Ethan, Jacob, and Liz are back in this explosive follow-up to The Three Hares: Bloodline, which was described as “A smart, twisty adventure mystery that will keep young readers simply spellbound until the remarkably unpredictable conclusion” by Midwest Book Review.
Ezra Reynard returns with rage, reinforcements, and a dream. As the school year wraps up, an unexpected announcement echoes through the halls. Students are dismissed early, and a new school system is to be introduced after the summer. But first, they must take a test… one which will define their entire futures.
Winslow Falls is teetering on the brink of disaster, and their only hope is lurking within a three-hundred-year-old cypher.
Geoffrey Simpson was born and raised in Avon Lake, Ohio, just outside Cleveland. He attended Avon Lake High School and competed in the state cross country and track & field championships on multiple occasions.
At Kent State he graduated from the School of Technology and was a member of the Track & Field and Cross Country programs. His primary events were the 5,000 meters (14:57) and 10,000 meters (31:14).
After graduating from Kent State University, he built a career in program management throughout various technology companies and is now a global PMO manager.
His family of two boys, Jonathan and Henry, and his beloved wife Lili, impassion his craving for adventure. An adventurous spirit which is passed down to his sons. Now living with his family in Minden, Germany, in the pre-dawn hours, he is an author.
Geoffrey is the author of the middle-school aged adventure-mystery series, The Three Hares, and the near-future, speculative fiction novel, The Slummer.
Check out his website to further explore his many passions and intrigues.
Done reading REYNARD'S DREAM - Book 2 in The Three Hares Pentalogy. I read Book 1 last year. It is just okay. This sequel, however, is better. The author has surprised me with a series of unexpected twists. New characters are added but they haven't stolen the spotlight from the main characters. All are given a fair amount of page time, making the story eventful, sometimes over the top but it is still good. Ethan, Jacob and Liz are back. Their loyalty is tested and it is up with Ethan to save the friendship. Two years after the events in the first book, these vulnerable but courageous protagonists are on a mission to stop Ezra Reynard from his greedy plans for Winslow Falls.
Thanks to Geoffrey Simpson for giving me this free kindle edition in exchange of an honest review.
Something evil is lurking on the streets of Winslow Falls and it is the destiny of Ethan, Jacob and Liz to get caught up in the middle of the trouble, once again… and as if school wasn’t bad enough, now there is something fishy going on there, too.
The Three Hares are back and author Geoffrey Simpson is throwing everything but the kitchen sink at them in this rapid-fire young adult read that sizzles with action and twisted suspense! REYNARD’S DREAM is about to become a living nightmare and the only way to stop events from playing out could be within the lines of an ancient cypher.
Perfect for fueling the fire of imagination and a passion for reading in younger readers, this tale is a gripping tangle of mystery and suspense as three teens race against time to save the unsuspecting around them from the wicked intent of those in power. Well told, creative, and never lagging, Geoffrey Simpson’s tale is really perfect for any age with characters that feel like kids, react like they are invincible, only to get the shakes after, because they take their fate seriously, deal with bad judgment calls and stand together even when things are looking pretty shaky.
A brilliant read, indeed! Put this series on your shopping list, a gift that is never dull!
I received a complimentary copy from Geoffrey Simpson! This is my honest and voluntary review.
The Three Hares - Book 2 Publisher: thewordverve; 1 edition (November 2, 2019) Publication Date: November 2, 2019 Genre: YA Suspense/Thriller/Mystery Print Length: 263 pages Amazon | Barnes & Noble For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
"I recieved a free copy from the author for an honest review"
2.5 stars but I rounded up to 3 because the wholesome factor won me over.
Very much like the first book which was okay but felt like it needed something extra. Really loved Ethan and Liz in this but that was about it for the characters, all the rest seemed kinda...meh.
The clues, facts, and historical pieces were great and made the book go by faster and gave it an interesting spin cause I love it when books do that so yay!
And like the first book, this feels like a story for 6th graders rather than teenagers but that could've just been me.
So, not to bad, not to good so if anyone thinks they'll enjoy it, give it a whirl!😁
Ezra Reynard has a vision for Winslow Falls. Ethan, Jacob, Liz and the Three Hares must stop Ezra and the Red Fox society. There is a race to find a secret treasure. Loyalties will be tested. A bloody battle is on the future horizon. Will friendships be tested? Will evil triumph over good?
Quotes:
--** Ethan Drake **-- --"His late mentor, Arthur, always told him that a person must control his or her emotions in battle, as emotions make you stupid and stupid makes you dead." -- "His enemy never rested, which meant there was no rest for him. Juggling schoolwork, running a secret society, and keeping up with Ezra Reynard had become daunting and nearly impossible." -- "Could Liz be a spy? There was no answer, but he knew his blind support for Liz, if he were to be wrong, could have wicked consequences. "
--** Jacob Carter **-- -- "No, she's [Liz] on her own side, and there is no way I will allow you [Ethan] to risk bringing down this entire society because you think she looks hot in a dress."
--** Elizabeth Walker **-- -- [Walking towards Ezra Reynard's office] "With each step Liz could feel the room darken. It wasn't the lighting; it was a terrible feeling of evil that dimmed her soul."
--** Calvin Walker, Liz's father **-- -- "He lowered his tone to one more soothing and careful. 'I know you [Liz] don't want to be here, but we're on the right side of this. We'll be on the right side of history and we'll be rewarded greatly for it. If I learned anything in my years, it is that you never want to be on the wrong side of history.'"
--** Ezra Reynard **-- -- "My vision is to transform this city. It will become the envy of our nation, of the world. A city for the elite to call home. A city which finally recognizes the value of its highest contributors."
Personal Thoughts:
This second installment of the Three Hares continues the fight for good over evil. The characters are well written, and they feel and act like a family. Both factions are recruiting new members for the battle ahead. Ezra's vision to me rings too close to Nazism. Dividing people into classifications and placing the cream of the crop -- the elite -- on the top rung, while driving out the poor and destitute. The plot is imaginative and creative. Most of the subplots are tied up. The cliffhanger at the end will surely entice readers to purchase the next book in this middle grade series. The suspense of the treasure hunt and of stopping Ezra's vision accelerates the pace of the story. This book is the same if not better than the first book. I look forward to the third book.
I received an electronic copy from the author for an unbiased and honest review. Thank you Geoffrey Simpson for giving me the opportunity to read this second book in the series.
I received an ecopy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Ezra Reynard returns with rage, reinforcements, and a dream. As the school year wraps up, an unexpected announcement echoes through the halls. Students are dismissed early, and a new school system is to be introduced after the summer. But first, they must take a test… one which will define their entire futures. Winslow Falls is teetering on the brink of disaster, and their only hope is lurking within a three-hundred-year-old cypher.
Reynard's Dream (The Three Hares #2) by Geoffrey Simpson is a more than worthy sequel to The Three Hares and it's well worth picking up if you enjoyed book one. The sequel takes everything up a few a few notches from where we left off. Plus, everyone and everything has grown up a little with this installment. I particularly enjoyed the little historical details which really bring the story to life. Needless to say, it was also great to see these characters again and where they're at now.
Overall, I recommend giving Reynard's Dream a try if you enjoy YA adventures with high stakes, a good central mystery, and plenty of imagination. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what Geoffrey Simpson does next.
I read the first book in this series, Bloodline, last year and quite enjoyed it. So when the author asked me to read and review the second book I was happy to do so.
The story starts up about a year after the events of the first book. The evil organization, the Red Fox, has been lying low, but is now rearing its ugly head again with a plan to totally change society. Ethan and his friends Jacob and Liz are up to the challenge though and continue to thwart his plans as best they can. The story is well paced this time, with lots of adventure and some pretty tight spots that the kids manage to get themselves out of. There is another treasure hunt, for a real treasure this time. The kids continue to grow in their leadership roles and in their strategic thinking. They have new allies too, but unfortunately loose one of my favorites. A really nice follow up to the first book. I am looking forward to the next book and hopefully the defeat of the Red Fox.
The Three Hares - Reynard's Dream continues the story of Ethan, Jacob and Liz who are now a bit older and somewhat wiser to the machinations of Ezra Reynard, leader of the criminal Red Fox organization. While the first book was an excellent introduction to the storyline, this book really kicks it up a notch with a high stakes treasure hunt that could have deadly consequences. As the story progresses we gain more insight into Ezra's end game and it becomes evident that failure is not an option. Corruption is real and our three friends must decide what they are willing to sacrifice in the name of the Three Hares and for the people of Winslow Falls.
I thoroughly enjoyed the maturity and growth of Ethan and his friends, who have a strong sense of right and wrong and a continued thirst for adventure, even when it comes with high risks. The end of the book was very satisfying but made it clear that this is not a game. I can't wait to read on and learn what the future holds for Winslow Falls and the Three Hares. Whether you are an adult or young adult, you will enjoy this exciting and adventurous series.
Book two of The Three Hares the story continues to follow Ethan's journey as Reynard's dream becomes a living nightmare. Keeping with solving ancient cyphers and batteling evil, Geoffrey Simpson has once again created a fantastic book and should be added to your bookshelf.
I was given a copy of the book by the author in an exchange for an honest review. I have been waiting for book two ever since I finished book one and waiting has been so hard! Once I got book two, there went my schedule. I stayed up late to read and once again found myself reading at work and punching back in late. You would think I would have learned my lesson. Nope. Couldn't contain my excitement for this book. Thanks Mr. Simpson! I cannot wait for book three to come out!
Packed full of adventure, mystery and never ending excitement, this is book is tons of fun to read.
Ethan, Jacob and Liz just got through their first adventure in book one and are met with an even more dangerous one just as the school year closes. If they thought the one in their classrooms and halls was tough, there's even something worse awaiting in Winslow Falls. If they want to stop the evil from lurking in, they'll need to decipher an ancient text and, even then, stay on their toes if they even want to have a whispers chance of making it through.
Often times, the second book in a series doesn't quite meet the expectations that the first one left off. That's not true of this series. The author has managed to notch things up a bit and pack in even more adventure and tension as the three heroes go up against a very sinister adversary. The plot thickens with every page, and the never-ending twists and turns make it hard to see what's coming next. Add in a few historical tidbits, and this is an exciting read...especially for those who enjoyed book one.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the tale even more than I thought I would. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
This was an excellent second offering in "The Three Hares" series. Mr. Simpson kindly gave me a shout-out in the dedications section, which meant a lot. My Honors class was the first class he skyped with back in 2018, and it was awesome. Check out his author's site for more information on class outreach programs: https://www.geoffrey-simpson.com/
"Reynard's Dream" was such a fast-paced, fun novel. Excellent blend of lore with a modern-day setting. Characters (Ethan, Liz and Jacob) are well-developed and likable. I don't want to give too much away because if you haven't read these you need too! Perfect for middle readers-YA and adults will enjoy too. They remind me of the Michael Vey series, but more in-depth. Hats off to Simpson too, his writing has beautifully description and flows well. So impressed by this series and am excited to read the third one!!
Fast-paced adventure story centered around an attempt to find a long-hidden treasure. The protagonists, Ethan, Jacob, and Liz, face off against the ruthless Ezra Raynard, who plots to divide the town of Winslow Falls into strict social castes. Readers new to the series may wish to seek out Bloodline, first book in "The Three Hares." A cliff-hanger finish to Reynard's Dream promises more peril and adventure to come.
(I received a digital ARC of this book from the author, Geoffrey Simpson)
A great way to continue the story of the Three Hares/Red Fox. This sequel is filled with more unique, and at times chillingly feasible, evil scenarios along with some pretty neat new adventures. The search for untold treasures drives the main characters, as they race to find what could either help save the town from a distopian future, or seal it's fate. It kept me interested, intrigued, and invested in the characters, from the beginning to the end. Great way to keep the story-line going.
I liked the book but it had a few less action scenes than the one before in the series. Ethan Drake, desendant of the founder of Three Hares, his friend Jacob, an "tell-it-like-it-is" partner have survived to see the sinister Ezra Raynaud, leader of the Red Foxes, continue to constrict his control of their little town. Ethan has discovered Ezra is hunting for the rumored "Chaucer's Hoard" hidden by the Three Hares many years ago. Add in a budding adolescent tension between Liz and Ethan only to discover is a liar. Three friends have mapped, discovered, and traveled the areas around their town wondering what Ezra's goal might be. Liz, her dad the new mayor is also a follower of Ezra. Betrayals abound with the two boys unsure of whether Liz is acting the spy for Ezra or for the Three Hares. Does she carry their secrets back to the enemy, feed the boys truth as their friend or not. Ezra has taken control of the education system and is systemically separating the children into a set of standards that will reflect their purpose in the new Ezra plan. The coded map and outcasts such as the former mayor and a teacher help them seek the answers under their noses but fatal if discovered. I am eagerly waiting for the next book in series as a real thriller weaving all the tangled ends together into a carpet of information.
Reynard’s Dream is the second book in the The Three Hares series and we keep following Ethan and his best friends Jacob & Liz. Together they fulfill the duties as members of The Three Hares, fighting against Ezra, the leader of their enemy organization. They go out on a new puzzle-piece adventure, trying to get an old treasure before Ezra can get his hands on it.
While this could be a fun adventure book, I had the same issues with this one and as the first one. I just don’t believe the story that is being told, and that these kids can just go around and save the day. They are against an adult who has an assassin, and still they manage? I’m all for extraordinary kids, but the writing does not convince me that these are it. I wish I could like it more, but it doesn’t hit with me. I also wish the book explored other themes more, like parent-child relationship, but it doesn’t! I understand it can be a light and fun read and I can see other people enjoying it, but if I was going to recommend a story like this I would go with something else. I do enjoy the treasure hunts, even though the clues go over my head (and why can’t no one else see them? lol!) Also, the friendship is cute. 2.5/5 stars.