What if the only way to defy death was to go on an adventure to declare the truth about your faith?
Jack Monroe wants nothing more than to have a normal Christmas vacation filled with sledding, hot chocolate, and snowball fights. Instead, he’s been given a major social studies project, and worse yet - he and his best friends, the Santos brothers, have been put in a group with Susie Jefferson!
But something’s been nagging at him for the past year - the memory of a time when he was carried away into an ominous future where he saw a troublesome future through the eyes of a young man named Niko.
After nearly a year of wondering if he would ever know the next step in the journey, Jack notices a strange new marking on the treasure map that had taken him to the future State of Ariel, and is quickly rushed away to the beginning of a new era, where Julius Arrigo is set to give Niko and the Faithful their freedom.
Just when Niko thought he and his companions had gained their freedom, he and the group known as the Faithful Six are taken to secret locations, held hostage while the nation riots, and a threat from the north looms over Ariel.
Niko and the Faithful Six must make it through the northwestern corridor to find the Maiden, a mysterious ally to the Faithful, who has a plan to expose Arrigo’s malicious plans and tell the world the truth about the Faithful.
Safety is an Illusion. The Path to Freedom is Hidden. Will They Find The Way?
Hi. I’m Tyler Scott Hess, a Christ-loving, adventure-writing, Christmas junkie who spends my days raising three kids with my wife, Beth!
My writing journey has taken me places I never imagined I’d go.
I’ve quit my job and abandoned society with Timmy Emerson in my first series, The Dream Saga.
Then I ditched the college life to join up with Adelaide as the new lead singer of a rock and roll band in The Adelaide Martin Duology.
Before I knew it, I was wrapped up in a small-town Christmas tree decorating contest with Nick and James Bishop in my holiday classic, Christmas in Pineville.
Out of nowhere, I slipped through time with Jack and Niko Monroe as they discover what it takes to live the life of the Faithful in The Adventures of Niko Monroe.
Writing is a fantastic adventure and I appreciate all of you who have gone on a ride with me! Let’s connect and see which adventure comes next.
Once again Jack has found himself having to work during his Christmas vacation. This time though, it’s not of his doing, but a school project that he and his friends must complete.
As with the first book, I appreciate how the author depicts the children. Yes, children can have attitudes and be snarky, but it was not overdone here, which made for an enjoyable read. I did feel that sometimes time passed rather quickly during the kids’ seemingly short conversations. But other than that, Jack’s side of the book was enjoyable.
As for Niko’s story, WOW! I did not expect a lot of what happened and found it to be very interesting. I enjoyed the twists and turns and the harrowing journey they had to make. The technology side of it didn’t seem too far-fetched, so that was nice. While it doesn’t end in a cliffhanger, Niko’s story is left open, so I can’t wait to see where Mr. Hess takes him next!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author in hopes of an honest review. I was not obligated to leave a positive review. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.
What are some of your favourite children books? 🍂 I really enjoyed this sequel to the compass by @tylerscotthess 🍂 The story picks up a year later. Where we have Jack working on a school project with his friends. The relationships were really well written and they were all such lovely characters. 🍂 Niko also returns and we see him and the other 'faithful' struggling in a world of turmoil. There were lots of twist and turns in this side of the story and it was very absorbing. It's a bit like the Hunger games but for a younger audience and with Christian themes 🍂 100% recommend reading this. *I received an e-arc copy of this book in return for an honest review*
It’s only been a few weeks since I read The Treasure Map by Tyler Scott Hess, but I have been anxiously waiting to find out how this story progresses in The Compass. This story is the most interesting time-slip concept I’ve read as the character from one timeline (Jack Munroe) actually experiences the life and hardships of Niko Munroe as if he is present in the country of Ariel with Niko and his friends. So, instead of two separate, parallel timelines, Jack and Niko’s lives cross every time Jack reads those mysterious letters he found in the attic. The level of action and danger were magnified in The Compass, and all of Niko’s parts of the story are intense page-turning suspense. And in this book, I enjoyed watching the effect of Niko’s troubles on Jack. How experiencing the persecution and corrupted government in his visions affected how Jack viewed his own reality and his social studies project. There were lots of interesting, thought-provoking conversations between Jack and his friends as they hashed out the makings of their own country for their school project. Their discussions will make you take a second look at the environment of our own country. I loved the Faithful’s mantra, “The King will guide your path.” Above all, this saying applies to everything we encounter in our lives, whether it’s the dramatic persecution of Niko or the everyday decisions we make while interacting with our friends, like Jack. Overall, I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next installment. I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.
This is the second in the series of the Adventures of Niko Monroe. The Compass brings back the characters we learned about in book one. Jake and his friends are back during Christmas break along with Niko and his fellow compatriots in their world. So much intrigue, danger and action. The unrest of the first story has heightened and turned into something so much bigger than Niko could ever imagine. Surprises throughout make it a must read in the series! Perfect for teenagers who love page turning action or any Narnia fans.
Ty, you’ve done it again... I WANT MORE! Book 3 needs to be out now! Two stories with separate leads but the one seeing the other through his own perceptions is just amazing! Faith, government turmoil, and the way the Faithful must survive - it’s like America 2020 in some scary ways. I’m sure your writing gives Lewis and Tolkien smiles. I’ll try to be patient for MORE. Until then... May the King Guide your Path! TK 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The transitions between the fantasy world of Niko and the everyday life of Jack kept my interest. The journey of the characters in this action packed story points out valuable lessons for both juvenile and adult readers to consider. Highly recommended.
This is a book that adults will love as much as children. It is well written and will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. Niko and Jack's story was full of action and excitement and was a joy to read. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
The only way I can think of to describe this book is—The Hunger Games meets the Hallmark Chanel.
Once again, we are plunged into two alternate worlds in The Compass, which comes after The Treasure Map. In the first book, Jack Monroe spends his Christmas vacation cleaning out the attic, while also plunging into another world, following the adventures of Niko Monroe, a man convicted solely for his beliefs.
Now, in The Compass, Jack spends his Christmas vacation working on a school project that coincides with Nico’s adventures—which have become even more dangerous.
I love the combination of Christmas and a dystopian story, making it so that you can read the series around Christmas or in the middle of the summer. Niko’s predicament is just as interesting as before, with clever escapes and a mysterious woman named The Maiden. Who she turned out to be I did NOT see coming!
Once again, Tyler gives us a fascinating story with a twist of Christmas to satisfy any reader!
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy from the author for review purposes only. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Adventure-seeking middle schoolers will enjoy this nail-biter. The Compass continues an engaging tale that offers young readers excitement they crave, as well as characters with whom they’ll be wise to identify: peers and adults who will inspire them to embrace loyalty, courage and compassion in their relationships with friends and family. And Niko’s willingness to live out his faith in the face of tremendous opposition? Inspiring. Readers will keep the pages turning in this action-packed story. . **NOTE: The author sent me a complimentary copy for review, free of expectations or compensation.
This book is an amazing follow up of The Treasure Map. It continues the adventures of Niko and Jack. I wanted to keep coming back when I'd have to put the story down. Niko has to persevere through many trials but keeps his faith strong. This book is written in such a way that it keeps you coming back for more. I hope there is more to come in this story line, and look forward to reading it.
This is an exciting and fast-paced book with multiple interesting POVs. It is a gripping depiction of persecution, tyrrany, and faith to overcome it all. It is also an endearing picture of friendship. I very much enjoyed reading it! (Review given in exchange for free ARC of the book.)
It’s been a year since Jack’s unexpected adventure in the mind of Niko Monroe some time in the future, with no new rumblings from the map and letters that sucked him in. When new markings appear on the papers, he’s not prepared for what happens next to Niko and his friends, for whom a year has also passed.
Though I enjoyed the book that preceded this one, I had some difficulties with both storylines of book 2. There are basically two different stories being told—that of Jack in present time, hoping to complete a group social studies project in time for Christmas Eve and that of Niko dealing with a future where a specific group of people are heavily persecuted for their beliefs. In the present time, Jack and his friends are 11 years old working on a project where they’re supposed to create a people group complete with culture, language, etc. While it makes some sense for Jack’s glimpses into Niko’s life and the future world to influence his work on this project, it doesn’t influence him in ways that make much of sense to me. In fact, the kids’ discussion of the project doesn’t always make sense to me in general, and they seem to go around in circles a lot. These kids also talk and act far older than 11, and one of them is way too quick to resort to violence in response to even mild joking. Along with some other issues I had, it all led to me feeling really disconnected from this side of the story.
Unfortunately, I also felt pretty disconnected from the other side of the story too. Niko spends all of his time either in prison (sometimes the prison is plush, but it’s still prison) or on the run. But his counterparts spend a lot of time learning, doing, and acting. Then Niko hears about it after the fact in very vague snippets, as they are always hesitant to give him any real information. So the reader doesn’t really know anything either, until things are revealed near the end, which are too little, too late. It all felt a little too contrived to provide suspense, but mostly I just felt left out. And on that note, I was really hoping that the Maiden would not turn out to be who she ended up turning out to be, because it seems too cliche and I don’t really get it.
I think what I was really missing, though, was the “why.” I mentioned in my review of the first book that the beliefs the persecuted people are following is probably meant to be Christianity, but it’s not stated all that clearly. They reference the “King” a lot, but there weren’t even any references to God in this book, while the previous book had at least a few. Essentially, the people in this book are being persecuted for not falling in line with the government more than anything else. They even state themselves that what they most want is just to be left alone, to be free. It’s usually a secondary statement that they would also want to share their beliefs with others. But what beliefs? Because I really don’t know what they believe other than that “the King” will guide their paths, even though it seems more like it’s the Maiden who’s been guiding their paths.
As is the case with so many reviews I write, it’s clear that there are plenty of other people who really enjoyed this book, so please be sure to check out their reviews at the link below if the book is of interest to you.
*I was provided an advance copy by the author for review.* This is the sequel to Tyler Scott Hess' first book in the series, The Treasure Map. It resumes the story of Jack, now 11 years old, one year later. It is once again Christmas break from the school year, and in this installment, Jack is joined by his friends as they work on a group project assigned to be completed by the time the return in the new year. Jack still has the treasure map and the letters that he found while cleaning the attic, but now they are about to lead him back into the adventure. He finds himself, once again, living out the adventures of Nico in the future, and fighting for the cause of the 'Faithful'. This book is much more intense, but is still appropriate for the demographic. It is hard to write a proper review without giving away the story. For those, like me, who are a fan of the Hunger Games or Maze Runner series, but feel they are just too much for younger readers (under 14), these books are perfect. I would highly recommend this series for any age. In this genre, you still get the suspense, the time travel, the futuristic dystopian civilization drama, but without the level of violence and adult themes of the others. This is a family friendly entry into that genre that is sure to please. While the immediate conclusion would be that it would fall short by not having the more adult elements, you do not miss them, and the storyline is not at all diminished. In fact, you are able to appreciate it that much more. Finally, an option for discerning parents to embrace without hesitation.
This book is every bit as exciting and captivating as the first. Kids and adults alike will enjoy it. I couldn't put it down, and again, finished it within a matter of a few hours. My only criticism was that the ending came so abruptly. But the ending hints that it is possible that a third book may be coming in the future, and I cannot wait for its release if that is the case! Mr. Hess, you must continue on with the saga of Nico and Jack. This story is not yet finished - I sense there is much more yet to be written, and am hoping that you are planning on an extensive series for us!
The Compass is the second book in the series 'the adventures of Niko Monroe' The plot is centered on two main characters(Jack and Niko) living in two different worlds. Jack was a young boy who stumbled on some old letters and maps through which he could see another world from Niko's perspective. Niko is from a sect called 'the faithful' which were being persecuted for their faith and were manipulated to a fake form of peace by the government. The government made use of them for their own gain. On discovering this Niko and his friends began a resistance against the government. Two of the themes in the book are faith and perseverance. The author uses the plot to properly convey these themes. They are seen through the character of Niko and his friends. Their adherence to their faith even in the face of persecution forms the basis of these themes in the book. Even though the main characters are young, the compass is a book both children and adults can enjoy. It's target audience includes anyone who enjoys a good adventure. The author's use of description creates a proper picture of the setting in the reader who may find it easy to become immersed in the plot. The plot is quite interesting and captivating. It ends on a note of suspense and makes the reader anticipate the next book in the series. It is highly recommended especially if you a good adventure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Jack Monroe is a fifth grader with a mystery under his bed, and a class project due after Christmas that he’s to complete with three others in his class, one of them a girl. The class project is to design a country with a history, culture, with people who’ll need jobs. But kids will be kids, and the author skillfully gives them unique and winsome personalities. Their assignment was a complex one.
The mystery under his bed is also complex, in another country with its own history and culture, a young hero named Niko, and a small band of believers being used as pawns by two evil factions. This thread of the story is rich with human turmoil and symbolism, almost prophetic.
Both threads of “The Compass” are thought-provoking, with perils and uncertainty of survival fascinating enough to be enjoyed by both youthful readers and adults.
Jack Monroe only thought he was done with the exciting adventure he stumbled upon in the mysterious chest from the attic. The Compass, by Tyler Scott Hess, takes us on another wild ride with shocking surprises and heart breaking choices.
Niko - the boy at the heart of a strange letter Jack found - and his friends are once again thrust into the spotlight to defend their faith, their friendships, and their lives.
I’d recommend The Compass for young adult and middle grade readers who enjoy fast paced, edge of your seat, gritty action with a strong faith message.
I had to include my favorite quote from the book too! So good!
Other books in this series by Tyler are The Treasure Map and The Spyglass
I didn't read book one so I had to catch up a bit with the story. Once I did I was completely engrossed in this engaging story of Jack and the hidden treasure map under his bed.
Middle School readers who enjoy adventure and characters they can identify with will find themselves glued to the page in this nail-biting adventure.
Jack and his friends were fun and a true depiction of real friendship.
Adults and kids alike will enjoy this story.
I received a copy from the author with no expectation of review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This one was even more intense than the first book in the series, The Treasure Map. I really enjoyed watching everyone's relationships budding as they grew close together and stuck with each other through thick and thin. There was a huge surprise at the end of this book that was so delightful. As with book 1, this one ends with unfinished business, and I can't wait for the Spyglass to come out to see what happens next! It amazes me the amount of time and effort Hess must put into these books. They are really incredible!
The general feeling I go away with from this book is that it was rushed. I truly enjoyed the parts with Jack, the character who gets transported to the world of Niko Monroe as a fly on the wall type of perspective. His family and friend interactions were funny and well written. The story of Niko Monroe did not seem as well developed and a bit rushed. I do look forward to the next installment to the story as I am curious what will happen to The Faithful.