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Antyfas #1
Death at Dusbar College
Welcome to the world of Antyfas where invisible monkeys play and dragons fly! Cristiano has just turned eleven, and his aunt has invited him to visit her at the magical Dusbar College. Wondrous acts of magic and fantastical beasts await him, but can he solve the Grand Magician’s riddle?
82 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 23, 2022
Cristiano is visiting his aunt at the magical Dusbar College, where he hopes to learn more about magic. When the Grand Magician of the college dies, he leaves behind a riddle. Whoever solves the riddle will win the Grand Magician's amazing sorcerer's hat. Cristiano begins to investigate, looking for clues in the Grand Magician's office.
I love how imaginative and funny this book is! The people and creatures in Dusbar College are so interesting and weird. The writing style is really funny and had me laughing!
However, the writing uses too many adjectives. It slows down the story and got on my nerves. I was also disappointed in the climax of the plot. Cristiano solves the riddle much too easily, and the plot is too simplistic. It felt like the book ended too soon, and we did not get any sort of plot twist or big reveal that would normally come in the third act of a plot. The world building and characters are really fun, but the plot structure just isn't there.
But it is still a fun little book, and I enjoyed reading it!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
I love how imaginative and funny this book is! The people and creatures in Dusbar College are so interesting and weird. The writing style is really funny and had me laughing!
However, the writing uses too many adjectives. It slows down the story and got on my nerves. I was also disappointed in the climax of the plot. Cristiano solves the riddle much too easily, and the plot is too simplistic. It felt like the book ended too soon, and we did not get any sort of plot twist or big reveal that would normally come in the third act of a plot. The world building and characters are really fun, but the plot structure just isn't there.
But it is still a fun little book, and I enjoyed reading it!
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
April 2, 2022
This chapter book is the perfect read for upper elementary and middle school readers who devour all things magicial. Add in a mystery and you can pull those fans in too.
An entertaining read with wonderful characters, especially the main character Cristiano, the As Yet Untitled, who is an inquisitive young man with a sense of adventure.
Although I for one, loved Bolly-Bol and could find a great use for a tie-dye spell!
An entertaining read with wonderful characters, especially the main character Cristiano, the As Yet Untitled, who is an inquisitive young man with a sense of adventure.
Although I for one, loved Bolly-Bol and could find a great use for a tie-dye spell!
March 16, 2022
This is a story about Cristiano, an 11-year-old boy whose biggest ambition is to become a great magician, though he hasn't found a proper name yet. Everyone's calling him Cristiano the As Yet Untitled.
After the Grand Magician mysteriously dies, little Cristiano tests his own theory and investigates the murder.
A well-written, fast-paced story that would be the best literary gift to children.
This little story is part of Antyfas book series and I can't wait to read more.
After the Grand Magician mysteriously dies, little Cristiano tests his own theory and investigates the murder.
A well-written, fast-paced story that would be the best literary gift to children.
This little story is part of Antyfas book series and I can't wait to read more.
June 16, 2022
Death at Dusbar College: A Story of Antyfas by Laura DiNovis Berry is set in the magical world of Antyfas, where 11-year-old Christiano visits Dusbar college with his aunt Laura. Anxious to solve the Grand Magician’s riddle, he sets out on an intriguing adventure. While on his way to solving this riddle, he runs into interesting situations, from talking frogs to floating hats and magicians. Will Christiano be the lucky one to solve the riddle? You’ll have to dive right in to find out.
Author Laura DiNovis Berry has created a magical world with much thought, care, and precision that will captivate young readers’ minds. The author’s quirky imagination is expertly displayed on each page, making this magical realm come to life in the reader’s mind. Many parts in the book carry a theatrical appeal allowing the reader to clearly visualize the scenes and characters, almost like watching a movie. This book reminded me of Harry Potter but for younger readers and with a less complicated plot.
The author has done a great job captivating the essence of young children down to how they speak and act. The author’s writing is easy to follow along, and she makes this a fun and engaging read with magic and adventure. The author has packed great detail in a short story and images to accompany the chapters. The reader will find themselves rooting for Christiano, who is determined to solve the riddle despite all odds. I truly enjoyed Christiano’s charisma and confidence.
For parents and young readers looking for a fascinating read to take them on an enchanting adventure, this is the book for you. I highly recommend this whimsical read for middle schoolers fascinated by magic and mystery. You will have a great time exploring the world of Antyfas and the characters it contains.
Author Laura DiNovis Berry has created a magical world with much thought, care, and precision that will captivate young readers’ minds. The author’s quirky imagination is expertly displayed on each page, making this magical realm come to life in the reader’s mind. Many parts in the book carry a theatrical appeal allowing the reader to clearly visualize the scenes and characters, almost like watching a movie. This book reminded me of Harry Potter but for younger readers and with a less complicated plot.
The author has done a great job captivating the essence of young children down to how they speak and act. The author’s writing is easy to follow along, and she makes this a fun and engaging read with magic and adventure. The author has packed great detail in a short story and images to accompany the chapters. The reader will find themselves rooting for Christiano, who is determined to solve the riddle despite all odds. I truly enjoyed Christiano’s charisma and confidence.
For parents and young readers looking for a fascinating read to take them on an enchanting adventure, this is the book for you. I highly recommend this whimsical read for middle schoolers fascinated by magic and mystery. You will have a great time exploring the world of Antyfas and the characters it contains.
June 24, 2022
What could be better than visiting a magical college?
Some of the best scenes were the ones that showed how Cristiano tried to figure out the mystery that everyone else was also trying to solve. There was a riddle attached to it that was the key to everything. I grinned as he worked through the possible answers to the riddle and hoped he’d be the one to come up with the right answer and win the prize at the end.
I would have liked to see more conflict included in this novella. As fascinated as I was by the world building, there wasn’t much going on with the storyline itself other than the mystery that was soon cleared up. There was so much more the author could have done with these characters and this setting. If she writes a sequel, I hope she’ll give her characters more complex problems to solve as the writing itself was wonderful.
The magic in this universe was delightful. My favorite examples of it were the ones that explained how to do ordinary things like summon a fresh glass of apple juice or tailor a shirt to fit perfectly onto the person wearing it. They weren’t the sort of experiences that I’d ever think of trying to make interesting if I had magical powers, so I was thrilled by how the narrator turned those moments into something unforgettable.
Death at Dusbar College was a playful middle grade mystery that I’d recommend to anyone who also loves modern fantasy.
Some of the best scenes were the ones that showed how Cristiano tried to figure out the mystery that everyone else was also trying to solve. There was a riddle attached to it that was the key to everything. I grinned as he worked through the possible answers to the riddle and hoped he’d be the one to come up with the right answer and win the prize at the end.
I would have liked to see more conflict included in this novella. As fascinated as I was by the world building, there wasn’t much going on with the storyline itself other than the mystery that was soon cleared up. There was so much more the author could have done with these characters and this setting. If she writes a sequel, I hope she’ll give her characters more complex problems to solve as the writing itself was wonderful.
The magic in this universe was delightful. My favorite examples of it were the ones that explained how to do ordinary things like summon a fresh glass of apple juice or tailor a shirt to fit perfectly onto the person wearing it. They weren’t the sort of experiences that I’d ever think of trying to make interesting if I had magical powers, so I was thrilled by how the narrator turned those moments into something unforgettable.
Death at Dusbar College was a playful middle grade mystery that I’d recommend to anyone who also loves modern fantasy.
May 10, 2022
This is a very fun fantasy chapter book for older elementary/middle school kids. The story is about 11-year-old Cristiano who has been invited to visit his Aunt at Dusbar College. Cristiano is so excited about the visit because he has been studying on his own for a long time and is ready to learn everything he can while at the prestigious magician's school. He gets to meet the Grand Magician and even see a dragon but what his heart desires most is to solve the riddle the Grand Magician has written.
If he can solve the riddle he wins the Grand Magician’s hat, the most magical of hats! With that on his head, there will be no stopping him. Is it even possible that an 11-year-old could beat out some of the greatest magical minds? Berry has written a very fun delightful tale perfect for getting the imagination flowing and young minds wanting to read. Full of fun characters, imaginative events, and excellent fantastical settings, Berry has done a terrific job. I want a castle that expands under the ground but all hallways lead back to the same place! I am sure I do not want a frog in my throat!
This is a perfect summer read and a great read-aloud book for parents and smaller children.
If he can solve the riddle he wins the Grand Magician’s hat, the most magical of hats! With that on his head, there will be no stopping him. Is it even possible that an 11-year-old could beat out some of the greatest magical minds? Berry has written a very fun delightful tale perfect for getting the imagination flowing and young minds wanting to read. Full of fun characters, imaginative events, and excellent fantastical settings, Berry has done a terrific job. I want a castle that expands under the ground but all hallways lead back to the same place! I am sure I do not want a frog in my throat!
This is a perfect summer read and a great read-aloud book for parents and smaller children.
June 20, 2022
This is a story for middle-grade readers about a magical college in the land of Antyfas, a place of fantastic wonders where magical animals abound. Cristiano is excited to visit his aunt at Dusbar College, and while there he gets a chance to solve a riddle for a special prize.
This is not a long book–only 78 pages in the hardcover edition, some of which are illustrations by Lee Thompson. I enjoyed the problem-solving process that Cristiano went through, which I think is a good example for younger readers. I also enjoyed the character of the great magician and the fun take on what it means to have a “frog in your throat.” I would have preferred more development of the characters, but maybe that will occur in subsequent stories.
Overall, this is a fun book for younger readers. There are some similarities to Harry Potter, and fans of that series may enjoy a visit to Dusbar College.
I received a free digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
This is not a long book–only 78 pages in the hardcover edition, some of which are illustrations by Lee Thompson. I enjoyed the problem-solving process that Cristiano went through, which I think is a good example for younger readers. I also enjoyed the character of the great magician and the fun take on what it means to have a “frog in your throat.” I would have preferred more development of the characters, but maybe that will occur in subsequent stories.
Overall, this is a fun book for younger readers. There are some similarities to Harry Potter, and fans of that series may enjoy a visit to Dusbar College.
I received a free digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
July 10, 2022
The book is a cute little chapter book, perfect for a younger audience. It is a light read with a fun and intriguing storyline. It is a children's mystery, with a lot of humor and a light feeling to it - nothing scary or unsettling despite the theme of death.
The story is imaginative, and I'm sure it would be a highly entertaining read for a younger audience.
Personally, I think I am just too old for the book. I wanted a bit more out of it, and especially the ending felt a bit too quick.
The author has good potential, and I can imagine this book being a more extended read, with a lot more detail to the plot - that could have been great.
But seeing that this is written for children, I see the success as a short and easy read.
Honestly, I am probably not the right person to judge the book, and my personal opinion is affected by my age. However, I think I would have enjoyed the book a lot more as a child.
The story is imaginative, and I'm sure it would be a highly entertaining read for a younger audience.
Personally, I think I am just too old for the book. I wanted a bit more out of it, and especially the ending felt a bit too quick.
The author has good potential, and I can imagine this book being a more extended read, with a lot more detail to the plot - that could have been great.
But seeing that this is written for children, I see the success as a short and easy read.
Honestly, I am probably not the right person to judge the book, and my personal opinion is affected by my age. However, I think I would have enjoyed the book a lot more as a child.
March 16, 2022
Death at Dusbar College
A Story of Antyfas
As a licensed teacher, I’m always looking for good, easy-to-read chapter books. Death at Dusbar College is just that kind of book. The subject is magically interesting to children and the perfect size to introduce young readers to chapter books. The author, Laura DiNovis Berry, did a marvelous job of creating the magical world of Antyfas. It is at once fanciful and solid enough to anchor young minds for imaginative believability. I read a sizable section to my kids, and they quickly became absorbed in the story.
I recommend Death at Dusbar College for a beginning chapter book. It is intriguing for young minds and a wonderful escape for older ones—a good solid four stars.
J W Bell
A Story of Antyfas
As a licensed teacher, I’m always looking for good, easy-to-read chapter books. Death at Dusbar College is just that kind of book. The subject is magically interesting to children and the perfect size to introduce young readers to chapter books. The author, Laura DiNovis Berry, did a marvelous job of creating the magical world of Antyfas. It is at once fanciful and solid enough to anchor young minds for imaginative believability. I read a sizable section to my kids, and they quickly became absorbed in the story.
I recommend Death at Dusbar College for a beginning chapter book. It is intriguing for young minds and a wonderful escape for older ones—a good solid four stars.
J W Bell
February 13, 2023
Cristiano's day at Dusbar College is filled with all the magic and magical creatures anyone could want. The story convinced me I could believe in myself and my abilities, possibly even make some magic happen! Kids from 7 to 10 should be able to relate with Cristiano's journey to success through a new magical world he hadn't encountered before. I loved the two students he met, Kitoko and Romp, and hope to meet them again in another book. Even irascible Bolly-Bol, the devilish frog charmed me. My grandkids, 7, 9, and 10 are going to love this book, and all three will be able to read it. The writing has some challenging words, but the pacing is good, the concepts are familiar, and there's plenty of silliness and humor to keep a kid's interest. Oh, and an adult's, too!
April 6, 2022
Eleven year old Cristiano visits his aunt at Dusbar College. It’s a school for magicians and Cristiano is yet untitled. While exploring the wonders of the place and imagining what kind of magician he will one day be, the grand magician mysteriously dies. The mystery is on and young Cristiano takes it upon himself to find out what exactly happened!
Perfect for a middle grade reader or one who is experiencing chapter books for the first time. The young reader will be delighted by all the Cristiano experiences on his visit.
Perfect for a middle grade reader or one who is experiencing chapter books for the first time. The young reader will be delighted by all the Cristiano experiences on his visit.
May 7, 2022
This story was engaging from the start. Berry has an incredible imagination that manifests itself in a very easy to read manner. I got to the end and was disappointed there wasn't more. I certainly there will be more. This would be great read for young double digit aged (or younger) readers with silly imaginations.
June 1, 2022
I was fortunate to enjoy an advanced review copy of Death at Dusbar College. A story for middle-grade children (10-13 years old), Laura DeNovis Berry employs fantasy, magic, dragons, and a riddle to share a tale of a young boy's initiative, commonsense and courage. Done with humour and engaging descriptions, it is a book I shall be buying for friends' children.
It is released today!
It is released today!
June 6, 2022
If you miss Hogwarts, visit Dusbar College. Death at Dusbar College is a delightfully enchanting story that will have you relish in discovering a new magical world where you join Cristiano on a journey of self-discovery. I'm already eagerly awaiting the next installment!
February 5, 2023
A Delightful Read
So descriptive and charming. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school students. The story is told with wit and a sense of humor throughout. The illustrations were lovely. I do recommend it for sure.
So descriptive and charming. Perfect for upper elementary and middle school students. The story is told with wit and a sense of humor throughout. The illustrations were lovely. I do recommend it for sure.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews