What do you think?
Rate this book
Earthbow Volume 2
In the thrilling conclusion to the second Narentan Tumult, can teen Outworlder Xander and his allies overcome the evil unleashed by the evil Cenoc?
- GenresFantasy
266 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2010
8 people want to read
About the author
Sherry Thompson
16 books15 followersI'm SherryT, a fantasy author trapped on the U.S. east coast & longing to live on my fantasy world of Narenta but not during a war!
I enjoy helping fellow-writers & appreciate being helped; amateur photography; creating art by hand or graphics software; music esp filk, folk & world music ex. Putumayo. I like fantasy & mysteries but these days I write more than I read. I watch just a few TV shows a season but I'm very loyal to those I watch. I love 100’s of films. Other interests: ethnic cuisine, dark chocolate, my faith, playing servant to my cats Khiva & Vartha, “wasting time with my friends”, enjoying nature—except ice storms
I worked at a library for 30 years. What's better than being around books every day? Writing them.
I started my 1st Narenta Tumults fantasy "Seabird" in 1979. Writing Narenta #1 was such fun as soon as I finished it, I began its sequel
I began writing short stories in the mid-80's because my writing instructors assigned us short works. Wailing "I write long" gained me no sympathy. I’ve written 40-50 shorts, 33 in my new Tree House Tales collection but I rarely submit the stuph stuffed in the folder because, well, I write long
After retiring from my 1st career, I focused on writing, networking with other authors like my Lost Genre Guild buddies, catching up on manuscript revisions & of course writing new material.
Speaking of which, revised editions of my 1st Narenta novels, Seabird & Earthbow, will be available in early 2015. Marooned, the 3rd novel set on Narenta will appear later in 2015.
Two other Narenta novels still need work. The Gryphon & the Basilisk aka “The Behemoth” aka "Its Wordiness" not so secretly wants to be a trilogy & keeps saying "Feed me!" G&B looks more like a gigantic plant every day. I'm beginning to worry.
Another Narenta novel is having an identity crisis & has asked to be called, "Da Boid, da Tree-Rat 'n' da Loser”. As a loving book-mama, I’m giving it time to work through its issues.
I enjoy helping fellow-writers & appreciate being helped; amateur photography; creating art by hand or graphics software; music esp filk, folk & world music ex. Putumayo. I like fantasy & mysteries but these days I write more than I read. I watch just a few TV shows a season but I'm very loyal to those I watch. I love 100’s of films. Other interests: ethnic cuisine, dark chocolate, my faith, playing servant to my cats Khiva & Vartha, “wasting time with my friends”, enjoying nature—except ice storms
I worked at a library for 30 years. What's better than being around books every day? Writing them.
I started my 1st Narenta Tumults fantasy "Seabird" in 1979. Writing Narenta #1 was such fun as soon as I finished it, I began its sequel
I began writing short stories in the mid-80's because my writing instructors assigned us short works. Wailing "I write long" gained me no sympathy. I’ve written 40-50 shorts, 33 in my new Tree House Tales collection but I rarely submit the stuph stuffed in the folder because, well, I write long
After retiring from my 1st career, I focused on writing, networking with other authors like my Lost Genre Guild buddies, catching up on manuscript revisions & of course writing new material.
Speaking of which, revised editions of my 1st Narenta novels, Seabird & Earthbow, will be available in early 2015. Marooned, the 3rd novel set on Narenta will appear later in 2015.
Two other Narenta novels still need work. The Gryphon & the Basilisk aka “The Behemoth” aka "Its Wordiness" not so secretly wants to be a trilogy & keeps saying "Feed me!" G&B looks more like a gigantic plant every day. I'm beginning to worry.
Another Narenta novel is having an identity crisis & has asked to be called, "Da Boid, da Tree-Rat 'n' da Loser”. As a loving book-mama, I’m giving it time to work through its issues.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 25, 2010
Any fears that Seabird and its sequels would end up mimicking The Chronicles of Narnia are dispelled with this first volume of Earthbow, by Sherry Thompson. Indeed, in feel and focus, this book departs from Seabird while still living in that rich universe created there.
First, while Seabird remained in Cara's point of view the whole time, this book has several. The storyline is more complicated, with various threads spinning around each other. Some threads touch others, some tie together, others remain lose, waiting to be wrapped up in Volume 2. The reader sees and experiences more of the world, the culture, and the darkness than in Seabird.
Second, Cara doesn't return for this story, rather her brother, Xander, is introduced into this world. And instead of experiencing Xander's entrance into the world and his acceptance of his mission, we jump into the story two weeks after he's been in the world, already carrying the Earthbow, and apparently ready to find out what he was sent there to do, and do it, though it's obvious he isn't ready.
Third, Xander, while the Outworlder, isn't the central character or focus in this volume. Harone, a key character from Seabird, acts as Xander's guide and we frequently find ourselves in his point of view, and realize he's struggling with his own journey and growth as an Enchanter, facing the dark evil that he struggles to fight back. Another thread follows Coris, serving an evil king influenced by the dark evil that is working to enslave the lands, and his ethical struggle both to do what is right in the face of possible death, and his struggle with faith in someone greater than himself. Many other characters interact or take the points of view, but relate to one of these two threads in one way or another. As a matter of fact, while Xander is an interesting character, in this volume he is upstaged by the rich and varied cast of characters. This volume isn't as much his story as it is Harone's and Coris'.
I admit, when I first dug into this book, I was expecting Seabird II, and it threw me a bit when I didn't get that. But once past that realization, I found a greatly expanded and darker view of Narenta and the lands in this world. The characters are well drawn, complete with their own histories, flaws, and struggles. The silent enemy working behind the scenes, and those he controls, provide definite and constant tension as the story progresses. Earthbow, while in the Narenta world, is its own book. The feel is more like Lord of the Rings. Not so much in the plot, but in the scope of the story arc. The book takes on a more epic ambiance than Seabird contained.
But unlike Lord of the Rings, and more like The Chronicles of Narnia, the allegory runs deep. Alphesis still is present and guiding, but hidden. This makes the volume a great read for the non-Christian who may not bother with seeing allegorical relationships to Christian characters or principles, and simply enjoy the story for what it is: an engaging story any fantasy fan would love to sink their teeth into. At the same time, the Christian reader can read it and derive valid Christian thoughts and applications to their lives, if they wish. For either reader, they will find Earthbow a gem of a story.
The writing is well done, easy to follow most of the time. Sometimes the jumping around to different points of view takes some getting used too, and for my taste, happened too frequently in spots. Yet, it wasn't so bad that it distracted me from the story. More like shifting gears on a manual transmission. Most of the shifts are established well enough and the reader will be able to keep up with who's who and where they are. I also found many of the descriptions rich without being overbearing, and the action easy to follow.
One other note, mentioned above but bears pointing out: this is volume 1 of a two volume book. It contains books one and two. The second volume, yet to come out as of this writing, will have books three and four and an epilogue. Consequently, while there is a thread that is tied up and a climax to this book, there are also a lot of threads yet to be woven to a conclusion. I'm told that Xander will play a greater role in the next volume, and a lot of the story lines will be completed there, including Coris'. It's your traditional middle book problem. You have to wait for the next one to get the ending.
That said, don't wait for the next volume to come out to read this. I highly recommend this book. And though I rarely do this, I'll give it five out of five stars. If the follow-up fails to deliver, that would be a shame. But I have every expectation that it will deliver. And I look forward to discovering how these stories conclude.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author.
First, while Seabird remained in Cara's point of view the whole time, this book has several. The storyline is more complicated, with various threads spinning around each other. Some threads touch others, some tie together, others remain lose, waiting to be wrapped up in Volume 2. The reader sees and experiences more of the world, the culture, and the darkness than in Seabird.
Second, Cara doesn't return for this story, rather her brother, Xander, is introduced into this world. And instead of experiencing Xander's entrance into the world and his acceptance of his mission, we jump into the story two weeks after he's been in the world, already carrying the Earthbow, and apparently ready to find out what he was sent there to do, and do it, though it's obvious he isn't ready.
Third, Xander, while the Outworlder, isn't the central character or focus in this volume. Harone, a key character from Seabird, acts as Xander's guide and we frequently find ourselves in his point of view, and realize he's struggling with his own journey and growth as an Enchanter, facing the dark evil that he struggles to fight back. Another thread follows Coris, serving an evil king influenced by the dark evil that is working to enslave the lands, and his ethical struggle both to do what is right in the face of possible death, and his struggle with faith in someone greater than himself. Many other characters interact or take the points of view, but relate to one of these two threads in one way or another. As a matter of fact, while Xander is an interesting character, in this volume he is upstaged by the rich and varied cast of characters. This volume isn't as much his story as it is Harone's and Coris'.
I admit, when I first dug into this book, I was expecting Seabird II, and it threw me a bit when I didn't get that. But once past that realization, I found a greatly expanded and darker view of Narenta and the lands in this world. The characters are well drawn, complete with their own histories, flaws, and struggles. The silent enemy working behind the scenes, and those he controls, provide definite and constant tension as the story progresses. Earthbow, while in the Narenta world, is its own book. The feel is more like Lord of the Rings. Not so much in the plot, but in the scope of the story arc. The book takes on a more epic ambiance than Seabird contained.
But unlike Lord of the Rings, and more like The Chronicles of Narnia, the allegory runs deep. Alphesis still is present and guiding, but hidden. This makes the volume a great read for the non-Christian who may not bother with seeing allegorical relationships to Christian characters or principles, and simply enjoy the story for what it is: an engaging story any fantasy fan would love to sink their teeth into. At the same time, the Christian reader can read it and derive valid Christian thoughts and applications to their lives, if they wish. For either reader, they will find Earthbow a gem of a story.
The writing is well done, easy to follow most of the time. Sometimes the jumping around to different points of view takes some getting used too, and for my taste, happened too frequently in spots. Yet, it wasn't so bad that it distracted me from the story. More like shifting gears on a manual transmission. Most of the shifts are established well enough and the reader will be able to keep up with who's who and where they are. I also found many of the descriptions rich without being overbearing, and the action easy to follow.
One other note, mentioned above but bears pointing out: this is volume 1 of a two volume book. It contains books one and two. The second volume, yet to come out as of this writing, will have books three and four and an epilogue. Consequently, while there is a thread that is tied up and a climax to this book, there are also a lot of threads yet to be woven to a conclusion. I'm told that Xander will play a greater role in the next volume, and a lot of the story lines will be completed there, including Coris'. It's your traditional middle book problem. You have to wait for the next one to get the ending.
That said, don't wait for the next volume to come out to read this. I highly recommend this book. And though I rarely do this, I'll give it five out of five stars. If the follow-up fails to deliver, that would be a shame. But I have every expectation that it will deliver. And I look forward to discovering how these stories conclude.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me by the author.
October 26, 2010
As the world of Narenta enters its second prophesied Tumult, the destinies of three young men are entwined with the coming upheaval. A warrior named Coris chafes under the command of a sadistic lord and is drawn into alliance with renegades, as he thirsts to avenge his father’s murder. Xander, newly arrived from Earth, finds himself the desperate hope of an alien world he barely comprehends, and custodian of a powerful mystic weapon, the Earthbow, that only he can wield–if he can figure out how to use it. Harone is a promising initiate among the enchanters of Narenta, tasked to liberate an ancient enemy who may be key to defeating the forces of evil that are corrupting the land.
Will these three heroes overcome their fears and doubts and rescue Narenta from destruction, despite the daunting forces arrayed against them?
Earthbow continues the epic saga Sherry Thompson began in Seabird, and I suggest readers finish Seabird first, if they can, to gain a better understanding of what’s going on. Earthbow leaps into the story of Coris, Xander, and Harone without preamble, and it covers a lot of territory. Ms. Thompson has created a fascinating world just different enough from our own to be recognizably fantastic and alien, populated with vivid, interesting characters. There’s plenty of adventure, mystery, magic, and intrigue as the forces of good and evil work through their human proxies to steer Narenta’s future.
The characters really made the story for me. I was drawn to all three heroes, but they couldn’t be more different. Xander is brash and overconfident, impatient to take on the challenges of his strange new role. Harone is talented and capable, but painfully aware of his inexperience and limitations. Coris is a courageous and skilled warrior, faithful to the knight’s code of chivalry, but tormented by his leaders’ evil and injustice even as he’s driven by his own dark obsessions. There are many other memorable characters in the supporting cast, both allies and villains, but it’s better that you meet them within the pages of the story.
Earthbow is written with passion and skill. It is very much in the tradition of C.S. Lewis’ and J.R.R. Tolkien’s spiritually-themed fantasy adventures, infused with themes of courage, self-sacrifice, faith, loyalty, honor, and redemption. It’s also a long haul. As the title implies, the story of the Earthbow is not finished at the end of Volume 1. It’s only begun. We’re left with more of a time-out than a tidy conclusion, which will frustrate some readers but likely leave more of them (including myself) eager for the arrival of Volume 2.
Note to Parents: I think this story would appeal to readers of all ages who enjoy heroic fantasy, though the vocabulary is a bit advanced for younger children. As I recommend with any book, read it yourself first before you share it with your kids, and if you can, make a little family time and read it along with them. There is some medieval swordplay and bloodshed typical of the genre, but nothing excessive or gratuitous. One particularly tragic death may provide an opportunity for serious discussion between parents and children.
Will these three heroes overcome their fears and doubts and rescue Narenta from destruction, despite the daunting forces arrayed against them?
Earthbow continues the epic saga Sherry Thompson began in Seabird, and I suggest readers finish Seabird first, if they can, to gain a better understanding of what’s going on. Earthbow leaps into the story of Coris, Xander, and Harone without preamble, and it covers a lot of territory. Ms. Thompson has created a fascinating world just different enough from our own to be recognizably fantastic and alien, populated with vivid, interesting characters. There’s plenty of adventure, mystery, magic, and intrigue as the forces of good and evil work through their human proxies to steer Narenta’s future.
The characters really made the story for me. I was drawn to all three heroes, but they couldn’t be more different. Xander is brash and overconfident, impatient to take on the challenges of his strange new role. Harone is talented and capable, but painfully aware of his inexperience and limitations. Coris is a courageous and skilled warrior, faithful to the knight’s code of chivalry, but tormented by his leaders’ evil and injustice even as he’s driven by his own dark obsessions. There are many other memorable characters in the supporting cast, both allies and villains, but it’s better that you meet them within the pages of the story.
Earthbow is written with passion and skill. It is very much in the tradition of C.S. Lewis’ and J.R.R. Tolkien’s spiritually-themed fantasy adventures, infused with themes of courage, self-sacrifice, faith, loyalty, honor, and redemption. It’s also a long haul. As the title implies, the story of the Earthbow is not finished at the end of Volume 1. It’s only begun. We’re left with more of a time-out than a tidy conclusion, which will frustrate some readers but likely leave more of them (including myself) eager for the arrival of Volume 2.
Note to Parents: I think this story would appeal to readers of all ages who enjoy heroic fantasy, though the vocabulary is a bit advanced for younger children. As I recommend with any book, read it yourself first before you share it with your kids, and if you can, make a little family time and read it along with them. There is some medieval swordplay and bloodshed typical of the genre, but nothing excessive or gratuitous. One particularly tragic death may provide an opportunity for serious discussion between parents and children.
October 25, 2010
As the name suggest, this book picks up where Earthbow, Volume 1 left off. And the reader will be confused if they start with this book. Things will make a lot more sense if you get a copy of Volume 1 to read before reading Volume 2. If you haven't read either, the full story is worth the purchase price.
Why? Because this story continues to track the personal journeys of Harone, Coris, and Xander as they struggle to fight the evil threatening to consume the Narentia lands. And the situation does appear hopeless. And that's where the real battle plays out. For our heroes, this is a tale of self-sacrifice of the highest kind.
And this is not a book for the feint of heart. People die, sometimes in ways that make you wince. You don't get gory detail, but the evil is real, and threatening. You feel their struggle, and you sense their despair. And you watch them rise to the occasion, even when all seems lost.
It is a book of inspiration, that even in our darkest hours, we are not without hope.
I enjoyed the characters in this volume, as I did in the first. I liked seeing Xander discover his place in the story. The interaction is well done between the characters, and each had a story to tell.
As in the other books, the writing painted good pictures for me to see clearly what was happening. The descriptions gave a solid sense of setting and mood. There's a lot going on in this story, though it gets pulled together more in this volume than in the first, as threads come together, and the story boils down to the final face off with the enemy. The tension runs strong through the book, and culminates in a satisfying manner, that not only leaves you with a sense of resolution, but the meaning behind it sticks with you, and I found myself thinking about those events for days after reading it.
I gave the first volume a five star rating. After reading Volume 2, I found my five star rating wasn't wasted on a lackluster ending, and I can confidently give this one a corresponding five star rating as well. Which means, if you like a great fantasy story, you'll not go wrong in reading the whole set of these books, beginning with Seabird, Volumes 1 and 2, and Earthbow, Volumes 1 and 2. You can thank me later.
And I hear there is more stories in this world coming out. Your time in this world will give you a return, both in entertainment and enlightenment.
Note: The author gave me a copy of her book to review.
Why? Because this story continues to track the personal journeys of Harone, Coris, and Xander as they struggle to fight the evil threatening to consume the Narentia lands. And the situation does appear hopeless. And that's where the real battle plays out. For our heroes, this is a tale of self-sacrifice of the highest kind.
And this is not a book for the feint of heart. People die, sometimes in ways that make you wince. You don't get gory detail, but the evil is real, and threatening. You feel their struggle, and you sense their despair. And you watch them rise to the occasion, even when all seems lost.
It is a book of inspiration, that even in our darkest hours, we are not without hope.
I enjoyed the characters in this volume, as I did in the first. I liked seeing Xander discover his place in the story. The interaction is well done between the characters, and each had a story to tell.
As in the other books, the writing painted good pictures for me to see clearly what was happening. The descriptions gave a solid sense of setting and mood. There's a lot going on in this story, though it gets pulled together more in this volume than in the first, as threads come together, and the story boils down to the final face off with the enemy. The tension runs strong through the book, and culminates in a satisfying manner, that not only leaves you with a sense of resolution, but the meaning behind it sticks with you, and I found myself thinking about those events for days after reading it.
I gave the first volume a five star rating. After reading Volume 2, I found my five star rating wasn't wasted on a lackluster ending, and I can confidently give this one a corresponding five star rating as well. Which means, if you like a great fantasy story, you'll not go wrong in reading the whole set of these books, beginning with Seabird, Volumes 1 and 2, and Earthbow, Volumes 1 and 2. You can thank me later.
And I hear there is more stories in this world coming out. Your time in this world will give you a return, both in entertainment and enlightenment.
Note: The author gave me a copy of her book to review.
July 20, 2011
Sherry Thompson’s earlier work in this series, Seabird, set a very high standard. Earthbow continues the tradition and actually expands it.
This story takes place in another world called Narenta. An “outworlder” from Earth is brought there to spearhead deliverance from the evil lord who is taking over the state of Latimin. This outworlder, Xander, is the brother of the outworlder from Seabird, Cara. Like Cara, Xander starts out bewildered and self-centered.
This book features a highly complex plot with several subplots and and plenty of well-drawn and believable characters. Harone, a young wizard initiate (one of the good guys), brings Xander into Latimin from the neighboring country and then sets out on a strange mission: to convince at least one of the extremely evil powerful sorcerers, imprisoned for ages by Alphesis (Jesus), to turn to the light.
Another subplot revolves around a young knight, Coris, who starts out a man-at-arms. He works in the guard for Cenoc, one of the chiefs in Latimin. Coris realizes that Cenoc is torturing innocents, asking Coris to break his noble vows to aid weaker folks. So he flees Cenoc. Meanwhile, Cenoc is gathering evil power to himself and turning into the extremely awful chief bad guy of the book.
And of course Xander, with his strange weapon the Earthbow, which Alphesis has given him. How does it work? It’s a bow, the kind that shoots bows and arrows, and Xander learns to do a bit of shooting with it. It also sings to him. Part of Xander’s assignment is to get to know and love the trees, other plants, and animals of the forests of Latimin. How does that figure into all this?
Cenoc, gathering power like a hurricane, extorts cooperation from the Pannians who look like something with tentacles and eye stalks. The Pannians become Cenoc’s troops, and things look very bad for the good guys. These Pannians are sorcerers, so any normal good guy who doesn’t have a wizard with him for protection is dead.
What do I think?
I think this is a wonderful book. Sherry Thompson does a great job of pulling the reader into the character’s emotions, pulling the reader through a tale that’s massive in scope. The book is a wonderful Christian witness as well, with Alphesis (Jesus) exerting a commanding but loving presence even when unseen. I vote that Sherry Thompson get a regular publisher, rather than an idie publisher, (and a few minor edits) and become more widely known. She deserves to be famous.
This story takes place in another world called Narenta. An “outworlder” from Earth is brought there to spearhead deliverance from the evil lord who is taking over the state of Latimin. This outworlder, Xander, is the brother of the outworlder from Seabird, Cara. Like Cara, Xander starts out bewildered and self-centered.
This book features a highly complex plot with several subplots and and plenty of well-drawn and believable characters. Harone, a young wizard initiate (one of the good guys), brings Xander into Latimin from the neighboring country and then sets out on a strange mission: to convince at least one of the extremely evil powerful sorcerers, imprisoned for ages by Alphesis (Jesus), to turn to the light.
Another subplot revolves around a young knight, Coris, who starts out a man-at-arms. He works in the guard for Cenoc, one of the chiefs in Latimin. Coris realizes that Cenoc is torturing innocents, asking Coris to break his noble vows to aid weaker folks. So he flees Cenoc. Meanwhile, Cenoc is gathering evil power to himself and turning into the extremely awful chief bad guy of the book.
And of course Xander, with his strange weapon the Earthbow, which Alphesis has given him. How does it work? It’s a bow, the kind that shoots bows and arrows, and Xander learns to do a bit of shooting with it. It also sings to him. Part of Xander’s assignment is to get to know and love the trees, other plants, and animals of the forests of Latimin. How does that figure into all this?
Cenoc, gathering power like a hurricane, extorts cooperation from the Pannians who look like something with tentacles and eye stalks. The Pannians become Cenoc’s troops, and things look very bad for the good guys. These Pannians are sorcerers, so any normal good guy who doesn’t have a wizard with him for protection is dead.
What do I think?
I think this is a wonderful book. Sherry Thompson does a great job of pulling the reader into the character’s emotions, pulling the reader through a tale that’s massive in scope. The book is a wonderful Christian witness as well, with Alphesis (Jesus) exerting a commanding but loving presence even when unseen. I vote that Sherry Thompson get a regular publisher, rather than an idie publisher, (and a few minor edits) and become more widely known. She deserves to be famous.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews