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The Harwood Mysteries #2
The Haunted Cathedral
An ill-fated journey, a long-lost uncle, and a mysterious cathedral mark the next chapter in the life of Xan, an orphan in search of his destiny. For a year, he has lived in the care of Benedictine monks at Harwood Abbey. Now he learns that he has an uncle, said to live in the far-off city of Lincoln.
Will Xan survive the trip alongside the prisoner Carlo and his cruel guards?
Will he find Uncle William?
And why is Xan drawn to the spirit that haunts Lincoln Cathedral—could a ghost reconnect Xan with his dead parents?
Will Xan survive the trip alongside the prisoner Carlo and his cruel guards?
Will he find Uncle William?
And why is Xan drawn to the spirit that haunts Lincoln Cathedral—could a ghost reconnect Xan with his dead parents?
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2021
2 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Antony Barone Kolenc
14 books34 followersTony is the author of The Harwood Mysteries--a medieval historical fiction series for youth published by Loyola Press, which has won eight book awards. He is a law professor who also writes a legal column in Practical Homeschooling Magazine and speaks at writing, legal, and home education events. His family has homeschooled their five children.
Tony retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps after 21 years of military service. During his career, he has litigated both civil and criminal cases before trial and appellate courts. His professional writings have focused on matters of constitutional law and military policy. He has also taught undergraduate courses at the Air Force Academy and Saint Leo University.
Tony retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps after 21 years of military service. During his career, he has litigated both civil and criminal cases before trial and appellate courts. His professional writings have focused on matters of constitutional law and military policy. He has also taught undergraduate courses at the Air Force Academy and Saint Leo University.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
September 25, 2015
A smidgen below four stars.
A medieval adventure story with the occasional seriously philosophic edge. It's not your average kid's book that brings in Anselm's Argument for the existence of God.
Xan has gain complexity of character since Shadow in the Dark. He loves the abbey and is reluctant to leave. But, as the child of two serfs, it's not possible for him to stay unless head-money is paid to Lord Godfrey to redeem him. What might have been a simple matter becomes complicated when the monks learn he has an uncle William, a merchant of Lincoln. As his only remaining relative, it is William who must decide Xan's fate, not the monks.
Xan's darker side is becoming more exposed. He's unpleasant to Josh and unsettled by Lucy's refusal to see him when he visits her at the nearby nunnery. He point blank refuses to forgive Carlo, the bandit responsible for his parents' deaths.
But then, along with Brother Andrew, he's sent to Lincoln. Carlo is taken with them, along with a contingent of guards. But an accident happens and Andrew is dangerously injured. Only Carlo survives intact enough to help; but Xan is reluctant to trust him or set him free.
Meanwhile, in Lincoln, a group of Danish seafarers return time and again, trying to get into the town. The cathedral seems to be haunted. And Uncle William is in deep, dire and deadly trouble: he owes a huge debt to the 'Master', an unscrupulous usurer who is quite capable of killing those who fail to pay on time.
A medieval adventure story with the occasional seriously philosophic edge. It's not your average kid's book that brings in Anselm's Argument for the existence of God.
Xan has gain complexity of character since Shadow in the Dark. He loves the abbey and is reluctant to leave. But, as the child of two serfs, it's not possible for him to stay unless head-money is paid to Lord Godfrey to redeem him. What might have been a simple matter becomes complicated when the monks learn he has an uncle William, a merchant of Lincoln. As his only remaining relative, it is William who must decide Xan's fate, not the monks.
Xan's darker side is becoming more exposed. He's unpleasant to Josh and unsettled by Lucy's refusal to see him when he visits her at the nearby nunnery. He point blank refuses to forgive Carlo, the bandit responsible for his parents' deaths.
But then, along with Brother Andrew, he's sent to Lincoln. Carlo is taken with them, along with a contingent of guards. But an accident happens and Andrew is dangerously injured. Only Carlo survives intact enough to help; but Xan is reluctant to trust him or set him free.
Meanwhile, in Lincoln, a group of Danish seafarers return time and again, trying to get into the town. The cathedral seems to be haunted. And Uncle William is in deep, dire and deadly trouble: he owes a huge debt to the 'Master', an unscrupulous usurer who is quite capable of killing those who fail to pay on time.
July 10, 2021
The Haunted Cathedral flows so easily as Xan, Lucy, and some new friends work to uncover the ghost behind the seeming haunting of Lincoln Cathedral. At the heart of the story is Xan's struggle to forgive the wicked bandit responsible for his parents' death. His journey from seeking retribution to forgiveness is a slow struggle, making it all the more real. No easy solutions, just gentle prodding from Brother Andrew, the sterling example of Lucy, and God's slow work in his heart.
As Xan moves toward manhood and decisions about his future, Harwood Mysteries is proving to be a great series for young teens with just the right recipe of spookiness, mystery, history, camaraderie, and moral edification to make it a story readers will return to.
As Xan moves toward manhood and decisions about his future, Harwood Mysteries is proving to be a great series for young teens with just the right recipe of spookiness, mystery, history, camaraderie, and moral edification to make it a story readers will return to.
February 5, 2024
A lot happened to Xan and his friends in Shadow in the Dark. A year has passed since Xan first entered the abbey’s care, and he has settled in to the routine and comfort it provides while also continuing to learn more about God and grow closer to him. However, as this second novel in Antony Barone Kolenc’s middle school series begins, we also see some of Xan’s weaknesses – particularly grumpiness and bitterness. A surprising twist of fate, however, sends him on a new adventure and helps refine those rough edges in The Haunted Cathedral.
With continued depth and insight, Kolenc takes Xan and Brother Andrew – and readers – away from the bubble of the abbey in search of Xan’s uncle. They are accompanied by a prisoner who tests Xan’s rubber-meets-the-road faith – and would challenge the same for any of us, I dare say. This particular test of faith is not something that’s addressed a lot in books for tweens/teens but it needs to be, and I’m really glad that Kolenc has chosen to do so in Xan’s compelling, ongoing journey. I was delighted to be reunited with Lucy, too, and was glad to spend more time than expected with her in this book. We’re also joined by new friends Father Phillip, Simon, and Christina. These new characters add further depth to the story and to Xan’s relationships, and they made the perfect co-investigators for this new mystery.
Bottom Line: An escaped bandit, an ancient crypt, a secret treasure, and a cathedral plagued by eerie noises and troubling tremors… these elements all comprise different facets of a mystery that Xan must solve in The Haunted Cathedral, even as he tries to find his uncle (who has his own issues to add to Xan’s already full plate). Kolenc continues to craft a compelling story with an engaging writing voice that appeals to all ages, and he gives us characters we can easily embrace as friends. Once again, the spiritual lessons on these pages are intrinsic to the story, and the historical setting gives interesting insight into the medieval era. Another entertaining adventure with Xan and his ever-growing circle of friends.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
With continued depth and insight, Kolenc takes Xan and Brother Andrew – and readers – away from the bubble of the abbey in search of Xan’s uncle. They are accompanied by a prisoner who tests Xan’s rubber-meets-the-road faith – and would challenge the same for any of us, I dare say. This particular test of faith is not something that’s addressed a lot in books for tweens/teens but it needs to be, and I’m really glad that Kolenc has chosen to do so in Xan’s compelling, ongoing journey. I was delighted to be reunited with Lucy, too, and was glad to spend more time than expected with her in this book. We’re also joined by new friends Father Phillip, Simon, and Christina. These new characters add further depth to the story and to Xan’s relationships, and they made the perfect co-investigators for this new mystery.
Bottom Line: An escaped bandit, an ancient crypt, a secret treasure, and a cathedral plagued by eerie noises and troubling tremors… these elements all comprise different facets of a mystery that Xan must solve in The Haunted Cathedral, even as he tries to find his uncle (who has his own issues to add to Xan’s already full plate). Kolenc continues to craft a compelling story with an engaging writing voice that appeals to all ages, and he gives us characters we can easily embrace as friends. Once again, the spiritual lessons on these pages are intrinsic to the story, and the historical setting gives interesting insight into the medieval era. Another entertaining adventure with Xan and his ever-growing circle of friends.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
July 7, 2021
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but I enjoyed this one even more.
I need to state that this is an excellent read. And I really look forward to reading the third volume in the trilogy. Second I need to state that books with the same titles were released by this author in 2013, those ones were published as a series called The Chronicles of Xan. The author has stated that the books, though carrying the same title are substantially rewritten, Tony has stated:
“The prior series is entirely overhauled, including new plot lines and new major characters, as well as an entirely different writing style. So, yes, there are major differences.”
So even if you have read the earlier version, it would be worth picking up this version, as it is a great read. And if you love this one, do not wait pick up book three as soon as it is available. Now that you have the back story, back to this specific novel.
This story is historical fiction set in medieval England in 1184. Xan has found out that he has a debt because of being a serf. He is separated again from someone very important to him. And He is struggling with anger and desire for revenge against Carlo the leader of the bandits who orphaned him. The description of the book is:
“An ill-fated journey, a long-lost uncle, and a mysterious cathedral mark the next chapter in the life of Xan, an orphan in search of his destiny. For a year, he has lived in the care of Benedictine monks at Harwood Abbey. Now he learns that he has an uncle, said to live in the far-off city of Lincoln.
Will Xan survive the trip alongside the prisoner Carlo and his cruel guards?
Will he find Uncle William?
And why is Xan drawn to the spirit that haunts Lincoln Cathedral—could a ghost reconnect Xan with his dead parents?
Join Xan and his friends to solve the mystery of The Haunted Cathedral.”
Xan’s has realized that his life is not his own. And he is trying to figure out who he wants to be, and who God is calling him to be. But it is not an easy road before him. Carlo’s has an old ally trying to find out where his treasure is kept. And Xan is caught in the middle. But the Abbot, a monk and a priest are all praying for Xan and trying to guide him along a right path. But only Xan can decide how he will react.
Pick up this book and join Xan with friends both old and new on a high stakes adventure. Not only are lives and freedom at risk, but maybe even eternity.
The book and series is marketed for Middle grade readers but would also be great for tweens and teens. I am in my fifties and I loved it. It is a well written novel and one that will leave you excited for the final book in the series. Antony ‘Tony’ Barone Kolenc is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. He currently teaches law. In this story, he has shown that he has great skill as a story teller. It is a story certain to entertain, reader young and old alike.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
I need to state that this is an excellent read. And I really look forward to reading the third volume in the trilogy. Second I need to state that books with the same titles were released by this author in 2013, those ones were published as a series called The Chronicles of Xan. The author has stated that the books, though carrying the same title are substantially rewritten, Tony has stated:
“The prior series is entirely overhauled, including new plot lines and new major characters, as well as an entirely different writing style. So, yes, there are major differences.”
So even if you have read the earlier version, it would be worth picking up this version, as it is a great read. And if you love this one, do not wait pick up book three as soon as it is available. Now that you have the back story, back to this specific novel.
This story is historical fiction set in medieval England in 1184. Xan has found out that he has a debt because of being a serf. He is separated again from someone very important to him. And He is struggling with anger and desire for revenge against Carlo the leader of the bandits who orphaned him. The description of the book is:
“An ill-fated journey, a long-lost uncle, and a mysterious cathedral mark the next chapter in the life of Xan, an orphan in search of his destiny. For a year, he has lived in the care of Benedictine monks at Harwood Abbey. Now he learns that he has an uncle, said to live in the far-off city of Lincoln.
Will Xan survive the trip alongside the prisoner Carlo and his cruel guards?
Will he find Uncle William?
And why is Xan drawn to the spirit that haunts Lincoln Cathedral—could a ghost reconnect Xan with his dead parents?
Join Xan and his friends to solve the mystery of The Haunted Cathedral.”
Xan’s has realized that his life is not his own. And he is trying to figure out who he wants to be, and who God is calling him to be. But it is not an easy road before him. Carlo’s has an old ally trying to find out where his treasure is kept. And Xan is caught in the middle. But the Abbot, a monk and a priest are all praying for Xan and trying to guide him along a right path. But only Xan can decide how he will react.
Pick up this book and join Xan with friends both old and new on a high stakes adventure. Not only are lives and freedom at risk, but maybe even eternity.
The book and series is marketed for Middle grade readers but would also be great for tweens and teens. I am in my fifties and I loved it. It is a well written novel and one that will leave you excited for the final book in the series. Antony ‘Tony’ Barone Kolenc is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps. He currently teaches law. In this story, he has shown that he has great skill as a story teller. It is a story certain to entertain, reader young and old alike.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2021 Catholic Reading Plan!
December 1, 2020
I think this book had a lot of promise, but it didn’t work too well for me. There was a lot of telling, but not showing. I also would have liked more suspense and for the mystery to have been featured more prominently in the novel.
The mystery was interesting, and I really enjoyed how the mystery was solved behind the haunting. Xan was an intriguing character who was written in a realistic way, especially in terms with his feelings towards Carlo, who had murdered his parents. Much of this book is focused on Xan learning to forgive and let go of his anger and Christian teachings of forgiveness. Overall, I felt that this was an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank Loyola Press for providing me with an ARC.
The mystery was interesting, and I really enjoyed how the mystery was solved behind the haunting. Xan was an intriguing character who was written in a realistic way, especially in terms with his feelings towards Carlo, who had murdered his parents. Much of this book is focused on Xan learning to forgive and let go of his anger and Christian teachings of forgiveness. Overall, I felt that this was an enjoyable read.
I would like to thank Loyola Press for providing me with an ARC.
January 29, 2021
ARC provided by Netgalley.
This is my first time reading children/early teen historical fiction. Xan's story took place in Medieval England, A.D. 1185. I love Xan's character and how he handled the situation. The plot is well thought and setting desc is lovely. Will read more from this series in the future!
This is my first time reading children/early teen historical fiction. Xan's story took place in Medieval England, A.D. 1185. I love Xan's character and how he handled the situation. The plot is well thought and setting desc is lovely. Will read more from this series in the future!
January 13, 2023
Olivia received for Christmas and is really liking this new series of historical fiction Catholic mysteries for kids. She likes this second book in the series even better than the first and rates it 4.5 stars.
January 29, 2021
This is a hard one to review. I found it on the Read Now part of Netgalley, and couldn't resist giving it a try. I'm always looking for new books for the youngsters in my life. As a child, I loved mysteries and the paranormal, so I'm a bit biased in that direction. This checks those boxes. And I'm also Catholic (as are some of the aforementioned young folks), so this seemed like it could tick off the religious ed box, as well. But the thing is, I am overly critical of religious fiction, be it for adults or children. It is very hard to get the tone right, to strike a balance between theology and entertainment, and to do so in a way that isn't heavy-handed or overly... preachy.
This? It was interesting. It would definitely appeal to a very specific type of reader. It's written in a sort of Old English, with "tis" and "twas" and "Aye!" Ox groaned. "Now help me with this cursed quarrel, ye simpkin." Some kids are up for that, some are not. I appreciate that it doesn't talk down to the reader, although the style might take a little bit ot getting used to for some.
It also dealt with intense themes and some seriously meaty theology, but in a way that felt natural. The setting (the 1100s, I believe?) helped- the Church was a central part of the community and of people's lives, so talking about religion and the nature of one's beliefs wasn't weird or incongruous.
The setting also allowed for the story to get dark. In the first chapter, the protagonist, a 13 year old orphan, has his best friend move away, and then his faithful dog is killed. Seriously! Beloved pet death right off the bat. Xan, the protagonist, is going through a lot, and is, understandably, questioning aspects of his faith, particularly forgiveness, being good to those who persecute you, and turning the other cheek. He also expresses his frustration with the concept of God's will, which, at the start of the novel, gives him a sense of futility. His parents were murdered. Was that God's will? He struggles to understand. It's not light stuff, but it sure is relatable. The story starts off slow, and I did find it a bit hard to get into (I have not read the first book, so I was missing information) but by the half way point, I couldn't put it down. The story goes from a sort of dark emotional exploration to a mysterious adventure, and somehow it works. It provides the clarity the protagonist needs to understand and make peace with the things he is grappling with at the start of the story. And it really did have a satisfying conclusion- both the mystery part and the bildungsroman part.
Oh, also, I appreciated the way the author handled the concept of ghosts- theologically sound but also easy for young readers to understand.
At first I wasn't sure, but by the end, the book won me over.
This? It was interesting. It would definitely appeal to a very specific type of reader. It's written in a sort of Old English, with "tis" and "twas" and "Aye!" Ox groaned. "Now help me with this cursed quarrel, ye simpkin." Some kids are up for that, some are not. I appreciate that it doesn't talk down to the reader, although the style might take a little bit ot getting used to for some.
It also dealt with intense themes and some seriously meaty theology, but in a way that felt natural. The setting (the 1100s, I believe?) helped- the Church was a central part of the community and of people's lives, so talking about religion and the nature of one's beliefs wasn't weird or incongruous.
The setting also allowed for the story to get dark. In the first chapter, the protagonist, a 13 year old orphan, has his best friend move away, and then his faithful dog is killed. Seriously! Beloved pet death right off the bat. Xan, the protagonist, is going through a lot, and is, understandably, questioning aspects of his faith, particularly forgiveness, being good to those who persecute you, and turning the other cheek. He also expresses his frustration with the concept of God's will, which, at the start of the novel, gives him a sense of futility. His parents were murdered. Was that God's will? He struggles to understand. It's not light stuff, but it sure is relatable. The story starts off slow, and I did find it a bit hard to get into (I have not read the first book, so I was missing information) but by the half way point, I couldn't put it down. The story goes from a sort of dark emotional exploration to a mysterious adventure, and somehow it works. It provides the clarity the protagonist needs to understand and make peace with the things he is grappling with at the start of the story. And it really did have a satisfying conclusion- both the mystery part and the bildungsroman part.
Oh, also, I appreciated the way the author handled the concept of ghosts- theologically sound but also easy for young readers to understand.
At first I wasn't sure, but by the end, the book won me over.
May 22, 2021
This is the second book in a series for kids (up to teens, but I think upper elementary and middle school is the prime audience.)
Xan is back.
He's still living with the monks, but now he discovers that he is not free from being a serf until someone can pay the price on his head.
An uncle is the only family he has, so he travels to the far-off city of Lincoln to see if he can help.
Another mystery awaits him as the cathedral there appears to be haunted. So now he wonders if the spirit at Lincoln Cathedral can get a message from his parents about what he should do.
Overall, a decent mystery for kids to read with the historical twist that can also help show how life was during that time in England.
What I really found interesting is the history behind Lincoln Cathedral as shared in the appendix.
Xan is back.
He's still living with the monks, but now he discovers that he is not free from being a serf until someone can pay the price on his head.
An uncle is the only family he has, so he travels to the far-off city of Lincoln to see if he can help.
Another mystery awaits him as the cathedral there appears to be haunted. So now he wonders if the spirit at Lincoln Cathedral can get a message from his parents about what he should do.
Overall, a decent mystery for kids to read with the historical twist that can also help show how life was during that time in England.
What I really found interesting is the history behind Lincoln Cathedral as shared in the appendix.
March 16, 2021
This is a 4.4. Almost got that fifth star. I definitely enjoyed it, and its messages, but it was definitely harder to get into than the first book in the series. The first one was a little bit more bold in teaching, but this one was more subtle overall, especially in communicating the key message of forgiveness. The mystery itself, while interesting, did not seem to be the focus, and was only important from about 2/5 to 4/5 of the way through the book. I think this would be great book for middle school, and even for families to read together and discuss some of the ideas. I'm glad I read it, and that this book can help shape our young Catholic children.
June 5, 2021
Orphan Xan must travel to Lincoln with Brother Andrew and the dangerous prisoner who killed his parents. He struggles to forgive or trust the prisoner who holds Brother Andrew's life in his hands. It's not until he faces the ghost of the cathedral that he learns the true value of forgiveness.
I liked the faith and element of this story. The author also includes the theme of forgiveness and acceptance.
There is a bit of mystery, but it's not the main part of the book.
The romance was a bit cheesy.
While it's the second in a series, the author does a good job of sharing enough backstory that I wasn't confused.
I liked the faith and element of this story. The author also includes the theme of forgiveness and acceptance.
There is a bit of mystery, but it's not the main part of the book.
The romance was a bit cheesy.
While it's the second in a series, the author does a good job of sharing enough backstory that I wasn't confused.
January 28, 2021
Interesting mystery novel book 2. I am looking forward to book 1. The story lines are too solid and nice historical fiction. Its rather than ghost or thriller. The mystery inside the cathedral is great to investigate with the main protagonist Xan. Xan and friends adventure all through this novel is very interesting to read. I must thanks to net gallery and the author and publisher who let me download and read it. I hadn't read book 1. But book 2 now that I read, I can imagine how the book 1 was.
March 18, 2021
Another great book in this series. I am looking forward to book 3.
Historical fiction is very interesting, as you get placed in the time period of the characters.
This series takes place in feudal times, and gives a mystery along with the life of Xan as he tries to figure out his future and find family after he has been left orphaned.
Historical fiction is very interesting, as you get placed in the time period of the characters.
This series takes place in feudal times, and gives a mystery along with the life of Xan as he tries to figure out his future and find family after he has been left orphaned.
September 6, 2021
Thank you so much Loyola Press for sending me a complimentary copy of The Haunted Cathedral! I was happy to read and receive this book. My review of this book is entirely my own. The Haunted Cathedral is the second book in the Hardwood Mysteries series, with plenty of action, adventure, and mystery. Xan's story continues as he travels to Lincoln looking for a long-lost uncle who might be able to help him. Instead, Xan finds more disappointment and is more confused and mad than ever. On top of all that, Brother Andrew tries to get Xan to forgive Carlo, the bandit who took away Xan's old life. There is so much going on in Xan's life that I felt terrible for him and probably would have acted in the same way he had. His character felt very realistic with all of his struggles and conflicts that I could see how he was having a hard time forgiving.
The Haunted Cathedral was so exciting that I just kept reading and didn't put it down until I finished the whole story! The storyline was creative and entertaining, but I do not know how much I liked some new characters. I did not love the second book as much as the first, but I think the way the story played out was just how it should have been. I once again really liked Xan, especially now that we get to see more of his struggles, but my other favorite character, Lucy, was not in the book as much as I would have liked. But the parts that she was in the book, made me like her even more than before. She was always thinking of a way to help Xan, and both she and Xan were open to and were discerning religious life. So many people today don't even consider being a priest or nun and think that way of life is boring and constricting, but it is not, and you can see that in this book. The Haunted Cathedral is an outstanding Catholic book for anyone who loves a good mystery!
Things to Mention: A person is run over by a wagon and dies; Xans and his friends' lives are threatened. There is some other minor violence.
Come check out more of my reviews of clean wholesome books at:
https://www.acatholicgirlreads.com/
The Haunted Cathedral was so exciting that I just kept reading and didn't put it down until I finished the whole story! The storyline was creative and entertaining, but I do not know how much I liked some new characters. I did not love the second book as much as the first, but I think the way the story played out was just how it should have been. I once again really liked Xan, especially now that we get to see more of his struggles, but my other favorite character, Lucy, was not in the book as much as I would have liked. But the parts that she was in the book, made me like her even more than before. She was always thinking of a way to help Xan, and both she and Xan were open to and were discerning religious life. So many people today don't even consider being a priest or nun and think that way of life is boring and constricting, but it is not, and you can see that in this book. The Haunted Cathedral is an outstanding Catholic book for anyone who loves a good mystery!
Things to Mention: A person is run over by a wagon and dies; Xans and his friends' lives are threatened. There is some other minor violence.
Come check out more of my reviews of clean wholesome books at:
https://www.acatholicgirlreads.com/
November 21, 2014
Book II, The Haunted Cathedral, picks up several months after the conclusion of Shadow in the Dark. In this book we see a bit more displeasure and resentment in Xan. The memories of his former life and family haunt him. His relationship with his girlfriend is complicated and tumultuous. He also realizes what it means to be a serf and have no control over his own life. In fact, if his uncle so desired, he could send Xan off away from his friends and mentor, Brother Andrew, to live in a different city and become an apprentice.
Xan goes on a cart-ride from the abbey to the city of Lincoln. Accompanying him on the ride is Brother Andrew, two guards, and Carlo (the bandit leader from the first book who killed his parents). On this ride, Brother Andrew teaches Xan (and the others) about turning the other cheek and loving all people. We also see a different side of Carlo, a more humble and contrite side. When the cart over turns, he even goes so far as to save Brother Andrew's life in lieu of escaping. Within the city of Lincoln there is a cathedral that the children of the city believe to be haunted (hence the title of the book). Xan decides to solve the mystery and show them that it is not haunted. Kolenc does a masterful job of reinforcing the ideas of Christian love and forgiveness from the first book, while also mixing in adventure and mystery to keep your young reader interested.
Xan goes on a cart-ride from the abbey to the city of Lincoln. Accompanying him on the ride is Brother Andrew, two guards, and Carlo (the bandit leader from the first book who killed his parents). On this ride, Brother Andrew teaches Xan (and the others) about turning the other cheek and loving all people. We also see a different side of Carlo, a more humble and contrite side. When the cart over turns, he even goes so far as to save Brother Andrew's life in lieu of escaping. Within the city of Lincoln there is a cathedral that the children of the city believe to be haunted (hence the title of the book). Xan decides to solve the mystery and show them that it is not haunted. Kolenc does a masterful job of reinforcing the ideas of Christian love and forgiveness from the first book, while also mixing in adventure and mystery to keep your young reader interested.
September 11, 2021
This is the second book in Antony Kolenc’s Harwood Mysteries, and the reader once again joins Xan and Lucy on an exciting adventure. Xan has had so much to deal with in his young life due to the tragic loss of his family. In book one, Shadow in the Dark, he sets out to discover what happened to his parents. In this new story, he must come to terms with the past—not always an easy task.
While the new mystery is intriguing, what really made this story special is the continued storyline of Xan’s past and his character growth. The author did a superb job showing Xan’s emotional struggles as he deals with his new life. These books blend adventure, history, friendship, and faith into a marvelous series for middle-grade readers. I can’t wait to read more.
While the new mystery is intriguing, what really made this story special is the continued storyline of Xan’s past and his character growth. The author did a superb job showing Xan’s emotional struggles as he deals with his new life. These books blend adventure, history, friendship, and faith into a marvelous series for middle-grade readers. I can’t wait to read more.
June 11, 2021
Xan travels to to Lincoln to find his Uncle, the only family he has left. But he must travel there with Carlo, the one that killed his parents, how can he ever forgive him like the monks want him to?
The first book was better, I thought, at least. I do like how Xan grows in this, and the details are rich but I thought the build up to the end was good, but the end, felt lack luster. Other than that, the characters that Xan meets are great. I loved the fact that a lot of locations are historical correct, according to the author, so that part is very interesting.
The first book was better, I thought, at least. I do like how Xan grows in this, and the details are rich but I thought the build up to the end was good, but the end, felt lack luster. Other than that, the characters that Xan meets are great. I loved the fact that a lot of locations are historical correct, according to the author, so that part is very interesting.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews