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Prince Ombra
The World has found its new hero.
The problem? Bentley Ellicott is only a kid.
Bentley has secret powers. And he's going to need them. Bentley is a hero - the thousand and first to be exact - in a long line of heroes that has stretched all the way back to antiquity. Heroes like Arthur and Hercules.
And Bentley.
That's because there is an evil in the world that never dies. Its name is Prnce Ombra. When Prince Ombra arises a hero is called upon to battle him. One day when Bentley is grown he will be that hero.
What Bentley doesn't know is that his "one day" is today.
The problem? Bentley Ellicott is only a kid.
Bentley has secret powers. And he's going to need them. Bentley is a hero - the thousand and first to be exact - in a long line of heroes that has stretched all the way back to antiquity. Heroes like Arthur and Hercules.
And Bentley.
That's because there is an evil in the world that never dies. Its name is Prnce Ombra. When Prince Ombra arises a hero is called upon to battle him. One day when Bentley is grown he will be that hero.
What Bentley doesn't know is that his "one day" is today.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
13 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
April 27, 2012
THE CURRENT VERSION IS ABRIDGED! ONLY READ THE OUT OF PRINT EDITIONS. I bought the current edition for friends and was disappointed and saddened to learn they really didn't like it. But after discussing the book with them, things started to sound fishy. I checked out the edition I had bought for them and realized it had been abridged and bowlderized to make it into "children's" or "young adult" fiction. While the original book is not inappropriate for young adults, it is not written as young adult fiction. The abridgement of the current edition is haphazard and leaves plot holes and is above all unnecessary. So do yourself a favor, get a copy of the out-of-print edition with the black and white silhouette cover (striped shirt; bird above).
March 12, 2008
I've read this book probably three times. I still have it, might well read it again.
Nothing like it.
Kids communicating in ways you only dream is possible, or might hardly not remember. Sub-verbal. With genius.
Great drama. Life-defying twists. A real sleeper. Who knows about this book?
Otherwise, the guy's a political writer from Washington, D.C. Go figure.
Nothing like it.
Kids communicating in ways you only dream is possible, or might hardly not remember. Sub-verbal. With genius.
Great drama. Life-defying twists. A real sleeper. Who knows about this book?
Otherwise, the guy's a political writer from Washington, D.C. Go figure.
January 4, 2016
i don't know how I heard about this book, but I had it requested out of the library and in my hands within a week. And it sat in my library bag for almost three weeks while I read through my ever-enjoyable Jacqueline Carey series, a couple mangas, and even a romance novel. Finally, I only had this strange book, Prince Ombra, left to read. The cover on the copy I had showed a rocky shore with two ospreys in the foreground, and very tiny off in the distance two people sitting on the rocks. The story looked like it could have been a 1950's book about two kids and their summer adventures, or maybe a nature guide for the Northern seacoast.
What it did not look like was the explanation of all evil and good in the world and their eternal battle.
I loved it from the first few pages where the unknown (later you find out) storyteller talks about how, when all people are born, an angel puts its finger on our lips and tells us to not say what we know about our after & previous lives - which is why we all have clefts on our upper lips. But every few generations there is someone born without that cleft, a great warrior who remembers all his past lives, and knows that he will someday battle Prince Ombra, who causes all evil in the world.
At the time of this story, the great warrior happens to be a lame 8 year old boy named Bentley. His friends are a girl who cannot speak and an elderly psychologist who happens to love mythology and recognizes what Bentley is and his great destiny.
I loved the great explanation of why there is evil and how we have always had warriors fighting for us. I loved how the author tied many cultures' mythologies together into one great epic. And I loved that the great battle this time around had such an unlikely hero and was focused on a small town and its residents.
I couldn't give it 5 stars, however, because the story seemed really rushed towards the end and you had to rely on the epilogue to explain too much. Overall, I am so glad I found this book (I still don't know why I would have requested it!) and I hope everyone who loves epic battles gets a chance to read it.
What it did not look like was the explanation of all evil and good in the world and their eternal battle.
I loved it from the first few pages where the unknown (later you find out) storyteller talks about how, when all people are born, an angel puts its finger on our lips and tells us to not say what we know about our after & previous lives - which is why we all have clefts on our upper lips. But every few generations there is someone born without that cleft, a great warrior who remembers all his past lives, and knows that he will someday battle Prince Ombra, who causes all evil in the world.
At the time of this story, the great warrior happens to be a lame 8 year old boy named Bentley. His friends are a girl who cannot speak and an elderly psychologist who happens to love mythology and recognizes what Bentley is and his great destiny.
I loved the great explanation of why there is evil and how we have always had warriors fighting for us. I loved how the author tied many cultures' mythologies together into one great epic. And I loved that the great battle this time around had such an unlikely hero and was focused on a small town and its residents.
I couldn't give it 5 stars, however, because the story seemed really rushed towards the end and you had to rely on the epilogue to explain too much. Overall, I am so glad I found this book (I still don't know why I would have requested it!) and I hope everyone who loves epic battles gets a chance to read it.
March 7, 2008
I read it in high school (thanx Michelle) I have purchased more copies of this book than any other book (I loan it out and never seem to get it back). Top 5 of the greatest books I have read..... ever!
March 12, 2016
Sometimes it's stunning to read a book that's this good and yet is out of print and not exactly well known.
To some degree, it's easy to understand why it wasn't terribly successful... it's a book about children that isn't really for them. I realised early on that this book in many ways reminded me of Stephen King, but the first thing that struck me was that it approached writing about children the same way he does. It's a book for adults who still remember what being a child was like.
It's like Stephen King in other ways, whether by coincidence, tribute or accident. The New England setting is an obvious connection as is the focus on the lives of the people in the town and how the encroaching evil brings out the worst in everyone. There are lots of other little touches that remind me of Stephen King but this book is unmistakably Stephen King-esque, though I admit that some of the best comparisons to Prince Ombra actually come after its release.
But I was often glad that I wasn't reading an actual Stephen King book as he can be pretty merciless. Sure, Helga and Charlie's deaths are right up his alley, but he probably would've killed half the town or had it burn to the ground (See 'Salem's Lot for proof of both.) I fear that Slally might've suffered an even worse fate at the hands of Steve Slattery or that Bentley would've had to have actually died at the end. There's no way both of their parents would've survived. It was nice to have good feelings at the end and with Stephen King... happy endings just aren't a thing.
There are also what are even more likely direct allusions to Tolkien with the Eye of Sauron more or less actually appearing along with some Stone of Ra and One Ring parallels.
It's the sort of thing I dig a lot. A lot of my favourite fiction references other fiction (notably Stephen King's The Dark Tower series basically runs on references to other fictional works.)
In many ways, Slally is the real star of this book, although maybe that's only half true. The real star of this book is Bentley and Slally's friendship. Friendship is often neglected in stories in favour of romance. It's rare that you get a pure POWER OF FRIENDSHIP narrative that doesn't end up being romantic. And romantic narratives are fine but there's a lot more to life.
There's something about their mutual connection and loyalty to each other that is emotionally compromising and the whole thing kind of hinges on it. I mean the book is about Bentley vs. Ombra but only technically. And in the end that was an existential battle rather than a traditional heroic battle.
I also think there was something wonderful about both Bentley and Slally being disabled characters and I felt like that aspect was handled well, or at least better than what I'm used to seeing.
The supporting characters were also largely interesting, especially Dr. Kreistein. I'll admit that Willybilly was... an odd character, who seemed particularly modeled on Willie Nelson. It's not a problem with the book but man it's a weird choice.
What is a problem with the book? Not much. Occasionally, I felt like the book could've taken a moment to breathe here and there but it's not that anything was missing... Just that I was enjoying the book and felt like I had no choice but to keep moving to finish. But I can't complain because the pacing is largely perfect. I didn't get to breathe but I was also never bored, not even for a moment.
The ending was basically perfect. I'm a big fan of getting to see the characters older and reflective and getting to know what happened to all of the characters, not just the primary ones. Plus, I feel like I've read too many similar books that just end the book two pages the climax and don't even bother with this bit. Again, I probably would've enjoyed it if it was even longer but that's not a fault with it.
This is definitely a book that deserves a lot more attention. It's rare to find something so utterly perfect that manages to remind me of other things I love without feeling derivative.
To some degree, it's easy to understand why it wasn't terribly successful... it's a book about children that isn't really for them. I realised early on that this book in many ways reminded me of Stephen King, but the first thing that struck me was that it approached writing about children the same way he does. It's a book for adults who still remember what being a child was like.
It's like Stephen King in other ways, whether by coincidence, tribute or accident. The New England setting is an obvious connection as is the focus on the lives of the people in the town and how the encroaching evil brings out the worst in everyone. There are lots of other little touches that remind me of Stephen King but this book is unmistakably Stephen King-esque, though I admit that some of the best comparisons to Prince Ombra actually come after its release.
But I was often glad that I wasn't reading an actual Stephen King book as he can be pretty merciless. Sure, Helga and Charlie's deaths are right up his alley, but he probably would've killed half the town or had it burn to the ground (See 'Salem's Lot for proof of both.) I fear that Slally might've suffered an even worse fate at the hands of Steve Slattery or that Bentley would've had to have actually died at the end. There's no way both of their parents would've survived. It was nice to have good feelings at the end and with Stephen King... happy endings just aren't a thing.
There are also what are even more likely direct allusions to Tolkien with the Eye of Sauron more or less actually appearing along with some Stone of Ra and One Ring parallels.
It's the sort of thing I dig a lot. A lot of my favourite fiction references other fiction (notably Stephen King's The Dark Tower series basically runs on references to other fictional works.)
In many ways, Slally is the real star of this book, although maybe that's only half true. The real star of this book is Bentley and Slally's friendship. Friendship is often neglected in stories in favour of romance. It's rare that you get a pure POWER OF FRIENDSHIP narrative that doesn't end up being romantic. And romantic narratives are fine but there's a lot more to life.
There's something about their mutual connection and loyalty to each other that is emotionally compromising and the whole thing kind of hinges on it. I mean the book is about Bentley vs. Ombra but only technically. And in the end that was an existential battle rather than a traditional heroic battle.
I also think there was something wonderful about both Bentley and Slally being disabled characters and I felt like that aspect was handled well, or at least better than what I'm used to seeing.
The supporting characters were also largely interesting, especially Dr. Kreistein. I'll admit that Willybilly was... an odd character, who seemed particularly modeled on Willie Nelson. It's not a problem with the book but man it's a weird choice.
What is a problem with the book? Not much. Occasionally, I felt like the book could've taken a moment to breathe here and there but it's not that anything was missing... Just that I was enjoying the book and felt like I had no choice but to keep moving to finish. But I can't complain because the pacing is largely perfect. I didn't get to breathe but I was also never bored, not even for a moment.
The ending was basically perfect. I'm a big fan of getting to see the characters older and reflective and getting to know what happened to all of the characters, not just the primary ones. Plus, I feel like I've read too many similar books that just end the book two pages the climax and don't even bother with this bit. Again, I probably would've enjoyed it if it was even longer but that's not a fault with it.
This is definitely a book that deserves a lot more attention. It's rare to find something so utterly perfect that manages to remind me of other things I love without feeling derivative.
September 17, 2010
Bentley Ellicot is and will probably forever be, my favorite hero of all time. He is an unlikely hero, in that he has learned spells from the crabs, and is able to speak to animals, however most people, see him as a cripple. He is young and kind and helpful, and he is born knowing many things, specifically, his destiny.His heart has been that of a thousand different heros, including King Authur, and Homer, and that with this gift he has been given, he must defeat the essence of evil in the world: Prince Ombra. Though he is considered peculiar by the inhabitants of his home town, he makes two friends one of which is Sally Drake(Slally) a girl who speaks in a nonsense language that only Bentley can understand. She becomes Bentley's main support in his battle against the evils of the world. This friendship that Sally and Bentley share is full of happiness and realistic struggles that are enjoyable to read about and to learn from
The themes portrayed in Prince Ombra are very deep and evoke many theological questions important to self-discovery. The theme of friendship helping to overcome the obstacles in our lives is also very prominent and inspiring in this novel. Every character is beset with their unique set of challenges, and in order to overcome them, they are given friends to help them along the way.
Prince Ombra is so amazingly well done and contains such deep questions about the essence of life and being, and has such realistic character development, that it is easy to say that it has become one of the best books that I have had the privilege to read.
The themes portrayed in Prince Ombra are very deep and evoke many theological questions important to self-discovery. The theme of friendship helping to overcome the obstacles in our lives is also very prominent and inspiring in this novel. Every character is beset with their unique set of challenges, and in order to overcome them, they are given friends to help them along the way.
Prince Ombra is so amazingly well done and contains such deep questions about the essence of life and being, and has such realistic character development, that it is easy to say that it has become one of the best books that I have had the privilege to read.
September 18, 2009
This book was completely plot-driven, which for some is probably great, but isn't the case for me. Don't get me wrong, I love/need/obsess over great plot lines, but what really drives my interest are well-rounded and interesting characters.
In this story, MacLeish relies too heavily on traditional, almost stereotypical, character forms. From the classic hero to the Alfred Hitchcock's Spellbound psychiatrist, these characters have been written time and time again and needed something more, something different that would bind my heart to them.
The author tries to do this with Bentley when he describes (in sketchy detail) the child's disability. But how the child feels about the disability and how the child is affected by the disability isn't thoroughly explored...not to any real degree. Although Bentley does have instances when he is forced to to sort out his disability but that struggle is--at best--shallow and half-heartedly written.
MacLeish also overdoes description in this book. His attempts to describe the mystical, magical, hoo-doo weirdness fall flat because he lays it on too thick. Nearly every other page is plied with phrases that, though terrific individually, add up to too many words describing the same thing repeatedly.
So, although I was intrigued by the plot, the overall story as it is written was disappointing in the end. A good idea, with poor execution.
In this story, MacLeish relies too heavily on traditional, almost stereotypical, character forms. From the classic hero to the Alfred Hitchcock's Spellbound psychiatrist, these characters have been written time and time again and needed something more, something different that would bind my heart to them.
The author tries to do this with Bentley when he describes (in sketchy detail) the child's disability. But how the child feels about the disability and how the child is affected by the disability isn't thoroughly explored...not to any real degree. Although Bentley does have instances when he is forced to to sort out his disability but that struggle is--at best--shallow and half-heartedly written.
MacLeish also overdoes description in this book. His attempts to describe the mystical, magical, hoo-doo weirdness fall flat because he lays it on too thick. Nearly every other page is plied with phrases that, though terrific individually, add up to too many words describing the same thing repeatedly.
So, although I was intrigued by the plot, the overall story as it is written was disappointing in the end. A good idea, with poor execution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2017
Someone once loaned me a copy of “The Key: How to Write Damn Good Fiction Using the Power of Myth” by James N Frey. It was one of those books that I devoured in one sitting. I recently added it to my eReader and look forward to reading it again.
The reason I bring up James Frey’s book in this review is because that is EXACTLY what “Prince Ombra” is. DAMN GOOD FICTION that utilizes the power of myth to tell a familiar story in a contemporary setting.
I still remember the first time I saw this book. The opalescent cover gleaming in the afternoon sunlight caught my eye and I took it down from my mother’s bookshelf. I couldn’t have been more than 13 years old. The story left me absolutely breathless and to this day, when I reach the last few pages of the last chapter I still find myself in tears (usually because I have forgotten that scene and it’s like reading it for the first time all over again).
Sadly, this book is no longer in print. I managed to hunt down 5 copies in trade paperback and still have two in my library (which you will pry from my cold, dead hands). The YA version is watered down and edited to the point that I felt it wasn’t worth keeping, so that copy was forwarded on. But if you do manage to find the original, unabridged version in a second hand bookshop, charity shop, or garage sale – snap it up (but do so calmly, we don’t want to start a riot), hold it close to your heart, and get ready to experience something marvelous.
The reason I bring up James Frey’s book in this review is because that is EXACTLY what “Prince Ombra” is. DAMN GOOD FICTION that utilizes the power of myth to tell a familiar story in a contemporary setting.
I still remember the first time I saw this book. The opalescent cover gleaming in the afternoon sunlight caught my eye and I took it down from my mother’s bookshelf. I couldn’t have been more than 13 years old. The story left me absolutely breathless and to this day, when I reach the last few pages of the last chapter I still find myself in tears (usually because I have forgotten that scene and it’s like reading it for the first time all over again).
Sadly, this book is no longer in print. I managed to hunt down 5 copies in trade paperback and still have two in my library (which you will pry from my cold, dead hands). The YA version is watered down and edited to the point that I felt it wasn’t worth keeping, so that copy was forwarded on. But if you do manage to find the original, unabridged version in a second hand bookshop, charity shop, or garage sale – snap it up (but do so calmly, we don’t want to start a riot), hold it close to your heart, and get ready to experience something marvelous.
May 17, 2019
I found this in the clearance room of my local bookstore for a quarter.
At first the cover grabbed me; even though the description on the back seemed flimsy.
This was a pretty awesome read.
Essentially it is the age old war of good and evil. Ever so often a hero is born into the world, when the hero finds the stone of Ra, he must battle Prince Ombra, the nightmare lord. Each time Ombra embodies the warrior's deepest fear. This time around the hero is just a nine year old boy. Can a nine year old boy save the world from darkness?
Ombra's influence on the world reminded me of one of my son's books How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids. How full is Your Bucket is another good one to read to the littles.
Sorry no action or fighting. There are several moments of suspense throughout.
Another point of interest, it seems that the new editions are abridged. So if you want the original, look for the older 80's edition with the same cover as the one I'm reviewing.
Recommended!
At first the cover grabbed me; even though the description on the back seemed flimsy.
This was a pretty awesome read.
Essentially it is the age old war of good and evil. Ever so often a hero is born into the world, when the hero finds the stone of Ra, he must battle Prince Ombra, the nightmare lord. Each time Ombra embodies the warrior's deepest fear. This time around the hero is just a nine year old boy. Can a nine year old boy save the world from darkness?
Ombra's influence on the world reminded me of one of my son's books How Full Is Your Bucket? For Kids. How full is Your Bucket is another good one to read to the littles.
Sorry no action or fighting. There are several moments of suspense throughout.
Another point of interest, it seems that the new editions are abridged. So if you want the original, look for the older 80's edition with the same cover as the one I'm reviewing.
Recommended!
October 7, 2019
A lucky find at Goodwill. It's always great to find an author you've never heard of.
A very good book. Difficult to read at times; there's a lot of Truth here. A nine year old boy is chosen to fight the ultimate evil - fight it at age nine. A difficult thing, as a nine year old. The writing reminds me of Ray Bradbury. Think of "Something Wicked This Way Comes", though it is nothing like that, other than normal everyday life, and the horrors it can contain. Horror seems worse, when it's people you know and see everyday, and the small things they do to each other, stepping only slightly over the line, but causing horriffic results.
A very good book. Difficult to read at times; there's a lot of Truth here. A nine year old boy is chosen to fight the ultimate evil - fight it at age nine. A difficult thing, as a nine year old. The writing reminds me of Ray Bradbury. Think of "Something Wicked This Way Comes", though it is nothing like that, other than normal everyday life, and the horrors it can contain. Horror seems worse, when it's people you know and see everyday, and the small things they do to each other, stepping only slightly over the line, but causing horriffic results.
Read
September 24, 2007i found a really old copy of this book at a garage sale...it had this crazy bright opalescent cover and looked like a completely trashy airport buy that would live next to all the Sword of Shanara books. But it's one of the most interesting looks at heroes and evil I have ever read. It even held up under re-readings. It's like the last Harry Potter book before Harry Potter was even written...
July 20, 2024
What an amazing read!
There is a Prince Ombra in all of us. We remember the fallen that fought a battle that no one thought was possible. And yet, some of us forget or was never told about a great battle.
This story holds a secret, the truth of the rememberers… The lord of every mortal nightmare is hanging on an autumn cloud just waiting to darken over our heads.
There is a Prince Ombra in all of us. We remember the fallen that fought a battle that no one thought was possible. And yet, some of us forget or was never told about a great battle.
This story holds a secret, the truth of the rememberers… The lord of every mortal nightmare is hanging on an autumn cloud just waiting to darken over our heads.
May 20, 2007
There are some books that just resonate deep inside of you. This is one such book for me. It incorporates arthurian legend and you can never go wrong with that.
February 29, 2016
WARNING: DO NOT read the 2002 edition with the brown-haired boy on the cover. It has been badly edited and "sanitised" for children, to the point that many parts of the story no longer make sense. Find an older edition of the book, if you can.
Bentley Ellicott is the stuff of legends. You wouldn't know it to look at him, though. To most of the people who know him, he appears to be a fairly ordinary eight-year-old boy growing up in small town New England. Perhaps a little more thoughtful than most, perhaps a little peculiar. But Bentley has a secret: he was born to be a hero. The same heart that belonged to Gilgamesh, King David, King Arthur, and hundreds more throughout history, beats in his breast and whispers to him about his destiny. One day, he will become a great warrior against evil, in a struggle which may cost him his life and all he holds dear. That doesn't bother Bentley, though. He knows that all the great heroes of legends were grownups. It will be years before he will be called upon to fulfill his destiny. Or so he thought.
This has been one of my all-time favourite books since I was in high school. I've lost count of the number of times I've picked it up, read the first page, and been unable to put it down again. I've also lost count of the number of copies I have bought and given away to friends over the years. I love Bentley and his best friend Slally (I especially love Slally; she's such an awesomely fierce little girl). I love wise old Dumbledore-ish Dr. Kreistein. And I love the way the lives of the residents of Stonehaven interweave to tell a tale out of legend. This is a fantastic book.
Bentley Ellicott is the stuff of legends. You wouldn't know it to look at him, though. To most of the people who know him, he appears to be a fairly ordinary eight-year-old boy growing up in small town New England. Perhaps a little more thoughtful than most, perhaps a little peculiar. But Bentley has a secret: he was born to be a hero. The same heart that belonged to Gilgamesh, King David, King Arthur, and hundreds more throughout history, beats in his breast and whispers to him about his destiny. One day, he will become a great warrior against evil, in a struggle which may cost him his life and all he holds dear. That doesn't bother Bentley, though. He knows that all the great heroes of legends were grownups. It will be years before he will be called upon to fulfill his destiny. Or so he thought.
This has been one of my all-time favourite books since I was in high school. I've lost count of the number of times I've picked it up, read the first page, and been unable to put it down again. I've also lost count of the number of copies I have bought and given away to friends over the years. I love Bentley and his best friend Slally (I especially love Slally; she's such an awesomely fierce little girl). I love wise old Dumbledore-ish Dr. Kreistein. And I love the way the lives of the residents of Stonehaven interweave to tell a tale out of legend. This is a fantastic book.
September 17, 2011
I still have my original paperback of this book. (The white background is iridescent. Pretty cool, but then, I'm easily amused.)
Read Prince Ombra before I'd ever even heard of Joseph Campbell and The Hero With a Thousand Faces - I don't know whether MacLeish knew Joseph Campbell at Sarah Laurence, or whether he just read Hero, but the path of his eight-year-old character Bentley Ellicott is absolutely the one Campbell wrote about: Bentley initially rejects the idea that the strange things that sometimes happen around him might be signs of his greater destiny, acquires a mentor, suffers through various trials, and eventually develops the internal resources to stand against the evil shadow that threatens to destroy everything good in Bentley's life. Bentley is reassuringly human - even with a Destiny, he still finds time to play with friends and otherwise act like a kid. In many stories, the hero has to meet such lofty standards, it's no wonder that a modern boy like Bentley might have trouble recognizing that a kid just like him could be that hero - just not grown up yet.
Read Prince Ombra before I'd ever even heard of Joseph Campbell and The Hero With a Thousand Faces - I don't know whether MacLeish knew Joseph Campbell at Sarah Laurence, or whether he just read Hero, but the path of his eight-year-old character Bentley Ellicott is absolutely the one Campbell wrote about: Bentley initially rejects the idea that the strange things that sometimes happen around him might be signs of his greater destiny, acquires a mentor, suffers through various trials, and eventually develops the internal resources to stand against the evil shadow that threatens to destroy everything good in Bentley's life. Bentley is reassuringly human - even with a Destiny, he still finds time to play with friends and otherwise act like a kid. In many stories, the hero has to meet such lofty standards, it's no wonder that a modern boy like Bentley might have trouble recognizing that a kid just like him could be that hero - just not grown up yet.
October 13, 2012
I still remember reading this book as a boy; it blew me way and took me to places I had never dreamed of visiting. The darkness of the human condition was still a mystery to me, but not for long...
I still love this book.
Apparently the current edition has been "softened" - significantly - but hopefully the edition that is circulating out there still has the "bite" of the original.
The concept of the reluctant hero is certainly nothing new, but MacLeish brings us a hero who has fought the same battle for ages - but now the odds are definitely not in his favor. This was the first time I realized a boy my age could be a hero. Not only that, but he could be THE hero; the one who saves us all... If he can survive the monsters of childhood, that is.
This is an amazing book with an easily-accessible plot and a hero we can easily relate to. I'll never understand why this hasn't been adapted to film. It would make most of the schlock Hollywood releases pale by comparison...
I still love this book.
Apparently the current edition has been "softened" - significantly - but hopefully the edition that is circulating out there still has the "bite" of the original.
The concept of the reluctant hero is certainly nothing new, but MacLeish brings us a hero who has fought the same battle for ages - but now the odds are definitely not in his favor. This was the first time I realized a boy my age could be a hero. Not only that, but he could be THE hero; the one who saves us all... If he can survive the monsters of childhood, that is.
This is an amazing book with an easily-accessible plot and a hero we can easily relate to. I'll never understand why this hasn't been adapted to film. It would make most of the schlock Hollywood releases pale by comparison...
June 11, 2011
I picked this book up in my twenties and it lay about for a while unread, I kept putting off reading it until one day when i had nothing else at hand to read. And discovered what turned out to be one of my favourite books ever,an unlikely child hero Bentley who it turned out was the latest incarnation of a long line of heroes such as Gilgamesh Arthur etc who defend the world against evil as manifested in Bentley's time as Prince Ombra.Just as i'm writing this i think i must dig out the book and re-read it.
March 13, 2025
This was different, and was also very good. I've heard it described as a cross between Tolkien and Stephen King, which is accurate, and you could also throw in some Harry Potter as well, But at the same time, it's not really derivative. It's an original work that's just different.
The story is both complex and simple at the same time. It's horror and fantasy mixed together, but not as dark as Clive Barker writes it. Overall this is one you'd just need to read for yourself, as a review isn't going to explain it. I will close the review by saying I think this is an underrated novel.
The story is both complex and simple at the same time. It's horror and fantasy mixed together, but not as dark as Clive Barker writes it. Overall this is one you'd just need to read for yourself, as a review isn't going to explain it. I will close the review by saying I think this is an underrated novel.
July 27, 2025
"They were what they wished to be-not what Ombra tried to turn them into. They did not permit themselves to become lost in despair, rage, or fear like birds flying in smoke and striking everything in their path."
'Why are you so proud of being angry and ashamed of your sadness, hah?" the old man said.
"Being angry is a very selfish business, I assure you. You are trying to protect yourself from feelings you consider shameful."
'Why are you so proud of being angry and ashamed of your sadness, hah?" the old man said.
"Being angry is a very selfish business, I assure you. You are trying to protect yourself from feelings you consider shameful."
December 10, 2007
I have read this book so many times I have lost count. But everytime I re-read it, it's like reading it for the first time all over again.
I found bought this book for a dollar at a second hand bookstore, and it has been one of my most treasured finds. Everyone should read this book. It is a sad thing that not more people know about this wonderful jem.
I found bought this book for a dollar at a second hand bookstore, and it has been one of my most treasured finds. Everyone should read this book. It is a sad thing that not more people know about this wonderful jem.
July 15, 2021
Gave up on it. It’s not bad or anything. I got about 1/2 way before I put it down the 1st time. My willingness to trudge through a book when I’m not actively enjoying or curious where it goes has greatly diminished over time. No real negatives, but no real positives either. Not my bag but it may be for others.
March 24, 2008
I loved this book when I read it a long, long time ago. I loved this book when I reread it a long time ago. Now I am a bit jaded and tired of all the stories about kids saving the world. But this is still a fucking awesome book.
June 17, 2008
I enjoyed this book because of the face that its kind of like Harry Potter. The character Bently, does not know he has powers. His powers will be used when Prince Ombra arrives. I found this book really interesting.
March 18, 2009
this book is magic - that's a quote from one of it's reviewers and it has always stuck with me. the author blends together ancient stories and mythologies into this incredible tale about a young boy who must face the embodiment of 'evil.' i read it when i was about 13 and have never forgotten it.
April 27, 2012
This is one of the best young adult fantasy books ever... IF YOU READ THE OUT OF PRINT EDITIONS! Be warned that the latest edition heavily edits and censors the book, which I'm sure is making poor Roderick spin in his grave.
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March 4, 2013oh, WOW. I just found this book again completely by accident. I know I LOVED it as a teenager but couldn't remember anything about it except the cover, which I copied for an art project in high school. I'll have to track down a copy and re-read it.
January 6, 2008
scary how similar to current time this book is, since its supposed to take place in the 80's.
April 14, 2009
I thought this book incredible. I still have my copy from high school...dang, I think I shall read it again!
January 14, 2019
What a little gem! Sure, there are shades of Stephen King here, but an original story that just pulls you along to the end. Glad I finally got to read this. 4.5 stars.
September 4, 2020
Do NOT read the 2002 abridged version (the one showing the current book cover), and is mostly a dumbed down version from what reviews say. You want the original 1984 book. Hard to find, but is available to borrow online at archive.org. In fact I'm just starting to re-read this again as it's like rediscovering a lost treasure. It reminds me of "Boy's Life" and "The Talisman", with it's young hero battling against mystical evils. A terrific read.
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