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Mightier Than the Sword #1
Wildly funny and inventive, this interactive book pulls you, the reader, into the action. Yes, YOU!
You wake up in the fictional land of Astorya, where stories from our world come to life. You're a real human being (we assume), and in this fictional world, that makes you a superhero. Armed with your trusty pencil you have the power to create: what you write, draw, or scribble in the book becomes part of the story!
Only you can rescue Prince S. from the evil Queen Rulette. Aided by the Couriers--a French stoat with dangerous dance moves, a giant dung beetle, a fire ninja, a Pegasus-centaur-cowgirl and a super-intelligent femalien chameleon--you must write, draw, and puzzle your way through a hilarious adventure that is unique to every reader! And most importantly, you must prove that the pencil is mightier than the sword.
You wake up in the fictional land of Astorya, where stories from our world come to life. You're a real human being (we assume), and in this fictional world, that makes you a superhero. Armed with your trusty pencil you have the power to create: what you write, draw, or scribble in the book becomes part of the story!
Only you can rescue Prince S. from the evil Queen Rulette. Aided by the Couriers--a French stoat with dangerous dance moves, a giant dung beetle, a fire ninja, a Pegasus-centaur-cowgirl and a super-intelligent femalien chameleon--you must write, draw, and puzzle your way through a hilarious adventure that is unique to every reader! And most importantly, you must prove that the pencil is mightier than the sword.
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 16, 2019
5 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Drew Callander
3 books5 followers"Probably the most talented writer of all time."
-Drew's Mom
Drew was born in Ohio to two people from Ohio. Since then, he has lived in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Ireland, and (currently) the Netherlands. He did this out of wanderlust, not to experience the joy of paying more taxes. He also managed to marry the woman of his dreams/writing partner, have a baby, and adopt a street cat who can do tricks like a dog.
Drew taught creative writing to kids in NYC and LA for over 10 years. During that time, he got to experience the wonderful absurdity of kids' stories. One day, he and Alana talked about how funny it would be if there were a place where all those stories came to life. MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD is the story of that place.
-Drew's Mom
Drew was born in Ohio to two people from Ohio. Since then, he has lived in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Ireland, and (currently) the Netherlands. He did this out of wanderlust, not to experience the joy of paying more taxes. He also managed to marry the woman of his dreams/writing partner, have a baby, and adopt a street cat who can do tricks like a dog.
Drew taught creative writing to kids in NYC and LA for over 10 years. During that time, he got to experience the wonderful absurdity of kids' stories. One day, he and Alana talked about how funny it would be if there were a place where all those stories came to life. MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD is the story of that place.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 25, 2019
“You mean you can write in it?!” Those were the first words from my young nephew when I showed him this book. His eyes were wide open as he began to understand how fun this book might just be.
Thoughts:
While my nephew was taken by the fact that a book existed where you were encouraged to write in it, I was taken by the fact that this book is written in 2nd person point of view. While I can name a few books that are written in this POV, it still is a fairly rare style to run across. However, for this book it makes perfect sense. At the beginning YOU have amnesia and all you know is that you have a letter than reads itself aloud to you telling you that ‘you’ need to rescue Prince S. (not princess, a clarification that the book wants to make sure you understand) You also have a pencil. Why do you only have a pencil? Good question, but what you do learn a bit later in the story is that you have the ability to make what you write turn into reality. It’s like a superpower. What this does – between the 2nd person POV and the pencil – is immediately draw the reader directly into the story as the story makes ‘you’ an active participant.
So, you set about this rescue adventure never knowing your name. First, you are guided to Manteau who knows where to find Prince S. and knows how to get there. But getting where you need to be in order to rescue Prince S. isn’t always easy. There are dust bunnies and rubots and bandits to avoid as well as places where your new friends can’t go because the place been erased. But along the way are also a lot of book activities you get to enjoy that help the story move forward, such as a 6-page maze, fill-in-the-blank descriptions, and drawings of evil villains and less evil villains that Penguin wants you to send to them. (Yes! They even give you Penguin’s address to send these drawings of Scarier Villains and Less Scary Villains to.)
But in addition to actions you take as part of the story, the story is actively happening to you too such as where you enter a round room and you find the words on the page you are now reading are in a circle. Or, a pine tree picks you up and dangles you upside down and now you have to turn the book upside down to read what the next page says. Or, you want to watch three ninja battles all at once so that book makes that happen by giving you a page with 3 separate columns each with it’s own story.
I asked my nephew to read two chapters. He ended up reading five. But after the first chapter he looked at me and said “I think I’m going to like this book.” Besides the fact that you can write in it, I believe he also enjoyed all the fun footnotes and word plays going on, which this book is chock full of. Toward the end of the book is a flip book animation scene at the edge of 40-50 pages, which I pointed out to him. He thought that was really cool too and showed it off to another kid sitting near us.
Overall, I think kids will really enjoy this book. As an adult and non-target audience, I definitely enjoyed the cleverness and ingenuity of it, but because of the 2nd person POV and because I wasn’t actively participating in the Fill-in-the-Blank type pages or drawings (saving it for the nephew), I found it wasn’t a book I could read straight through like other middle grade books. I found it was best if I took breaks in between scenes. It is still a terrific book for a kid to have though.
Rating: 5 stars
Thanks to the author and Penguin Workshop for a copy of the book and the opportunity to provide an honest review.
Thoughts:
While my nephew was taken by the fact that a book existed where you were encouraged to write in it, I was taken by the fact that this book is written in 2nd person point of view. While I can name a few books that are written in this POV, it still is a fairly rare style to run across. However, for this book it makes perfect sense. At the beginning YOU have amnesia and all you know is that you have a letter than reads itself aloud to you telling you that ‘you’ need to rescue Prince S. (not princess, a clarification that the book wants to make sure you understand) You also have a pencil. Why do you only have a pencil? Good question, but what you do learn a bit later in the story is that you have the ability to make what you write turn into reality. It’s like a superpower. What this does – between the 2nd person POV and the pencil – is immediately draw the reader directly into the story as the story makes ‘you’ an active participant.
So, you set about this rescue adventure never knowing your name. First, you are guided to Manteau who knows where to find Prince S. and knows how to get there. But getting where you need to be in order to rescue Prince S. isn’t always easy. There are dust bunnies and rubots and bandits to avoid as well as places where your new friends can’t go because the place been erased. But along the way are also a lot of book activities you get to enjoy that help the story move forward, such as a 6-page maze, fill-in-the-blank descriptions, and drawings of evil villains and less evil villains that Penguin wants you to send to them. (Yes! They even give you Penguin’s address to send these drawings of Scarier Villains and Less Scary Villains to.)
But in addition to actions you take as part of the story, the story is actively happening to you too such as where you enter a round room and you find the words on the page you are now reading are in a circle. Or, a pine tree picks you up and dangles you upside down and now you have to turn the book upside down to read what the next page says. Or, you want to watch three ninja battles all at once so that book makes that happen by giving you a page with 3 separate columns each with it’s own story.
I asked my nephew to read two chapters. He ended up reading five. But after the first chapter he looked at me and said “I think I’m going to like this book.” Besides the fact that you can write in it, I believe he also enjoyed all the fun footnotes and word plays going on, which this book is chock full of. Toward the end of the book is a flip book animation scene at the edge of 40-50 pages, which I pointed out to him. He thought that was really cool too and showed it off to another kid sitting near us.
Overall, I think kids will really enjoy this book. As an adult and non-target audience, I definitely enjoyed the cleverness and ingenuity of it, but because of the 2nd person POV and because I wasn’t actively participating in the Fill-in-the-Blank type pages or drawings (saving it for the nephew), I found it wasn’t a book I could read straight through like other middle grade books. I found it was best if I took breaks in between scenes. It is still a terrific book for a kid to have though.
Rating: 5 stars
Thanks to the author and Penguin Workshop for a copy of the book and the opportunity to provide an honest review.
October 15, 2019
Prince S. has been captured by the sadistic Queen Rulette, and only you—yes, YOU—can rescue him. But you won’t be alone. Among the denizens of Astorya, a land where stories from the human world become reality, there’s a cadre of Couriers ready to aid in your quest: a French stoat who knows how to tango, a telepathic chameleon, a ninja with a passion for fire, a Pegasus mixed with a centaur mixed with a sheriff, and an expert navigational dung beetle. But perhaps most importantly, you have your trusty pencil. And with it, you control your own story.
It’s not every day you get to star in your own action-adventure story, but that’s exactly what authors Drew Callander and Alana Harrison offer in their debut novel. Told in second person, the duo have taken all the fun of the classic Choose Your Own Adventure books and cranked the interaction way up. Rather than picking pages to propel the action forward, you’re given the chance to directly make your mark on the tale by adding illustrations, storytelling via fill-in-the-blanks, and even solving puzzles. While there’s a solid structure, there’s also a high level of personalization allowed.
And what a story to drop into. It’s funny. With clever puns, a healthy dose of bathroom humor, and some carefully layered jokes, Callander and Harrison punch up an already breakneck pace with a laugh a minute. Even in the most dangerous of times, whether you’re battling Rubots or confronting a group of outlaws with a unique take on a duel, every joke is mined for all it’s worth. While the world of Astorya might seem fantastically absurd, the authors’s commitment to both the jokes and the concept keeps everything feeling naturally hilarious.
Your drawings go a long way to fleshing out Astorya, but you also get some expert help from Ryan Andrews. Whimsical with a bit of an edge, his illustrations are peppered throughout, giving attractive detail to such a sprawling world. Some of the major, plot-focused illustrations are left up to you, but in a story where anything is possible if it’s written down, your work fits right in.
Mightier Than the Sword manages to get everything right by being daringly original. It sets a new standard for how books can push the boundaries of entertainment and interaction all while being wickedly funny. So take a bow—this is your story, after all.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
It’s not every day you get to star in your own action-adventure story, but that’s exactly what authors Drew Callander and Alana Harrison offer in their debut novel. Told in second person, the duo have taken all the fun of the classic Choose Your Own Adventure books and cranked the interaction way up. Rather than picking pages to propel the action forward, you’re given the chance to directly make your mark on the tale by adding illustrations, storytelling via fill-in-the-blanks, and even solving puzzles. While there’s a solid structure, there’s also a high level of personalization allowed.
And what a story to drop into. It’s funny. With clever puns, a healthy dose of bathroom humor, and some carefully layered jokes, Callander and Harrison punch up an already breakneck pace with a laugh a minute. Even in the most dangerous of times, whether you’re battling Rubots or confronting a group of outlaws with a unique take on a duel, every joke is mined for all it’s worth. While the world of Astorya might seem fantastically absurd, the authors’s commitment to both the jokes and the concept keeps everything feeling naturally hilarious.
Your drawings go a long way to fleshing out Astorya, but you also get some expert help from Ryan Andrews. Whimsical with a bit of an edge, his illustrations are peppered throughout, giving attractive detail to such a sprawling world. Some of the major, plot-focused illustrations are left up to you, but in a story where anything is possible if it’s written down, your work fits right in.
Mightier Than the Sword manages to get everything right by being daringly original. It sets a new standard for how books can push the boundaries of entertainment and interaction all while being wickedly funny. So take a bow—this is your story, after all.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
August 4, 2022
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book... So unique, so creative, so funny. It was a BLAST to read this book and feel involved in the story. I can totally see this being a series devoured by children, who all hold their pencil while reading this book. I can't wait to read the second book!
Full review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
Such a fun, fun book! Also for adults. The humor, fantasy and creativity in this book is of the charts! I can totally see why this book has such a high rating on Goodreads. Now I just hope more people would pick up this book!
This book... So unique, so creative, so funny. It was a BLAST to read this book and feel involved in the story. I can totally see this being a series devoured by children, who all hold their pencil while reading this book. I can't wait to read the second book!
Full review can be found at BiteIntoBooks
Such a fun, fun book! Also for adults. The humor, fantasy and creativity in this book is of the charts! I can totally see why this book has such a high rating on Goodreads. Now I just hope more people would pick up this book!
October 10, 2019
For a giveaway of this book, head to this review on Feed Your Fiction Addiction. (Ends 11/12/19)
A uniquely interactive middle grade fantasy adventure that puts the reader right into the story! I’ve never read a book quite like this before, and I doubt you have either. First off, the book is told in second person POV—“you” are the star of the show. The book starts out with you waking up in a strange world. You (conveniently) have no memory of who you are and your goal is to regain your memories and return home—wherever that may be. Except this place you’ve ended up in is … strange. And thus begins your fantasy adventure!
The book incorporates lots of interactive elements. You discover that you are an actual human in a world of stories, and you therefore have the ability to write or draw things into existence. Because of this, you often get to create your own aspects of the world via a Mad Libs type fill-in. The reader then imagines their own creation in the story, which is great fun! In addition, there are places that you can draw things, puzzles you need to solve, and even a Choose Your Own Adventure element at one point. It all leads to a unique reading experience that truly makes you feel part of the adventure!
The story itself is engaging and humorous (it does sometimes veer toward middle-grade-level gross-out humor, which isn’t my favorite, but I concede that lots of kids love it). And the book has a madcap cast of supporting characters you’re sure to love, from a crazy French stoat who hypnotizes his enemies with an insane dance to a ninja girl, to a group of wacky outlaws. Basically, this book is great fun—I read it almost straight through and never had the urge to set it down. The book deserves accolades for its creativity alone, but the story will also draw kids in and get them excited to read about their own crazy adventure into a world of imagination!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
A uniquely interactive middle grade fantasy adventure that puts the reader right into the story! I’ve never read a book quite like this before, and I doubt you have either. First off, the book is told in second person POV—“you” are the star of the show. The book starts out with you waking up in a strange world. You (conveniently) have no memory of who you are and your goal is to regain your memories and return home—wherever that may be. Except this place you’ve ended up in is … strange. And thus begins your fantasy adventure!
The book incorporates lots of interactive elements. You discover that you are an actual human in a world of stories, and you therefore have the ability to write or draw things into existence. Because of this, you often get to create your own aspects of the world via a Mad Libs type fill-in. The reader then imagines their own creation in the story, which is great fun! In addition, there are places that you can draw things, puzzles you need to solve, and even a Choose Your Own Adventure element at one point. It all leads to a unique reading experience that truly makes you feel part of the adventure!
The story itself is engaging and humorous (it does sometimes veer toward middle-grade-level gross-out humor, which isn’t my favorite, but I concede that lots of kids love it). And the book has a madcap cast of supporting characters you’re sure to love, from a crazy French stoat who hypnotizes his enemies with an insane dance to a ninja girl, to a group of wacky outlaws. Basically, this book is great fun—I read it almost straight through and never had the urge to set it down. The book deserves accolades for its creativity alone, but the story will also draw kids in and get them excited to read about their own crazy adventure into a world of imagination!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
September 15, 2019
This is such an awesome book! A librarian recommended it to me, so I read it and can't wait to read it to my little brother. I know that he will definitely enjoy this. You don't always find yourself so lucky to have a book written about you!
_________
Update:
I finished reading the book to my little brother. Just as I anticipated, he fell in love with it by the first page. He thought that it was awesome and can't wait for the second book to see what amazing adventures await him! He really enjoyed the surprize ending - Roulette being a human too. His favorite character was Fwoofwoo, because he was funny with his accent and cute looks. He cracked up when he picked the insult, "'Destwoy me?' 'Wike you destwoy the Engwish wanguage evewy time you twy to twalk?'" Personally, my favorite character was Mantaeu, with his unique french accent and occational "Excuse my French!".
The joys he got out of this book was insermountable. I reccomend this book to anyone with a little kid that likes to be the star of their own book, loves to laugh, and enjoyes expressing their creativity when reading a book. This book goes to our "Best Books In The World" shelf (it is a physical shelf in the hallway)!
_________
Update:
I finished reading the book to my little brother. Just as I anticipated, he fell in love with it by the first page. He thought that it was awesome and can't wait for the second book to see what amazing adventures await him! He really enjoyed the surprize ending - Roulette being a human too. His favorite character was Fwoofwoo, because he was funny with his accent and cute looks. He cracked up when he picked the insult, "'Destwoy me?' 'Wike you destwoy the Engwish wanguage evewy time you twy to twalk?'" Personally, my favorite character was Mantaeu, with his unique french accent and occational "Excuse my French!".
The joys he got out of this book was insermountable. I reccomend this book to anyone with a little kid that likes to be the star of their own book, loves to laugh, and enjoyes expressing their creativity when reading a book. This book goes to our "Best Books In The World" shelf (it is a physical shelf in the hallway)!
November 27, 2020
Welcome to Astorya, a world of stories...with the newest and greatest story starring YOU! Yes, YOU! Mightier Than The Sword places you, the reader, in the driver’s seat...erm, the writer’s seat...as you navigate this fictional world, armed with just a pencil, a notebook, your actual real human superpowers, and your imagination, as you help your new found friends save Astorya from the annoying Queen Rulette and her evil Rubots.
Drew Callander and Alana Harrison’s Mightier Than The Sword is a wildly fun and uniquely imaginative and interactive middle-grade book, reminiscent of old school Choose Your Own Adventure books. The authors, along with illustrator, Ryan Andrews, bring the wonderfully whimsical world of Astorya and its colorful inhabitants to life through laugh out loud humor, charming and fanciful imagination, and rollicking adventure! The world of Astorya, with its wacky places like The Land Under The Couch, Mt. High Yah, and its soda flavored Fanta Sea (just to name a few) and unforgettable inhabitants (a French stoat, dangerous dust bunnies, a sheriff pegataur, and many more), makes for a thoroughly engaging and cleverly captivating setting.
And best of all, readers will find themselves fully immersed in Mightier Than The Sword, as they literally help write and fill in this story and world. Fun fill in the blanks, games, puzzles, drawing opportunities, and more, will encourage and inspire readers’ imaginations and thinking skills.
Unputdownable and ridiculous in the best way possible, Mightier Than The Sword is stupendous, cleverly crafted fun that will entertain, engage, and excite young readers!
Drew Callander and Alana Harrison’s Mightier Than The Sword is a wildly fun and uniquely imaginative and interactive middle-grade book, reminiscent of old school Choose Your Own Adventure books. The authors, along with illustrator, Ryan Andrews, bring the wonderfully whimsical world of Astorya and its colorful inhabitants to life through laugh out loud humor, charming and fanciful imagination, and rollicking adventure! The world of Astorya, with its wacky places like The Land Under The Couch, Mt. High Yah, and its soda flavored Fanta Sea (just to name a few) and unforgettable inhabitants (a French stoat, dangerous dust bunnies, a sheriff pegataur, and many more), makes for a thoroughly engaging and cleverly captivating setting.
And best of all, readers will find themselves fully immersed in Mightier Than The Sword, as they literally help write and fill in this story and world. Fun fill in the blanks, games, puzzles, drawing opportunities, and more, will encourage and inspire readers’ imaginations and thinking skills.
Unputdownable and ridiculous in the best way possible, Mightier Than The Sword is stupendous, cleverly crafted fun that will entertain, engage, and excite young readers!
November 24, 2018
When I was a teacher, my 6th grade honors English students would have loved this book! It’s outlandish, precocious, and hilariously opinionated! I’ve never read any anything like this before. Prepare to have energy to read this. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but once I found the energy to read it, the energy of the book kept me going and I almost read the whole thing in one sitting-something I never do. With over 100 footnotes throughout, but funny enough you hope young kids won’t mind them, get ready for an adventure like no other. Understatement alert: extremely clever. A book about writing and the importance of imagination and so much more! I really am loving what authors are writing for middle-schoolers these days! They have become the most exciting age range for me!
July 25, 2018
This is a hilarious, play your way through the story, kind of book. It takes the 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books I grew up with, to a whole new level. It's a funny, clever, interactive book that literally pulls you into the story....... This is the kind of book that encourages readers to keep reading. Reluctant readers are going to find there is nothing reluctant about jumping into this book, and it's unique world.
FULL REVIEW https://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2018/...
FULL REVIEW https://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2018/...
August 20, 2018
Aimed at middle grade readers, it is spot on. Puns, puzzles, some educational material subtly and not so subtly included, narrated by an omniscient narrator who breaks the fourth wall (or does he, hmm), and a engaging cast of characters made this a fun read. I will be recommending it to my friends who have kids in this age group.
December 19, 2018
Really amaing in the events and im so glad metuea came back
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2019
Great fun. It's like an interactive version of 'The Phantom Tolbooth' .
November 30, 2020
Mightier than the Sword is funny. And fun! This interactive novel is a rollicking good time that surreptitiously teaches grammar and enhances vocabulary. With humor reminiscent of Norton Juster's The Phantom Tollbooth and a quest that vaguely recalls those "choose your own adventure" stories, Mightier than the Sword engrosses the reader. (Callander and Harrison point out that it is not unlike immersing oneself in a video game.) I recently came across an old interview with Juster to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Tollbooth; his commentary about how there are no difficult words, "only words you don't know yet," springs to mind when contemplating Mightier, particularly because the the authors call it "sneakily educational." Mightier is not just an adventure story, nor is it a book that aims to pour ELA concepts into kids. It's a solidly-crafted story that makes the most of language and doesn't underestimate the reader.
As you read, you discover that you are an amnesiac lost in Astorya, the alternate dimension where stories are preserved. By the laws of nature, humans should not be able to exist in Astorya, but you do — and you possess the superpower of being able to write anything into existence. The only thing you can't write is your way home, and so you join a curious cast of characters called the Couriers to rescue Prince S, who is the only one who can get you home, but who is trapped by an evil queen. The mashup of genres, plot devices, settings, and characters creates a cohesive fictional world; Callander and Harrison have so smoothly blended disparate elements that the talking French stoat, Manteau, is the natural companion of Alicole, the cowgirl pegasus centaur.
The only parts I'm not crazy about are the fact that the ship is made out of poop and I get covered in it. That is just too gross for me. And the footnotes get to be a bit much. They are entertaining at first, but their volume disrupts the narrative at times.
Between the book world, compelling adventure, and word-play, there's no question that I liked Mightier than the Sword.
Per FTC Guidelines, I hereby disclose partnership with The Children's Book Review, Alan Harrison, and Drew Callander.
As you read, you discover that you are an amnesiac lost in Astorya, the alternate dimension where stories are preserved. By the laws of nature, humans should not be able to exist in Astorya, but you do — and you possess the superpower of being able to write anything into existence. The only thing you can't write is your way home, and so you join a curious cast of characters called the Couriers to rescue Prince S, who is the only one who can get you home, but who is trapped by an evil queen. The mashup of genres, plot devices, settings, and characters creates a cohesive fictional world; Callander and Harrison have so smoothly blended disparate elements that the talking French stoat, Manteau, is the natural companion of Alicole, the cowgirl pegasus centaur.
The only parts I'm not crazy about are the fact that the ship is made out of poop and I get covered in it. That is just too gross for me. And the footnotes get to be a bit much. They are entertaining at first, but their volume disrupts the narrative at times.
Between the book world, compelling adventure, and word-play, there's no question that I liked Mightier than the Sword.
Per FTC Guidelines, I hereby disclose partnership with The Children's Book Review, Alan Harrison, and Drew Callander.
October 22, 2019
Ready for a mega-blast of originality and super fun? Because that's exactly what this book is. Grumpy and serious are words which don't exist in this wild adventure, which stars the most amazing hero in the universe...and does it well.
You...yes, you, the reader, find yourself in the fantastical world of Astorya. There, you might the most amazing creatures and surprises, but none of them believe you to be a 'real' human. It is a world of fiction, after all. But real humans have a unique superpower, which means you do too. The power of the pencil. Everything you write on paper comes true, and that gives you the perfect weapon to begin the most amazing, hair-brained, ridiculous and dangerous adventure ever.
This book/series is hitting my top ten favorite list for 2019. While I first thought this was another choose your own adventure type of tale, it's not. Written in present tense with 'you' as the main character, it's already in a class of its own...and a good one. The authors pull this combination through seamlessly and really build an amazing story, which flows and draws in. The reader is invited to scribble in the book, solve puzzles, fill in the blanks and all sorts of other things. And each of these activities is related to the story. Although every reader will add their own thoughts and personality, the tale is so well done, that it works.
Fantasy and imagination have literally no limits in these pages. Rather, ridiculous quirkiness and humor in the best and worst degree unfold constantly. The characters are not what you'd ever guess and the adventure takes turns which will have the reader giggling, snorting, wondering what just happened or simply rolling their eyes. It's a royal ton of fun and probably the most ludicrous tale you might ever run across. Add the large amount of illustrations—always a treat—and this one is definitely worth a read.
I received a complimentary copy and was so drawn in and surprised by this book that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
You...yes, you, the reader, find yourself in the fantastical world of Astorya. There, you might the most amazing creatures and surprises, but none of them believe you to be a 'real' human. It is a world of fiction, after all. But real humans have a unique superpower, which means you do too. The power of the pencil. Everything you write on paper comes true, and that gives you the perfect weapon to begin the most amazing, hair-brained, ridiculous and dangerous adventure ever.
This book/series is hitting my top ten favorite list for 2019. While I first thought this was another choose your own adventure type of tale, it's not. Written in present tense with 'you' as the main character, it's already in a class of its own...and a good one. The authors pull this combination through seamlessly and really build an amazing story, which flows and draws in. The reader is invited to scribble in the book, solve puzzles, fill in the blanks and all sorts of other things. And each of these activities is related to the story. Although every reader will add their own thoughts and personality, the tale is so well done, that it works.
Fantasy and imagination have literally no limits in these pages. Rather, ridiculous quirkiness and humor in the best and worst degree unfold constantly. The characters are not what you'd ever guess and the adventure takes turns which will have the reader giggling, snorting, wondering what just happened or simply rolling their eyes. It's a royal ton of fun and probably the most ludicrous tale you might ever run across. Add the large amount of illustrations—always a treat—and this one is definitely worth a read.
I received a complimentary copy and was so drawn in and surprised by this book that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
November 25, 2019
Part mad libs and activity book plus fully developed fictional story, MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD is a delightfully interactive read for the middle grade audience. Told entirely in the second person, the book takes the reader through an adventure in which they are cast in the starring role. The reader gets to interact with the book by filling in the blanks, solving puzzles, and even drawing their version of a more or less scary villain.
In the land of Astorya, you are surrounded by fictional creatures with only your pencil. However, as you soon learn, that pencil is the most powerful of tools, as anything you write can become a part of the story too. After finding a letter calling for help, you set out on a quest to find out what happened to you and rescue Prince S. There's villains, magic, and more in this charming and funny story.
What I loved: This book is a pleasure to read and would do well in a classroom setting, where children can giggle and create together. The chapters could be easy to read a couple at a time aloud, with children filling in the blanks together or separately. There are plenty of activities that are a part of and/or could be derived from the book, making it quite interactive. The book is overwhelmingly a comedic adventure, so it will appeal to a broad audience.
Final verdict: Delightful, hilarious, and full of heart, this interactive book has great potential to appeal to young readers. I would put it on a similar level as the SIDEWAYS STORIES OF WAYSIDE SCHOOL but with fairy tale elements, mad libs, and puzzles. This book is perfect for middle grade (8-12yo) classrooms or solo reads, but I bet you'll want to talk about it!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
In the land of Astorya, you are surrounded by fictional creatures with only your pencil. However, as you soon learn, that pencil is the most powerful of tools, as anything you write can become a part of the story too. After finding a letter calling for help, you set out on a quest to find out what happened to you and rescue Prince S. There's villains, magic, and more in this charming and funny story.
What I loved: This book is a pleasure to read and would do well in a classroom setting, where children can giggle and create together. The chapters could be easy to read a couple at a time aloud, with children filling in the blanks together or separately. There are plenty of activities that are a part of and/or could be derived from the book, making it quite interactive. The book is overwhelmingly a comedic adventure, so it will appeal to a broad audience.
Final verdict: Delightful, hilarious, and full of heart, this interactive book has great potential to appeal to young readers. I would put it on a similar level as the SIDEWAYS STORIES OF WAYSIDE SCHOOL but with fairy tale elements, mad libs, and puzzles. This book is perfect for middle grade (8-12yo) classrooms or solo reads, but I bet you'll want to talk about it!
Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 18, 2020
What a great and engaging way to get young readers involved in the story. First, you allow them to write in it not just by the person who gave them the book but as they read the authors tell them to get a pencil and fill out mad libs, draw and even submit ideas to them for the story. The second thing that makes it engaging for kids is their basically the main character in the story. It is rare, at least from what I have seen, for an author to write in this POV. It works well in this case, as you are fully engaged in what happens in the story.
It took me back to my childhood when I would fill out those mad lib books with the most outrageous things I could think of, or when I would spend days trying out all the twists and turns in a choose your own adventure story. Engagement with a book for young readers, heck, even me as an adult reader, makes the information fly by, bonus points that the story ends with a cliff hanger, so you indeed want to jump into the next book.
Teachers would find this the perfect book to engage with their students to read the story aloud. You can have various students contribute answers; the letter-writing would be a great exercise, and then the drawings of different things like your car, what you think the villain looks like, and contribute your version of the flip book. A unique series that any kid would thoroughly enjoy.
It took me back to my childhood when I would fill out those mad lib books with the most outrageous things I could think of, or when I would spend days trying out all the twists and turns in a choose your own adventure story. Engagement with a book for young readers, heck, even me as an adult reader, makes the information fly by, bonus points that the story ends with a cliff hanger, so you indeed want to jump into the next book.
Teachers would find this the perfect book to engage with their students to read the story aloud. You can have various students contribute answers; the letter-writing would be a great exercise, and then the drawings of different things like your car, what you think the villain looks like, and contribute your version of the flip book. A unique series that any kid would thoroughly enjoy.
January 9, 2021
n this exciting sequel to Book One of the middle-grade chapter series, once again the reader is a superhero who holds the fate of the fictional land of Astorya in your hands.
At the end of the first book in the series, you rescued Prince S from the evil Queen Rulette and wrote your way out of trouble time and time again. Now you are determined to protect your fictional friends by hiding the Original Story that created the kingdom. You volunteer to accompany Prince S on his journey to the evil dark side where all sorts of villains await.
The reader will need to assist and hold on to these precious memories. Together with the Prince, you will encounter gargoyles, monsters, deadly ooze, an Ice Dragon, wrestlers, and fiery lava. The sights and sounds that assault you threaten your resolve. It will be difficult to prevent surrendering to your darker side.
Can you succeed in your mission? What may you lose in the process? Readers will sharpen writing skills by participating and creating the story, learn lots of new vocabulary, develop puzzle skills, and learn a bit of French. Buckle your seatbelt and get ready for the journey of your life.
At the end of the first book in the series, you rescued Prince S from the evil Queen Rulette and wrote your way out of trouble time and time again. Now you are determined to protect your fictional friends by hiding the Original Story that created the kingdom. You volunteer to accompany Prince S on his journey to the evil dark side where all sorts of villains await.
The reader will need to assist and hold on to these precious memories. Together with the Prince, you will encounter gargoyles, monsters, deadly ooze, an Ice Dragon, wrestlers, and fiery lava. The sights and sounds that assault you threaten your resolve. It will be difficult to prevent surrendering to your darker side.
Can you succeed in your mission? What may you lose in the process? Readers will sharpen writing skills by participating and creating the story, learn lots of new vocabulary, develop puzzle skills, and learn a bit of French. Buckle your seatbelt and get ready for the journey of your life.
July 14, 2018
As I've said this book is a middle-grade activities book about YOU... Yes, You, or whoever is reading this book. It becomes almost Alice in Wonderland, as you enter this book. You seem to become apart of this fake world. A world where food makes fun of you. A French Stout by the name of Manteau has to help you defeat the evil Queen Rulette as she has the Great Prince S. You must save Prince S by all of these mystics aka Activity ways in order to Save Astorya. Now, will you go on this journey to save Prince S, after all, Manteau is waiting for you?
As always if you wish to know my thoughts on the book, here is the link to my Blog: https://melimimi.blogspot.com/2018/07...
As always if you wish to know my thoughts on the book, here is the link to my Blog: https://melimimi.blogspot.com/2018/07...
July 11, 2019
This book is very creative and fun I'd recommend it for all ages.
August 16, 2022
Even though this wasn't my absolute favorite story, the creativity and word play were absolutely amazing. I can't NOT give it five stars!
July 31, 2023
Incredibly silly and creative. Perfect for 8-12 yr old readers.
July 12, 2019
My kids and I devoured this book. They range from early middle school to a high school junior. It was such a fun, book that literally pulls you in and opens your mind. Their friends that don't typically read have even borrowed it and loved it. I definitely recommend this book for everyone. 5 star read hands down.
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