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The Kindling of Greenfyr: Book One of the Reunification Conspiracy
The Kindling of GreenFyr is the story of Owen McInish, an awkward fourteen-year-old bullied at school and friendless except for his pet cat, Piper. That is until a snow leopard is chased through the woods behind his house by three huge gray dogs with glowing green eyes. Owen saves the leopard from her pursuers, but the animal escapes him as well, only to return later. The cat’s behavior is peculiar, nothing like a wild animal, making Owen even more curious as to its origin. Eventually, the cat allows Owen to pet her. Owen finds himself experiencing friendships as he has never before. Adventures as he has never imagined. And political intrigue as two worlds, long separated, begin to collide.
552 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 18, 2009
Before I started it, the only knowledge I had about this book was from a few other 1 ARC Tour reviews, so I wasn't really sure what to expect. Well, that isn't totally true. I knew that the book was really long, as in over 500 pages long.
I was pleasantly surprised with that I found!
Characters:
Owen was a great character, without question. At the start he's a "geeky" kid who is having one major problem with school. He's stuck in that endless circle of being bullied, because he can't tell his parents about what's happening. So, he dreads taking the bus to school in the morning, and seems to feel weak and helpless. After he rescues Orla, in the form of a leopard, from a group of hell hounds, everything changes. Over the course of the book, Owen becomes stronger and more confident in himself. This is especially true when facing unsavory creatures, and loss of people he cares about. My other favorite character was the Aingeal, Winter. At first I wasn't sure of his allegiance, but that may have just been my overly suspicious nature.
Plot:
The story was exciting, unique, and totally unpredictable (in a good way, I had no idea what would happen in the end!). The scenery was amazing, and I really felt connected with the characters. I particularly liked the human/animal dynamic. For example, Owen and Boone (a sort of king of the dogs, the Duine Madra) have an instant and deep connection. Any pet owner can relate to that friendship you develop.
The story reminded me a bit of Lord of the Rings. There were a lot of interesting characters, different places, and a bunch of great names (i.e Orla's home, Quailan, and the creature that was called a Vrok). I can't express what a breath of fresh air this book was. I also thought it was really nice to have a male as the main character. While I understand why most of the YA protagonists are female (women tend to be the biggest group of book buyers), I appreciated reading from a boy's point-of-view. I can't wait for the sequel!
I was pleasantly surprised with that I found!
Characters:
Owen was a great character, without question. At the start he's a "geeky" kid who is having one major problem with school. He's stuck in that endless circle of being bullied, because he can't tell his parents about what's happening. So, he dreads taking the bus to school in the morning, and seems to feel weak and helpless. After he rescues Orla, in the form of a leopard, from a group of hell hounds, everything changes. Over the course of the book, Owen becomes stronger and more confident in himself. This is especially true when facing unsavory creatures, and loss of people he cares about. My other favorite character was the Aingeal, Winter. At first I wasn't sure of his allegiance, but that may have just been my overly suspicious nature.
Plot:
The story was exciting, unique, and totally unpredictable (in a good way, I had no idea what would happen in the end!). The scenery was amazing, and I really felt connected with the characters. I particularly liked the human/animal dynamic. For example, Owen and Boone (a sort of king of the dogs, the Duine Madra) have an instant and deep connection. Any pet owner can relate to that friendship you develop.
The story reminded me a bit of Lord of the Rings. There were a lot of interesting characters, different places, and a bunch of great names (i.e Orla's home, Quailan, and the creature that was called a Vrok). I can't express what a breath of fresh air this book was. I also thought it was really nice to have a male as the main character. While I understand why most of the YA protagonists are female (women tend to be the biggest group of book buyers), I appreciated reading from a boy's point-of-view. I can't wait for the sequel!
August 16, 2015
After saving his backyard-snow leopard from some Death Dogs that appointed to get rid of the Sylvan Princess, Owen has yet another shock when the suspected snow leopard turns out to be a Fey, a Sylvan--shape-shifter, that is. Not to long after this revelation the pair come to find Owen's parent frozen to stone, setting off the beginning of the plot line, that is The Kindling of GreenFyr. After being forced to take Owen with her into her alternate world, Orla, the Sylvan Princess quickly realizes if it not were for Owen she would not have the ability to discover her mysterious abduction and alleged murder attempt. As the pair journey through the woodsy forests and mountainous climbs, they soon come upon various travelers, who soon become a part of their small renegade band. Continuing the trek to Quailan, Orla's kingdom, the group separate for a duration before the death of a Sidhe and the surprising secrets kept by the house keep, deter the grounds unsafe for the human or the princess. Determined to get to the bottom of Orla's abduction and memory loss, as well as safe retrieval of Owen's parents, with a group of worshippers and honor-bound creatures, they once again set off to a new destination for more accurate answers. They new destination is the capital, Narsus, where they know Orla's father, King of the Sylvan will be, and every other representative of all the kingdoms in that world, for discussion of the Re-Unification of the Worlds. Also knowing that Owen's parents will be there, as well. With the accumulating members to their small band, they come across battles against followers that must be dealt with, and villains that must be destroyed.
I have to say that from the beginning, Boone, the Duine Madra, Owen's best companion, is my favorite character because of the instantaneous bond between himself and Owen. Talk about man's best friend. Did I forget to mention that Boone is the average triple-sized dog...
In this creative, unique, debut novel Mark Freeman does a wonderful job at creating an alternate world, where all the creatures in fairy tales roam. From Fey to Sidhe, goblins to dwarves, trolls to gnomes, even Vam-Pyrs. The creepy ones, I mean. And so much more! The Kindling of GreenFyr: Book One of the Reunification Conspiracy is a refreshment to the YA fantasy genre. In this third-person novel, Owen accumulates all different types of friends, that all have their shared feelings narrated by the phenomenal Mark Freeman. Recommended to all YA readers out there that are looking for something new, exciting, adventurous all in one! You will enjoy it, guaranteed.
I have to say that from the beginning, Boone, the Duine Madra, Owen's best companion, is my favorite character because of the instantaneous bond between himself and Owen. Talk about man's best friend. Did I forget to mention that Boone is the average triple-sized dog...
In this creative, unique, debut novel Mark Freeman does a wonderful job at creating an alternate world, where all the creatures in fairy tales roam. From Fey to Sidhe, goblins to dwarves, trolls to gnomes, even Vam-Pyrs. The creepy ones, I mean. And so much more! The Kindling of GreenFyr: Book One of the Reunification Conspiracy is a refreshment to the YA fantasy genre. In this third-person novel, Owen accumulates all different types of friends, that all have their shared feelings narrated by the phenomenal Mark Freeman. Recommended to all YA readers out there that are looking for something new, exciting, adventurous all in one! You will enjoy it, guaranteed.
November 10, 2012
Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. What would you do if you saw a snow leopard roaming outside of your house or sitting in your room?
This is what happens to friendless Owen McInish. Owen has been bullied since he was a young boy and, except for the relationship with his parents, he is a very lonely boy.
He discovers the snow leopard and follows it into the forest around his house. The leopard seems to understand Owen, and Owen subsequently saves it from three huge, gray dogs. The snow leopard is wearing a strange collar, which Owen takes off, and the animal turns into an elf, whose name is Orla.
She takes him to her country where many are trying to kill them. They have to take a journey across the country to find Orla's father and Owen's parents.
This is a long book but reads quickly because the characters are so well-drawn. The book is full of battles and political intrigue. Owen and Orla meet and are protected by many different and interesting characters who create a family of sorts. Owen becomes a man here and is suddenly surrounded by many friends.
This book reminds me a bit of THE LORD OF THE RINGS, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, and HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy. It is well-written and very easy to read. I can't wait to read book two in the series.
So do yourself a favor and go grab a copy of THE KINDLING OF GREENFYR.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. What would you do if you saw a snow leopard roaming outside of your house or sitting in your room?
This is what happens to friendless Owen McInish. Owen has been bullied since he was a young boy and, except for the relationship with his parents, he is a very lonely boy.
He discovers the snow leopard and follows it into the forest around his house. The leopard seems to understand Owen, and Owen subsequently saves it from three huge, gray dogs. The snow leopard is wearing a strange collar, which Owen takes off, and the animal turns into an elf, whose name is Orla.
She takes him to her country where many are trying to kill them. They have to take a journey across the country to find Orla's father and Owen's parents.
This is a long book but reads quickly because the characters are so well-drawn. The book is full of battles and political intrigue. Owen and Orla meet and are protected by many different and interesting characters who create a family of sorts. Owen becomes a man here and is suddenly surrounded by many friends.
This book reminds me a bit of THE LORD OF THE RINGS, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, and HIS DARK MATERIALS trilogy. It is well-written and very easy to read. I can't wait to read book two in the series.
So do yourself a favor and go grab a copy of THE KINDLING OF GREENFYR.
June 11, 2010
To be honest, I did not really have an expectation going into this book. I thought it looked interesting, but not know much about the author, so I decided that I would reserve judgement until I got to dive into the book.
I have to say that once I actually got into the book, it was really hard for me to leave it. The world that Freeman creates is marvellous. It filled with all sorts of creatures both light and dark-- trolls, elves, shapeshifters, etc. Every aspect of this world is depicted fully which allows the reader to easily get caught up in this novel. This book is a fantasy lover's dream.
My only issue with the book is that I found Lilith to be a little soft. I wanted her to be more dark and evil. I am hoping that I will get to see more of her in the sequel, and she will develop the evilness that I know she is capable of. At this point, she is at a good introductory period, but I feel like she has much more to offer this series.
Generally speaking, I found this to be a great start to a new series--the characters are well developed, the plot is fairly fast paced, the world created is fantastic. I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series.
** Sidenote- at 556 pages, this book is rather thick, so you may want to pace yourself in order to get the full effect of the book. **
I have to say that once I actually got into the book, it was really hard for me to leave it. The world that Freeman creates is marvellous. It filled with all sorts of creatures both light and dark-- trolls, elves, shapeshifters, etc. Every aspect of this world is depicted fully which allows the reader to easily get caught up in this novel. This book is a fantasy lover's dream.
My only issue with the book is that I found Lilith to be a little soft. I wanted her to be more dark and evil. I am hoping that I will get to see more of her in the sequel, and she will develop the evilness that I know she is capable of. At this point, she is at a good introductory period, but I feel like she has much more to offer this series.
Generally speaking, I found this to be a great start to a new series--the characters are well developed, the plot is fairly fast paced, the world created is fantastic. I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series.
** Sidenote- at 556 pages, this book is rather thick, so you may want to pace yourself in order to get the full effect of the book. **
November 14, 2008
While YA Fantasy is not typically my genre of choice, I am very glad that I stepped outside of my comfort zone to read this book! I was captivated right from the start; Owen is a sympathetic and courageous character whom I came to care for greatly . The adventures he and his companions experience (and endure) throughout the novel are vividly detailed and nail-bitingly suspenseful. The more I read, the more difficult it became to put the book down! The story builds beautifully throughout the 552 pages, and has a very satisfying, if unexpected, conclusion. I’m already looking forward to Book Two!
August 5, 2009
Mark Freeman did a great job combining what we love about fantasy fiction (dwarves, elfin creatures, goblins, a quest, mystery, self discovery) and added his own unique style,characters, creations, descriptions and conflict.
I always recommend "Greenfyr" to patrons who come in asking if there is life after "Harry Potter" and "The Lord of the Rings". More than once, the patron has returned "Greenfyr" and asked for the sequel. (The sequel isn't out yet, but the author is at work on it.)
I always recommend "Greenfyr" to patrons who come in asking if there is life after "Harry Potter" and "The Lord of the Rings". More than once, the patron has returned "Greenfyr" and asked for the sequel. (The sequel isn't out yet, but the author is at work on it.)
November 2, 2008
A great fantasy ride. Full of complex characters and plot twists. Can't wait for the sequel.
Currently reading
January 16, 2009Currently reading this book with my son who, unfortunately is slowing me down because of all the (school) assigned reading he has had over the past two months or so...
January 24, 2014
The Kindling of GreenFyr was a great tale set in a vivid world filled with all the creatures of fairy tales. It had almost a Lord of the Rings-esque feel to it. When I picked it up, I had NO idea what to expect, but it turned out being fantastic! I simply fell in love with the world and characters. All the characters brought something different to the table. I love Aiya - she was a strong elf maiden and totally interesting! I also loved Winter - he was such a great character. One character I would've liked to know more about was Lilian, the witch queen. You hear only a little from her - and I would love to know more about her and the role she plays. Boone was another character that was just great! He just brought the story to life.
The plot was very unique. It was definately one to keep you guessing what would happen next. I loved the Vrok - it was such an interesting creature.
My only issue with GreenFyr was the length. It was a book with a great plot, but it was so long! At times it caused the book to drag. It seemed there was a bit too much description at times, and that took away from the book overall.
I really like the cover. A snow leopard in a forest just has an awesome appeal and illusion to it if you ask me.
The end really picked up and I had trouble putting it down! The ending sets the stage for an amazing book 2, and leaves readers begging for more
The plot was very unique. It was definately one to keep you guessing what would happen next. I loved the Vrok - it was such an interesting creature.
My only issue with GreenFyr was the length. It was a book with a great plot, but it was so long! At times it caused the book to drag. It seemed there was a bit too much description at times, and that took away from the book overall.
I really like the cover. A snow leopard in a forest just has an awesome appeal and illusion to it if you ask me.
The end really picked up and I had trouble putting it down! The ending sets the stage for an amazing book 2, and leaves readers begging for more
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews