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The Boy with Golden Eyes
Young Rupert, with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and experience, has been raised in complete isolation from the world by his enigmatic grandparents. His life takes an extraordinary turn when a violent storm uncovers a long-concealed treasure. In the aftermath of the storm, his grandparents vanish. Completely alone, the bewildered boy seizes upon the opportunity to leave his forest home at last. Out in the wider world, Rupert encounters new friends and learns that the kingdom's beloved royal family has been slain by brutal usurpers, who now rule the land with cunning and cruelty. But astonishing revelations convince Rupert that he has a pivotal role in restoring justice to the land. As Rupert and his comrades face imprisonment, bloody skirmishes, desperate conditions, and alluring yet sinister encounters, the darkest moments may reveal astonishing wonders. Unfolding events take on a deeper meaning as Rupert's mysterious gifts guide him toward shattering revelations and truths about his identity and his destiny.
- GenresFantasy
252 pages, Paperback
First published July 14, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 10, 2019
There are not many Amazon reviews for this book but they are all glowing. I suspect these must be friends of the author.
Maybe that is too harsh. This is self published fiction, but it is far from the worst self published fiction out there. The writing is competent, the story is a tried and trusted formula of disinherited prince forced into exile and brought up without knowing of his destiny to save his land from evil oppressors.
The story is one that would be appealing to mid grade children, but there is something of a problem here in that the language used would probably be a touch challenging to such readers. Indeed, it was all a terribly stiff and formal, like it was being written as a 19th century fairy tale. The hero of the story, Rupert, is ten years old, but at times he speaks like a full grown adult. Indeed it is not just his stuffy speech, but his whole character is wise beyond his years and entirely lacking of childhood concerns. I suspect he was chosen to be 10 to relate to the intended readers, but they will not be fooled. He acts like he is 40.
There were some early problems that I should have picked up on before I bought the book, but I suppose I was sucked in by the reviews. At the start of the book, Rupert's grandparents vanish. the only people he has known in his life, and he just knows that he will never see them again, and then wanders off to make a new life with barely a whimper, and no noticeable search.
There was also some head jumping going on. The story was told from an omniscient third person point of view, whereas limited third person is more usual these days. At least that was what I thought early on, although later the author seems to settle largely on limited third person (mostly), so perhaps she improved on this point as she went along. Nevertheless it was a touch disconcerting to be reading one person's thoughts and then to jump straight back into Rupert's thoughts.
Characters were a little one dimensional. People in this book were good or bad. There did not seem to be much in between.
Some of those shortcomings could be forgiven though if this book were to benefit from a professional edit. The edit could address the language and dialogue, making it more natural sounding, although it would entail pretty much a full rewrite. There were times when words tumbled off the page in such a terribly old fashioned and pretentious manner that I sighed out loud!
With a full rewrite this could then find a niche in the children's book market. I don't think it was quite ready as it was though.
Maybe that is too harsh. This is self published fiction, but it is far from the worst self published fiction out there. The writing is competent, the story is a tried and trusted formula of disinherited prince forced into exile and brought up without knowing of his destiny to save his land from evil oppressors.
The story is one that would be appealing to mid grade children, but there is something of a problem here in that the language used would probably be a touch challenging to such readers. Indeed, it was all a terribly stiff and formal, like it was being written as a 19th century fairy tale. The hero of the story, Rupert, is ten years old, but at times he speaks like a full grown adult. Indeed it is not just his stuffy speech, but his whole character is wise beyond his years and entirely lacking of childhood concerns. I suspect he was chosen to be 10 to relate to the intended readers, but they will not be fooled. He acts like he is 40.
There were some early problems that I should have picked up on before I bought the book, but I suppose I was sucked in by the reviews. At the start of the book, Rupert's grandparents vanish. the only people he has known in his life, and he just knows that he will never see them again, and then wanders off to make a new life with barely a whimper, and no noticeable search.
There was also some head jumping going on. The story was told from an omniscient third person point of view, whereas limited third person is more usual these days. At least that was what I thought early on, although later the author seems to settle largely on limited third person (mostly), so perhaps she improved on this point as she went along. Nevertheless it was a touch disconcerting to be reading one person's thoughts and then to jump straight back into Rupert's thoughts.
Characters were a little one dimensional. People in this book were good or bad. There did not seem to be much in between.
Some of those shortcomings could be forgiven though if this book were to benefit from a professional edit. The edit could address the language and dialogue, making it more natural sounding, although it would entail pretty much a full rewrite. There were times when words tumbled off the page in such a terribly old fashioned and pretentious manner that I sighed out loud!
With a full rewrite this could then find a niche in the children's book market. I don't think it was quite ready as it was though.
March 21, 2011
I read this wonderful novel long before it won the Los Angeles Book Festival's "Young Reader" category this year (2011). I was so pleased that it won that award, and it certainly deserved to. Although it is advertised as a book for young adults, it really is completely engaging for readers of all ages. Our protagonist, a boy named Rupert, embarks on a long, life or death, journey with some family and friends, and it doesn't take long to realize that Rupert has some very special talents. Through a series of twists and turns and fantasy mixed with reality, the reader is transfixed by the adventures this small group encounters. I can hardly wait to read the sequel, for I know it must be coming...
April 9, 2011
This is an exquisite book full of insight and adventure. It is memorable in many ways. The story stays with you - its characters and atmosphere as well as the profound values and noble ideas that the protagonist embodies. All the characters come alive. The expressions are beautifully drawn and each one has a unique voice. Although the setting and place seems magical, some of the situations involve such consistent and deep human experience seen throughout the ages right up to our present day society. In addition to the inspiring story, the analogies and parallels in this great read provoked and lit up my imagination.
October 15, 2014
An excellent book for readers of all ages. Young Rupert lives in the forest with his grandparents. One day as he's out exploring the woods and visiting with his animal friends he returns home to find them gone with no reason left behind. Thus starts Rupert's coming of age adventures where he makes many friends, and lots of enemies. The book is well written, the characters and plot have been well thought out. Ms Young has done a great job in getting you hooked on this series and I'm looking forward to reading the rest.
January 3, 2011
I met the author through an event and she gave me a copy of her young adult book to read. I would definitely recommend it to boys and girls starting at age 11. It's exactly what kids want in a fantasy adventure and will appeal to boys. They need books like this.
August 24, 2014
Fantastic story with amazing characters. You'll fall in love with the Boy with Golden Eyes and his companions.
Beautifully written with a wonderful story this will appeal to almost any age group.
Definitely a must read for anyone who loves to get lost in a really good book.
Beautifully written with a wonderful story this will appeal to almost any age group.
Definitely a must read for anyone who loves to get lost in a really good book.
March 24, 2011
Highly recommended for kids and parents alike! It will keep you gripped to the end. I couldn't wait to read the next chapter to find out what happens to Rupert!
August 22, 2015
I highly recommend this book for young and old. It was a fun and clean read. If you're looking for a fun and exciting book for mid level readers, check this one out.
October 18, 2016
Audiobook
If you're strict about your child's reading material, this is politely bland enough to let you sleep well at night.
If you're strict about your child's reading material, this is politely bland enough to let you sleep well at night.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews