Treacheries Abound Lovers Betray Lives Renew Fellow soul…it has been too many moments since last we spoke. The battle to control the Crystal Moon is far from over and has spread to the magical and mysterious world of Luvelles. It is my duty to continue to share the intricacies of this tale. Be warned. This is a story of deception, mystery, war, and extreme danger. It brings me no pleasure to tell you this—our very existence hangs in the balance. The mortal, George, will stop at nothing to free his daughter from the Book of Immortality, but his lust for magic may lead him down a path capable of destroying those closest to him, or even himself. If he continues down this road, the beings of Luvelles will suffer, and despair will be left in his wake. For Sam and Shalee, the burden of leadership is heavy as peace throughout Southern Grayham hangs by a thread. With their kingdom still warring, the new king and queen realize they must prevail or they will bring their child into a world filled with hatred, war, and death. The gods of Ancients Sovereign continue their game of manipulation as they plot to control the power of the Crystal Moon. The Mischievous One, Lasidious, has made a pact with the most ancient of dragons which could alter the balance of power forever. Fellow soul…these are dark moments, and hope is but a glimmer. Allow me, your spirited storyteller, to take you back to the Worlds of the Crystal Moon. Welcome to the chaos. Welcome to the Magic of Luvelles.
I can bite….I can bite you Furball! I really liked the first book with the many inter-woven story lines and have been pleased that this has continued on in this, the second book. It is fascinating and exciting to watch the stories unfold. Wondering what is going to happen next. There are still some of the same characters but so many more have been added as this is a new world. I would have been disappointed with anything less. I love the way the old world melts seamlessly into the new world. The agony of Shalee and Sam is so true to life and heart wrenching. You can feel their raw emotions as if they were your own. I have read many series in many different genres and have not looked forward to the next book as I have with the CrystalMoon series. I find myself begging for more. And I have not been let down with this book. Each new chapter brings new adventure and intrigue that it leaves you wanting more and more. And each new chapter delivers above and beyond what you ever expected. I love all of the new and different characters. Some are very unique and so spectacularly real you could actually picture them coming around the corner at any moment. I don’t want to tell you about them as it would ruin the excitement of reading it yourself. But I will say this; I will never look at a tarantula the same ever again. The twists and turns; the plans within plans will leave you hanging on every word. In some places I wanted to cry and others it’s like a “B” Horror movie as you yell at the screen “Don’t go through that door!” The characters develop and grow on you like they are part of your own family. I will continue to recommended this book to everyone I know as one of the best fantasy books I have ever read. Phillip Jones is truly a master story teller and I look forward to more books from him in the future.
The Magic of Luvelles was every bit as good as the first novel and more. I read it in three days. This novel only added to my love for the Worlds of the Crystal Moon, and the author is clearly getting better as his talent to tell a story improves.
Just when I thought George Nailer could not get any worse, I found that I was surprised, despite my anticipation that he might. The author’s ability to add twists and turns to the storyline has kept me guessing. I look forward to book three, and I recommend this series to all my friends.
My son is now on page 550 of the first novel and he and I are still having great debates over the storyline. We have even tracked down the author and have had conversations with the Big Dog on Facebook. It is good to know that a famous author will take time out of his day to chat with my son and encourage him to go after his dreams. The author told us his series is more than just a story. It appears the author wants to use his story as a platform to help encourage the development of his younger fans. He promotes education and inspires dreams. Since talking to Phillip, my son has become a bit sidetracked. My Nathaniel has started writing a story of his own. Funny thing is, he is only 10 or so pages a day of the Crystal Moon because of his desire to be like Big Dog. As a mother, this pleases me. Thank you Big Dog and the Worlds of the Crystal Moon for caring.
The Magic of Luvelles was an exceptional read and the author only improved on the storyline. I give Magic of Luvelles 5 out of 5 stars. As I said in my review of the first novel . . . like many fantasy stories that I have read over the years, the first 150 pages of World of Grayham required some setup to establish a foundation for the worlds the author was trying to bring me into. After this setup was complete, the rest of the story exploded and continued at a satisfying pace all the way through the end of the second novel. I would recommend this series to anyone who is not too conservative. The author does allow one of his characters to use the words damn, Hell and bastard. There are also some intense battle scenes that can be a bit bloody. I would not have a problem with my 13 year old son reading this novel, but my 14 year old daughter is a bit more sensitive, so this series will have to wait for her too mature. Parents who know their children will be fine when making a determination as to which child can read this series.
As for me, and as I have said in my first review of the first novel . . . I’m in love with the Worlds of the Crystal Moon. My love for the first book was overshadowed by my love for the second novel. Both the World of Grayham and the Magic of Luvelles are true gems that sit on my shelves filled with exceptional fantasy reading.
I really enjoyed this series. I know there’s a third one coming and I can’t wait to read it. Personally, I think the second book was better than the first. Second books in a series can be disappointing, but not this one. It kept me more interested than the first one. I’ve recommended these books to anyone who will listen. The fun of the storyline and the twists of evil, really make this fun. I was disappointed when it ended… and to leave it at such a cliffhanger was totally unfair…lol. I’ll be looking out for the next one for sure. Let’s just hope it doesn’t take 12 years for it to get here.
My favorite part was how the crystal moon had to be hunted for in a creepy swamp and all the twists and turns it took to get there. From backwards flying bird-fish creatures to people being digested in the belly of a huge toad creature, the twists and turns just don’t quit.
So my daughter and I have been going back and forth talking about these books. It’s been so engaging talking about the motivations and plot twists in these first two books. What looks like the beginning of a transformation for George and Sam and Shalee’s relationship struggles that take them to different worlds chasing after the crystal makes the series a page turner for us. I know we will have others reading it in the family soon. We’re already making it a subject of conversation at family dinners.
The second book has been a race to the finish between my cousin and me. We talk about this series every time we are together and find ourselves quoting lines from the story when we see something fitting in our own lives. To say I enjoy this series is an understatement. I'm having difficult finding the third book in the series though. If anyone knows when it will be published, please share with me.
In my review of the first book of the series, I said that gamers should get this book. It’s definitely true of the second book. The amount of adventure and quests and plot to find the Crystal Moon kept the twists and turns going. It was funny and even had a surprise at the end that I wasn’t axpecting. Now I can recommend the series. I’m looking forward to reading the third book.
I got the second book and started reading it immediately. The format of the covers and the color art inside was a real draw. Since I was familiar with the first book, I wondered where the characters would go in this second story and the possibilities seemed endless. Phillip Jones did a nice job of tying up loose ends and not giving too much away so the book was not predictable. I will definitely read the next one. Good job, Mr. Jones.
This series has been a lot of fun to read. Book 2 keeps the gods busy and conniving just like the first book did. This time though, they aren’t the only ones who are manipulating. There’s good and evil battles throughout this second book. As I read it, I was thinking, when is book 3 coming out. I looked for the series online and found the Facebook page. They have said the 3rd book is coming out in June 2012. Can’t wait to read it.
As a fantasy neophyte, I wasn’t sure if I would like the second book in Mr. Jones’ series. His storytelling was so good in the first one, I was skeptical that he could deliver in the second. But, he did and the story is amazing. I couldn’t put it down. I wanted to know what happened to the characters and their predicaments. My son and I were going to share the book, but I told him he couldn’t read it until I was finished.
When a friend recommended that I read these books, I was skeptical because I’m not a fantasy reader. I have now finished book 2 and both laughed my butt off and then cried like a baby. My daughter thought I was just being manic, but the storytelling by Big Dog is terrific. I highly recommend these books for someone who wants to go on an adventure.
When I finished book 1, I was enthusiastic about reading book 2. Now, I'm really excited to get my hands on book 3. But from what I understand, it won't be available until June 2012. Book 2 was just as enthralling as book 1, but with a big surprise ending. I won't give it away, but if you haven't read the first book and savor the series.
After reading book 1 and reading the cliff hanger at the end, I needed to find book 2. Once I got my hands on it, I couldn’t put it down. I read book 2 while travelling during the holidays. Even had a couple of people on the train ask me if I liked it. I told them they should check it out. I’m looking forward to book 3.
I liked book 2 better than book 1. And the cliffhanger is amazing in it. The characters have more depth and are more intertwined. I kept turning the page to find out what would happen next. The resolution at the end was picture perfect and then I was hit with the cliffhanger. Wow! Way to keep me reading, Mr. Jones. Now I want book 3.
Diverse characters while keeping the thread of the story going. As I read the story, I wasn’t sure how it was going to get all tied up at the end, but it came together and culminated with a great triumph of good over evil. The descriptions of the places were so vivid and beautiful. I can’t wait to see these on a movie screen … or even in a game.
I was so enthralled with the first book, I had to get the second. The second book was engaging and took me away from this world, catapulting me into another where I wanted to live. Meeting Phillip Jones’ new characters and their predicaments and how he propelled the story forward kept me reading. Looking forward to reading book 3.
You will want to read the first story, although you can get the gist without. As it continues the main characters are quickly evolving. Don't get too attached to a certain character's "TYPE" of personality, as it's clear things are changing.
Even moreso in this book, the author seems to embed some "dark" tones that borderline on disturbing and contrast with the fact that this series is marketed to teens.
Parents should read this before throwing it in the lap of their 14 year olds.
I am interested in the next installments of this series.
I enjoyed book one so, I had to read book two. Of course, the adventure continues with Sam, Shalee, and George, but now there are so many more characters on a new world filled with more magic, better, more calculated violence, and stronger characters. Luvelles is a world where I want to go. Living there would be a blast and a half. Purple skies with other worlds visible enough to see in the sky, and more. I can’t wait for the next book.
I enjoyed the World of Grayham so much that I decided I needed to get the second book. It was as intriguing as the first book … and more so. The characters are developed more and there are new characters that we are introduced to. I found myself cheering and jeering again, just like in the first book. What an enjoyable read. This time, I’m doing the recommending. My co-worker should definitely read this book… :)
And the story continues. I must say that the teaser at the end of the first book really caught my attention and it's taking all my energy not to calling sick to work to read this. This will likely take me a long while to get through because my time to actually sit down and read is severely limited, but I may have to sneak in some bedtime moments under the covers with my book lamp.
I enjoyed book 1 so much, I thought I would try book 2. It was as great as book 1. The same roller coaster of emotions, but now there was even deeper emotions felt through the deceptions, and the love and the care and the “manipulations of the gods.” I have a nephew who would love this series. I can’t wait for book 3.
Now that the characters have a basic development from the World of Grayham, the story in Magic of Luvelles gets much more interesting. Lots more twists and unexpected happenings, but each of them in character with what we know about Sam, George, and Shalee. I’ll be on the lookout for the next book, Kingdoms of the Ice Kings for sure.
When the second book in the series came out, I couldn't wait to read it. I was not dissapointed. Sam, Shalee, George, Kepler were as cool and intwined as the first book. New characters like Payne, the Id brothers, Mykklyn and Gage added great depth to the story and I can see thousands of tangential stories. I will read every book that Phillip Jones writes in this series.
As a fantasy series, these books fly right in line. Because of the understanding I have about the series from reading the first book, the second book flies by. There’s enough reminder of what happened in book 1 to flash back to the scene momentarily, then the story bulldozes forward, keeping the reader engaged. For a fun read, this is a great series. Can’t wait for book 3.
WOW! This book is a page turner. I had a hard time putting it down. The characters come right off the pages and into the mind's eye. The places are beautiful and the fighting real. This is a book that is good for adults as well as it is for teens.
This book was just as fun as the first. This series has given me and my 80 year old mother something else to talk about. If I would have known fantasy books were this fun to read, I would have started reading them before turning 50.
I laughed in lots of places. The humor in this book often comes when you least expect it. It’s like a tickling slap in the face. Feels good, sometimes stings for a second from the shock, but then you keep going. Looking forward to book 3.
Well, the adventures of George, Sam, and Shalee just don’t quit. WOW! Different world, different adventures, different characters and encounters. I LOVED the fairy that could “bend moments.” The back cover says that it’s appropriate for readers 13 and over. I definitely agree with that.
My niece hasn’t read this book yet, but I’m going to tell her to get it. It was more fun than the first book. I decided that I liked George more in this book than in the first one. I also love, love, love…Kepler more. He’s so snobby and nonchalant. I’m definitely looking forward to Book 3 now.
After I re-read the first book, I read the Magic of Luvelles. Now that I know how the worlds operate, it was easier to read. If I could live on these worlds, I would. The city of glass would be so cool to wake up in every day. I will definitely read the third book.