells him he needs to go with her and that his family sent him. Then she disappears again. As he is walking home he stops to rest under a tree when he feels ill again. Suddenly there she is again. She takes him home and tells him her name is Cassandra a firend of his Grandfather and that he needs to pack and come with her as there are people after him because of what he did at the game. When two mysterious men show up at his door they escape and head to the Eagles Nest. Can nothing go right for them? When they arrive at the Eagles Nest they are nearly killed when Cassandra can't remember the password.
At the last moment, literally, Cassandra comes up with the correct password and Bobby is flabbergasted to find himself in a domed forest glade. As they rest and eat Cassandra explains that there is no magic, rather that each and every living thing contains and can control to some extent energy. Some, like Bobby, can control it more than others. After a few demonstrations Bobby begins to believe about the energy and the people that want to capture and use his abilities for their own gain. After accepting it all as true he again asks when he can contact his parents, Cassandra tells him to rest and they would contact the next day; she gently touches his face before leaving him and in that instant he knows she lied to him and decides to make a run for it.
Escaping the way they came in he finds a telephone and calls his mother's cell phone. Arranging to meet at a location somewhere in downtown Los Angeles, Bobby grabs a cab and makes his to where his way parents can find him. He is almost reunited when suddenly the two men who came to his house are there. They must have tapped his parent's phones. After a long chase they capture him and take him to the academy where he hears another side to the story that everything Cassandra said is a lie and that she was planning to sell him and his abilities. When asked about his parents he is told that they are dead and that Cassandra had them murdered. With photos to back up Headmistress Grayson's story, Bobby is left devastated and angry. Bobby doesn't know who or what to believe any more. Soon things come to light that make him begin to question everything he has ever known to be true. The time has come to run again.
To compare Bobby Ether and the Academy to the Harry Potter stories is not far off. Many of the similarities are obvious such as the Academy and Hogwarts; the instructors and the professors, magic vs energy manipulation. But other than the peripheral comparisons Boyer has developed a story for adolescents and teens to enjoy as they travel the same journey Bobby does to learn what is real and what is a lie. As each of us have learned our own place in this world Bobby must find his. Whether you believe in magic or the metaphysical you will be entertained and amazed at the depth of the characters. The plot is so well done that you hate to put it down even for a moment. I was up late into the night because I could not wait until to see what Bobby would face next. Would he conquer it or would it be his final battle and bring his downfall. You too will be drawn into this fast moving novel. You will begin to wonder what is real and what is make-believe. Only you can decide. Pick up a copy for yourself or someone on your gift list that enjoys fantasy and suspense rolled into one well done novel. On the downside I am now left wondering when the next book in Bobby Ether's journey will be available. I can hardly wait.
Author: R Scott Boyer
Publisher: Create Space Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 9-12-2013
ISBN-10: 1482084821
ISBN-13: 978-1482084825
E-Book ASIN: B00FFHPKLW
Pages: 368
Genre: Fantasy
Tags: Paranormal, Magic, Suspense
Overall Rating: Very Good
It all started at a basketball game. Bobby Ether and his team the Bayside Bruins were playing the Coopertown Crows. The game was almost over and the Bruins trailed by two points. With seconds to go they needed to get to the other side of the court. With a last ditch effort Bobby made his move; maneuvering his way to center court and with a Hail Mary throw the ball was on its way to the basket. With a hopeful prayer from Bobby the ball suddenly seems to gain speed and momentum and all but flies into the basket. Stunned Bobby watches is sink and the auditorium erupts half shouting for joy and half moaning in defeat. Through it all Bobby watches the strange older woman sitting where his parents were suppose to be.
Feeling unwell Bobby goes to the locker room where he finds her again. She tells him he needs to go with her and that his family sent him. Then she disappears again. As he is walking home he stops to rest under a tree when he feels ill again. Suddenly there she is again. She takes him home and tells him her name is Cassandra a firend of his Grandfather and that he needs to pack and come with her as there are people after him because of what he did at the game. When two mysterious men show up at his door they escape and head to the Eagles Nest. Can nothing go right for them? When they arrive at the Eagles Nest they are nearly killed when Cassandra can't remember the password.
At the last moment, literally, Cassandra comes up with the correct password and Bobby is flabbergasted to find himself in a domed forest glade. As they rest and eat Cassandra explains that there is no magic, rather that each and every living thing contains and can control to some extent energy. Some, like Bobby, can control it more than others. After a few demonstrations Bobby begins to believe about the energy and the people that want to capture and use his abilities for their own gain. After accepting it all as true he again asks when he can contact his parents, Cassandra tells him to rest and they would contact the next day; she gently touches his face before leaving him and in that instant he knows she lied to him and decides to make a run for it.
Escaping the way they came in he finds a telephone and calls his mother's cell phone. Arranging to meet at a location somewhere in downtown Los Angeles, Bobby grabs a cab and makes his to where his way parents can find him. He is almost reunited when suddenly the two men who came to his house are there. They must have tapped his parent's phones. After a long chase they capture him and take him to the academy where he hears another side to the story that everything Cassandra said is a lie and that she was planning to sell him and his abilities. When asked about his parents he is told that they are dead and that Cassandra had them murdered. With photos to back up Headmistress Grayson's story, Bobby is left devastated and angry. Bobby doesn't know who or what to believe any more. Soon things come to light that make him begin to question everything he has ever known to be true. The time has come to run again.
To compare Bobby Ether and the Academy to the Harry Potter stories is not far off. Many of the similarities are obvious such as the Academy and Hogwarts; the instructors and the professors, magic vs energy manipulation. But other than the peripheral comparisons Boyer has developed a story for adolescents and teens to enjoy as they travel the same journey Bobby does to learn what is real and what is a lie. As each of us have learned our own place in this world Bobby must find his. Whether you believe in magic or the metaphysical you will be entertained and amazed at the depth of the characters. The plot is so well done that you hate to put it down even for a moment. I was up late into the night because I could not wait until to see what Bobby would face next. Would he conquer it or would it be his final battle and bring his downfall. You too will be drawn into this fast moving novel. You will begin to wonder what is real and what is make-believe. Only you can decide. Pick up a copy for yourself or someone on your gift list that enjoys fantasy and suspense rolled into one well done novel. On the downside I am now left wondering when the next book in Bobby Ether's journey will be available. I can hardly wait.
August 4, 2016
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Though there are some echoes of Harry Potter here (orphaned boy discovers he has extraordinary abilities and is whisked off to a school for other kids with extraordinary abilities), a tightly woven sci-fi conspiracy and Eastern religious themes make Bobby Ether a truly unique beast.
Bobby, the protagonist, is relatable and believably flawed. Most of his friends and enemies are well drawn, particularly Jinx, who adds cuteness and comic relief to much of story. Ashley, the threshold villain, initially comes off as a one-dimensional, cliched mean girl, but this might be intentional. Her character actually gains depth as she grows more vicious and as some of the mysteries are revealed. Similarly, the primary antagonist comes off as a classic villain, but has a fascinating and tragic back story that makes her much more complex than she appears at first glance. She also has an unexpected connection to Bobby, and the revelation of that fact results in an especially unnerving scene.
The author fleshes out the Academy of the title with rich, atmospheric detail that very rarely seems extraneous and adds nicely to the novel's gradually rising tension. The dialogue is occasionally schmaltzy, but the prose is generally clean and well written, and the book is very well edited for a self-published work (I spotted only a few very minor typos). Though there are a few slow spots, the plot as a whole is nicely paced and the last fifty pages had me glued to my chair.
My only complaint is a minor one and it's not something I usually comment on. Though beautifully drawn, the cover screams middle grade fiction to me. Given the relatively complex plot and the average age of the major characters, the novel (perhaps the first in a planned series?) seems to fall squarely in the YA realm. The cover didn't detract at all from my enjoyment of the book, but I have to wonder whether Bobby will reach his main demographic with a cover that seems geared toward slightly younger readers.
Either way, Bobby Ether and the Academy is worth checking out and will appeal to adults who read YA, actual young adults and, perhaps, a few mature middle grade readers. :)
Though there are some echoes of Harry Potter here (orphaned boy discovers he has extraordinary abilities and is whisked off to a school for other kids with extraordinary abilities), a tightly woven sci-fi conspiracy and Eastern religious themes make Bobby Ether a truly unique beast.
Bobby, the protagonist, is relatable and believably flawed. Most of his friends and enemies are well drawn, particularly Jinx, who adds cuteness and comic relief to much of story. Ashley, the threshold villain, initially comes off as a one-dimensional, cliched mean girl, but this might be intentional. Her character actually gains depth as she grows more vicious and as some of the mysteries are revealed. Similarly, the primary antagonist comes off as a classic villain, but has a fascinating and tragic back story that makes her much more complex than she appears at first glance. She also has an unexpected connection to Bobby, and the revelation of that fact results in an especially unnerving scene.
The author fleshes out the Academy of the title with rich, atmospheric detail that very rarely seems extraneous and adds nicely to the novel's gradually rising tension. The dialogue is occasionally schmaltzy, but the prose is generally clean and well written, and the book is very well edited for a self-published work (I spotted only a few very minor typos). Though there are a few slow spots, the plot as a whole is nicely paced and the last fifty pages had me glued to my chair.
My only complaint is a minor one and it's not something I usually comment on. Though beautifully drawn, the cover screams middle grade fiction to me. Given the relatively complex plot and the average age of the major characters, the novel (perhaps the first in a planned series?) seems to fall squarely in the YA realm. The cover didn't detract at all from my enjoyment of the book, but I have to wonder whether Bobby will reach his main demographic with a cover that seems geared toward slightly younger readers.
Either way, Bobby Ether and the Academy is worth checking out and will appeal to adults who read YA, actual young adults and, perhaps, a few mature middle grade readers. :)
May 16, 2014
4.5 Stars
After N years, I finally finished Bobby Ether and The Academy. I'm not really sure if I'm happy with it or not.
Ughh. RSB, why did you have to do that?? After all the time I spent reading your book??
Haha!
Anyway, *surprisingly* I think I really enjoyed reading it. It's one of those not rare moments when I felt that I'm able to escape "reality" and travel to Tibet with Bobby and all the other characters.
I've always been fascinated with the concept of faith, and spiritual energy and the lives of monks. This is one instance when I'm indulged with that privilege.
The book is quite lengthy, with a lot of events happening every now and then. So unless you're strongly interested in the subject matter, I doubt you'd appreciate the time and effort the author spent in telling the story.
Again, it's hard to write a book based on "actual" beliefs / facts. Although I'm not heavily familiar with the topic at hand, I can say that writing this book involves a lot of research.
I guess another reproach would be that I think the main character, Bobby, is too young. He's only 14 years old, and he seems well-informed and experienced even after just a few weeks/months at the academy. I'm sure that there are always exceptions, depending on where one grew up. I wouldn't say it was ineffective, just that it was kind of... bothersome. At times. But when I think about it, not even an older character seems fitting. So I guess I'm okay with it already. Haha!
Also, I hope that the blurb can be improved a little. There's so much more to the story than what it says.
But then again, you know what the band Nickelcreek has to say about that: Only the curious will have something to find.
:)
I like the short romance, by the way. : )))
Overall, I'm satisfied with the book. I'm not a huge enthusiast of "fantasy" books (I haven't read Harry Potter or The LOTR either), but I just might become a fan of the author or the series.
After N years, I finally finished Bobby Ether and The Academy. I'm not really sure if I'm happy with it or not.
Ughh. RSB, why did you have to do that?? After all the time I spent reading your book??
Haha!
Anyway, *surprisingly* I think I really enjoyed reading it. It's one of those not rare moments when I felt that I'm able to escape "reality" and travel to Tibet with Bobby and all the other characters.
I've always been fascinated with the concept of faith, and spiritual energy and the lives of monks. This is one instance when I'm indulged with that privilege.
The book is quite lengthy, with a lot of events happening every now and then. So unless you're strongly interested in the subject matter, I doubt you'd appreciate the time and effort the author spent in telling the story.
Again, it's hard to write a book based on "actual" beliefs / facts. Although I'm not heavily familiar with the topic at hand, I can say that writing this book involves a lot of research.
I guess another reproach would be that I think the main character, Bobby, is too young. He's only 14 years old, and he seems well-informed and experienced even after just a few weeks/months at the academy. I'm sure that there are always exceptions, depending on where one grew up. I wouldn't say it was ineffective, just that it was kind of... bothersome. At times. But when I think about it, not even an older character seems fitting. So I guess I'm okay with it already. Haha!
Also, I hope that the blurb can be improved a little. There's so much more to the story than what it says.
But then again, you know what the band Nickelcreek has to say about that: Only the curious will have something to find.
:)
I like the short romance, by the way. : )))
Overall, I'm satisfied with the book. I'm not a huge enthusiast of "fantasy" books (I haven't read Harry Potter or The LOTR either), but I just might become a fan of the author or the series.
February 12, 2014
Just posted this review on my blog http://www.PriyankaReads.com - check out this and many more young adult book reviews and recommendations there.
===
Genre: Fantasy
Age Recommended: 11 and up
Bobby Ether and The Academy was a great book. I loved the storyline where a person seemed nice, then was portrayed as evil, and then turned out to be nice. The writing style of the author was interesting because the focus of the chapters changed often.
Bobby Ether is a boy who has "miraculous" abilities. He is at his basketball game when he shoots and the ball is too far away from the basket to make it. Somehow, Bobby envisions the ball going into the basket, and he makes the shot.
Bobby becomes a celebrity, and everybody wants to hangout with him. Soon after the celebrations, he is in the boys locker room when a lady, Cassandra, approaches him and tells him that he has special abilities.
She drives Bobby to his house and he learns that there are ways to learn how to control his abilities. Some people come to Bobby's house looking for him and Cassandra tells him that they must flee.
Cassandra drives Bobby to a safe location and shows him his range of powers. However, the information is too much for Bobby to handle and he runs away.
Bobby is taken in by people at a place called the Academy where he is to learn about how to use his powers. Bobby is heartbroken when he finds out that a car crash has killed his parents.
The Headmistress of the Academy tells Bobby that Cassandra had ordered his parents to be killed. While Bobby is there, figuring out how to plot revenge, he unlocks a generation old mystery and discovers a secret that could ruin his life...
===
Genre: Fantasy
Age Recommended: 11 and up
Bobby Ether and The Academy was a great book. I loved the storyline where a person seemed nice, then was portrayed as evil, and then turned out to be nice. The writing style of the author was interesting because the focus of the chapters changed often.
Bobby Ether is a boy who has "miraculous" abilities. He is at his basketball game when he shoots and the ball is too far away from the basket to make it. Somehow, Bobby envisions the ball going into the basket, and he makes the shot.
Bobby becomes a celebrity, and everybody wants to hangout with him. Soon after the celebrations, he is in the boys locker room when a lady, Cassandra, approaches him and tells him that he has special abilities.
She drives Bobby to his house and he learns that there are ways to learn how to control his abilities. Some people come to Bobby's house looking for him and Cassandra tells him that they must flee.
Cassandra drives Bobby to a safe location and shows him his range of powers. However, the information is too much for Bobby to handle and he runs away.
Bobby is taken in by people at a place called the Academy where he is to learn about how to use his powers. Bobby is heartbroken when he finds out that a car crash has killed his parents.
The Headmistress of the Academy tells Bobby that Cassandra had ordered his parents to be killed. While Bobby is there, figuring out how to plot revenge, he unlocks a generation old mystery and discovers a secret that could ruin his life...
December 7, 2013
This was really a fun story. It starts with Bobby making a basket during a game, a basket that he shouldn't have made. He makes some friends, learns a lot about himself, finds out that a lot of the things he believed to be true aren't necessarily so, takes on some evil adults and much more. I can't wait to see what happens to Bobby next :)
October 22, 2020
Review: BOBBY ETHER AND THE JADE ACADEMY
Delightfully fast-paced and suspenseful yet heartwarming, this Series has some resonance of Harry Potter and The Secret Garden, yet remains totally enjoyable on its own. The protagonist, the inimitable Bobby, is YA-age, but adults can revel too.
Delightfully fast-paced and suspenseful yet heartwarming, this Series has some resonance of Harry Potter and The Secret Garden, yet remains totally enjoyable on its own. The protagonist, the inimitable Bobby, is YA-age, but adults can revel too.
November 15, 2018
Book source ~ NetGalley
When Bobby Ether makes a too good to be true, amazing, winning shot at his middle school basketball championship, he knows something weird happened, but has no idea what. A mysterious woman named Cassandra who says she knows his grandfather shows up and tells him he’s a wielder of energy. No, it’s not magic and he’s not Harry Potter. She says she needs to protect him from the even stranger men who show up, so she whisks him away. He eventually ends up in their clutches and they take him to a monastery in Tibet, so he can learn all about energy and his particular skills at it. However, Bobby is having a rough time adjusting and he can’t do diddly. That’s when things get even more interesting.
Bobby is 14, but you’d think he’d know better than to run off with strangers. Yet he does. What a tool. Anyway, it’s hard to tell who the bad guys are in the beginning, but soon it’s pretty clear by the creep and jerk factors. The concept is pretty good, the execution not so bad, but the characters lack depth and then it ends in a cliffhanger. Overall though, it’s not a bad read that had me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
When Bobby Ether makes a too good to be true, amazing, winning shot at his middle school basketball championship, he knows something weird happened, but has no idea what. A mysterious woman named Cassandra who says she knows his grandfather shows up and tells him he’s a wielder of energy. No, it’s not magic and he’s not Harry Potter. She says she needs to protect him from the even stranger men who show up, so she whisks him away. He eventually ends up in their clutches and they take him to a monastery in Tibet, so he can learn all about energy and his particular skills at it. However, Bobby is having a rough time adjusting and he can’t do diddly. That’s when things get even more interesting.
Bobby is 14, but you’d think he’d know better than to run off with strangers. Yet he does. What a tool. Anyway, it’s hard to tell who the bad guys are in the beginning, but soon it’s pretty clear by the creep and jerk factors. The concept is pretty good, the execution not so bad, but the characters lack depth and then it ends in a cliffhanger. Overall though, it’s not a bad read that had me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
September 29, 2014
http://koeur.wordpress.com/2014/09/29...
Publisher: CreateSpace
Publishing Date: September 2013
ISBN: 9781482084821
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 2.9/5
Publisher Description: Join Bobby and his best friend Jinx as they avoid school bullies, a suspected assassin, and meta-human henchmen alike to unravel the many mysteries of the Academy – the ancient and enigmatic monastery in Tibet where kids with extraordinary potential are sent to study. But is the Academy truly what it claims to be?
Review: Covert art is way lame. Is this a coloring book or “See Jane Run”?
Bobby is gullible. To wit he is a negative foul mouthed little turd. But who can blame him. His parents were killed and he has been kidnapped to a Tibetan castle to develop his latent powers to utilize the energies that surround us. Hence the last name Ether.
As the story begins Bobby is whisked away by the beautiful Cassandra whom tells him half-truths and outright omissions as to why these creeps are chasing them. Bobby subsequently escapes and runs right into the creeps who take him away while he watches his parents in a car accident. Once at this school with other children, Bobby makes some friends, some enemies and begins to realize his potential. The strange thin about Bobby is that he believes all the bad people that surround him until it is patently obvious that what he once thought were bad people (Cassandra), are only trying to help him. During his tenure at the academy, Chief Benson Eagle Heart (BAHAHAHA!) shadows and protects him. But dumb Bobby thinks he is an assassin even when Chief Mighty Soaring Eagle fights off an attacking bear. Fug me.
This was well written and the characters fairly entertaining. It just seemed to fall a little flat. Perhaps the character attachment was lacking due to Bobby’s negative whining for much of the novel. The Only characters that played well throughout the novel were Master Jong and Jinx. Master Jong exhibits compassion even in the face of evil and stands resolute to do that which embodies Truth. Jinx is fun as he plays the super smart kid that is self-deprecating at the same time.
The next novel would really have to embody a formative plot coupled with a fast pace in order to build any sense of the characters as viable. The stop and go action of this novel and the ruminative inner dialogue of Bobby really slowed the whole ride down. One major glitch was Bobby’s apparent self-healing and bracing of the bookcase collapse. Why was his evident power only displayed once or twice?
Still, this gets close to 3 stars as it was an engaging read.
Publisher: CreateSpace
Publishing Date: September 2013
ISBN: 9781482084821
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 2.9/5
Publisher Description: Join Bobby and his best friend Jinx as they avoid school bullies, a suspected assassin, and meta-human henchmen alike to unravel the many mysteries of the Academy – the ancient and enigmatic monastery in Tibet where kids with extraordinary potential are sent to study. But is the Academy truly what it claims to be?
Review: Covert art is way lame. Is this a coloring book or “See Jane Run”?
Bobby is gullible. To wit he is a negative foul mouthed little turd. But who can blame him. His parents were killed and he has been kidnapped to a Tibetan castle to develop his latent powers to utilize the energies that surround us. Hence the last name Ether.
As the story begins Bobby is whisked away by the beautiful Cassandra whom tells him half-truths and outright omissions as to why these creeps are chasing them. Bobby subsequently escapes and runs right into the creeps who take him away while he watches his parents in a car accident. Once at this school with other children, Bobby makes some friends, some enemies and begins to realize his potential. The strange thin about Bobby is that he believes all the bad people that surround him until it is patently obvious that what he once thought were bad people (Cassandra), are only trying to help him. During his tenure at the academy, Chief Benson Eagle Heart (BAHAHAHA!) shadows and protects him. But dumb Bobby thinks he is an assassin even when Chief Mighty Soaring Eagle fights off an attacking bear. Fug me.
This was well written and the characters fairly entertaining. It just seemed to fall a little flat. Perhaps the character attachment was lacking due to Bobby’s negative whining for much of the novel. The Only characters that played well throughout the novel were Master Jong and Jinx. Master Jong exhibits compassion even in the face of evil and stands resolute to do that which embodies Truth. Jinx is fun as he plays the super smart kid that is self-deprecating at the same time.
The next novel would really have to embody a formative plot coupled with a fast pace in order to build any sense of the characters as viable. The stop and go action of this novel and the ruminative inner dialogue of Bobby really slowed the whole ride down. One major glitch was Bobby’s apparent self-healing and bracing of the bookcase collapse. Why was his evident power only displayed once or twice?
Still, this gets close to 3 stars as it was an engaging read.
March 18, 2014
A boy loses his parents, discovers he has unexplained powers and is whisked off to a mysterious academy where he'll be taught how to use his gift. Sounds familiar? Thankfully despite the obvious initial similarities Bobby Ether isn't another Harry Potter and the Academy is most definitely not Hogwarts.
Bobby isn't magic, we quickly learn at the start of the book that there is no such thing as magic. Instead a few people are able to control energy and use it to work for them - or against others. Bobby discovers by accident that he has this rare gift and what follows is a thrilling and well-crafted adventure.
There are the ubiquitous friends and enemies at the Academy of course, the most likeable and engaging being the eight year old genius Jinx, brother to Ashley, who swiftly becomes Bobby's nemesis, and son of the Headmistress of the Academy. The children in the story are for the most part pretty simplistic in this first novel of the series and it's obvious as to which side they're on but I imagine there will be further character developments as the series progresses. The adults I found to be more interesting with some ambiguity around their morals and motives. I did guess some of the plot twists although not enough to spoil my enjoyment of the book. The mix of Eastern mysticism with scientific advancements and some pleasingly dark and sinister moments plus a superb cliffhanger made for a book I would recommend, particularly to older children and young adults but even as a not so young adult I am looking forward to the sequel to Bobby Ether and the Academy.
Thanks to the author for my free copy received through Netgalley in return for my honest review.
Bobby isn't magic, we quickly learn at the start of the book that there is no such thing as magic. Instead a few people are able to control energy and use it to work for them - or against others. Bobby discovers by accident that he has this rare gift and what follows is a thrilling and well-crafted adventure.
There are the ubiquitous friends and enemies at the Academy of course, the most likeable and engaging being the eight year old genius Jinx, brother to Ashley, who swiftly becomes Bobby's nemesis, and son of the Headmistress of the Academy. The children in the story are for the most part pretty simplistic in this first novel of the series and it's obvious as to which side they're on but I imagine there will be further character developments as the series progresses. The adults I found to be more interesting with some ambiguity around their morals and motives. I did guess some of the plot twists although not enough to spoil my enjoyment of the book. The mix of Eastern mysticism with scientific advancements and some pleasingly dark and sinister moments plus a superb cliffhanger made for a book I would recommend, particularly to older children and young adults but even as a not so young adult I am looking forward to the sequel to Bobby Ether and the Academy.
Thanks to the author for my free copy received through Netgalley in return for my honest review.
March 3, 2014
If you are a fan of YA and/or fantasy you need to read this book. Now. Capisce? Bobby Ether and the Academy is an adventurous tale exploring the power of children, the mind, friendship, energy, and magic. Okay, well maybe not magic because according to one of the characters "There is no such thing as magic." It looked a lot like magic to me though!
I was captivated from the first chapter by our young hero, Bobby. After experiencing some pretty odd things followed by some pretty terrible things, Bobby is taken to Tibet to learn about said odd and terrible events. Here he makes both friends and enemies of epic proportions.
Boyer created characters and settings that held me captive until the very last page. I loved be taken to jade mines, gardens manned by monks, a bear cave, and many other imaginative locations. If there is not another book after this one I may have a temper tantrum like a toddler... This is definitely going to be a YA series to watch out for!
This review and other at wonbooksblog.blogspot.com
I was captivated from the first chapter by our young hero, Bobby. After experiencing some pretty odd things followed by some pretty terrible things, Bobby is taken to Tibet to learn about said odd and terrible events. Here he makes both friends and enemies of epic proportions.
Boyer created characters and settings that held me captive until the very last page. I loved be taken to jade mines, gardens manned by monks, a bear cave, and many other imaginative locations. If there is not another book after this one I may have a temper tantrum like a toddler... This is definitely going to be a YA series to watch out for!
This review and other at wonbooksblog.blogspot.com
March 27, 2014
This was given to me for free in exchange for review
This was a nice story with some good lessons to be learned.Although a childrens book it is a read for all ages! I enjoyed it a lot!
This is a story that middle school age children can identify with. It deals with friendships, trust,learning responsibilities and even dealing with bullies.
The main character's name is Bobby, but I think I like Jinx the best! He and Bobby become friends and end up on that journey together. They both learn lessons that they will follow the rest of their lives.
Lot's of mystery and action along the way! it was written well and kept my interest all the way.
This was a nice story with some good lessons to be learned.Although a childrens book it is a read for all ages! I enjoyed it a lot!
This is a story that middle school age children can identify with. It deals with friendships, trust,learning responsibilities and even dealing with bullies.
The main character's name is Bobby, but I think I like Jinx the best! He and Bobby become friends and end up on that journey together. They both learn lessons that they will follow the rest of their lives.
Lot's of mystery and action along the way! it was written well and kept my interest all the way.
June 25, 2014
The only reason this would be considered YA is because of the profanity. It reads like a MG story, and a cliche one at that. I should have known better than to read a book whose Goodreads page compares it to Harry Potter and Life of Pi, lol!! Publishers should know that comparing a book to best sellers is a black mark on a book, to bloggers. The only reason I read this book after seeing that was to pump up my percentages on Netgalley. This book was a huge disappointment. It also could have been a much shorter book. It had a lot of extra words going nowhere. Don't try to make a Middle Grade into a YA because it never works.
March 17, 2014
An entertaining read full of twists and turns that will keep readers turning the pages. It's a little dystopian, a little sci fi, and a lot fun! I loved the characters of Bobby, Jinx, and Lily and many students will identify with each of them. The transcendental theme of belonging v. being your own person will ring true with middle schoolers today. More significantly, they will enjoy the the excitement of discovering the truth behind Bobby's abilities, the connection with Cassandra, the mysterious Navajo, and the comeuppance for the evil Headmistress!
February 10, 2014
Bobby Ether follows a fairly familiar pattern - a young protagonist demonstrates an exciting new ability, they are taken away to a school to learn about it, and adventure ensues! However, there are some really interesting ideas here.
June 14, 2014
This book was a great adventure. R Scott Boyer brings a fresh take to the “magical school" genre with twists and turns and an excellent hook at the end. Needless to say, I can’t wait for the sequel. http://www.germmagazine.com/review-bo...
February 12, 2014
This was a fun read that I would recommend to anyone who is 13 and up who likes exciting adventure type books. Very enjoyable.
March 21, 2021
I received a free copy from NetGalley. The kids have powers, yet never really use said powers. There is a mystery, but there is a lot missing in the beginning and doesn't all tie up at the end. It is the first in a series, but it reads like the middle book of a trilogy.
June 30, 2023
DNF - got bored
February 10, 2015
This book is a very typical middle grade story about a child who discovers he has special abilities, and gets whisked off to a magical school. The first problem is it follows the typical story far too closely, and there's little original about the plot and it is very cliche.
The second problem is there is too much swearing to class it as a middle grade, so it has to be categorized as young adult. The plot is too simple for young adult (not to say middle grade stories are simple). It would have been better to have the swearing removed and place this as a middle-grade story where it belonged.
There was an over-explaining of many points. While it is important to make sure a reader is able to follow the story, if you take it too far then it just draws it out to the point it gets boring.
Luck, instinct and coincidences play a big roll in the story, while this is passed of as "everything happens for a reason" as well as giving an extra explanation at the end of the book, escaping most of the perils by being lucky, is weak writing. It got to the point where it didn't seem to matter what happened to the characters since something will happen to save them.
Bobby Ether I found to be largely unlikeable, he is selfish, gullible, moody, inconsistent and often acts like a jerk. A couple of the worst examples of this, after suffering a very traumatic he is crying in bed (understandable) then half a page later he is cheerfully stuffing down food and smiling. One time he asks a friend with help with his studies, then gets an attitude about it when the friend tries to help. Another time he leaves his friends behind while they fight for him. The fact he just left them is bad enough, but he gives them no thought after he leaves, and in fact has to be reminded about them.
He is far too gullible, believing just about anything anyone says to him. It just made him look stupid and hard to support.
He undergoes somewhat of a change near the end of the book. But it feels very forced and too dramatic, as if the author made it happen because the main character is supposed to overcome his bad traits in this type of story.
His negative traits would be somewhat forgivable if he had a strong personality, but he doesn't.
Most of his friends (and enemies) are very cookie cutter and lack any real personality. Other than Jinx, most of them pretty much just blended in.
The POV for the headmistress also gave away too much. Mini-spoiler since it gives away something we find out early on,
The language sometimes grated on my nerves by using phrases like "Wicked cool!" But it's just a small complaint compared to the rest of the book.
The story did get more interesting towards the end, with a mixture of good action scenes, discovery of certain things, and set up for future books, but honestly I was past caring for the characters at this point. In fact when Bobby founds out something about his grandpa's backstory, I found it more interesting than Bobby's own story.
Overall I would give this two and a half stars. The unoriginal story, fueled with escaping by "luck", unlikeable main character and unmemorable cast, were the main factors for the low rating. I would have given it two stars but the last part of the story made it deserving of an extra half star.
In full disclosure I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
The second problem is there is too much swearing to class it as a middle grade, so it has to be categorized as young adult. The plot is too simple for young adult (not to say middle grade stories are simple). It would have been better to have the swearing removed and place this as a middle-grade story where it belonged.
There was an over-explaining of many points. While it is important to make sure a reader is able to follow the story, if you take it too far then it just draws it out to the point it gets boring.
Luck, instinct and coincidences play a big roll in the story, while this is passed of as "everything happens for a reason" as well as giving an extra explanation at the end of the book, escaping most of the perils by being lucky, is weak writing. It got to the point where it didn't seem to matter what happened to the characters since something will happen to save them.
Bobby Ether I found to be largely unlikeable, he is selfish, gullible, moody, inconsistent and often acts like a jerk. A couple of the worst examples of this, after suffering a very traumatic he is crying in bed (understandable) then half a page later he is cheerfully stuffing down food and smiling. One time he asks a friend with help with his studies, then gets an attitude about it when the friend tries to help. Another time he leaves his friends behind while they fight for him. The fact he just left them is bad enough, but he gives them no thought after he leaves, and in fact has to be reminded about them.
He is far too gullible, believing just about anything anyone says to him. It just made him look stupid and hard to support.
He undergoes somewhat of a change near the end of the book. But it feels very forced and too dramatic, as if the author made it happen because the main character is supposed to overcome his bad traits in this type of story.
His negative traits would be somewhat forgivable if he had a strong personality, but he doesn't.
Most of his friends (and enemies) are very cookie cutter and lack any real personality. Other than Jinx, most of them pretty much just blended in.
The POV for the headmistress also gave away too much. Mini-spoiler since it gives away something we find out early on,
The language sometimes grated on my nerves by using phrases like "Wicked cool!" But it's just a small complaint compared to the rest of the book.
The story did get more interesting towards the end, with a mixture of good action scenes, discovery of certain things, and set up for future books, but honestly I was past caring for the characters at this point. In fact when Bobby founds out something about his grandpa's backstory, I found it more interesting than Bobby's own story.
Overall I would give this two and a half stars. The unoriginal story, fueled with escaping by "luck", unlikeable main character and unmemorable cast, were the main factors for the low rating. I would have given it two stars but the last part of the story made it deserving of an extra half star.
In full disclosure I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2014
Full review at http://thebookshelfgargoyle.wordpress... (June 16)
I received a digital copy of this book for review from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Bobby finds out he has a special talent. He also finds out about a secret Academy hidden in the mountains for people like him. He also, also finds out that a secret Academy for people like him is not necessarily a positive place to be.
Booby Ether and the Academy has a very original premise. The book has a real focus on power coming from the natural energy available within ourselves, as opposed to a paranormal type of talent. There’s a bit of focus on meditation and how to unlock the potential within and the monks in the book are a really interesting addition to the overall makeup of characters. Master Jong, one of Bobby’s teachers, turns out to be quite the ass-kicking, supermonk by the end of the story and ended up being one of my favourite characters.
The plot is also pretty complex, featuring a shady agency (the Academics) whose motives and intentions for the talented young people they educate isn’t exactly clear, and there are a lot of characters whose true loyalties are shrouded, making it difficult for Bobby to know who to trust.
There is also a clear theme of the strength of friendship and the power inherent in knowing oneself that runs throughout the book, freshening the whole plot up a bit and helping it avoid descending into a teen version of a politico-psychological thriller.
If you’re not into plots that take a while to unfold or plots that have a lot of twists and turns and red herrings thrown in, this probably isn't the book for you. I also felt that a lot of the mean-girl type bullying from Ashley and her goons was a bit contrived, given the setting, and some of the initial action which results in Bobby’s arrival at the Academy, and his responses afterward also didn’t ring true to me.
It's worth giving this book a go if you're prepared to take a risk on something different. Despite a few flaws, I was drawn in and despite feeling that I should put it down in a few places, I was quite satisfied that I stuck with it because I ended up enjoying the adventure of the resolution.
I received a digital copy of this book for review from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis:
Bobby finds out he has a special talent. He also finds out about a secret Academy hidden in the mountains for people like him. He also, also finds out that a secret Academy for people like him is not necessarily a positive place to be.
Booby Ether and the Academy has a very original premise. The book has a real focus on power coming from the natural energy available within ourselves, as opposed to a paranormal type of talent. There’s a bit of focus on meditation and how to unlock the potential within and the monks in the book are a really interesting addition to the overall makeup of characters. Master Jong, one of Bobby’s teachers, turns out to be quite the ass-kicking, supermonk by the end of the story and ended up being one of my favourite characters.
The plot is also pretty complex, featuring a shady agency (the Academics) whose motives and intentions for the talented young people they educate isn’t exactly clear, and there are a lot of characters whose true loyalties are shrouded, making it difficult for Bobby to know who to trust.
There is also a clear theme of the strength of friendship and the power inherent in knowing oneself that runs throughout the book, freshening the whole plot up a bit and helping it avoid descending into a teen version of a politico-psychological thriller.
If you’re not into plots that take a while to unfold or plots that have a lot of twists and turns and red herrings thrown in, this probably isn't the book for you. I also felt that a lot of the mean-girl type bullying from Ashley and her goons was a bit contrived, given the setting, and some of the initial action which results in Bobby’s arrival at the Academy, and his responses afterward also didn’t ring true to me.
It's worth giving this book a go if you're prepared to take a risk on something different. Despite a few flaws, I was drawn in and despite feeling that I should put it down in a few places, I was quite satisfied that I stuck with it because I ended up enjoying the adventure of the resolution.
May 2, 2014
Bobby Ether and the Academy by R. Scott Boyer is an intriguing Young Adult story that starts with Bobby making an impossible basket in the final game of the middle school basketball season. His parents didn’t make it to the game but a strange woman, named Cassandra was there. Cassandra claims to be a friend of Bobby’s grandfather and says that she is there to protect him and take him someplace safe (after a quick trip home for a change of clothes). While they are Bobby’s home, some strange men arrive and they try to take control of Bobby. Cassandra says they are from the Academy and are to be avoided. When Bobby overhears Cassandra talking to someone about taking Bobby to his bunker; Bobby decides to run away and heads downtown. There Bobby sees his parents involved in a serious car accident and is grabbed by the men from the Academy. When he finally awakens at the Academy, he is told that his parents are dead and that Cassandra had a part in their deaths. Bobby doesn’t feel comfortable at the Academy and he doesn’t understand their meditation practices. Slowly he makes friends and learns the secrets of the jade pendent his grandfather had given him. He uses the clues and finds his grandfather’s diary and discovers the real purpose of the Academy. This convinces him that it is time to leave. He and his friend Jinx start to leave, travelling through the Archives but meet resistance from various staff members of the Academy including the Headmistress who is Jinx’s mother. They eventually make it out into a nasty winter storm as the Academy is suffering a series of earthquakes and tremors. When the storm dies down and the boys and the people they found waiting outside, including Grandfather, go back to the Academy nothing is left. There isn’t any equipment in the labs and no people or bodies, the question is asked “What the heck is going on?” and the reader is left with a major cliffhanger. It will be interesting to see if the sequel can keep up the pace or even improve on it as the timing was a bit uneven at times.
September 18, 2014
Hott Synopsis:
Bobby Ether thinks he’s a normal guy until a fate-filled basketball game when an impossible wish comes true.
The next thing he knows Bobby is the object of a kidnapping. His parents are no where to be found and Bobby doesn’t know whom to trust. He can either go with the person he knows is a liar or her adversaries that run some type of an academy. School officials couldn’t be evil, right?
Soon, Bobby finds himself in a world of amazing feats and miraculous discovery — so much better than magic.
But what is the price?
Hott Review:
What I liked: Bobby Ether and the Academy was a terrific book! It was long, but there was so much adventure and intrigue that sometimes it just felt like I was too slow a reader!
This is a perfect book for a middle-grader and possibly for some reluctant readers but due to it’s length reluctant readers may not make it completely through. I personally can’t wait for the next book in the series – it’s one I’ve added to my personal TBR list.
What I didn’t like: There is some controversial religious material in this book that not all parents are going to allow. One of the underlying plots of the book is dissention between the Academy and a group of monks over God. For example, one section reads:
“Now you’re saying that there is no God?”
“I’m saying that all Gods exist. Or more accurately, God exists if you believe in him, because the only thing that matters is thought. By believing, you manifest that reality to some degree— you manifest God.”
This is not a huge part of the book nor does the author try to convey any religious beliefs, it’s simply a part of the plot.
More…
Author: R. Scott Boyer
Source: Author
Grade: A
Ages: 8+
Steam: YA+ | There is quite a bit of foul language
Setting: Tibet
Series: Bobby Ether, 1
Bobby Ether thinks he’s a normal guy until a fate-filled basketball game when an impossible wish comes true.
The next thing he knows Bobby is the object of a kidnapping. His parents are no where to be found and Bobby doesn’t know whom to trust. He can either go with the person he knows is a liar or her adversaries that run some type of an academy. School officials couldn’t be evil, right?
Soon, Bobby finds himself in a world of amazing feats and miraculous discovery — so much better than magic.
But what is the price?
Hott Review:
What I liked: Bobby Ether and the Academy was a terrific book! It was long, but there was so much adventure and intrigue that sometimes it just felt like I was too slow a reader!
This is a perfect book for a middle-grader and possibly for some reluctant readers but due to it’s length reluctant readers may not make it completely through. I personally can’t wait for the next book in the series – it’s one I’ve added to my personal TBR list.
What I didn’t like: There is some controversial religious material in this book that not all parents are going to allow. One of the underlying plots of the book is dissention between the Academy and a group of monks over God. For example, one section reads:
“Now you’re saying that there is no God?”
“I’m saying that all Gods exist. Or more accurately, God exists if you believe in him, because the only thing that matters is thought. By believing, you manifest that reality to some degree— you manifest God.”
This is not a huge part of the book nor does the author try to convey any religious beliefs, it’s simply a part of the plot.
More…
Author: R. Scott Boyer
Source: Author
Grade: A
Ages: 8+
Steam: YA+ | There is quite a bit of foul language
Setting: Tibet
Series: Bobby Ether, 1
October 4, 2014
The Energy Hidden Within
This series must be read in order. This is the first book.
Bobby is a normal kid. He has a normal life. He has school and home and sports. He thinks the worst thing in the world is that his parents aren't here at the championship game... And who is that strange woman watching him so intently? He knows he has never seen her before in his life! Why is she so interested in him? This is the fateful day when everything changes. He knows that his shot is going to fall short and he is going to lose the game but he wishes really hard that he makes the shot and something weird happens... He feels weird and the ball actually goes in! He won the game! Then he starts to feel sick so he leaves to walk home only that woman is following him! She says she's here to help but who is she and what does she want with him? What just happened? How did he make that impossible shot and is that why she wants him? Whether ready or not Bobby has Gaines entrance to am exclusive world where nothing is what it seems and everyone is suspect. Talk about jumping in the deep end unprepared! Will he ever figure out what's going on? Who can he trust? What is he?
This was an awesome start to an amazingly unique middle grade reader fantasy/paranormal series chock full of intrigue, mystery, action and adventure! The suspense is twisted up in thrilling and chilling puzzles that hint at the SciFi hidden in this story. Usually people get both genres confused but this series actually contains both in a unique and amazing way! There are plenty of surprises in store that are both humorous and disquieting. I can't wait to read the next book Bobby Ether and the Temple of Eternity (Volume 2) to find out what is in store for Bobby and his new friends!
***This middle grade series is suitable for readers 4th grade on up :)
This series must be read in order. This is the first book.
Bobby is a normal kid. He has a normal life. He has school and home and sports. He thinks the worst thing in the world is that his parents aren't here at the championship game... And who is that strange woman watching him so intently? He knows he has never seen her before in his life! Why is she so interested in him? This is the fateful day when everything changes. He knows that his shot is going to fall short and he is going to lose the game but he wishes really hard that he makes the shot and something weird happens... He feels weird and the ball actually goes in! He won the game! Then he starts to feel sick so he leaves to walk home only that woman is following him! She says she's here to help but who is she and what does she want with him? What just happened? How did he make that impossible shot and is that why she wants him? Whether ready or not Bobby has Gaines entrance to am exclusive world where nothing is what it seems and everyone is suspect. Talk about jumping in the deep end unprepared! Will he ever figure out what's going on? Who can he trust? What is he?
This was an awesome start to an amazingly unique middle grade reader fantasy/paranormal series chock full of intrigue, mystery, action and adventure! The suspense is twisted up in thrilling and chilling puzzles that hint at the SciFi hidden in this story. Usually people get both genres confused but this series actually contains both in a unique and amazing way! There are plenty of surprises in store that are both humorous and disquieting. I can't wait to read the next book Bobby Ether and the Temple of Eternity (Volume 2) to find out what is in store for Bobby and his new friends!
***This middle grade series is suitable for readers 4th grade on up :)
April 13, 2014
Bobby Ether is a fourteen-year-old basketball player when the book begins. While making a rather desperate 3-pointer, he notices the ball do something odd; it seems to get an extra push from somewhere. In the locker room after the game, he meets a mysterious woman named Cassandra. She says she's a friend of his grandfather and that she has come to take him somewhere safe. Another group is also trying to find him and take him away. Which one should he believe? He eventually winds up at a place called The Academy.
Since the advent of Harry Potter, stories about schools that train kids with special abilities have been very popular. Charlie Bone, Percy Jackson, the Seven Wonders series - they all share this similarity. And in several of these stories there are secret agendas at the school. The Academy falls into this category. On the surface it is a school with Tibetan monks training gifted youngsters to harness the energy of their connection to the universe. But if it is so benign, then why do they kidnap Bobby? Or are they actually rescuing him, as they claim?
Ancient meditation techniques, sacred scrolls, strange elixirs, plots and more plots, field trips, bullies, detention - the school is a very busy place. And the end leaves us wondering what will happen next.
If you enjoy the stories of Harry, Percy, and the others - then you should give this a try.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Since the advent of Harry Potter, stories about schools that train kids with special abilities have been very popular. Charlie Bone, Percy Jackson, the Seven Wonders series - they all share this similarity. And in several of these stories there are secret agendas at the school. The Academy falls into this category. On the surface it is a school with Tibetan monks training gifted youngsters to harness the energy of their connection to the universe. But if it is so benign, then why do they kidnap Bobby? Or are they actually rescuing him, as they claim?
Ancient meditation techniques, sacred scrolls, strange elixirs, plots and more plots, field trips, bullies, detention - the school is a very busy place. And the end leaves us wondering what will happen next.
If you enjoy the stories of Harry, Percy, and the others - then you should give this a try.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
June 19, 2014
This is a well crafted and engaging read with some unexpected turns to the plot and a somewhat different take on the whole "magic school/academy" idea.
My only negative comments are the language. I believe this is intended for the middle school age group, but the use of relatively soft expletives like: hell, bitch, bastard and even a few harder ones like shit, litter the text. Now, I am aware that kids DO talk like that (and use the rather more hardcore ones too) but I feel a little uncomfortable reading them in something intended for a young audience.
Otherwise, aside from a few minor typos, it's a well-crafted and interesting read. I like the fact that it takes a scientific approach to the whole "magic" trend and look forward to reading more.
I just apologise for the fact it took me so long to pick it up! I acquired it from NetGalley months ago, and it has sat on my kobo for far too long before being read.
DISCLAIMER: acquired via NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review.
My only negative comments are the language. I believe this is intended for the middle school age group, but the use of relatively soft expletives like: hell, bitch, bastard and even a few harder ones like shit, litter the text. Now, I am aware that kids DO talk like that (and use the rather more hardcore ones too) but I feel a little uncomfortable reading them in something intended for a young audience.
Otherwise, aside from a few minor typos, it's a well-crafted and interesting read. I like the fact that it takes a scientific approach to the whole "magic" trend and look forward to reading more.
I just apologise for the fact it took me so long to pick it up! I acquired it from NetGalley months ago, and it has sat on my kobo for far too long before being read.
DISCLAIMER: acquired via NetGalley and the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2014
I am sorry to say I did start out sort of judging this book from the cover. I thought it looked a little as if an amateur had done it, which made it look a vaguely childish.
I found the plot hard to believe. I was wondering why this supposedly intelligent teen believed anything and everything he had been told. Honestly if I was a teenager I think I would be insulted. He had a character talk to him about things within his life he had never heard before. Later another character told him the first character was lying. He believed each character's story and explanations without real proof just because they told him that was the way things were.
On the positive side the pace of the story was good and it flowed well. It was an easy read with some interesting characters. I liked Jinx.
I will also say as a general rule I am against cliffhangers. I am fine with a story finishing and then picking up with the same characters in a second or third installment, but I feel when reading a book it should actually end.
I found the plot hard to believe. I was wondering why this supposedly intelligent teen believed anything and everything he had been told. Honestly if I was a teenager I think I would be insulted. He had a character talk to him about things within his life he had never heard before. Later another character told him the first character was lying. He believed each character's story and explanations without real proof just because they told him that was the way things were.
On the positive side the pace of the story was good and it flowed well. It was an easy read with some interesting characters. I liked Jinx.
I will also say as a general rule I am against cliffhangers. I am fine with a story finishing and then picking up with the same characters in a second or third installment, but I feel when reading a book it should actually end.
January 30, 2014
I enjoyed this children's fantasy novel. The characters were relatable and the dialog was good.
However, the main character was incredibly stupid in some ways. I mean, just ridiculous the lies he willing swallows for no apparent reason other than it served the plot. Also, it takes him half the book before he starts being proactive instead of merely reacting to his situation. That is to say, he spends the first half of the book doing whatever everyone else tells him to do. That made it very hard for me to get into this book.
The second half of the book had what appeared to be several reveals. But none of them were surprising to me, and I doubt they'd be surprising to a kid either.
So, for future books I hope Mr. Boyer has his protagonist be more active and less stupid, and also that the surprises in his future books be surprising.
However, the main character was incredibly stupid in some ways. I mean, just ridiculous the lies he willing swallows for no apparent reason other than it served the plot. Also, it takes him half the book before he starts being proactive instead of merely reacting to his situation. That is to say, he spends the first half of the book doing whatever everyone else tells him to do. That made it very hard for me to get into this book.
The second half of the book had what appeared to be several reveals. But none of them were surprising to me, and I doubt they'd be surprising to a kid either.
So, for future books I hope Mr. Boyer has his protagonist be more active and less stupid, and also that the surprises in his future books be surprising.
August 1, 2014
I thought the book was okay. It was clearly written for a younger audience and I could see some of my fifth graders enjoying it.
I did have a few problems with it. One, I thought there were a few curse words thrown in for no reason. For myself, I don't mind cursing in a book if it fits. This didn't really fit and I know that it would be a problem for some parents. It didn't need it, so why put it in?
The other big problem I had was that Bobby just isn't that likable or smart. He wasn't unlikable, just kind of dim and blah. Just my opinion and I'm sure others might feel differently. I know some people would say that Bobby is just a kid and that's why he doesn't figure some of the stuff out sooner or realize he's being tricked, but I work with kids everyday and I have to say that most of them would do far better than Bobby.
I did have a few problems with it. One, I thought there were a few curse words thrown in for no reason. For myself, I don't mind cursing in a book if it fits. This didn't really fit and I know that it would be a problem for some parents. It didn't need it, so why put it in?
The other big problem I had was that Bobby just isn't that likable or smart. He wasn't unlikable, just kind of dim and blah. Just my opinion and I'm sure others might feel differently. I know some people would say that Bobby is just a kid and that's why he doesn't figure some of the stuff out sooner or realize he's being tricked, but I work with kids everyday and I have to say that most of them would do far better than Bobby.
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