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The Forgotten Worlds #1
The Emerald Tablet
Mythology, Time Travel, and Hidden Worlds come together in this fantasy trilogy!
Benjamin and his best friend Andy are different from normal. They love being able to read each other's minds and use telekinesis to play tricks on other kids. In fact, they are getting all set to spend their entire summer doing just that when Benjamin's mirror starts talking. Suddenly, Benjamin's looking at eight weeks of summer school someplace which can only be reached by a teleporter inside the ugly picture in his hallway.
And that's the most normal thing he does all summer.
Don't miss this first book in The Forgotten Worlds Trilogy!
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2008
151 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
About the author
P.J. Hoover
41 books393 followersP. J. Hoover first fell in love with Greek mythology in sixth grade thanks to the book Mythology by Edith Hamilton. After a fifteen year bout as an electrical engineer designing computer chips for a living, P. J. decided to take her own stab at mythology and started writing books for kids and teens. P. J. is a member of THE TEXAS SWEETHEARTS & SCOUNDRELS. When not writing, P. J. spends time with her husband and two kids and enjoys practicing Kung Fu, solving Rubik's cubes, and watching Star Trek.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 4, 2008
What a fantastic debut novel! I really can’t wait to read the rest of this series. Atlantis has always been something I’ve found fascinating the whole basis of the mythology surrounding it... does it really exist, or is it a load of bull. I’ve read about it fictional literature and I have to say that I loved Hoover’s take on it!
Supreme beings capable of telekinesis, telepathy and teleportation! Hiding Lemuria in the “Ring of Fire and extremely cool gadgets like the Geodine, simply brilliant! My only complaint is that I wish the characters would have wowed me as much as the fantasy world that Hoover created did. Not that I didn’t like the characters, but sometimes I find them to be a little flat. Something I’m hoping to remedy as the series continues.
I also liked the fact that even though this was a fantasy novel, I never once rolled my eyes and thought that would never happen. Hoover remained true to the limitations she created in her world and on her characters and that was greatly appreciated! The solutions to the problems they faced were realistic and their solutions where more than satisfactory.
And although the ending leaves a lot to be explored I was still happy with the conclusion of the novel! A fun, fast-paced and extraordinary read!
Supreme beings capable of telekinesis, telepathy and teleportation! Hiding Lemuria in the “Ring of Fire and extremely cool gadgets like the Geodine, simply brilliant! My only complaint is that I wish the characters would have wowed me as much as the fantasy world that Hoover created did. Not that I didn’t like the characters, but sometimes I find them to be a little flat. Something I’m hoping to remedy as the series continues.
I also liked the fact that even though this was a fantasy novel, I never once rolled my eyes and thought that would never happen. Hoover remained true to the limitations she created in her world and on her characters and that was greatly appreciated! The solutions to the problems they faced were realistic and their solutions where more than satisfactory.
And although the ending leaves a lot to be explored I was still happy with the conclusion of the novel! A fun, fast-paced and extraordinary read!
November 13, 2012
Reviewed by Tasha for TeensReadToo.com
Benjamin Holt has always been different from the kids in his class, besides his best friend, Andy, who also has the same "abilities" as Benjamin. Andy and Benjamin just don't get what's so weird about being able to read people's minds and making frogs in science class fly into girls' hair! When Benjamin sees his mom go through a picture and disappear into a speckle of light he's not that surprised, since his life is just a little weird that way - but that doesn't stop him from wondering where in the world she went.
He soon finds out when his mirror, yes, that's right, his mirror, tells him he's going to summer school. At first, Benjamin isn't at all excited about going (I mean, what thirteen-year-old kid in his right mind would be excited about giving up their summer to go to school, especially when they're smart?!), but then he finds out this school is in another world and the only way to get there is through the same picture that his mom vanished through earlier!
When Benjamin arrives in Lemuria all his doubts instantly vanish, but his life gets even stranger. He's not even at school for ten minutes when he learns that he's not really human -- he's a telegen, which is why he has so many different "abilities." When the Emerald Tablet chooses him as its champion, Benjamin is dumbfounded. I mean, while he thought he was special on earth, his powers just make him normal in Lemuria, so why him? While Benjamin was expecting a pretty normal (or as normal as you can get when you're at summer school on a submerged continent) summer, he knows that won't ever happen now. With Andy and his newly acquired friends, Benjamin has the summer of a lifetime, even if it isn't your classical definition of fun!
I had such a good time reading this book! I loved every minute that I was reading it, and I feel like I want to reread the book over and over again. From the very first sentence I was laughing, and while the book wasn't intended to be a comedy there were many times where I couldn't help but suppress a giggle. The very idea for the story is magical. I don't think I've ever read a book along the same lines as THE EMERALD TABLET. While reading the book I kept thinking that in a way it was almost like a myth that was being told and how cool it would be if it was actually true.
The characters were also very well-developed. P. J. Hoover really captured the essence of a thirteen-year-old boy in Benjamin's character. He had the whole goofy, know it all, "I'd rather not be here" attitude, which made the book so real. I feel like sometimes authors really grasp the ages of their characters and sometimes they don't, but this is definitely a case in which the author does. Hoover also did a great job incorporating the supporting characters. They were all essential and I loved how she showed that in most cases we need to all use our best abilities to reach a common goal. I also loved her quirky little character, Jack, who had the funniest things to say and was an added bonus to the story.
What a fabulous ending. P. J. Hoover wrapped up the story at just the right pace and didn't force or rush anything. She also left quite few questions unanswered, which makes me very anxious for the next two books in the trilogy (the second will be out in Fall 2009 and the third in 2010). Fans of Rick Riordan's PERCY JACKSON series will particularly enjoy this book, but really I think it would be a great read for anyone. While the target audience is middle-grade readers, I think both younger and older readers alike will enjoy Benjamin's story and find themselves craving more.
Benjamin Holt has always been different from the kids in his class, besides his best friend, Andy, who also has the same "abilities" as Benjamin. Andy and Benjamin just don't get what's so weird about being able to read people's minds and making frogs in science class fly into girls' hair! When Benjamin sees his mom go through a picture and disappear into a speckle of light he's not that surprised, since his life is just a little weird that way - but that doesn't stop him from wondering where in the world she went.
He soon finds out when his mirror, yes, that's right, his mirror, tells him he's going to summer school. At first, Benjamin isn't at all excited about going (I mean, what thirteen-year-old kid in his right mind would be excited about giving up their summer to go to school, especially when they're smart?!), but then he finds out this school is in another world and the only way to get there is through the same picture that his mom vanished through earlier!
When Benjamin arrives in Lemuria all his doubts instantly vanish, but his life gets even stranger. He's not even at school for ten minutes when he learns that he's not really human -- he's a telegen, which is why he has so many different "abilities." When the Emerald Tablet chooses him as its champion, Benjamin is dumbfounded. I mean, while he thought he was special on earth, his powers just make him normal in Lemuria, so why him? While Benjamin was expecting a pretty normal (or as normal as you can get when you're at summer school on a submerged continent) summer, he knows that won't ever happen now. With Andy and his newly acquired friends, Benjamin has the summer of a lifetime, even if it isn't your classical definition of fun!
I had such a good time reading this book! I loved every minute that I was reading it, and I feel like I want to reread the book over and over again. From the very first sentence I was laughing, and while the book wasn't intended to be a comedy there were many times where I couldn't help but suppress a giggle. The very idea for the story is magical. I don't think I've ever read a book along the same lines as THE EMERALD TABLET. While reading the book I kept thinking that in a way it was almost like a myth that was being told and how cool it would be if it was actually true.
The characters were also very well-developed. P. J. Hoover really captured the essence of a thirteen-year-old boy in Benjamin's character. He had the whole goofy, know it all, "I'd rather not be here" attitude, which made the book so real. I feel like sometimes authors really grasp the ages of their characters and sometimes they don't, but this is definitely a case in which the author does. Hoover also did a great job incorporating the supporting characters. They were all essential and I loved how she showed that in most cases we need to all use our best abilities to reach a common goal. I also loved her quirky little character, Jack, who had the funniest things to say and was an added bonus to the story.
What a fabulous ending. P. J. Hoover wrapped up the story at just the right pace and didn't force or rush anything. She also left quite few questions unanswered, which makes me very anxious for the next two books in the trilogy (the second will be out in Fall 2009 and the third in 2010). Fans of Rick Riordan's PERCY JACKSON series will particularly enjoy this book, but really I think it would be a great read for anyone. While the target audience is middle-grade readers, I think both younger and older readers alike will enjoy Benjamin's story and find themselves craving more.
September 6, 2008
At the start of summer, the farthest thing from Benjamin Holt’s mind is the possibility of summer school. However, it seems his plans are changed. Benjamin is not what you’d call a normal person; he and his best friend Andy have special powers that allow them to communicate silently and use telekinesis to play pranks. It turns out that Benjamin and Andy aren’t human; instead, they’re of a similar species called telegens. So these special abilities that set Benjamin apart from humans only makes him normal among the other telegens attending the school on the hidden continent called Lemuria. But normality is elusive for Benjamin, especially after a mysterious stone called the Emerald Tablet chooses Benjamin to be its champion. Now, Benjamin is charged with the task of saving the world. It seems the summer has just gotten a lot more interesting.
The Emerald Tablet was an interesting, unique, and fun story. I loved the originality of the new continents Lemuria and Atlantis besides the seven accepted ones. Plus, I have to admit, I am a sucker for stories involving special talents such as the ones that Benjamin and his friends possess. These powers (most of which contained the prefix tele-) are part of what made this story so fun to read; they added a humorous and yet dangerous factor. The plot was suspenseful and well drawn out. However, the characters were a slightly different story. I felt that Benjamin and his friends were a little boring at times, and I didn’t get to know any of the characters besides Benjamin well, and even then I didn’t completely understand the protagonist. The interesting and slightly futuristic plot is really what captured and held my interest throughout the book, as well as the twists, riddles, and deception, but the characters could’ve been improved on.
In all, The Emerald Tablet was a solid first young adult novel, and I’m glad there will be at least two more books in this Forgotten Worlds series. If you enjoy fast-paced stories about hidden futuristic worlds, I recommend The Emerald Tablet, but if you’re more concerned with the characters than the plot, then you shouldn’t read this novel.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
The Emerald Tablet was an interesting, unique, and fun story. I loved the originality of the new continents Lemuria and Atlantis besides the seven accepted ones. Plus, I have to admit, I am a sucker for stories involving special talents such as the ones that Benjamin and his friends possess. These powers (most of which contained the prefix tele-) are part of what made this story so fun to read; they added a humorous and yet dangerous factor. The plot was suspenseful and well drawn out. However, the characters were a slightly different story. I felt that Benjamin and his friends were a little boring at times, and I didn’t get to know any of the characters besides Benjamin well, and even then I didn’t completely understand the protagonist. The interesting and slightly futuristic plot is really what captured and held my interest throughout the book, as well as the twists, riddles, and deception, but the characters could’ve been improved on.
In all, The Emerald Tablet was a solid first young adult novel, and I’m glad there will be at least two more books in this Forgotten Worlds series. If you enjoy fast-paced stories about hidden futuristic worlds, I recommend The Emerald Tablet, but if you’re more concerned with the characters than the plot, then you shouldn’t read this novel.
reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com
February 22, 2014
A book definitely for the youngsters. The secret world is intriguing, i would love to visit it, but the characters (at this stage) are either all mean or all mouth and sass. The quest sounded more challenging than it turned out to be. Fabulous story for 12 year olds but a bit simplistic for young adults
February 24, 2009
I love the world building that Hoover has done. Also, who wouldn't want to be telekinetic??? A fun read!!!
May 18, 2020
So far this is a very good series
So far this is a very good series. I liked it and can't wait to start the next book. Fun
So far this is a very good series. I liked it and can't wait to start the next book. Fun
August 6, 2020
Enjoyable
Liked the world building. Very enjoyable young teen sci/fi fantasy. Fun imaginative story line with various personalities that help the main protagonist.
Liked the world building. Very enjoyable young teen sci/fi fantasy. Fun imaginative story line with various personalities that help the main protagonist.
January 13, 2021
Amikor olvastam tetszett, bár nem volt egy nagy szerelem. Izgalmasan fejeződött be, még ma is bennem van, hogy el kéne olvasom a második részt
March 20, 2013
This middle-grade fantasy novel would be a great read for junior high kids--both girls and boys--but this adult enjoyed it as well.
Benjamin knows he's different, with his telekinetic abilities, and thus far he and his family have had to hide their talents from those who don't possess them. When Benjamin discovers he's not human after all and gets sent to summer school with other "telegens," he can finally use his talents out in the open. In fact, he's challenged by teachers to learn more about his heritage and hone those abilities.
However, soon after his arrival, he encounters the Emerald Tablet (which I discovered later is a real thing in mythology) which selects Benjamin to carry out the mission that will save this secret world and the world he and his family live in.
In the tradition of other wonderful novels like the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series, this fantasy tale takes an average kid, throws him into a do-or-die situation, and shows the reader that specialness really comes from within. P.J. Hoover weaves a tight plot, with excellent writing and characterization.
Frankly, I would have given this novel five stars, but the editing is subpar. In fact, I wrote to the publisher suggesting a thorough line edit to correct grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors that should have been caught. It almost hurts to withhold a star because I can tell the author wrote a great book; however, some of those errors stopped my reading cold, and a well-written book should flow throughout.
Benjamin knows he's different, with his telekinetic abilities, and thus far he and his family have had to hide their talents from those who don't possess them. When Benjamin discovers he's not human after all and gets sent to summer school with other "telegens," he can finally use his talents out in the open. In fact, he's challenged by teachers to learn more about his heritage and hone those abilities.
However, soon after his arrival, he encounters the Emerald Tablet (which I discovered later is a real thing in mythology) which selects Benjamin to carry out the mission that will save this secret world and the world he and his family live in.
In the tradition of other wonderful novels like the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series, this fantasy tale takes an average kid, throws him into a do-or-die situation, and shows the reader that specialness really comes from within. P.J. Hoover weaves a tight plot, with excellent writing and characterization.
Frankly, I would have given this novel five stars, but the editing is subpar. In fact, I wrote to the publisher suggesting a thorough line edit to correct grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors that should have been caught. It almost hurts to withhold a star because I can tell the author wrote a great book; however, some of those errors stopped my reading cold, and a well-written book should flow throughout.
August 11, 2016
True rating: 3.5 stars.
Not equal to Hoover's later work, but the book has its moments, particularly in the final few chapters. The idea of two sunken societies at odds with one another is the plot's best feature, and Hoover does a good job of selling her telegen concept. Certain characters shine brighter than others -- a slightly smaller central cast would have helped narrow the focus and allowed the author to zoom in tighter on the primary actors. New characters, if absolutely necessary, could have been added in the sequels. But overall, this was a decent debut.
I must add one last comment: The more YA and Kids fiction I read, the more I believe that everyone who aspires to write in those genres should be required to first take a course in Astronomy. It is the rare author who doesn't commit a gaffe when broaching that subject. Here, it's a meteorite that came from another solar system. Oh, my.
April 5, 2012
Wow! Why did I wait so long to read this book? I let my daughter and some friends read it before I picked it up. I should have made them wait so I could get all of the goodness out of it first!
This book deserves to be on the same shelf as Harry Potter and The Lightning Thief. The characters are much more likable than the whiny Potter kids and the action is even quicker than Percy Jackson. The fact that it involves Atlantis myth and connects a few dots that few other venture into makes it even more enjoyable. I loved reading about Telekinesis!
I can't wait to read the rest of the series, I have heard they are even better.
This book deserves to be on the same shelf as Harry Potter and The Lightning Thief. The characters are much more likable than the whiny Potter kids and the action is even quicker than Percy Jackson. The fact that it involves Atlantis myth and connects a few dots that few other venture into makes it even more enjoyable. I loved reading about Telekinesis!
I can't wait to read the rest of the series, I have heard they are even better.
November 23, 2013
This is a wonderful beginning to a fantasy middle-grade trilogy. Hoover's writing is extremely compelling and makes the book hard to put down. I read it in just two sittings. Benjamin is a great character to read about, and everyone in his life is completely fleshed out and I'm sure that any reader can relate to at least either Ben or one of his friends. The climax scene is absolutely a thrill to read and is extremely fast-paced. The overall plot is very unique and original, and sure to be a hit! I can't wait to read the next two books!
April 28, 2013
I thought this over all was a great series of books. My son read them and wanted me to read them because he enjoyed them so much. I enjoyed them a lot as well. If you are a fan of the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan or a fan of the Harry Potter books, then you should check out The Forgotten Worlds series, as well.
June 14, 2015
I loved it! It's fantasy for kids, but that's no reason adults can't enjoy it as well. There were surprises along the way, and there were enough questions left unanswered to make me ready to read the second book. Definitely a good one to read with the kids!
December 13, 2008
This book was written by my neighbor and it is supposed to be really good so if y'all want y'all can borrow it if you think you will like it. I liked it it was a little out there, bit it was good!
March 12, 2009
What a fun book by a local Austin author! I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the Harry Potter, Gregor or Percy Jackson series.
August 24, 2009
The first book in The Forgotten Worlds Series. On the hidden continent of Lemuria, Benjamin Holt and his friends must defend their world from the false gods from Atlantis.
June 23, 2011
Easy quick read. Characters are likable. I enjoyed the story and will probably continue the series.
December 5, 2009
I loved this book. It was fast paced and a good choice for anyone who loved Harry Potter or the Percy Jackson series.
August 14, 2014
Fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the characters and their trials. Good debut novel. I look forward to seeing where the characters go.
December 29, 2015
I really didn't expect much but the Author is just brilliant. For An adolescent book it was great.
January 10, 2017
Great book for middle school kids!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews