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An Epic Series of Failures #2
The Curse of Greg
Magic and mayhem collide in this monstrously funny middle-grade sequel to Chris Rylander's The Legend of Greg
Greg Belmont longs for the days when he thought he was an ordinary thirteen-year-old, before he learned he's really a fantastical Dwarf in a world where the return of magic has reignited an ancient feud between the Dwarves and the Elves. But now that magic is spreading rapidly, calling forth mythical monsters that are wreaking total havoc on earth, he knows things will never go back to normal.
To make matters worse, rumors are growing that the Elves are planning a sinister attack--and their new leader might be none other than Greg's former best friend, Edwin. Before they can say "Galdervatn," Greg and his Dwarven friends find themselves up against perilous dangers that their training has barely prepared them for. Can Greg and his bloodthirsty talking ax keep them out of harm's way long enough to prevent all-out war? Or will epic failure find him yet again in this hilarious, action-packed sequel to The Legend of Greg?
Greg Belmont longs for the days when he thought he was an ordinary thirteen-year-old, before he learned he's really a fantastical Dwarf in a world where the return of magic has reignited an ancient feud between the Dwarves and the Elves. But now that magic is spreading rapidly, calling forth mythical monsters that are wreaking total havoc on earth, he knows things will never go back to normal.
To make matters worse, rumors are growing that the Elves are planning a sinister attack--and their new leader might be none other than Greg's former best friend, Edwin. Before they can say "Galdervatn," Greg and his Dwarven friends find themselves up against perilous dangers that their training has barely prepared them for. Can Greg and his bloodthirsty talking ax keep them out of harm's way long enough to prevent all-out war? Or will epic failure find him yet again in this hilarious, action-packed sequel to The Legend of Greg?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2019
72 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 2, 2023
Todella mielenkiintoinen ja koukuttava!
November 11, 2019
Greg and his friends are trying to survive being sent out on MPMs (monster pacification missions) because there aren't enough adult dwarves to handle all the monsters entering the world with the resurgence of magic. They are supposed to try and recruit the creatures, but most try to kill them before they can even talk. But they are successful recruiting a Rock Troll named Stoney who used to be a slave of the elves. Stoney tells them all sorts of interesting things (and expands their vocabulary). He lets Greg know that there's a huge gathering of elves down in New Orleans that are up to something bad. And also, there might be an answer down there as to what is up with Greg's dad. He has been...odd...since his elven poison recovery. Greg and his friends set off for New Orleans, but have they bitten off more than they can handle?
This didn't quite go the way I had expected, but I did like the direction the author took. I really liked the unexpected resolution Greg comes to at the end about which method of conflict resolution is better: words or weapons. Rylander knows how to write great action scenes, ponder deep topics, and expand the world of the dwarves and elves, and all of that with humor. It's a very fun fantasy adventure with lots of fantastical creatures, and lightly based on Norse mythology. Stoney was a great addition to the characters. I love his huge vocabulary and the way he prompts Greg and his friends to wonder if their assumptions about other creatures are correct. Greg is a fantastic role model for the way he thinks for himself, encourages others to be their best, fights for justice, listens well to all sides but stays true to what he believes is right, and stays humble even if he and his dad are kind of famous. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy fantasy/mythology adventures.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. A couple fantasy battles, but most injuries are easily healed by magic.
This didn't quite go the way I had expected, but I did like the direction the author took. I really liked the unexpected resolution Greg comes to at the end about which method of conflict resolution is better: words or weapons. Rylander knows how to write great action scenes, ponder deep topics, and expand the world of the dwarves and elves, and all of that with humor. It's a very fun fantasy adventure with lots of fantastical creatures, and lightly based on Norse mythology. Stoney was a great addition to the characters. I love his huge vocabulary and the way he prompts Greg and his friends to wonder if their assumptions about other creatures are correct. Greg is a fantastic role model for the way he thinks for himself, encourages others to be their best, fights for justice, listens well to all sides but stays true to what he believes is right, and stays humble even if he and his dad are kind of famous. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy fantasy/mythology adventures.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. A couple fantasy battles, but most injuries are easily healed by magic.
September 20, 2020
Epico y tronchante. Es que me encanta todo de esta historia, sanguinaria es alucinante.
December 27, 2019
Alkupuoli junnasi tyhjäkäynnillä ja aloin jo ihan tosissaan kyllästyä päähenkilön mukahauskaan puhuvaan kirveeseen ja sen typeriin tappamisjuttuihin. Ilmeisesti kirjoittajakin tajusi viimein, että vitsi meni jo ja antoi armollisesti päähenkilönsä paiskata mokoman riesan järven pohjaan. (Saattoi olla joki tai merikin.) Jengiin lisättiin uusi hauska hahmo, kivipeikko, ja ex-bestis (haltija) palasi maailmanlopun kuvioihin oman "lopullisen" ratkaisuehdotuksensa kanssa. Ei tämä silti huono ole, kirjoittajakin alkaa jo paikoitellen löytää oman äänensä.
September 17, 2019
My name is Bloodletter, and I am the most fearsome battle ax of all time. As a legendary weapon, I chose Greg to wield me in the Dwarves' war against the Elves. Unfortunately, he sometimes lacks the stomach for the bloody attacks needed, because he thinks I only want to destroy the Elves. What's wrong with destroying your enemies? His team is a little distracted right now due to the increase in monster sightings. However, a rock troll told Greg about Elves planning something big in New Orleans, so the team snuck down there to investigate. Greg also hopes to discover a remedy for his father's illness, and he might find out what happened to his "best friend" Edwin, that stinking Elf! I haven't seen Greg for days, and there's going to be a lot of stabbing and destruction when we're reunited.
I recommend you read The Legend of Greg first in order to better understand the background story. However, I honestly forgot I'd already read the book, as memories of it slowly came back to me. The essence of the conflict is that Elves and Dwarves don't like each other. Most of them are stuck with prejudices toward the other, but Greg is willing to rethink those ideas. Being able to see both sides of an issue is a valuable quality. Fairies took magic away long ago, but it's slowly seeping back. The question of magic being good or bad is another conflict that will continue in the next book. The fact that Greg's former best friend is the new Elf leader with a radical idea about magic creates an ongoing internal conflict for Greg. Again, he understands what Edwin is thinking and wonders if he might be correct, but it goes against everything Greg has been taught. You may find yourself pondering your own ideas about the real world after seeing how the characters handle their own issues. Don't get me wrong, this is not a philosophical story, and lovers of mythical or fairy tale beings should enjoy this book. I believe there's one more book in the series, and I recommend you give the series a shot.
I recommend you read The Legend of Greg first in order to better understand the background story. However, I honestly forgot I'd already read the book, as memories of it slowly came back to me. The essence of the conflict is that Elves and Dwarves don't like each other. Most of them are stuck with prejudices toward the other, but Greg is willing to rethink those ideas. Being able to see both sides of an issue is a valuable quality. Fairies took magic away long ago, but it's slowly seeping back. The question of magic being good or bad is another conflict that will continue in the next book. The fact that Greg's former best friend is the new Elf leader with a radical idea about magic creates an ongoing internal conflict for Greg. Again, he understands what Edwin is thinking and wonders if he might be correct, but it goes against everything Greg has been taught. You may find yourself pondering your own ideas about the real world after seeing how the characters handle their own issues. Don't get me wrong, this is not a philosophical story, and lovers of mythical or fairy tale beings should enjoy this book. I believe there's one more book in the series, and I recommend you give the series a shot.
March 29, 2021
Ein schönes Jugendbuch, aber gegen Ende wurden die wahnsinnig tiefsinnigen reden ein wenig lang für meinen Geschmack... Trotzdem würde ich Teil 3 auch wieder hören.
November 22, 2019
This took us forever to finish this because there were so many nights I wasn't reading to him because of late bedtimes. But finally finished it and it finished on a total cliffhanger so I hope the next book comes out soon in 2020. I like these books because the story is interesting enough for both of us and the vocabulary is advanced enough that I don't get bored reading it out loud. Greg and company are sent to neutralize/befriend monsters and get them to join their cause, which allows them to meet Stoney the Rock Troll. He tells them about a second faction of elves that are causing trouble in New Orleans, and Greg manages to get his friends to come with him to New Orleans to figure out what they are and see if they can help his dad (who seems to be getting crazier by the minute). They discover the New Orleans dwarves, who mistakenly think that they've been sent by the Chicago Council to help out with their extreme elf/monster problem down there, but take them into the fold even after they find out otherwise. Greg and Co, plus their new New Orleans recruits, battles elves and a wraith in a cemetery when Greg is abducted by another group of elves, which turns out to be led by Edwin. He was taken to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco as Edwin's prisoner, but the longer he is there, he realizes that Edwin's plan to control magic is crazy and despite that, the elves really aren't that bad. Eventually he escapes, throws the Bloodletter into the Bay because it's making him too violent, and goes back to Chicago. The cliffhanger is that Edwin knows where the Fairy Amulet is hidden and because of Stoney, the Dwarves now do too. Recommended for ages 8-14, 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2020
Mir hat der zweite Band genauso gefallen wie schon der Erste.
Die Magie kommt immer mehr zurück. Doch welcher ist der richtige Weg. Einen Weg mit der Magie finden oder diese unterbinden?
Angenehm gesprochen und mit viel Spannung geht das Abenteuer weiter. Zwar gibt es auch ruhige Momente, doch diese zeigen einiges an zwischenmenschlichen Momenten. Denn Greg und sein ehemals bester Freund Edwin haben einen solchen Moment, der auch wichtig ist. Allgemein gibt es in dieser Hinsicht ein paar tolle Momente in denen Greg auch mit anderen wichtige Gespräche führt. Greg ist wirklich sympathisch und versucht immer das richtige zu tun.
Die sprechende Axt ist natürlich so ein kleines Highlight, aber ich muss sagen Greg trifft an dieser stelle eine interessante und auch richtige Entscheidung.
Zum Ende wird es natürlich noch mal spannend und informativ und man darf sich natürlich auf einen spannungsgeladenen nächsten Band freuen.
Vor allen da Marius Claren die Geschichte spricht und er einfach für mich toll die verschiedenen Charaktere rüber bringt.
Die Magie kommt immer mehr zurück. Doch welcher ist der richtige Weg. Einen Weg mit der Magie finden oder diese unterbinden?
Angenehm gesprochen und mit viel Spannung geht das Abenteuer weiter. Zwar gibt es auch ruhige Momente, doch diese zeigen einiges an zwischenmenschlichen Momenten. Denn Greg und sein ehemals bester Freund Edwin haben einen solchen Moment, der auch wichtig ist. Allgemein gibt es in dieser Hinsicht ein paar tolle Momente in denen Greg auch mit anderen wichtige Gespräche führt. Greg ist wirklich sympathisch und versucht immer das richtige zu tun.
Die sprechende Axt ist natürlich so ein kleines Highlight, aber ich muss sagen Greg trifft an dieser stelle eine interessante und auch richtige Entscheidung.
Zum Ende wird es natürlich noch mal spannend und informativ und man darf sich natürlich auf einen spannungsgeladenen nächsten Band freuen.
Vor allen da Marius Claren die Geschichte spricht und er einfach für mich toll die verschiedenen Charaktere rüber bringt.
February 8, 2021
Greggdroole "Greg" Belmont is trying to get his dad back to normal. He was poisoned and was accidentally given an antidote that wasn't sure what it was for.
Greg is debating whether to break the Council's order to investigate nefarious and devastating Elves' plot in New Orleans. This could also be where he could find the solution to get his father back to normal.
It was a long, dragged out quest and it's still going
Greg is debating whether to break the Council's order to investigate nefarious and devastating Elves' plot in New Orleans. This could also be where he could find the solution to get his father back to normal.
It was a long, dragged out quest and it's still going
October 21, 2021
Eeppistä jahkailua ja hullun sotakirveen kanssa käytyjä dialogeja. Vasta lopussa päästiin asiaan ja onneksi siitä uhoavasta sotakirveestä päästiin. Klassinen tapaus, jossa toinen osa kirjoitetaan vain jotta saataisiin aikaan trilogia ja kun tarinassa on oikeasti vain alku ja loppu, niin kakkososa on aika turha. Tämän olisi voinut kuitata lisäämällä pari lukua ykkösosaan ja pari lukua lopetukseen(?) eikä ikävä olisi tullut.
September 19, 2025
Usually the second book in a trilogy is a throw away but that is definitely not the case for this one! The first book in the series is pretty funny and makes light of the world these dwarves and elves find themselves. Although there is some humor, this one takes on a much more serious tone and the characters have to grapple with hard ethical questions. I hope your reader enjoys it as much as I did!
Found in L4M OT Volume 36.
Found in L4M OT Volume 36.
July 31, 2019
Excellent continuation of the series about the feud between Dwarves and Elves in modern day Chicago as magic makes its return to the world. I'm looking forward to the third book. Recommended for grades 4 & up. Please read the series in order.
August 7, 2019
This book has a lot of morals hidden inside it. Lots to think about for growing minds. I appreciated this while reading it and enjoyed the story. I really enjoyed the characters and how they are all
Similar yet different, as if to make a point about the different races of creatures.
Similar yet different, as if to make a point about the different races of creatures.
December 28, 2019
Quite an exciting adventure further into this magical world! It lulled for. A chapter or two in the middle but honestly not enough to bring it down a star rating. I loved the new characters, the veiled ecofriendly/global warming message was powerful and I'd die for Stoney! He's amazing.
January 12, 2020
Hauskempi ja toimivampi kuin ensimmäinen osa. Greg alkaa jotenkin olla sinut kääpiöitä vaivaavan torstaikirouksen kanssa - no, ehkä. Kohellusta ja huumoria. Toivoisin että nämä olisivat vain ohuempi a jotta menisivät heikommille lukijoille, niin hauskoja tarinoita ovat.
November 14, 2020
I read this with my 11 year old son. This novel picks up the story of Greg right after he springs his dad from the elves. Although the chapter titles were not as hilarious as the first, the plot and characters were spit on. We cannot wait to read the third.
May 24, 2021
He terminado este libro y creo que voy a dejar pasar unos días de reflexión para escribir una reseña, que es otro modo de decir que me siento un poco vaga a la hora de escribir lo que opino de este libro ahora mismo.
August 20, 2019
Greg continues his journey. This one goes to new places and introduces some great new characters. My daughter (10) and I love the Greg series.
January 15, 2020
Very fun, looking forward to seeing what happens next!
May 25, 2021
Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy. Really, what could be better? It's a dwarf named Greg! It doesn't get much greater than that!
May 25, 2022
It was good it was better at the end-ish when he was a prisoner but over all om exited to read the next one!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2022
I'm loving this series, so cute and a lot of fun. Even though its a YA series, it doesn't read like a kids book. Can't wait read the next, final book in the series to see what happens!
March 27, 2023
How did this get- SO. MUCH. WORSE. Greg litterly doesnt know how to keep freinds
May 1, 2023
Hilarious and heartwarming. A great buddy book. I still love the talking ax. Cracked me up.
October 30, 2024
Kids loved this as a read aloud. Lots of LOL parts. A little wordy for the adults in the room, but the kids didn't seem to mind. Would make a great Disney+ series.
September 8, 2020
Ich mag Zwerge und daher ist diese Buchreihe perfekt für mich.
Da Greg unter Menschen aufgewachsen ist (mehr oder weniger) und sich mit Zwergen noch nicht ganz so gut auskennt, kann ich seine Frustration über sie, dass sie oft zu lange brauchen um zu handeln oder ihre uralten Stereotypen nicht ablegen können, gut verstehen. Greg verbringt in diesen Band einige Zeit mit anderen Elfen (wenn auch eher unfreiwillig) und lernt diese etwas besser kennen und bekommt einen anderen Blickwinkel als "typische" Zwerge. Es ist nach wie vor nicht alles schwarz und weiß; die Elfen sind ebenfalls seit dem Ableben des Vaters von Edwin untereinander zerstritten. Mal davon abgesehen hat Greg so seine Probleme, der Rest der Welt ebenso, denn Magie kehrt zurück und macht sich in Form von Monstern bemerkbar. Es gibt Missionen für Zwerge, diese Monster zu überreden, sich ihnen anzuschließen bzw. wenn das nicht funktioniert, zumindest unschädlich zu machen ohne das die Menschen etwas mitbekommen (nicht einfach). Zumindest bei einer Mission von Greg und seinen Freunden funktioniert das.
Wie es mit der Magie weitergehen soll ist noch längst nicht entschieden. Edwin hat seine Vorstellungen; Gregs Vater eine andere und Greg ist nach einigen Überlegungen eher geneigt seinem Vater zuzustimmen.
Greg hat im ersten Band eine gute Beziehung zu Ari (und den anderen aufgebaut); in diesem Band hat er zumindest eine tiefere Konversation mit Glam sowie einer Elfe. Die Frage stellt sich natürlich, ob er mit einer der Damen in dritten Teil eine romantische Beziehung eingehen wird...
Es bleibt spannend und ich bin gespannt auf den nächsten Teil!
Da Greg unter Menschen aufgewachsen ist (mehr oder weniger) und sich mit Zwergen noch nicht ganz so gut auskennt, kann ich seine Frustration über sie, dass sie oft zu lange brauchen um zu handeln oder ihre uralten Stereotypen nicht ablegen können, gut verstehen. Greg verbringt in diesen Band einige Zeit mit anderen Elfen (wenn auch eher unfreiwillig) und lernt diese etwas besser kennen und bekommt einen anderen Blickwinkel als "typische" Zwerge. Es ist nach wie vor nicht alles schwarz und weiß; die Elfen sind ebenfalls seit dem Ableben des Vaters von Edwin untereinander zerstritten. Mal davon abgesehen hat Greg so seine Probleme, der Rest der Welt ebenso, denn Magie kehrt zurück und macht sich in Form von Monstern bemerkbar. Es gibt Missionen für Zwerge, diese Monster zu überreden, sich ihnen anzuschließen bzw. wenn das nicht funktioniert, zumindest unschädlich zu machen ohne das die Menschen etwas mitbekommen (nicht einfach). Zumindest bei einer Mission von Greg und seinen Freunden funktioniert das.
Wie es mit der Magie weitergehen soll ist noch längst nicht entschieden. Edwin hat seine Vorstellungen; Gregs Vater eine andere und Greg ist nach einigen Überlegungen eher geneigt seinem Vater zuzustimmen.
Greg hat im ersten Band eine gute Beziehung zu Ari (und den anderen aufgebaut); in diesem Band hat er zumindest eine tiefere Konversation mit Glam sowie einer Elfe. Die Frage stellt sich natürlich, ob er mit einer der Damen in dritten Teil eine romantische Beziehung eingehen wird...
Es bleibt spannend und ich bin gespannt auf den nächsten Teil!
July 5, 2024
Usually the second book in a trilogy is a throw away but that is definitely not the case for this one! The first book in the series is pretty funny and makes light of the world these dwarves and elves find themselves. Although there is some humor, this one takes on a much more serious tone and the characters have to grapple with hard ethical questions. I hope your reader enjoys it as much as I did!
Found in L4M OT Volume 90. (also found in L4M OT Volume 36 (B)).
Found in L4M OT Volume 90. (also found in L4M OT Volume 36 (B)).
July 5, 2022
Sehr tolles Buch!❤️
July 20, 2023
Todella hyvä jatko osa ensimmäiselle osalle. Tarina ja henkilöt kehittyvät todella mukavasti.
Kielenkäyttö murteineen vaikutti huimalta. Täytyy kiittää kääntäjää uskomattoman hienoista käännöksistä!
Kielenkäyttö murteineen vaikutti huimalta. Täytyy kiittää kääntäjää uskomattoman hienoista käännöksistä!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews