The Rubicus Prophecy

The Witches of Orkney #2

by Alane Adams

Abigail has just started her second year at the Tarkana Witch Academy and is already up to her ears studying for Horrid Hexes and Awful Alchemy! Worse, Endera’s malevolent spellbook has its hooks in her, whispering in her ear to use its dark magic. Meanwhile, the entire school is talking about the Rubicus Prophecy; a sign has arrived that the chosen witchling is among them, the one who will one day break Odin’s curse over them. When an Orkadian warship arrives carrying troubling news, Abigail and her friend Hugo are swept into a new mystery after a young boy from the ship, Robert Barconian, asks for their help retrieving a missing item.



Along with the former glitch-witch, Calla, the four friends end up deep in the catacombs beneath the Tarkana Fortress—a place where the draugar, the living dead, wander about. Abigail discovers there is more to the Rubicus Prophecy than anyone ever imagined. Can she stop it in time before she and her friends are destroyed?



Filled with magical spells, spine-tingling ghosts, and visits from the Norse gods, The Rubicus Prophecy pits Abigail against a sinister power greater than anything she has ever imagined.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Witches, Young Adult, Paranormal, Fiction, Childrens

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2019

About the author

"Dear Readers: I wrote the Legends of Orkney series for my twelve-year-old son who challenged me to write something he would enjoy reading. The Red Sun is filled with exciting characters who struggle to find their true path. Sam learns so much about his past and how to overcome his anger, but will he continue to use his power for good or will he be drawn to the dark side? I hope you enjoy reading the Legends of Orkney series as much as I enjoyed writing them for you. The picture book series are dedicated to my father, the original Coal Thief! Keep reading!" - Alane Adams


Alane Adams grew up in an old Quaker town called Whittier in Southern California. Adams attended Whittier High School and was active in every possible sport including basketball (proudly claiming the nickname Breakaway Adams!) and swimming and diving. For college, Alane attended the University of Southern California where she wanted to be an English major, but family convinced her to become an accountant to help run a family business. After spending the next few decades helping to build one of the largest recycling companies on the West Coast, Alane left the family business behind to pursue her writing career. Before launching into writing full-time, Alane began teaching full-time at a local university. Finally, the Legends of Orkney series was born when her then 12-year-old son challenged Alane to write a book he could read. She hasn't stopped writing since that day.

Alane's favorite books include any story involving folklore, fantasy and fairytales. When Alane is not writing or teaching, she is hanging out with her three boys, each who have grown up having adventures to rival those of her characters.

Find out more at: www.AlaneAdams.com

Reviews

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: The Rubicus Prophecy

Author: Alane Adams

Book Series: The Witches of Orkney Book 2

Rating: 5/5

Recommended For...: witches, paranormal, childrens books, magic

Publication Date: October 15, 2019

Genre: MG Fantasy

Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments)

Publisher: SparkPress

Pages: 216

Synopsis: Abigail has just started her second year at the Tarkana Witch Academy and is already up to her ears studying for Horrid Hexes and Awful Alchemy! Worse, Endera’s malevolent spellbook has its hooks in her, whispering in her ear to use its dark magic. Meanwhile, the entire school is talking about the Rubicus Prophecy; a sign has arrived that the chosen witchling is among them, the one who will one day break Odin’s curse over them. When an Orkadian warship arrives carrying troubling news, Abigail and her friend Hugo are swept into a new mystery after a young boy from the ship, Robert Barconian, asks for their help retrieving a missing item.



Along with the former glitch-witch, Calla, the four friends end up deep in the catacombs beneath the Tarkana Fortress—a place where the draugar, the living dead, wander about. Abigail discovers there is more to the Rubicus Prophecy than anyone ever imagined. Can she stop it in time before she and her friends are destroyed?

Review: Again, another cute and fast and fun read! The book does great to continue the character development and to keep the reader intrigued with the characters and their problems. The book also did well with the world building and the plot was so interesting as well.

The only issue I had was that the pacing was a bit slower in this one.

Verdict: It’s well done and a great Halloween read for younger kids!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I think it flowed much better than the first one and the story was intriguing! Even though I'm a little old for the series I look forward to the next installment. The characters are well constructed and the overarching plot very well done.
Thank you to BookSparks and Alane Adams for the copy of this book!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The current book of the Witches of Orkney series centers on the Rubicus Prophecy or how one witchling is destined to one day break Odin's curse. The story begins with Abigail headed back to Tarkana Witches Academy for her second year and reuniting with Hugo and Calla, who are back from their summer break. Just as Abigail gets to the gates of the school, she notices a red sunflower has started to grow at the site of the Viken attack she had last year and the witches are convinced that it's a sign that the prophecy is about to come true.

Abigail starts off her term with visions of a transparent women who seems to be following her around trying to share an important message with her. She's afraid of the dark magic that seems to be inside her and the ancient spellbook that she received last year continues to taunt her, trying to deceive and entice her to use its spells for revenge, it kind of reminds me of Tom Riddle's diary and the influence that it had over Ginny. Abigail's anger becomes more uncontrollable and she even lashes out hurting Calla by accident.

At the same time an Orkadian warship has arrived claiming that Melistra broke a treaty that they have to not use magic against the Orkadian's. Hugo encounters a young Orkadian boy, Robert Barconian who asks for help in recovering a family heirloom. And Melistra appears to be gathering elements for a dark spell maybe to harness Odin's power and take control of the coven. Things have really started to heat up.

The Rubicus Prophecy has the friends traveling deep into the catacombs beneath the Academy and encountering draugar's or the living dead. I'm really liking the components of this one. The scary catacomb, the potential of building up to a huge battle in book three, the broadening of Abagail's friends to include Robert and all the new surprises and revelations. The black and white illustrations by Jonathan Stroh are just gorgeous, the play of dark shadows and pieces of light that appear in each illustration. I'm really looking forward to reading Witch Wars next. ** Thank you to SparkPress for the review copy**

[Nicole Bohr · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rubicus Prophecy is the second novel of the Witches of Orkney series. In this novel, Abigail is in her second year as a witchling. While most of the witches from her class spent time away during the summer, Abigail stayed behind to study and to help with the first year witches.

A sign sprouts from where Abigail was attacked and there are talks that the Rubicus Prophecy is coming and the chosen witchling is among them to help break Orin’s curse.

Readers are introduced to a boy named Robert who is part of a warship that arrives. However, Robert has his own personal mystery that requires the help of both Abigail and Hugo.

Now that the warship arrived, Hugo encounters pressure from his brother to join the guards and prepare for war. However, Hugo is torn between duty and what is right.

Then, Abigail is being tormented with voices and ghostly figures. She finds the source of both (one source is evil while the other is good).

I could not get enough of this book. I absolutely love the story and enough each novel with greater joy. The trials and struggles the characters go through make this book a perfect gift for young readers.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ I am embarrassed to say my son & I started this book almost 3 years ago ….. life happened - a move, house renovations, a year of home school, etc….BUT we picked it up and surprisingly we were able to start back where we left off. He really enjoyed the first book @10 years old. He just turned 13 and I think he still enjoyed it, but he is definitely ready for something a bit older… but that said - I will take any time I can get reading together. We have the third book and I’m hoping we can get through it together this summer to mark off the bucket list. Otherwise I’ll be reading it by myself lol. I have the first 3 books from a Once Upon Book Club box that was released for tweens several years back.

[Tisha (IG: Bluestocking629) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maps in books...I love them. I was thrilled so see this book, number 2 in the series, also has a map. I see to the northwest a castle looking building with the identifier: Dunham Brooks. I however thought it said Dunham Books...I thought to myself thats the biggest bookstore ever! I can’t wait to read this book! Ha, nope Tisha, it’s Brooks not Books...get ya mind out of the bookshelf.

Anyways...I adored this book on so many levels! Phenomenal. My review for book one in this series applies here as well.

I’m so looking forward to book three!

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm between 2 and 3 stars on this. Overall, I enjoyed the read and found the main characters likeable, with a decent 'world' of magic created by the author. However, I found some of the characters' actions and responses both predictable (to drive the plot) and annoying, even inexplicable at points. For example, every single time the lives of their friends were threatened, every [good] character would follow the will of the baddie instead of thinking of a clever alternative or toughing it out. Furthermore, why would Abigail continue to help Vertulious even after the Stone had been destroyed and Robert was no longer in danger? (Note: she did not seem under compulsion and it had been established that the 'loyalty spell' had not worked - another thing that had happened because the protagonist just went along with the baddie's wishes) There was also no explanation of why the gods could have stepped in to intervene at the point of trouble in the past, but not this time, only after - and seemed not to know(?!). Also, nothing really came or mattered about Rubicus mixing his blood with Robert (yet).

[DeAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, The Blue Witch, and I liked this one just as much if not more. I was a little worried that it could suffer from being a bridge book, but it definitely different. In this book we definitely see a lot of growth (both good and bad) in the characters. I felt like Endera definitely solidified in her character in this book, but after the events of this book we will see what happens with her in the future. Abigail is definitely struggling between good and evil, feeling the draw of the darkness, but knowing that it's not what she wants. In this book we saw her friends (old and new) more cemented around her and supporting her, which was really nice to see even as they dealt with their own issues. As in the first one, Adams' writing style flows really well and made this a quick and exciting adventure.

[Tristan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 10 year old son and I are enjoying this series very much! We got the set in the Once Upon a Book Club Middle Grade Summer reading box. The gifts are such a fun bonus that helped motivate my son to read. My son loves the mentions of Odin and the mythology in these books. I am also really enjoying the adventures of Hugo and Abby!

[Robin Pelletier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mahera really liked The Blue Witch, so we decided to read the sequel and make a quiz for her AR project. It was a super dramatic plot line with witches, gods and non-witch servants. Hugo and Abigail make a new friend. I like the infusion of Norse mythology and the creepy talking head was a weird, but great plot twist. And the back stabbing in this one is off the charts.

[Sydney Robertson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Who is the Curse Breaker? With the Rubicus Prophecy coming into view, Abigail has become a target to everyone--peer and teacher alike. Can she and Hugo work with a Son of Odin to stop the prophecy from coming true?

I think this story is really sweet in the way it examines friendship and the conflict between obligation and love. I like the blending of Norse mythology with witches. That is really all I can say. There are no glaring issues in these books, but I do not find it exceptional. A fun story for young readers, which is exactly what it's meant to be.

[Louise | Books and Loupion · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5

[K.E. Radke · Rating 5 out of 5]

It always best to be the smartest person in the room.

[Marsha Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. Lots of twists and turns.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfi...

THE RUBICUS PROPHECY is an engaging second book in the WITCHES OF ORKNEY series that follows the same friends on a new adventure. A prophecy is coming true, complete with witches, history, Norse gods, and a dangerous spellbook. Abigail, a young witch, is caught in the middle.

With alternate chapters told by Abigail and Hugo, her friend, this book is full of action/adventure. The book also contains some illustrations with clean lines and modern designs that add quite a bit to the overall story. 

What I loved: The story and contents can easily capture the imagination. There is a lot of really fun things in this book in the vein of Harry Potter (e.g. unique spells, mythical creatures, and plenty to explore in this new world). The plot moves fast with plenty of dialogue and not many descriptions to weigh it down. As such, this is better if you have read the first book (and as a warning, there's a bit of a cliffhanger at the end leading the way to the next book). 

This is mostly a chapter book, although it does contain a few scattered illustrations. I would definitely recommend for more confident readers in the middle grade group.

What left me wanting more: I loved the illustrations, and so, I wish there were even more of them in the book- they added quite a bit to the story and combined with the engaging text, this could have great appeal for younger middle grade readers and/or reluctant readers, and more images would certainly help that! I also would have loved more character and world-building, but I recognize that these keep the book moving faster and also may have been done more in other books.

Final verdict: Full of adventure and magic, this middle grade fantasy is a fun and fast-paced read that will appeal to younger middle grade readers. Would recommend for fans of HARRY POTTER, THE TRIALS OF APOLLO, and PERCY JACKSON.

Please note that I received an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[BrittsBookClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in the witches of Orkney series, so I was curious how this one was going to compare. It did not disappoint. Abigail and her friends are so cute and I love to tag along on their adventures. The Rubicus Prophecy included all of the action and adventure I was hoping for, picking up right where the first book left off. Alane Adams does an amazing job of bringing Tarkana Witch Academy to life and I have so much fun following Abigail to each one of her impeccably named classes! Also, the illustrations that are placed periodically throughout the book are great in helping to bring life to the story.

The Witches of Orkney is the perfect series for middle grade students and children. The books are not hard to read, include plenty of dialogue without lengthy descriptions, and they contain such fun stories about Abigail and her friends that the children are sure to be entertained by! I would suggest reading the books in order as the second book will make a lot more sense if you have read The Blue Witch, the first book in the series, first. Also, The Rubicus Prophecy ends with a cliffhanger, so look forward to a third book coming our way!

*A huge thank you to Alane Adams and SparkPress (Booksparks) for a review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*

[Stephanie (Gorelenore) Cover2CoverBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book 2 of the Orkney series, Abigail is starting her 2nd year at Tarkana Academy and she has made her fair share of enemies but is not exactly sure why. This plot follows Abigail's strange magic some more, we learned a little about it in book 1 but no there is a prophecy that might come from it.

We get a few more characters in this book and it was nice to Abigail gain a few more friends, but not without a few more enemies. This poor girl, I feel for her, she is just trying to be normal but she is anything but normal. She is constantly getting herself into trouble and some of it is not even her fault, but it makes for great reading. The plot about the prophecy is very interesting with a bunch of surprises along the way, many of which made me gasp. This was a very fun adventure and I cannot wait for next book.* There is more magic and more learning in this book and it makes for a wonderful read.

[Rocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rubicus Prophecy ... book two of The Witches Of Orkney continues the adventures of Abigail and the rest of the Tarkana Witch Academy students.

I just loved ... loved this continuing journey that Abigail and Hugo .. and new friends have in this book. There is more action and adventure in book two ... and the Rubicus Prophecy itself adds to the excitement. I just love this world that Alane Adams created with the interersting classes in the Academy ... and also the ILLUSTRATIONS are wonderful.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Hello, Dark Witch. I've missed you!'

If you loved the adorable Blue Witch, this book will not let you down. The book has the same friends, but now they face something much more serious: the fulfillment of the Rubicus Prophecy and potential war. If Abigail and her friends can't prevent Melistra and her daughter and the bullies, then Orkney will be in a lot of trouble.

These books are quick, fun reads and perfect for middle-grade Rick Riordan and Harry Potter fans.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready for the next stage of Abigail’s journey? Be prepared for plenty of twists and turns!