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The Guardian Cycle #2
The Jasper Forest
The Jasper Forest is the second book in the Guardian Cycle, a sweeping fantasy epic from one of the best new storytellers of the genre. Exiled from Vadanis, the homeland he risked his life to save, Terrel finds himself adrift on the ocean. Delirious with hunger and exhaustion, he is at the point of giving up when he realizes that he is approaching land. Rescued from the perilous waters by two fishermen, Terrel is nursed back to health; but the ghosts of his friends, both dead and alive, are still with him. For now, events on Vadanis are beyond his control. His new home, however, faces difficulties of its own, and Terrel may be in a unique position to overcome them. Leaving behind the villagers, he embarks on a remarkable quest to discover the truth—about the world and about himself.
567 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
3 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Julia Gray
41 books31 followersJulia Gray is the pseudonym of Mark and Julia Smith, a married couple who live and work in Norfolk. Having met while they were both working for a major London publishing house, they sparked each other into creative life, and began writing as a team a few months after setting up home together. They have been writing full time since 1991. They also publish under the pseudonym Jonathan Wylie.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 29, 2025
First off, the cover for this one is just stunning. Hands down one of my favourite covers of any books I own (and the spines with the moons, chef's kiss)
That aside, I am very conflicted with this book.
The start was fantastic; Terrel washing up on the 'mainland' to a completely different peoples; the stigma of his eyes is changed here, there's a language barrier, Terrel's on his own almost completely. Plus adding in his relationship with Ysatel, Aylen, Olandis, and Kerin - it made me so happy to see people finally welcoming him into a family-like role. Likewise, Cutter was an interesting character that develops in a way that's pretty rare in today's writing.
The first part was so strong that I really hoped that this would be a major tie in to the finale of this book. We spend 300 of the 567 in that village. Then in about 100 jumping from one full on town that could've been its own story, to the sharakan's main hub which could also be a story itself, to the main capital with the mad King and the Elemental.
How Terrel gets to these places is glossed over as time skips, which I both think was a good idea and a bad one; I'd like to see how he manages to get somewhere completely foreign on his own with little to no help, maybe see what it's like to travel through these areas. But also see that it would probably end up making this book too long and padding too much.
The ending, I saw mentioned as a deus ex machina does seemingly come from nowhere and it feels as if it all happens in the span of maybe 20 pages. It's supposedly set up in book 1 but I don't remember hearing about this thing... so I'll be checking back on that. But there was NO mention of this thing before aside from 'a bird' and when Alyssa can just change into anything - including birds! - that doesn't really mean much.
Overall this book has left me with more questions than answers. I'm glad with how it went, and loved the start of it, but am really hoping book 3 can start answering these mountains of questions at least a LITTLE?
That aside, I am very conflicted with this book.
The start was fantastic; Terrel washing up on the 'mainland' to a completely different peoples; the stigma of his eyes is changed here, there's a language barrier, Terrel's on his own almost completely. Plus adding in his relationship with Ysatel, Aylen, Olandis, and Kerin - it made me so happy to see people finally welcoming him into a family-like role. Likewise, Cutter was an interesting character that develops in a way that's pretty rare in today's writing.
The first part was so strong that I really hoped that this would be a major tie in to the finale of this book. We spend 300 of the 567 in that village. Then in about 100 jumping from one full on town that could've been its own story, to the sharakan's main hub which could also be a story itself, to the main capital with the mad King and the Elemental.
How Terrel gets to these places is glossed over as time skips, which I both think was a good idea and a bad one; I'd like to see how he manages to get somewhere completely foreign on his own with little to no help, maybe see what it's like to travel through these areas. But also see that it would probably end up making this book too long and padding too much.
The ending, I saw mentioned as a deus ex machina does seemingly come from nowhere and it feels as if it all happens in the span of maybe 20 pages. It's supposedly set up in book 1 but I don't remember hearing about this thing... so I'll be checking back on that. But there was NO mention of this thing before aside from 'a bird' and when Alyssa can just change into anything - including birds! - that doesn't really mean much.
Overall this book has left me with more questions than answers. I'm glad with how it went, and loved the start of it, but am really hoping book 3 can start answering these mountains of questions at least a LITTLE?
July 24, 2013
See review of Book One. A well written sequel.
February 24, 2018
Another book that I thoroughly enjoyed! The first in this series was definately better, but this one has a great deal of charm and some wonderful characters to keep you reading.
I wont bother covering what happens story-wise or summerise, you can read the blurb for that!
I adore the characters in this book, and found it hard to dislike any of the main characters (ignoring Terrel's horrid brother Jax of course), however, by the end of this book, Alyssa was starting to get a bit irritating, but I think that is because Terrel is feeling frustration at his disappearing and reappearing all the time, and she is too busy thinking about other, more important, things, to be as nice and vague as she was in the first book.
Not a huge amount of 'epic' things happen in this book. It seems to be more centred around the progression of Terrel as a character, rather than a huge amount of progression story wise. There are a few parts of this book that I felt I wasn't sure where things were going, because Terrel seemed to have settled in one place with no hint that he would move on. These parts were by no means boring, as they were as interesting and well written as I would have wanted, but I did wonder what their point was, until the end of the book. I also think a lot of it is significant in terms of the series as a whole
Like 'The Dark Moon' this book reads well as a book on its own, but also as part of a series. It's got it's own smaller stories outwith that of the larger story for the whole series. However, the characters and some of the story do definately require having read the first book to understand.
Gray seems to have a habit of sending Terrel on one or two adventures in the book, then all the exciting stuff with the action and explosions happens right at the end. This isn't that bad, but it can be a little annoying, but I'd say, persevere, it's worth reading to the end!
I wont bother covering what happens story-wise or summerise, you can read the blurb for that!
I adore the characters in this book, and found it hard to dislike any of the main characters (ignoring Terrel's horrid brother Jax of course), however, by the end of this book, Alyssa was starting to get a bit irritating, but I think that is because Terrel is feeling frustration at his disappearing and reappearing all the time, and she is too busy thinking about other, more important, things, to be as nice and vague as she was in the first book.
Not a huge amount of 'epic' things happen in this book. It seems to be more centred around the progression of Terrel as a character, rather than a huge amount of progression story wise. There are a few parts of this book that I felt I wasn't sure where things were going, because Terrel seemed to have settled in one place with no hint that he would move on. These parts were by no means boring, as they were as interesting and well written as I would have wanted, but I did wonder what their point was, until the end of the book. I also think a lot of it is significant in terms of the series as a whole
Like 'The Dark Moon' this book reads well as a book on its own, but also as part of a series. It's got it's own smaller stories outwith that of the larger story for the whole series. However, the characters and some of the story do definately require having read the first book to understand.
Gray seems to have a habit of sending Terrel on one or two adventures in the book, then all the exciting stuff with the action and explosions happens right at the end. This isn't that bad, but it can be a little annoying, but I'd say, persevere, it's worth reading to the end!
July 7, 2024
The second book of the guardian cycle. Overall a fun fantasy read. It kind of has four stages and locations, at each the protagonist must solve a problem to move on. Each place has a unique geography that makes it interesting and there's just enough world building throughout the novel to keep it fresh. I do appreciate how the long solo treks are glossed over effectively without being boring or feel like we are teleporting around.
What I enjoyed less was what felt like deus ex machina to solve the problem at the end of the book. It all felt a bit too contrived, but maybe my and adolescent self would have enjoyed it more! In all fairness, I often skimmed through the dream sequences and descriptions of the moon magic system that might have set up this ending as many of these I found to be engaging.
This book helps to establish a pattern that I assume the next few will follow, just like most fantasy series.
What I enjoyed less was what felt like deus ex machina to solve the problem at the end of the book. It all felt a bit too contrived, but maybe my and adolescent self would have enjoyed it more! In all fairness, I often skimmed through the dream sequences and descriptions of the moon magic system that might have set up this ending as many of these I found to be engaging.
This book helps to establish a pattern that I assume the next few will follow, just like most fantasy series.
May 22, 2024
Transitioned great from one place to the next. I felt a little less adventurous and more stuck in these places then as the first book, however I felt more connected to the character I met in this area, and I still wonder about Y. Also I wonder if feeling stuck is also due to the topography of the world..like I said in a previous review Gray is amazing with world-buikding AND character building, I really did feel like those massive cliffs engulfed me!
Without too many spoilers I feel like A was slightly irritating or just felt like even when A was around A wasn't around, I wonder if that is because the timeline isn't what T wants and A for that matter too. The 3 trio of others did not "appear" as much and I missed them all! Also again feels like the "end is rushed". Left with many more questions, and I'm glad T is on the path now of accepting his fate.
Without too many spoilers I feel like A was slightly irritating or just felt like even when A was around A wasn't around, I wonder if that is because the timeline isn't what T wants and A for that matter too. The 3 trio of others did not "appear" as much and I missed them all! Also again feels like the "end is rushed". Left with many more questions, and I'm glad T is on the path now of accepting his fate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2022
Enjoyed the city underneath the clouds
August 20, 2010
I was very happy with “The Dark Moon”, the first book of the Guardian cycle from Julia Gray. And so it was with high expectations that I started the second one in this serie: “The Jasper Forest”…. and unfortunately in my opinion it fell flat.
The story left out where Dark Moon ended, with an exiled Terrel drifting on his raft towards the continent of Macul, nearly dead from dehydratation. The first part of the book relates the story of his rescue by the residents of a small village named Fenduca on the continent of Macul, and how they gradually overcame their distrust of him by using his much needed healing skills. Only one thing matter to Terrel however: to hold his promise to his beloved Alyssa to come back for her, and thus, Terrel is desperate to find a way to go back home in Valdanis. However his role in an ancient Prophecy is not over yet, and his ghost friends as well as his dreams of incoming destruction will make Terrrel reluctantly realize he has still a role to play on this continent before being able to come back home. Indeed, similar to what happened in Belancuria in Valdanis in the Dark Moon, there is apparently an elemental force in the royal city of Talazoria that threaten to destroy everything on the continent, and the aftershock would even send a wave of destruction on the ocean towards Valdanis. Terrel will then leave Fenduca and travel across the continent to Talazoria hoping to use his past experience of dealing with elementals to stop the incoming destruction.
Personally I think that the first part of the book was too long. There is not enough stuff going on around a small insignificant village like Fenduca to write 200 pages or so about it. In contrast, the Valley of Darkness was probably the best part of the book, and Terrel’s walk into the mist at night, trying to run away from the Valley, was gripping. Another problem is that the entire book is devoted to Terrel, and his strained relationship with Jax was not exploited very much. I would have liked parallel chapters with Jax’s or the seers’point of view of what is happening in Valdanis, just like it was with Dark Moon.
In conclusion, I liked reading this book, but not as much as I did the first one. My concern right now is that I know there are 3 more books in the serie, and I hope these are not fillers to reach the conclusion of the serie.
The story left out where Dark Moon ended, with an exiled Terrel drifting on his raft towards the continent of Macul, nearly dead from dehydratation. The first part of the book relates the story of his rescue by the residents of a small village named Fenduca on the continent of Macul, and how they gradually overcame their distrust of him by using his much needed healing skills. Only one thing matter to Terrel however: to hold his promise to his beloved Alyssa to come back for her, and thus, Terrel is desperate to find a way to go back home in Valdanis. However his role in an ancient Prophecy is not over yet, and his ghost friends as well as his dreams of incoming destruction will make Terrrel reluctantly realize he has still a role to play on this continent before being able to come back home. Indeed, similar to what happened in Belancuria in Valdanis in the Dark Moon, there is apparently an elemental force in the royal city of Talazoria that threaten to destroy everything on the continent, and the aftershock would even send a wave of destruction on the ocean towards Valdanis. Terrel will then leave Fenduca and travel across the continent to Talazoria hoping to use his past experience of dealing with elementals to stop the incoming destruction.
Personally I think that the first part of the book was too long. There is not enough stuff going on around a small insignificant village like Fenduca to write 200 pages or so about it. In contrast, the Valley of Darkness was probably the best part of the book, and Terrel’s walk into the mist at night, trying to run away from the Valley, was gripping. Another problem is that the entire book is devoted to Terrel, and his strained relationship with Jax was not exploited very much. I would have liked parallel chapters with Jax’s or the seers’point of view of what is happening in Valdanis, just like it was with Dark Moon.
In conclusion, I liked reading this book, but not as much as I did the first one. My concern right now is that I know there are 3 more books in the serie, and I hope these are not fillers to reach the conclusion of the serie.
March 19, 2013
Great second book in the Guardian Cycle series. This books follows on from The Dark Moon with the character of Terrel being washed up on the foreign continent of Macul where he is aided by fishermen before recovering and continuing his quest. The book is part of a series and the narrative reflects this as the story progresses. This is accomplished in a very proficient manner allowing the reader to experience many of the frustrations and excitements of the characters in a way that always strikes a chord in the right way rather than becoming annoying. There are many descriptions of the places the lead character adventures through though these are moved through at a quick pace which is in line with the overall pacey nature of the book. In scenes where you think the pace would slack it simply does not moving onto the next puzzle facing the characters. There is also excellent emotional chords throughout the book adding some weight to moments in the book where needed. Overall excellent you'll definitely want the sequel :D
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2014
I don't know if readers have been able to appreciate the subtle symbolism of Gray/Wylie's imagery. I found the idea of a floating hospice for pregnant women, mystics who's eyes are more open when they're closed than when they're open, and a village buried in cloud, so evocative and thought provoking.
In a completely new setting, Gray continues to furnish us with a rich and compelling story. There is enough continuity from the previous book, to maintain a sense of comfort and familiarity, but at the same time, the new land is so totally consuming, that there's no way a person could confuse one book in the series with another.
I love the way the authors manage to create a world which is both beleaguered, and beautiful, without the flavour of the writing ever becoming depressing or hopeless. If anything I find each book inspiring, and I found myself compelled to return to drawing after a long hiatus, so rich was the imagery.
In a completely new setting, Gray continues to furnish us with a rich and compelling story. There is enough continuity from the previous book, to maintain a sense of comfort and familiarity, but at the same time, the new land is so totally consuming, that there's no way a person could confuse one book in the series with another.
I love the way the authors manage to create a world which is both beleaguered, and beautiful, without the flavour of the writing ever becoming depressing or hopeless. If anything I find each book inspiring, and I found myself compelled to return to drawing after a long hiatus, so rich was the imagery.
March 30, 2012
Lovely story of a teenage boy already with the bad luck of being dumped at an orphanage and a disability that he doesn't let limit him but has 2 close friends that see him through.
Terrell goes through an amazing journey where he has to strike out on his own to save his country, also a moving island from destruction. Starting from the cliff hanger of an ending in the last book Terrell has floated across the sea to Vadanis, half dead two brothers save him from the sea and take him home to their mining village where their mother nurses him back to health. Terrell forms strong bonds but knows he must continue on his quest. With his advisers(GHOSTS)giving him information on the prophecy of the destruction to come he continues on, one teenage boy to save the world
Lovely read and amazingly well written. Couldn't wait to get hold of the others
Terrell goes through an amazing journey where he has to strike out on his own to save his country, also a moving island from destruction. Starting from the cliff hanger of an ending in the last book Terrell has floated across the sea to Vadanis, half dead two brothers save him from the sea and take him home to their mining village where their mother nurses him back to health. Terrell forms strong bonds but knows he must continue on his quest. With his advisers(GHOSTS)giving him information on the prophecy of the destruction to come he continues on, one teenage boy to save the world
Lovely read and amazingly well written. Couldn't wait to get hold of the others
October 31, 2012
In this book, Terrel continues his travels and gains some new skills and friends along the way. I liked the first part of the book, but later things seemed... rushed, especially the ending which used deus ex machina. I expected better from Gray.
I also don't like Alyssa too much in this book. It seems she is keeping secrets from Terrel and I never really felt like she has genuine feelings for him. I really don't understand why Terrel doesn't just dump her especially since he meets some new girls in this book.
Once again, not much descriptions of people and places. Conclusion: if you liked the first one, you will like this one too.
I also don't like Alyssa too much in this book. It seems she is keeping secrets from Terrel and I never really felt like she has genuine feelings for him. I really don't understand why Terrel doesn't just dump her especially since he meets some new girls in this book.
Once again, not much descriptions of people and places. Conclusion: if you liked the first one, you will like this one too.
Want to read
September 24, 2008Having read the first book, I am compelled to read this one soon. I liked the first one very much and hope that this book will prove to be just as sweet as it's partner.
Read
August 27, 2009good
March 23, 2015
this is a re-read first read it in 2001 when it first came out. Loved it then and just devoured it 4 days whist reading 3 other books at the same time.....
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews