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The Five Realms #2
Дар Темнистої нори
«Терниста нора ще спить, коли співець виходить навшпиньках зі своєї кімнати. Нічне жахіття досі відлунює в його голові, і він здригається від уявного скреготу залізних воронячих крил…» Співець змушений покинути Тернисту нору. Залишатися там надто небезпечно. Разом з ним у дорогу вирушає малий Ру, який мріє навчитися співочого ремесла й почути продовження легенди про Подкіна Одновухого... Після битви зі Скрамашенком, ватажком ґормів, Подкін із сестрою Паз, братиком Паком та іншими кроликами ховаються у Темнистій печері серед Хмуросердого лісу. Паз дбає про хворих кролів, Кром збирає військову раду, а Подкіну робити нічого. Засмучений кролик дуже хоче бути корисним: він вирушає на розвідку й випадково натрапляє на покинуту печеру. Там на Подкіна чекає дар Темнистої нори, а разом з ним — нові захопливі пригоди і нова зустріч з підступними ґормами. «Дар Темнистої нори» — друга книга серії легенд про П’ять королівств і запрошення до таємничого світу хоробрих героїв та вірної дружби.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2017
64 people are currently reading
630 people want to read
About the author
Kieran Larwood
23 books282 followersKieran Larwood is the author of Freaks, and was the winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2011.
Kieran is one of only two male Reception class teachers on the Isle of Wight.
His days mainly consist of singing nursery rhymes, tying shoelaces, trying to locate who has had an ‘accident’ by sense of smell alone, and vast, endless mountains of paperwork.
Kieran graduated from Southampton University with a degree in English, and also did a foundation year at Falmouth College of Art. Ever since he first read The Hobbit at age six, he has been passionate about stories and storytelling.
Kieran lives with his family on the Isle of Wight. It is his dream to write full time and leave the ‘accidents’ to someone else.
Kieran is one of only two male Reception class teachers on the Isle of Wight.
His days mainly consist of singing nursery rhymes, tying shoelaces, trying to locate who has had an ‘accident’ by sense of smell alone, and vast, endless mountains of paperwork.
Kieran graduated from Southampton University with a degree in English, and also did a foundation year at Falmouth College of Art. Ever since he first read The Hobbit at age six, he has been passionate about stories and storytelling.
Kieran lives with his family on the Isle of Wight. It is his dream to write full time and leave the ‘accidents’ to someone else.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
June 29, 2022
While sheltering in Dark Hollow, our rabbit heroes have some time to kill. While exploring the dark corners of the previously abandoned warren, Podkin stumbles upon one of the twelve gifts. As Brigid said, the balance in the world always tries to find a way to restore itself. Now that the Gorm are growing stronger by the day, it seems the goddess’ gifts are growing stronger too. The Gorm also seem to realize this, which is why they’re so determined to destroy the gifts once and for all. When the rabbits learn of another hidden gift, it’s a race to find the gift that might tip the balance in our heroes’ favor.
The plot is once again very reminiscent of classic fantasy stories, with our heroes going on a quest to find a magic item that can save them from the evil antagonist. It starts a bit slow as the story takes its time to do some world building and some further fleshing out of the characters we’ve already grown to love. Once the adventure part of the story starts, it grips you immediately and it just keeps getting better. We also meet new some interesting new rabbits along the way. Zarza the bonedancer without a doubt steals the show the moment she enters the spotlight. This makes Podkin more insecure than he already was, as he’s always been a lazy and spoiled rabbit before the Gorm took his cozy life away from him. And it forces Podkin to figure out what he brings to the table, as everyone around him seems far more skilled and capable than him at first glance.
Now we know there’s more to the bard part of the story, it’s safe to say these little interludes have just become much more interesting. It’s a cute little side story that compliments and elevates an already strong story in its own right.
Overall, a very relaxed start that effortlessly transitions into a classic action-packed fantasy adventure for the ages.
The plot is once again very reminiscent of classic fantasy stories, with our heroes going on a quest to find a magic item that can save them from the evil antagonist. It starts a bit slow as the story takes its time to do some world building and some further fleshing out of the characters we’ve already grown to love. Once the adventure part of the story starts, it grips you immediately and it just keeps getting better. We also meet new some interesting new rabbits along the way. Zarza the bonedancer without a doubt steals the show the moment she enters the spotlight. This makes Podkin more insecure than he already was, as he’s always been a lazy and spoiled rabbit before the Gorm took his cozy life away from him. And it forces Podkin to figure out what he brings to the table, as everyone around him seems far more skilled and capable than him at first glance.
Now we know there’s more to the bard part of the story, it’s safe to say these little interludes have just become much more interesting. It’s a cute little side story that compliments and elevates an already strong story in its own right.
Overall, a very relaxed start that effortlessly transitions into a classic action-packed fantasy adventure for the ages.
August 7, 2018
A gripping, adventurous fantasy even more magical than the first. Beautifully structured and written with wonderful characters. An entirely captivating series - bring on the third installment!
May 28, 2018
Maybe it's because I grew up on the Redwall series, but I can't get enough of Keiran Larwood's Five Realms books. They're so compellingly told and exciting - and who doesn't love warrior rabbits?! I'm a huge fan pf Podkin One Ear, and I'm delighted to say that this second book doesn't disappoint. (8+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*
April 25, 2024
Nakon teškog sukoba s opakim Gvozdenima, Podkin Jednouhi, njegova sestra Paza i brat Pook te njegovi prijatelji i suborci oporavljaju se, njeguju oslobođene ranjenike i prikupljaju snagu za daljnji otpor u davno napuštenom (a možda i ukletom) zečinjaku Mračnoj Rupi. Iako dobro koriste ovaj predah, opasnost od Gvozdenih još je sveprisutna.
Kako su Gvozdeni značajno nadmoćni nad ovom - koliko god hrabrom i srčanom - skupinom zečeva, jedina nada za pobjedu nad ovim opakim stvorenjima koja su nekada bili zečevi, leži u pronalasku čarobnih darova, koje su nekada davno na dar dobili poglavari svakog zečinjaka, a koji su već odavno izgubljeni (ili samo jako dobro skriveni).
Nakon Podkinovog iznenadnog otkrića u samom srcu Mračne Rupe, priliku za pronalazak upravo jednog od Darova - i to onog koji bi mogao značiti i pobjedu nad Gvozdenima - pronaći će (uz pomoć nešto sreće i tajnovitog šuljanja) upravo Podkin, ali zadatak na koji Podkin mora poći da bi tu priliku iskoristio vrlo je opasan. Srećom, uz njega su neustrašivi i hrabri pratitelji, na koje uvijek može računati.
I tako, legenda se nastavlja...
Strašno simpatičan legendarni jednouhi junak u ovoj je priči još uvijek tek mali zečić, čija hrabrost i snalažljivost je od prve pustolovine neizmjerno narasla, a ovdje će to nastaviti činiti. Tu su i ostali, vrlo mi dragi likovi, od Paze i Pooka do slijepog ratnika Kroma i akrobatskog tandema Miša i Maša (koji se malo zovu Miš i Maš, a malo Miška i Maško, ali skužiš da se radi o dva, a ne četiri lika :)), koji su također postali nezamjenjivi dio priče i bitan oslonac samom Podkinu. U ovom nastavku u priču ulaze i jedan bard, jedna koštana plesačica i jedan smutljivac, čija se uloga u priči tek treba razjasniti.
Tu je još i Podkinov stari neprijatelj, Gvozdeni Dugonogi, koji će ponovno dati sve od sebe da Podkinu pomrsi planove. No, Podkin s kojim će se ovdje susresti nije onaj isti preplašeni zečić kojeg je sreo prvi put - a koji ga je i taj prvi put uspio poraziti.
"Jednom sam te pobijedio, a sada sam to učinio ponovno. Ja nisam 'mali potrčko'. Ja sam Podkin Jednouhi. Ja sam Podkin Mjesečev Jahač. Ja sam Podkin Daronoša. I ja se više ne bojim tebe. Zapravo, ti si onaj tko bi se trebao bojati mene."
Fantastična potraga za moćnim čarobnim darovima istražuje malo i legendu o tim darovima, i pruža nam širi uvid u svijet Pet Kraljevstava i njime rasprostranjenih zečinjaka. Opaki Gvozdeni još su opakiji, pustolovine na koje put vodi Podkina još su opasnije, a Podkin i njegovi prijatelji još su vještiji u izmicanju tim opasnostima - i brizi jednih o drugima.
Priča o Podkinu divna je, pustolovna i maštovita priča, a takav je i njen nastavak. Jedva čekam iduće!
Kako su Gvozdeni značajno nadmoćni nad ovom - koliko god hrabrom i srčanom - skupinom zečeva, jedina nada za pobjedu nad ovim opakim stvorenjima koja su nekada bili zečevi, leži u pronalasku čarobnih darova, koje su nekada davno na dar dobili poglavari svakog zečinjaka, a koji su već odavno izgubljeni (ili samo jako dobro skriveni).
Nakon Podkinovog iznenadnog otkrića u samom srcu Mračne Rupe, priliku za pronalazak upravo jednog od Darova - i to onog koji bi mogao značiti i pobjedu nad Gvozdenima - pronaći će (uz pomoć nešto sreće i tajnovitog šuljanja) upravo Podkin, ali zadatak na koji Podkin mora poći da bi tu priliku iskoristio vrlo je opasan. Srećom, uz njega su neustrašivi i hrabri pratitelji, na koje uvijek može računati.
I tako, legenda se nastavlja...
Strašno simpatičan legendarni jednouhi junak u ovoj je priči još uvijek tek mali zečić, čija hrabrost i snalažljivost je od prve pustolovine neizmjerno narasla, a ovdje će to nastaviti činiti. Tu su i ostali, vrlo mi dragi likovi, od Paze i Pooka do slijepog ratnika Kroma i akrobatskog tandema Miša i Maša (koji se malo zovu Miš i Maš, a malo Miška i Maško, ali skužiš da se radi o dva, a ne četiri lika :)), koji su također postali nezamjenjivi dio priče i bitan oslonac samom Podkinu. U ovom nastavku u priču ulaze i jedan bard, jedna koštana plesačica i jedan smutljivac, čija se uloga u priči tek treba razjasniti.
Tu je još i Podkinov stari neprijatelj, Gvozdeni Dugonogi, koji će ponovno dati sve od sebe da Podkinu pomrsi planove. No, Podkin s kojim će se ovdje susresti nije onaj isti preplašeni zečić kojeg je sreo prvi put - a koji ga je i taj prvi put uspio poraziti.
"Jednom sam te pobijedio, a sada sam to učinio ponovno. Ja nisam 'mali potrčko'. Ja sam Podkin Jednouhi. Ja sam Podkin Mjesečev Jahač. Ja sam Podkin Daronoša. I ja se više ne bojim tebe. Zapravo, ti si onaj tko bi se trebao bojati mene."
Fantastična potraga za moćnim čarobnim darovima istražuje malo i legendu o tim darovima, i pruža nam širi uvid u svijet Pet Kraljevstava i njime rasprostranjenih zečinjaka. Opaki Gvozdeni još su opakiji, pustolovine na koje put vodi Podkina još su opasnije, a Podkin i njegovi prijatelji još su vještiji u izmicanju tim opasnostima - i brizi jednih o drugima.
Priča o Podkinu divna je, pustolovna i maštovita priča, a takav je i njen nastavak. Jedva čekam iduće!
March 1, 2019
Wieder ein spannendes Abenteuer, auch wenn es ein paar Längen gibt und mich die Geschichte des erzählenden Barden diesmal fast mehr interessiert hat. Bin gespannt wie es weitergeht :)
June 16, 2022
Soop!
August 11, 2018
The Five Realms series has the feel of a story being told around a campfire. Each book is told from the vantage point of an old bard, with the first book centered around a holiday gathering and the second a tale told while the bard and his new apprentice travel across the countryside. Occasional the bard pauses his stories of Podkin One-Ear to converse with his audience, in this case, Rue. The writing style so reminds me of Brian Jacques Redwall series with our hero Podkin One-Ear and his band of daring rabbits trying to fend off the evil Gorm army by acquiring magical weapons and going off into battle. The black and white illustrations by David Wyatt are gorgeously detailed and I especially loved the ones of Zarza the bonedancer, a new character added to the story. I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.
** E ARC received from Edelweiss Plus **
** E ARC received from Edelweiss Plus **
July 10, 2022
I am not even pretending that reading this series with my kid isn’t also for me. He has loved the storytelling reveals, the action, and even the more melancholic moments and I have too.
The Gorm are terrifying like the Borg in their original incarnation. The world building is gradual but engaging. The storyteller device is wonderful. I love this series. Sooop!!!
The Gorm are terrifying like the Borg in their original incarnation. The world building is gradual but engaging. The storyteller device is wonderful. I love this series. Sooop!!!
September 12, 2024
The bard, whom we met in book one and discovered was a grown up Pook, takes on a new apprentice, Rue, and travels to Thornbury. Along the way, he tells Rue more of Podkin's tale:
Paz is tending to the rescued sick rabbits, while Podkin chafes to do something, amything, in their fight against Scramashank. Taking Paz with him, the two explore the underground chamber of Dark Hollow, and find a silver brooch which is the Gift of Dark Hollow. The brooch allows its user to moonstride, which means the person can become invisible and move.
Convinced this is what can help them, he convinces Crom and the council that they need to go to another warren, Applecross, which is supposed to have its Gift still. A small party heads out, with Podkin, Paz, the bard Yarrow, Crom, and a few others. Of course, they encounter perils along the way, and worse ones once they get to the warren. Paz, meanwhile, learns to wield her sickle to get plants to grow incredibly fast and snake their branches and roots where she tells them.
After terrible danger, the rabbits return home to Dark Hollow, bruised, injured, but hoping that their find can help them repel some Gorm.
The Bard stops his tale once they arrive at their destination and the intent of this journey, which was to reunite one last time with his former master Yarrow.
This is such a dark story, with fantastic adventure and moments of grave peril. I absolutely loved the new character, Zarza, a bonedancer, who must kill something each day to maintain her status.
Podkin begins the story still lazy, but by the end of the journey to Applecross, I think we're beginning to see the development of the hero he'll turn out to be.
At the same time, I loved that Paz was so integral to the efforts and success of the small band. She's kind, and also becoming quite powerful; so much so that even Zarza was impressed by her.
I'm greatly enjoying this series so far, so on to book three!
Paz is tending to the rescued sick rabbits, while Podkin chafes to do something, amything, in their fight against Scramashank. Taking Paz with him, the two explore the underground chamber of Dark Hollow, and find a silver brooch which is the Gift of Dark Hollow. The brooch allows its user to moonstride, which means the person can become invisible and move.
Convinced this is what can help them, he convinces Crom and the council that they need to go to another warren, Applecross, which is supposed to have its Gift still. A small party heads out, with Podkin, Paz, the bard Yarrow, Crom, and a few others. Of course, they encounter perils along the way, and worse ones once they get to the warren. Paz, meanwhile, learns to wield her sickle to get plants to grow incredibly fast and snake their branches and roots where she tells them.
After terrible danger, the rabbits return home to Dark Hollow, bruised, injured, but hoping that their find can help them repel some Gorm.
The Bard stops his tale once they arrive at their destination and the intent of this journey, which was to reunite one last time with his former master Yarrow.
This is such a dark story, with fantastic adventure and moments of grave peril. I absolutely loved the new character, Zarza, a bonedancer, who must kill something each day to maintain her status.
Podkin begins the story still lazy, but by the end of the journey to Applecross, I think we're beginning to see the development of the hero he'll turn out to be.
At the same time, I loved that Paz was so integral to the efforts and success of the small band. She's kind, and also becoming quite powerful; so much so that even Zarza was impressed by her.
I'm greatly enjoying this series so far, so on to book three!
December 28, 2021
Druhá časť Podkina Jednouchého potvrdzuje, že ide o naozaj výborne napísanú sériu. Rozvíja sa aj línia rozprávača, ktorý si zoberie učňa. Podkin Jednoduchý sa z rozmaznaného fagana stáva oveľa rozvážnejším, odvážnejším a už aj pochybujúcejším. Táto séria je určite zaujímavá aj tým, že dáva do popredia súrodeneckú súdržnosť, ale aj rozmanitosť samotnej skupiny králikov. Po druhej časti sa nedá nesiahnuť po tretej.
February 1, 2020
Yeah so this series is turning out to belong with the greats. Absolutely brilliant
May 13, 2019
Táto séria sa mi páči viac a viac. Druhý diel je o čosi svižnejší. Priestor dostanú aj vedľajšie postavy. Paz a Puk začnú hrať v deji dôležitejšiu úlohu. Naopak sám Podkin, aj keď stále šikovný hrdina, je zavalený pochybnosťami a občasnou závisťou.
Ak sa vám zdalo, že prvý diel trochu upozadňuje ženské postavy, pokračovanie vám nielen dá zapravdu, ale ponúkne aj ženské hrdinky. (Nie je fér, že dievčatá sa nesmú stať náčelníčkami.)
Text je napínavý a výborne sa číta, presne ako prvá časť série. Budem sa opakovať, ale je to skvelá fantasy pre detiská od 8 rokov. Ja sama som knihu zhltla za dva večery.
Ak sa vám zdalo, že prvý diel trochu upozadňuje ženské postavy, pokračovanie vám nielen dá zapravdu, ale ponúkne aj ženské hrdinky. (Nie je fér, že dievčatá sa nesmú stať náčelníčkami.)
Text je napínavý a výborne sa číta, presne ako prvá časť série. Budem sa opakovať, ale je to skvelá fantasy pre detiská od 8 rokov. Ja sama som knihu zhltla za dva večery.
September 14, 2020
I think this is even better than the first book?!
Honestly, I love Podkin so much. The story is told like a true campfire story. So beautifully decribed that I could see the pictures so clearly in my mind. I know these are rated "childrens books" but I feel that any adult would enjoy these ❤
Honestly, I love Podkin so much. The story is told like a true campfire story. So beautifully decribed that I could see the pictures so clearly in my mind. I know these are rated "childrens books" but I feel that any adult would enjoy these ❤
November 26, 2019
It's really good 😊😊😊
September 30, 2017
The Gift of Dark Hollow continues the story of Podkin One-ear and it is just as good as the first book. Having survived the battle against Scramashank and chopping off one of his legs, Podkin, Paz and Pook along with Crom and the others hole up in Dark Hollow, a warren hidden within Grimheart forest. Hidden away from immediate danger Podkin starts to feel unappreciated and useless, consequently, he decides to explore their new warren. During this exploration Podkin happens upon the Gift of Dark Hollow and sets into motion a course of events that may just help the rabbits defeat the Gorm.
This book introduces several new characters, most notably Zarza, a bonedancer, Yarrow the bard and Vetch, who is a mystery but there are hints of his possible involvement in book 3. Like with book 1 all the characters are nicely fleshed-out and the relationships between the rabbits is heart-warming at times.
With ‘The Gift of Dark Hollow’, the Five Realms series continues to be a brilliant fantasy series full of great characters and action. Yet again I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This book introduces several new characters, most notably Zarza, a bonedancer, Yarrow the bard and Vetch, who is a mystery but there are hints of his possible involvement in book 3. Like with book 1 all the characters are nicely fleshed-out and the relationships between the rabbits is heart-warming at times.
With ‘The Gift of Dark Hollow’, the Five Realms series continues to be a brilliant fantasy series full of great characters and action. Yet again I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
May 23, 2020
Secretul scorburii întunecate - o continuare plină de adrenalină și suspans a poveștii lui Podkin o Ureche. Pășim din nou în extraordinarul univers creat de Kieran Larwood și îl însoțim pe curajosul iepuraș și pe tovarășii săi într-o nouă serie de aventuri uluitoare care ne țin cu sufletul la gură pe toată durata lecturii.
Acțiunea se derulează pe două fire principale, situate în planuri temporale diferite. Pe unul din fire îl regăsim pe micul Puk, fratele lui Podkin, acum un bard cărunt, ale cărui povești îi încântă pe cei din coloniile unde poposește în peregrinările sale.
În celălalt plan al acțiunii - planul principal, de altfel - îi regăsim pe iepurași în Pădurea Inimii Întunecate, ascunși în vechea colonie Scorbura Întunecată (de unde provenea Crom, războinicul orb) unde au avut norocul să descopere unul din cele douăsprezece Daruri magice ale Zeiței: Focul Lunii.
Însă Podkin Podkin află de la Polygon, un fugar de la Crucea Mărului, de un alt Dar magic al Zeiței, Ciocanul sacru Izbici. Aveau nevoie neapărat și de acesta, pentru a avea o șansă în plus în lupta cu Hapli, dar Colonia Crucea Mărului era deja sub influența Hapligonului!
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/sec...
Acțiunea se derulează pe două fire principale, situate în planuri temporale diferite. Pe unul din fire îl regăsim pe micul Puk, fratele lui Podkin, acum un bard cărunt, ale cărui povești îi încântă pe cei din coloniile unde poposește în peregrinările sale.
În celălalt plan al acțiunii - planul principal, de altfel - îi regăsim pe iepurași în Pădurea Inimii Întunecate, ascunși în vechea colonie Scorbura Întunecată (de unde provenea Crom, războinicul orb) unde au avut norocul să descopere unul din cele douăsprezece Daruri magice ale Zeiței: Focul Lunii.
Însă Podkin Podkin află de la Polygon, un fugar de la Crucea Mărului, de un alt Dar magic al Zeiței, Ciocanul sacru Izbici. Aveau nevoie neapărat și de acesta, pentru a avea o șansă în plus în lupta cu Hapli, dar Colonia Crucea Mărului era deja sub influența Hapligonului!
https://www.delicateseliterare.ro/sec...
June 2, 2022
The story of Podkin continues, told by the bard. There is also a story about the bard, which we read snippets from as the book proceeds. A lovely, quick read. Characters are further explored and the adventures become even more ... adventurous.
I was going to pause my reading because I have other books to be read this month, but the ending just left me wanting more, so I'm going to continue reading after all. Can't wait to see where it all ends after this!
I was going to pause my reading because I have other books to be read this month, but the ending just left me wanting more, so I'm going to continue reading after all. Can't wait to see where it all ends after this!
February 21, 2021
My kids and I can't get enough of this series. They are glued to the story while we're reading it and talking about it when we're not. I love seeing how much they are enjoying it. Filled with great characters, an intriguing story, lots of action, and beautiful illustrations, I have a hard time convincing them each night that we have to stop for the night.
December 7, 2018
I really do love these little series of books. It's full of fun and adventure and you really do fall in love with the characters and the writing of the books always makes you feel like your there having the adventure with Podkin and his family. It's an easy going enjoyable book.
May 26, 2020
Das war wieder sehr süß! Für eine der Figuren hätte ich mir einen anderen Weg gewünscht, aber man kann nicht alles haben. Umso spannender, was aus dieser Figur werden wird!
January 9, 2021
i really like how there is zero romance and lots of family and found family bounds in this series
June 5, 2022
Great stuff! World-building and somewhat D&S-style adventure, with highly humanoid rabbits. Well-written and just intriguing enough to keep this reader hooked. Perfect distraction, sequels wanted.
September 19, 2017
Just as fabulous as the first. Brilliant characters, intriguing story and just god damn awesome!
February 21, 2019
Wonderful and captivating story telling. I just love this series. David Wyatt’s illustrations are ones to linger over, too.
March 18, 2018
Every bit as good as book 1. Beautifully structured and written, this series already has the feel of a classic. Wonderful world-building. Lord of the Rings with rabbits. Loved it!
February 15, 2021
I am thoroughly ashamed of myself for taking so long to get to this series after adoring the first one towards the end of 2020, so naturally I’ve made it my mission to catch up in 2021. The series follows the story of a legendary rabbit warrior named Podkin One-Ear (and his siblings Pook and Paz), who have to face off against the evil Gorm, as told by a bard, who is travelling to a festival with a young rabbit in this book. The way these books are structured is so clever, as the narrator is a character in their own right, and I love the interludes where we get to see what’s going on, which only got more exciting in this book as we learn much more about the bard and how personal Podkin’s story is to him (plus Rue is precious and I love him and his inquisitive nature so much!). Podkin’s story only got more interesting as well, as this book sees him take on a new mission in his quest to defeat the Gorm, who are suitably terrifying villains and are enslaving and murdering rabbits at a horrifying pace, and I loved his development as a character that came about as a result. My favourite character is definitely still Paz because she’s just such a queen, but I really liked some of the new characters in this installment too, and I’m also very fond of Crom, Bridgid and who could resist baby Pook? The worldbuilding is another huge highlight, it really reminds of the Warrior books by Erin Hunter as I’m so invested in the characters and story arc, and loved learning about the structure of the rabbits’ lives in terms of them all having different warrens and each Warren having a special Gift, bestowed by their goddess. I’m so sad I only have one book left in the trilogy now, but I’m dying to see what happens next and equally can’t wait to meet Uki in the sequel series.
November 18, 2018
The Gift of Dark Hollow by Kieran Larwood
Warning: this review may contain some spoilers for The Legend of Podkin One-Ear, the first book in the series.
Fun and fast-paced, The Gift of Dark Hollow is the second book in the Five Realms series by Kieran Larwood. It picks up almost immediately where the first book, The Legend of Podkin One-Ear, left off. Podkin; his sister, Paz; his baby brother, Pook; their erstwhile guardians, Crom and Brigid, and a whole host of rabbits rescued from the grips of the merciless Gorm - including their comatose mother - are taking shelter in the warren of Dark Hollow, deep in the heart of Grimwood Forest. Meanwhile, in the other part of the story, our Bard has decided he had best be moving on from Thornwood, joined by Rue, a younger son of the chieftain, with him as a potential apprentice.
I felt that the pace of this book was slightly slower than the first book, especially in relation to Podkin’s story: less actually seems to happen. However, this isn’t really a criticism. In the first book, the Bard’s story didn’t feel important until right at the very end, but this isn’t the case in this book. Knowing the Bard’s true identity, we find him desperately hiding this identity from all comers, including other travelling bards and his new apprentice. This adds a whole new element to the story and one which I enjoyed.
As in the previous book, Podkin is joined by a whole host of characters. From the last book, we still have Crom, Brigid, and Mish and Mash. Of these, Brigid was easily my favourite. In this book, we are introduced to a new group, and I really enjoyed these new members of Pod’s gang. We got a young, adventurous bard out for a good story, a masked assassin and a coward, who, in my opinion, only cares about one person: himself. They all added something extra to the group, forcing the acrobatic brother and sister of act, Mish and Mash, further back on my list of characters. The characters from the old book all got on so well, were harmonious in their goals, where as the new ones add an element of conflict and mistrust, making the interactions that much more interesting to read.
One thing that I have been really impressed with in both the Five Realms books is the strength of the opening chapters. For both, Larwood has hit the nail on the head with the sense of intrigue inspired from both.
Like the previous book in the series, I would certainly recommend this book to people looking for a fun, quick read – and of course to children. Though, as with most sequels, it goes without saying that you should read the previous book in the series first!
Catch more of my reviews at: https://jackshelton89.wixsite.com/jac...
Warning: this review may contain some spoilers for The Legend of Podkin One-Ear, the first book in the series.
Fun and fast-paced, The Gift of Dark Hollow is the second book in the Five Realms series by Kieran Larwood. It picks up almost immediately where the first book, The Legend of Podkin One-Ear, left off. Podkin; his sister, Paz; his baby brother, Pook; their erstwhile guardians, Crom and Brigid, and a whole host of rabbits rescued from the grips of the merciless Gorm - including their comatose mother - are taking shelter in the warren of Dark Hollow, deep in the heart of Grimwood Forest. Meanwhile, in the other part of the story, our Bard has decided he had best be moving on from Thornwood, joined by Rue, a younger son of the chieftain, with him as a potential apprentice.
I felt that the pace of this book was slightly slower than the first book, especially in relation to Podkin’s story: less actually seems to happen. However, this isn’t really a criticism. In the first book, the Bard’s story didn’t feel important until right at the very end, but this isn’t the case in this book. Knowing the Bard’s true identity, we find him desperately hiding this identity from all comers, including other travelling bards and his new apprentice. This adds a whole new element to the story and one which I enjoyed.
As in the previous book, Podkin is joined by a whole host of characters. From the last book, we still have Crom, Brigid, and Mish and Mash. Of these, Brigid was easily my favourite. In this book, we are introduced to a new group, and I really enjoyed these new members of Pod’s gang. We got a young, adventurous bard out for a good story, a masked assassin and a coward, who, in my opinion, only cares about one person: himself. They all added something extra to the group, forcing the acrobatic brother and sister of act, Mish and Mash, further back on my list of characters. The characters from the old book all got on so well, were harmonious in their goals, where as the new ones add an element of conflict and mistrust, making the interactions that much more interesting to read.
One thing that I have been really impressed with in both the Five Realms books is the strength of the opening chapters. For both, Larwood has hit the nail on the head with the sense of intrigue inspired from both.
Like the previous book in the series, I would certainly recommend this book to people looking for a fun, quick read – and of course to children. Though, as with most sequels, it goes without saying that you should read the previous book in the series first!
Catch more of my reviews at: https://jackshelton89.wixsite.com/jac...
April 12, 2018
Like a shorter Redwall - rabbit fantasy adventure series.
I devoured the Redwall books as a pre-teen, a wonderful saga over many thick books about mice (and others) battling an evil character, with mythological elements.
This series reminds me of those, but are much more accessible for a slightly younger audience, and have a wonderful bookend narrative structure, with a storyteller telling an apprentice (or audience) the internal tale. It works brilliantly, as the narrator himself is a character in his own stories (we are readers know this), and he has his own story outside of the one he is telling.
Podkin One-Ear, told about previously, has another of his long backstory told to the storyteller's new apprentice, as the Gorm (mechanised rabbits intent on destruction) continue to ravage the land. Still young himself, and along with his sister and baby brother, he forms alliances and comes into the possession of magical items that may be useful in the fight against evil.
A gripping adventurous fantasy, with some mature touches (one character must kill something every day without fail) and a story that doesn't pander to a young audience.
Love the period feel of this, and the structure is refreshingly different. I look forward to more stories from Podkin's 'bard'.
The audio version works well, as the story is 'told' to us, as it is to the listener within the book. It was easy enough to follow both the plot and who is speaking. I didn't listen with my son as we haven't read the first together, but I think he would enjoy the adventure in a year or two.
I would recommend this to readers/listeners aged 8 or 9 and above.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
I devoured the Redwall books as a pre-teen, a wonderful saga over many thick books about mice (and others) battling an evil character, with mythological elements.
This series reminds me of those, but are much more accessible for a slightly younger audience, and have a wonderful bookend narrative structure, with a storyteller telling an apprentice (or audience) the internal tale. It works brilliantly, as the narrator himself is a character in his own stories (we are readers know this), and he has his own story outside of the one he is telling.
Podkin One-Ear, told about previously, has another of his long backstory told to the storyteller's new apprentice, as the Gorm (mechanised rabbits intent on destruction) continue to ravage the land. Still young himself, and along with his sister and baby brother, he forms alliances and comes into the possession of magical items that may be useful in the fight against evil.
A gripping adventurous fantasy, with some mature touches (one character must kill something every day without fail) and a story that doesn't pander to a young audience.
Love the period feel of this, and the structure is refreshingly different. I look forward to more stories from Podkin's 'bard'.
The audio version works well, as the story is 'told' to us, as it is to the listener within the book. It was easy enough to follow both the plot and who is speaking. I didn't listen with my son as we haven't read the first together, but I think he would enjoy the adventure in a year or two.
I would recommend this to readers/listeners aged 8 or 9 and above.
With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy.
July 6, 2019
I'm a bard and have a story to share with you. I'll pick it up after our young heroes narrowly escaped the Gorm's camp. There seemed to be no way to stop them, so Podkin and his friends hid for over a month in Corm's abandoned warren. The rabbits had deserted it when they believed their home was cursed. Now Podkin explored the forgotten rooms and depths of the burrow and discovered a relic meant to be lost. It gave him a magical connection to shadows that would help him in the moonlight. Secrets were also discovered that impelled Podkin and his friends to breach another Gorm camp. Little did they know their survival would rest with the efforts of their smallest hero.
I recommend you read Podkin One-Ear first even though you can still enjoy this book without it. As in the first one, Pook the bard continued the story of Podkin, but this time he reluctantly took on an apprentice named Rue. Pook wanted to keep his identity secret, which brought about a sense of mystery beyond the Podkin story. Somebody wanted him dead for some reason. The Podkin story still went unfinished, as it's the thread holding the books together. Podkin continued to feel useless, as the other characters stepped up when needed. Podkin felt he had no special talents, but he's turned out to be the uniting factor among the group. It was an interesting contrast to his character in the first book. The Gorm continued to be an overwhelming juggernaut, terrifying creatures throughout the forest. Their connection to iron made them an almost indestructible army, but Podkin has managed to find a way, so far. Overall, this has been an entertaining series that can be enjoyed by most middle grade readers. I recommend you give it a shot.
I recommend you read Podkin One-Ear first even though you can still enjoy this book without it. As in the first one, Pook the bard continued the story of Podkin, but this time he reluctantly took on an apprentice named Rue. Pook wanted to keep his identity secret, which brought about a sense of mystery beyond the Podkin story. Somebody wanted him dead for some reason. The Podkin story still went unfinished, as it's the thread holding the books together. Podkin continued to feel useless, as the other characters stepped up when needed. Podkin felt he had no special talents, but he's turned out to be the uniting factor among the group. It was an interesting contrast to his character in the first book. The Gorm continued to be an overwhelming juggernaut, terrifying creatures throughout the forest. Their connection to iron made them an almost indestructible army, but Podkin has managed to find a way, so far. Overall, this has been an entertaining series that can be enjoyed by most middle grade readers. I recommend you give it a shot.
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