What do you think?
Rate this book
Leafensong: First Telling
In a post-apocalyptic world, a highly evolved tribe of banded squirrels has lived peacefully for years, without knowledge of the past.
Until now.
Struck by lightning at birth and left with strange markings on their fur, orphans Kooper and his blind brother, Boggs, are seen as evil, or Ebyn. But Beka, the Healer, is on their side. With his ability to Sense the thoughts of others, Boggs is called by unknown voices to venture into the forest alone. Meanwhile, as the squirrels’ long-held enemies, the pack rats, close in on Leafensong’s borders the tribe readies for action.
Secrets abound and the Dark One lurks in the distance. Will Boggs leave the safety of his home and embark on an impossible journey? Can the squirrels solve the mysteries of the forest in time, or will Leafensong fall, and the tribe along with it?
Until now.
Struck by lightning at birth and left with strange markings on their fur, orphans Kooper and his blind brother, Boggs, are seen as evil, or Ebyn. But Beka, the Healer, is on their side. With his ability to Sense the thoughts of others, Boggs is called by unknown voices to venture into the forest alone. Meanwhile, as the squirrels’ long-held enemies, the pack rats, close in on Leafensong’s borders the tribe readies for action.
Secrets abound and the Dark One lurks in the distance. Will Boggs leave the safety of his home and embark on an impossible journey? Can the squirrels solve the mysteries of the forest in time, or will Leafensong fall, and the tribe along with it?
316 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2019
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Hooge
1 bookJ.R. Hooge is a writer, attorney, artist, woodworker and naturalist. Leafensong: First Telling is the initial installment of his high fantasy series, including original artwork by J.R. Hooge himself. He lives in Lawrence, KS with his wife and two dogs, and is happiest wandering the woods with his sketchpad in hand.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 5, 2020
This is a fantasy in the sense that it’s about a tribe of talking squirrels, but it isn’t a fantasy in the sense of a medieval setting, swords and magic. I’m also not sure if this is aimed at children, teens, or young adult, but it’s definitely a sweet and compelling story with some stunning illustrations throughout.
It follows two twin squirrels (Kooper and Boggs) who are different from birth. Born on the night of a terrible storm, the tree that houses their mother’s nest is struck with lightning just as she’s giving birth. They have unusual black markings, one twin (Boggs) is blind and they are also telepathic.
Taken in by their grandmother, the tribe’s healer, and their aunt, the twins grow up as outcasts due to the tribe’s fear that they are touched by darkness. However, their grandmother thinks differently and refuses to allow them to be thrown out of the tribe.
But the twins aren’t the tribe’s only problem. The squirrels, for so long living peacefully in their part of the forest called Leafensong, have spotted their arch enemies, the pack rats, near their borders. And these rats have found new ways to fight back. They want to reclaim Leafensong as their own.
As Kooper and Boggs grow up, Kooper becomes interested in a potential girlfriend, while Boggs starts hearing some crazy voices in his head that call him away from his brother and Leafensong.
It’s quite a simple plot, but there’s much to enjoy with the relationship between the twins and with their healer grandmother, and her place within the tribe. Also, the worldbuilding has just the right amount of history and sense of place. I liked how the pack rats were developing their fighting skills with new weapons and also how the squirrels were so determined to keep their tribe safe in Leafensong. The writing flows really well and it’s an easy, effortless read.
This is a sweet story that made me feel quite warm and fuzzy inside – talking squirrels! There are a couple of fight scenes, but nothing too gruesome, which is why I think this is aimed at a younger reader.
This review and more on my website www.rosalynkelly.co.uk/blog
It follows two twin squirrels (Kooper and Boggs) who are different from birth. Born on the night of a terrible storm, the tree that houses their mother’s nest is struck with lightning just as she’s giving birth. They have unusual black markings, one twin (Boggs) is blind and they are also telepathic.
Taken in by their grandmother, the tribe’s healer, and their aunt, the twins grow up as outcasts due to the tribe’s fear that they are touched by darkness. However, their grandmother thinks differently and refuses to allow them to be thrown out of the tribe.
But the twins aren’t the tribe’s only problem. The squirrels, for so long living peacefully in their part of the forest called Leafensong, have spotted their arch enemies, the pack rats, near their borders. And these rats have found new ways to fight back. They want to reclaim Leafensong as their own.
As Kooper and Boggs grow up, Kooper becomes interested in a potential girlfriend, while Boggs starts hearing some crazy voices in his head that call him away from his brother and Leafensong.
It’s quite a simple plot, but there’s much to enjoy with the relationship between the twins and with their healer grandmother, and her place within the tribe. Also, the worldbuilding has just the right amount of history and sense of place. I liked how the pack rats were developing their fighting skills with new weapons and also how the squirrels were so determined to keep their tribe safe in Leafensong. The writing flows really well and it’s an easy, effortless read.
This is a sweet story that made me feel quite warm and fuzzy inside – talking squirrels! There are a couple of fight scenes, but nothing too gruesome, which is why I think this is aimed at a younger reader.
This review and more on my website www.rosalynkelly.co.uk/blog
November 14, 2019
This book is absolutely captivating and includes beautiful drawings by the author. Within a few pages, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world of singing squirrels, menacing pack rats, and mysterious trees. The forest comes alive in Leafensong. The characters are very interesting and are accompanied by vividly imagined settings and a slowly unfolding history. The squirrels have rich relationships and complex thoughts....you’ll almost forget they are squirrels. If you are a fan of Watership Down or the worlds created by Tolkien and CS Lewis, I am sure you’ll appreciate this book. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. I am happy to know this is the first in a series - I can't wait for the rest to be published.
November 15, 2019
I so quickly got into this book! I forgot I was reading about squirrels until there was mention of a fore-paw or tail. It is a wonderful tale that allows you to spend time in a beautiful forest full of deep characters.....and maybe a secret or two...
The drawings are a lovely bonus as well!
The drawings are a lovely bonus as well!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews