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The Farwalker Trilogy #2
The Timekeeper’s Moon
When Ariel Farwalker hears the moon talking to her, she thinks she must be going crazy. Then she discovers an ancient map, and learns that the moon is part of a mysterious summons that's calling her on a new journey.
With her surly guardian Scarl by her side, Ariel sets out on an adventure that leads her to new friends-the beautiful Flame-Mage Sienna and the mute boy Nace, who captures Ariel's heart. As the four travel on, strange things start to happen-fragments of Ariel's past appear in the present, so that it seems that time itself is coming undone. At the end of the journey, Ariel will learn where her journey began, and have a chance to save her life as she knows it.
With her surly guardian Scarl by her side, Ariel sets out on an adventure that leads her to new friends-the beautiful Flame-Mage Sienna and the mute boy Nace, who captures Ariel's heart. As the four travel on, strange things start to happen-fragments of Ariel's past appear in the present, so that it seems that time itself is coming undone. At the end of the journey, Ariel will learn where her journey began, and have a chance to save her life as she knows it.
344 pages, Hardcover
First published March 2, 2010
9 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Joni Sensel
17 books45 followersJoni Sensel is the author of more than a dozen non-fiction titles for adults and five novels for young readers from Macmillan imprints, as well as two picture books. Her fiction titles include a Junior Library Guild selection, a Center for Children’s Books “Best Book,” a Henry Bergh Honor title, and a finalist for several other awards. Her adventures have taken her to the corners of 15 countries, the heights of the Cascade Mountains, the length of an Irish marathon, and the depths of love. She lives at the knees of Mt. Rainier in Washington State with a puppy who came into her life as a birthday gift that reflected afterlife influence. Sign up for her creativity newsletter on her website!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 5, 2019
Love NACE!!!!
February 9, 2011
I couldn't resist giving this one a five. It had all the good qualities of the first book, and it was so deliciously well done.
My favorite part though was how it was an integral part of the story from the first book, without you ever realizing while reading the first book that anything was missing. You'll know what I mean if you read it, so go do that.
I'm in awe of the magic of it all, truly. And sincerely hoping that there is a third adventure waiting for us.
My favorite part though was how it was an integral part of the story from the first book, without you ever realizing while reading the first book that anything was missing. You'll know what I mean if you read it, so go do that.
I'm in awe of the magic of it all, truly. And sincerely hoping that there is a third adventure waiting for us.
February 12, 2011
From time to time, I will read a sequel to a book I haven’t read, which I did this week. I do this because the project I’m working on is a sequel and reading the sequels to books I haven’t read helps me to understand the fine art of exposition. Every sequel has to do a little “Previously on” summary of the first book in some way if the events of the second book are in anyway tied to the events of the first. For some reason, I find studying the techniques writers employ to accomplish this in different scenarios fascinating and it’s a practice I recommend to all writers, even if you never plan to write a sequel yourself.
The first chapter of most of the Harry Potter novels is Harry recalling what happened last book and catching us up with what’s happened since then. Each of Stephen King’s entries in The Dark Tower—highly recommended for adult readers—begins with a section called argument, which is literally a listing of events in the previous books. James Patterson’s Alex Cross novels—yes, I read them, and if you want to write books that sell, you should to—rarely bother with a summary of any kind. Patterson usually introduces the new villain and starts with Alex Cross on the case and we learn what we need to know about him as we go. In Patterson’s case, he doesn’t want us thinking about how very, very dead Alex Cross should be at this point given all his near brushes by lining them up in a summary.
Sensel employs a method that is fairly similar to writing exposition in any novel and it’s worth paying attention to. The trick with summary is to inform the careless reader who doesn’t start at the beginning so he, or I, can understand what’s going on in the story at the point I’m joining, without boring and alienating the return readers who may have just read the first book and know this stuff already. But what about the readers who read the first book, but it was a year ago and they don’t remember it exactly?
In most cases, the thing to do is what Sensel does: she just starts the story. We’re introduced to the characters. Returning readers are happy to see them again and first time readers meet them for the first time. She starts with conflict that is dramatic whether we read the first book or not, but more dramatic if we have. And she spaces out her summary providing what we need to know when we need to know it.
For an easy example we can all relate to, I turn as always to Batman. Most of us know who Batman is, but there may be some who don’t going into a story we’ll call Batman 19. In chapter six of Batman 19, Batman is going to leap off a building and not fall to his death because his cape can turn into a glider. The reader will never get to chapter six if we start chapter one with a long list of all of Batman’s devices, especially his glider, which he has used for Batman 1-18, and an explanation of the times he used them. It would be simpler to wait until chapter six and simply write “Batman jumped, but did not die because his cape turned into a glider” Fans who knew Batman could do this will not be surprised and new comers will be learning of it when it’s important to the story. Still, better storytelling yet would be to find a small instance in chapter five for Batman to check that his cape glider is in order as to reveal it in chapter six without a tiny set up before hand is less satisfying.
In The Timekeeper’s Moon, many of the characters have magical powers that are revealed to us in small instances in the first few chapters so that we’ll be aware of their presence in later chapters. Some of you may be rightly wondering why I used Batman as an example instead of an instance from the book. The reason is because I love Batman, of course, and because The Timekeeper’s Moon is dense. And I mean that in the best possible way.
Sensel’s world is wholly its own creation and it’s easy to lose yourself in it. This is not reading for the casual science fiction fan. This one’s for the hardcore take-me-to-another-reality-and-let-me-live-there crowd. Folks who enjoy Star Trek will probably love this book. Everything has its own name and history and complete explanation. Everything in Sensel’s world has its own place outside the story and you get the feeling that if you asked her about the story of any individual element, she would know it.
The Timekeeper’s Moon is so dense that for me to really provide a summary of the plot, I would have to reproduce whole sections of the book, but here’s the basics: It’s a post-apocalyptic world, always fun, and our heroin, Ariel, is a thirteen-year-old Farwalker. Farwalkers take messages and trade from town to town and walk far. Also, Ariel can talk to the moon and she has a map that is reflective of her life’s journey and… yeah, I’m going to stop there.
The important thing is that Ariel is on a quest and she has friends that go with her and she meets more friends and does some battle and possibly some loving. This story’s got action and romance in equal doses and it will suck you in and you will have a good time. If you like to be fully immersed into another world unlike any reality you’ve ever known, complete with its own seperate language and social customs, this is the book for you.
Sensel’s prose is something to admire. She’s very precise in her descriptions and convey’s volumes with her word choice. She also knows how to turn on the steam in a no-kissing, supposedly unromantic scene:
Nace's touch was intended not to tame her but to keep her in the wild.
Their eyes locked. Neither breathed, but Nace did not lower his fingers. Instead they slid, light as feathers, to trace Ariel's mouth. They stayed to travel the scar on her cheek and follow it back to her lips. He watched his fingertips move as if they belonged to somebody else.
Engulfed in invisible fire, Ariel parted her lips to say something, with no idea what. Accordingly, nothing came out.
Nace caught his own lower lip in his teeth.
That scared her. Fingers on lips were startling enough. Two sets of lips were a kiss. On the brink of a territory she'd never explored, Ariel faltered. She shrank back an inch.
Ooooh, it's like a cold bucket of water to the face in that last paragraph, isn't it Esteemed Reader? Sensel is teasing us, but in the best possible way, and there's no chance teenage girls won't want to read on to find out if this hinted at kiss is ever completed. I, of course, will not tell you one way or the other, but I'll have to ask Mrs. Ninja if one of my touches intended to tame her has ever kept her in the wild (comically raises eyebrows).
And that's going to do it for this week, Esteemed Reader. Congratulations to Natalie Aguirre. Check back on Thursday for an interview with Joni Sensel and again on Saturday for an interview with a mystery literary agent. As always, I'll leave you with some of my favorite passages from The Timekeeper's Moon:
Dragged from her bed by that moon, Ariel thought she knew how the tide felt.
The view around her rushed sideways, a blur of shadows on darkness.
"Well, bite off my nose and spit in my brainbox! I believe perhaps I can."
Ariel blinked past his unusual exclamation. "Um... okay. Also, there's a village called..."
"Silly," Sienna declared. "What do they think, everyone is a boy and babies come from the storks?"
"No. From mermaids." Ariel giggled, her embarrassment boiling out. "We're all really fish. You can tell by the way we kiss."
To read an interview with author Joni Sensel, or to read other interviews with writers and literary agents, log onto www.middlegradeninja.blogspot.com
The first chapter of most of the Harry Potter novels is Harry recalling what happened last book and catching us up with what’s happened since then. Each of Stephen King’s entries in The Dark Tower—highly recommended for adult readers—begins with a section called argument, which is literally a listing of events in the previous books. James Patterson’s Alex Cross novels—yes, I read them, and if you want to write books that sell, you should to—rarely bother with a summary of any kind. Patterson usually introduces the new villain and starts with Alex Cross on the case and we learn what we need to know about him as we go. In Patterson’s case, he doesn’t want us thinking about how very, very dead Alex Cross should be at this point given all his near brushes by lining them up in a summary.
Sensel employs a method that is fairly similar to writing exposition in any novel and it’s worth paying attention to. The trick with summary is to inform the careless reader who doesn’t start at the beginning so he, or I, can understand what’s going on in the story at the point I’m joining, without boring and alienating the return readers who may have just read the first book and know this stuff already. But what about the readers who read the first book, but it was a year ago and they don’t remember it exactly?
In most cases, the thing to do is what Sensel does: she just starts the story. We’re introduced to the characters. Returning readers are happy to see them again and first time readers meet them for the first time. She starts with conflict that is dramatic whether we read the first book or not, but more dramatic if we have. And she spaces out her summary providing what we need to know when we need to know it.
For an easy example we can all relate to, I turn as always to Batman. Most of us know who Batman is, but there may be some who don’t going into a story we’ll call Batman 19. In chapter six of Batman 19, Batman is going to leap off a building and not fall to his death because his cape can turn into a glider. The reader will never get to chapter six if we start chapter one with a long list of all of Batman’s devices, especially his glider, which he has used for Batman 1-18, and an explanation of the times he used them. It would be simpler to wait until chapter six and simply write “Batman jumped, but did not die because his cape turned into a glider” Fans who knew Batman could do this will not be surprised and new comers will be learning of it when it’s important to the story. Still, better storytelling yet would be to find a small instance in chapter five for Batman to check that his cape glider is in order as to reveal it in chapter six without a tiny set up before hand is less satisfying.
In The Timekeeper’s Moon, many of the characters have magical powers that are revealed to us in small instances in the first few chapters so that we’ll be aware of their presence in later chapters. Some of you may be rightly wondering why I used Batman as an example instead of an instance from the book. The reason is because I love Batman, of course, and because The Timekeeper’s Moon is dense. And I mean that in the best possible way.
Sensel’s world is wholly its own creation and it’s easy to lose yourself in it. This is not reading for the casual science fiction fan. This one’s for the hardcore take-me-to-another-reality-and-let-me-live-there crowd. Folks who enjoy Star Trek will probably love this book. Everything has its own name and history and complete explanation. Everything in Sensel’s world has its own place outside the story and you get the feeling that if you asked her about the story of any individual element, she would know it.
The Timekeeper’s Moon is so dense that for me to really provide a summary of the plot, I would have to reproduce whole sections of the book, but here’s the basics: It’s a post-apocalyptic world, always fun, and our heroin, Ariel, is a thirteen-year-old Farwalker. Farwalkers take messages and trade from town to town and walk far. Also, Ariel can talk to the moon and she has a map that is reflective of her life’s journey and… yeah, I’m going to stop there.
The important thing is that Ariel is on a quest and she has friends that go with her and she meets more friends and does some battle and possibly some loving. This story’s got action and romance in equal doses and it will suck you in and you will have a good time. If you like to be fully immersed into another world unlike any reality you’ve ever known, complete with its own seperate language and social customs, this is the book for you.
Sensel’s prose is something to admire. She’s very precise in her descriptions and convey’s volumes with her word choice. She also knows how to turn on the steam in a no-kissing, supposedly unromantic scene:
Nace's touch was intended not to tame her but to keep her in the wild.
Their eyes locked. Neither breathed, but Nace did not lower his fingers. Instead they slid, light as feathers, to trace Ariel's mouth. They stayed to travel the scar on her cheek and follow it back to her lips. He watched his fingertips move as if they belonged to somebody else.
Engulfed in invisible fire, Ariel parted her lips to say something, with no idea what. Accordingly, nothing came out.
Nace caught his own lower lip in his teeth.
That scared her. Fingers on lips were startling enough. Two sets of lips were a kiss. On the brink of a territory she'd never explored, Ariel faltered. She shrank back an inch.
Ooooh, it's like a cold bucket of water to the face in that last paragraph, isn't it Esteemed Reader? Sensel is teasing us, but in the best possible way, and there's no chance teenage girls won't want to read on to find out if this hinted at kiss is ever completed. I, of course, will not tell you one way or the other, but I'll have to ask Mrs. Ninja if one of my touches intended to tame her has ever kept her in the wild (comically raises eyebrows).
And that's going to do it for this week, Esteemed Reader. Congratulations to Natalie Aguirre. Check back on Thursday for an interview with Joni Sensel and again on Saturday for an interview with a mystery literary agent. As always, I'll leave you with some of my favorite passages from The Timekeeper's Moon:
Dragged from her bed by that moon, Ariel thought she knew how the tide felt.
The view around her rushed sideways, a blur of shadows on darkness.
"Well, bite off my nose and spit in my brainbox! I believe perhaps I can."
Ariel blinked past his unusual exclamation. "Um... okay. Also, there's a village called..."
"Silly," Sienna declared. "What do they think, everyone is a boy and babies come from the storks?"
"No. From mermaids." Ariel giggled, her embarrassment boiling out. "We're all really fish. You can tell by the way we kiss."
To read an interview with author Joni Sensel, or to read other interviews with writers and literary agents, log onto www.middlegradeninja.blogspot.com
May 7, 2017
A continuation of the Farwalker’s Quest, The Timekeeper’s Moon continues the tale of Ariel and her talents as a Farwalker. With her guardian Scarl acting as her father, Ariel must embark on a journey that will be trying and dangerous in order to prevent a fearful fate from happening. Joni Sensel’s The Timekeeper’s Moon gripped me with it’s moving tale and unique talents.
Ariel is a girl who is only fourteen years of age. She has already endured many trials, but in this book, more trials are yet to come. Knowing that she is a Farwalker only increases her sense of responsibility as she tries to figure out what has been bugging her for months. The moon is urgent for her to accomplish something, and fast. With the aid of Scarl, and two other friends she meets on the way, Ariel goes to places others could not even dream about. In doing so, she seals the present from changing into something that would have been heart wrenching on them all.
There are different trades found in this society. In our world today we have our different jobs that we occupy, doctor, musician, teacher and so forth. In this society the youth are apprenticed into a certain trade that they show talents for. There are Tree-Singers, Healtouchs, Flame-Mages, Finders, and Kincallers to name a few. Ariel, being a Farwalker means that she can travel to any destination and her talent is for taking her and her companions traveling with her on the safest routes. Ariel is the first known Farwalker in over a hundred years, thus making her talent unique.
The setting of this book changes from place to place. As Ariel’s Farwalker feet take her along the path the moon has set out, she takes Scarl and her newfound friends on a route that turns treacherous. Starting at the Tree-singer’s abbey, Ariel travels to a small village called Skunk where she meets the Flame-Mage that becomes her new friend. She also meets a boy named Nace who is a Kincaller who ends up following her and helping her along her journey over a chasm. Then Sienna, the Flame-Mage, saves them in a burning field, and Scarl, being a Finder, Finds Ariel after she completed the task the moon sent her to do.
Overall this book is very good. It is not as gripping as the first book, but it still has it’s twists and turns that make it entertaining. I feel like if you enjoyed the first book, you will also like this second book. This book certainly approaches things a new way that makes it fun for everyone to read. Joni Sensel’s The Timekeeper’s Moon gripped me with it’s moving tale and unique talents.
Ariel is a girl who is only fourteen years of age. She has already endured many trials, but in this book, more trials are yet to come. Knowing that she is a Farwalker only increases her sense of responsibility as she tries to figure out what has been bugging her for months. The moon is urgent for her to accomplish something, and fast. With the aid of Scarl, and two other friends she meets on the way, Ariel goes to places others could not even dream about. In doing so, she seals the present from changing into something that would have been heart wrenching on them all.
There are different trades found in this society. In our world today we have our different jobs that we occupy, doctor, musician, teacher and so forth. In this society the youth are apprenticed into a certain trade that they show talents for. There are Tree-Singers, Healtouchs, Flame-Mages, Finders, and Kincallers to name a few. Ariel, being a Farwalker means that she can travel to any destination and her talent is for taking her and her companions traveling with her on the safest routes. Ariel is the first known Farwalker in over a hundred years, thus making her talent unique.
The setting of this book changes from place to place. As Ariel’s Farwalker feet take her along the path the moon has set out, she takes Scarl and her newfound friends on a route that turns treacherous. Starting at the Tree-singer’s abbey, Ariel travels to a small village called Skunk where she meets the Flame-Mage that becomes her new friend. She also meets a boy named Nace who is a Kincaller who ends up following her and helping her along her journey over a chasm. Then Sienna, the Flame-Mage, saves them in a burning field, and Scarl, being a Finder, Finds Ariel after she completed the task the moon sent her to do.
Overall this book is very good. It is not as gripping as the first book, but it still has it’s twists and turns that make it entertaining. I feel like if you enjoyed the first book, you will also like this second book. This book certainly approaches things a new way that makes it fun for everyone to read. Joni Sensel’s The Timekeeper’s Moon gripped me with it’s moving tale and unique talents.
November 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this sequel - apparently the Farwalker's Quest was not complete in the last book. Beautifully written, moving, and engrossing.
The vision these books present of humanity after a war which destroyed civilization is compelling and hopeful.
The vision these books present of humanity after a war which destroyed civilization is compelling and hopeful.
July 16, 2020
This is part 2 of a trilogy, coming of age fantasy. Recommend reading in order. Best suited for middle schoolers.
February 21, 2021
This one dragged for me...too much wandering around and talking, and the underlying plot arc was difficult for me to figure out. The ending was also confusing.
July 7, 2024
This author knows how to tell a solid story. One of my favorite things is the relationships between characters.
July 13, 2010
As with the first book, the emotions of each character are authentically and carefully described, and it is Ariel's reactions to the people around her - and their reactions to her - that form the heart of the tale. These aren't larger-than-life characters in an epic fantasy, but rather ordinary folks who are just trying to figure out how to muddle through life (while enduring a scary hissing moon, terrible nightmares, and strange visitations from the past).
Kudos also to the author for keeping a rather complex plot mostly under control. While the physical journey is straightforward enougth, time loops in an odd and confusing manner, somewhat like Ariel's map, and although I got lost occasionally, especially during the climactic scene in an intense circle of stones, it made sense - mostly - at the end. I still have some questions, but I think a second reading is required in order to answer them.
One of my dissatisfactions with the first book - that it was hard to get a vivid sense and understanding of Ariel's world - isn't a problem in The Timekeeper's Moon. We get to see a couple of different villages with very different cultures, and I began to understand how Ariel's world operates. I still wonder why there aren't more differences in language if the villages have been so intensely isolated for so long - but that's a quibble!
One more small language quibble is the use of modern-sounding terminology. In Farwalker's Quest, my review noted the use of "geez." In this book, both "cute" (used by teenaged girls to describe not a baby animal but a young man) and "I blew it" (as in someone messing up) grated anachronistically. They just sound too modern to my ears.
This book made me realize how much I had enjoyed the first book despite my questions. Scarl and Ariel are a complicated and interesting team, and it was fun spending more time with them. Although the ending makes it sound as if this might be the end, I'm hoping there will be further Farwalker adventures - Ariel's world certainly has enough mystery and strangeness to keep her busy for years to come.
Recommended for all who have read The Farwalker's Quest. Ages 11 to 14.
Kudos also to the author for keeping a rather complex plot mostly under control. While the physical journey is straightforward enougth, time loops in an odd and confusing manner, somewhat like Ariel's map, and although I got lost occasionally, especially during the climactic scene in an intense circle of stones, it made sense - mostly - at the end. I still have some questions, but I think a second reading is required in order to answer them.
One of my dissatisfactions with the first book - that it was hard to get a vivid sense and understanding of Ariel's world - isn't a problem in The Timekeeper's Moon. We get to see a couple of different villages with very different cultures, and I began to understand how Ariel's world operates. I still wonder why there aren't more differences in language if the villages have been so intensely isolated for so long - but that's a quibble!
One more small language quibble is the use of modern-sounding terminology. In Farwalker's Quest, my review noted the use of "geez." In this book, both "cute" (used by teenaged girls to describe not a baby animal but a young man) and "I blew it" (as in someone messing up) grated anachronistically. They just sound too modern to my ears.
This book made me realize how much I had enjoyed the first book despite my questions. Scarl and Ariel are a complicated and interesting team, and it was fun spending more time with them. Although the ending makes it sound as if this might be the end, I'm hoping there will be further Farwalker adventures - Ariel's world certainly has enough mystery and strangeness to keep her busy for years to come.
Recommended for all who have read The Farwalker's Quest. Ages 11 to 14.
April 21, 2010
Ariel Farwalker finds an odd map inside the Vault. Soon after the map’s discovery, Ariel begins to hear the moon calling to with threatening messages. When the trees are asked what is wrong, they counsel her to leave Tree-Singer Abbey and find the person who sent the telling dart to her. Ariel and Scarl set out on their quest and two companions join their mission: Sienna Flame-Mage and Nace Kincaller. Each person in their company uses their skills to help Ariel reach her destination. Ariel finds out that a place outside of time held the telling darts. Ariel enters this limdo-like world and finds the original telling darts. She releases the telling darts into her world. After she done this, Ariel realizes that she was the person who sent out the darts in the first place.
This story is the companion book to The Farwalker’s Quest. Sensel’s book starts out as a great story, but the story’s momentum and pacing slows down to the point that it’s a chore to continue reading. When Ariel actually reaches her destination, the story has lost all sense of plot and character development. I was left guessing about some of the occurances in the story because they were not explained at all. Also,I was confused about the use of magic in this story. In some cases there was actual magic and in other cases it was technologies of the past that seemed like “magic.” It is not clear if Sensel is basing her story on our world or if this is a parallel planet to Earth. Some needed clarification would have helped this story.
This story is the companion book to The Farwalker’s Quest. Sensel’s book starts out as a great story, but the story’s momentum and pacing slows down to the point that it’s a chore to continue reading. When Ariel actually reaches her destination, the story has lost all sense of plot and character development. I was left guessing about some of the occurances in the story because they were not explained at all. Also,I was confused about the use of magic in this story. In some cases there was actual magic and in other cases it was technologies of the past that seemed like “magic.” It is not clear if Sensel is basing her story on our world or if this is a parallel planet to Earth. Some needed clarification would have helped this story.
November 30, 2009
Reviewed by Joan Stradling for TeensReadToo.com
The moon calls to Ariel Farwalker and urges her to embark on a quest.
Leaving her best friend, Zeke, behind, Ariel and her guardian journey to new friends and distant lands. Ariel hopes to find the sender of the telling darts, if she lives long enough.
I fell in love with this world and characters in THE FARWALKER'S QUEST. I thrilled at the prospect of reading the sequel, but I did have some nagging concerns. Because the first one blew me away, I feared nothing could compare. THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON not only compared, but managed to thrill me even more than the first one. Adventure, excitement, and wonderful new characters greeted me with each page turn.
THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON pulled me in and kept me moonstruck through the entire novel. When I had to put the book down, I felt the story tugging at my mind and urging me to return. I couldn't get back to it fast enough!
Like THE FARWALKER'S QUEST before it, Sensel has a way of bringing her characters and world to brilliant life, making me wish I could stay immersed in Ariel's story forever. The only disappointment I had was the ending, but only because it was over.
Whenever I look at the moon, I'll think of Ariel Farwalker and wonder what adventures her feet will lead her to next.
The moon calls to Ariel Farwalker and urges her to embark on a quest.
Leaving her best friend, Zeke, behind, Ariel and her guardian journey to new friends and distant lands. Ariel hopes to find the sender of the telling darts, if she lives long enough.
I fell in love with this world and characters in THE FARWALKER'S QUEST. I thrilled at the prospect of reading the sequel, but I did have some nagging concerns. Because the first one blew me away, I feared nothing could compare. THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON not only compared, but managed to thrill me even more than the first one. Adventure, excitement, and wonderful new characters greeted me with each page turn.
THE TIMEKEEPER'S MOON pulled me in and kept me moonstruck through the entire novel. When I had to put the book down, I felt the story tugging at my mind and urging me to return. I couldn't get back to it fast enough!
Like THE FARWALKER'S QUEST before it, Sensel has a way of bringing her characters and world to brilliant life, making me wish I could stay immersed in Ariel's story forever. The only disappointment I had was the ending, but only because it was over.
Whenever I look at the moon, I'll think of Ariel Farwalker and wonder what adventures her feet will lead her to next.
August 24, 2012
Loved it.
This part sticks with me:
(Ariel talking to Scarl about the idea of losing him and others she loves)"How can you stand it?" she asked, not thinking of anyone in particular, just desperately needing the adult in her life to have an answer."
He rested his chin on her head. "You can't," he whispered into her hair. "You can't stand it, Ariel. You pretend, that's all."
"But why?"
"Because others are pretending, too, I suppose. You do it for them."
As she opened her mouth to question, he unsnarled a twig from her hair. The gesture made his point better than all argument.
"You pretend for me and I'll pretend for you?" she murmured.
"Exactly." He smiled unconvincingly. "And when one of us leaves the world, the other will find someone else to pretend for. That's what people do. Because the world is pretend, Ariel, all of it. It's one long and layered make-believe tale - justa bead on a very long abacus."
This part sticks with me:
(Ariel talking to Scarl about the idea of losing him and others she loves)"How can you stand it?" she asked, not thinking of anyone in particular, just desperately needing the adult in her life to have an answer."
He rested his chin on her head. "You can't," he whispered into her hair. "You can't stand it, Ariel. You pretend, that's all."
"But why?"
"Because others are pretending, too, I suppose. You do it for them."
As she opened her mouth to question, he unsnarled a twig from her hair. The gesture made his point better than all argument.
"You pretend for me and I'll pretend for you?" she murmured.
"Exactly." He smiled unconvincingly. "And when one of us leaves the world, the other will find someone else to pretend for. That's what people do. Because the world is pretend, Ariel, all of it. It's one long and layered make-believe tale - justa bead on a very long abacus."
October 7, 2012
I have had trouble deciding how to think of the Farwalker trilogy, but then I read a jacket quote from Karen Cushman. Sensel's writing has that same feel, of a protagonist struggling to grow up authentically. This book is far more obvious as dystopia than the first, which I considered almost pure fantasy.
My 4-star rating is merely a reflection of my own mindset. For the first time since I can remember, I am bored with the "will I kiss him" story line. I would TOTALLY recommend this to my middle school students, and I most certainly want my own children to read it. But if I had to choose between a Cushman book and one of these, I'd go for Cushman, for its historicity.
Also, there are references to menstrual cycles in this second book, which is why I give the age caution. It's handled quite well, but if a young person without any idea about human anatomy encountered those scenes, I can guess there'd be a great deal of confusion.
My 4-star rating is merely a reflection of my own mindset. For the first time since I can remember, I am bored with the "will I kiss him" story line. I would TOTALLY recommend this to my middle school students, and I most certainly want my own children to read it. But if I had to choose between a Cushman book and one of these, I'd go for Cushman, for its historicity.
Also, there are references to menstrual cycles in this second book, which is why I give the age caution. It's handled quite well, but if a young person without any idea about human anatomy encountered those scenes, I can guess there'd be a great deal of confusion.
March 7, 2010
I loved Farwalker's Quest so my expectations for this book were really really high. I am very proud to say that this book is just as good if not better then FQ. There are new characters that are introduced which allow for a fresh voice to the story, yet the older characters are still there and growing which is great.
Another great thing about this book is that all the questions that came up in FQ are answered. The people's callings are explored further and readers get to learn more about what being a Farwalker means which is great.
There is also a bit more about the whole concept of things going missing. Which was really enjoyable. I liked the new city they visit.
There is a little romance for Ariel which was fun but just what you would expect a 13 year old to experience.
There is plenty of room for more Farwalking and I hope to read more about Ariel and her friends!
Another great thing about this book is that all the questions that came up in FQ are answered. The people's callings are explored further and readers get to learn more about what being a Farwalker means which is great.
There is also a bit more about the whole concept of things going missing. Which was really enjoyable. I liked the new city they visit.
There is a little romance for Ariel which was fun but just what you would expect a 13 year old to experience.
There is plenty of room for more Farwalking and I hope to read more about Ariel and her friends!
October 7, 2012
So much to love about this book. The characters are rich and their relationships feel so real. Especially between Scarl & Ariel.
Ariel is a 14-year-old on a mission to save the world. She's the only farwalker left in the world, and her feet and the moon and her nightmares are calling her across the world to stop everything she accomplished last year from unraveling.
Scarl is Ariel's adopted father. She chose him, and he begrudgeonly fulfills the role. Yet he loves her like a real father would. I love the discussions between them--when he explains about her monthly cycles or teaches her about true love or encourages her. It's really beautiful. I wouldn't say it was touching though because Scarl is too dark of a character. And that makes it all the more beautiful.
My daughter recommended this one to me, and I'm so glad she did. Highly recommend it.
Ariel is a 14-year-old on a mission to save the world. She's the only farwalker left in the world, and her feet and the moon and her nightmares are calling her across the world to stop everything she accomplished last year from unraveling.
Scarl is Ariel's adopted father. She chose him, and he begrudgeonly fulfills the role. Yet he loves her like a real father would. I love the discussions between them--when he explains about her monthly cycles or teaches her about true love or encourages her. It's really beautiful. I wouldn't say it was touching though because Scarl is too dark of a character. And that makes it all the more beautiful.
My daughter recommended this one to me, and I'm so glad she did. Highly recommend it.
August 29, 2010
Joni Sensel strikes again with a worthy sequel to The Farwalker's Quest. I absolutely love her characters and am so happy to have stumbled across this fantasy/sci fi series. Yes, series. I get the feeling that we'll see more of Arial Farwalker which pleases me greatly! (To show my devotion...I even put off starting Mockingjay until I'd finished this one.) One word of warning....Read The Farwalker's Quest first. Although,
Sensel does refer to events in the past book, they are so integral to the series that a reader would not get as much out of Timekeeper's Moon without it.
Sensel does refer to events in the past book, they are so integral to the series that a reader would not get as much out of Timekeeper's Moon without it.
December 22, 2010
I received some advance readers copies (thank you Bookworm Central of Manassas, VA!) and pulled this out of the pile because I was in the middle of enjoying The Humming of Numbers. This one's a dystopian fantasy, like many books I've read in the past year, but it still stands out from the pack. At first the primitive society feels like the distant past, but clues like the Vault lead the reader to understand that it's actually the distant future. I was able to understand the story without having read the first book, Farwalker's Quest, but I want to go back and read it for more understanding. I also really want to find out what happens next.
June 13, 2010
A great series to begin any young fantasy reader. Perfect for pre-teens.
This book was even better than the first. It seems like the series ends with this one but there might be a spin-off.
The story was creative and delightful. The characters were perfect. Story was well crafted and purposeful. The ending got a little philosophical and mushy but it didn't ruin it. The story does deal with death quite a bit but age appropriate.
I would highly recommend this series for anyone interested in J Fantasy.
This book was even better than the first. It seems like the series ends with this one but there might be a spin-off.
The story was creative and delightful. The characters were perfect. Story was well crafted and purposeful. The ending got a little philosophical and mushy but it didn't ruin it. The story does deal with death quite a bit but age appropriate.
I would highly recommend this series for anyone interested in J Fantasy.
December 9, 2011
In this sequel, Ariel discovers that there was something left undone on her previous journey. And, being a year later, if she doesn't finish it soon, everything that happened will become undone. Between the moon speaking to her and almost driving her loony, and a confusing map that they aren't even sure is a map, Ariel once again takes to the countryside following the direction her feet set...
For a more complete review along with a glimpse of book 1 (The Farwalker's Quest) see my blog: http://skippingbarefoot.blogspot.com/
For a more complete review along with a glimpse of book 1 (The Farwalker's Quest) see my blog: http://skippingbarefoot.blogspot.com/
May 13, 2010
Beautiful, well-written, old fashioned fantasy novel for kids. I love the details, the story, the characters, pretty much everything about Sensel's books. This one didn't quite grab me as much as The Farwalker's Quest, but I was still wrapped up in the loveliness of the details. Highly recommended for fantasy fans. Full review at One Librarian's Book Reviews.
April 7, 2010
I hate being the only non-fantasy fan in the entire world! I love Ariel Farwalker and her complex friend, Scarl (I like Zeke, too, but he's virtually absent in this book). I liked the story . . . but here is my bias. I think if Joni Sensel goes back to historical fiction, her next book will be a grand slam home run. She is an evocative, smart and funny writer but I was longing for a story like Ariel's to take place in the "real" world.
March 18, 2014
This is the second in a (so-far) wonderful trilogy featuring a young girl who is drawn to reconnect the isolated communities of her post-apocolyptic world. Don't start with this one; start with "The Farwalker's Quest". This one will make little sense to you otherwise. The writing is great; the characters are well-drawn and complex; the plot surprises with many unexpected events. Read it. (After you read the first one, of course).
November 30, 2009
Loved this book, even better than the first one in the series (Farwalker's Quest)! The character relationships were multi-faceted and realistic, which made them interesting and believable. I really got a great sense of setting throughout (love the swamp!). And the suspense and pacing were spot-on--I couldn't put it down!
July 29, 2013
I loved the farwalkers quest and once again I thought this book was good as well but I have one problem with this book. There is a part in the book about PMS and I just don't think it needed to be in the book so that threw me a bit but other than that I enjoyed this book and still love the great characters that you fall in love with. all and all good read and great story. ^.^
November 21, 2012
I really enjoy Mitch Albom and this book was no exception. I listened to it on CD and the narrator had a british accent so that added to the charm. Very interesting take on how we are obsessed with time and caught in the moment and forget to look at the big picture. It's very short and easy to read/listen to.(maybe too short??) Highly recommend.
May 7, 2012
I jumped into the middle of a series, but the author handled that well. She added enough back story to fill in glaring gaps, but still left the hook to make me want to start with the first book. It's well written and entertaining.
July 29, 2016
A very imaginative book/series about how the human race seeks to recover its lost knowledge after an apocalypse-type war eradicates all of the learned human beings on earth. This book is a neat combination of left-over bits of technology and ancient knowledge about nature.
July 26, 2016
The story itself was well written, with a good theme and basis, but I was disappointed in the reasoning that led to the finale.
I enjoyed that the moon talked to our heroine, but at the same time, felt that the trades were crossing over into something closer to a sort of sorcery.
I enjoyed that the moon talked to our heroine, but at the same time, felt that the trades were crossing over into something closer to a sort of sorcery.
March 8, 2015
If you read the first one (Farwalker trilogy), you're going to read this one, just to find out what could possibly happen next! More than just an adventure, it's a coming of age story. Buy it to share with a daughter or granddaughter. Adventure, danger, and a girl coming into her own.
November 5, 2015
It's not bad, but it definitely doesn't compare to the first book. *internal sigh* Another case of sequel disappointment. The new characters don't have as much dynamic as the originals, and I find the addition of a love interest distracting. But some people might like it. Give it a try.
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