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Shadowmagic #2
Prince of Hazel and Oak
The eagerly-awaited sequel to Shadowmagic. Having returned to the real world from Tir Na Nog at the end of the last book, our hero Conor finds himself arrested for the murder of his father. When he explains to the cops that his dad is safe and well and enjoying life as king of a land of elves, imps and banshees they understandably think he is a nutcase. That is until he is rescued by Celtic warriors on horseback and taken back to Tir Na Nog, accidentally bringing a policeman with him. Once safely back in The Land, Conor finds that all is not well. His father is dying, the girl he loves is betrothed to another and a rather confused American cop is wandering around causing havoc. It falls to our young hero, and his band of friends, to find a cure for the king. On their epic journey they encounter one of the most mystical and dangerous races in The Land, the shapeshifting Pooka, and find their fates linked in ways they could never have imagined. The Prince of Hazel and Oak is a stunning fantasy adventure that takes fans of Shadowmagic further in to the land and brings back many of the favourite characters from the first book.
360 pages, Paperback
First published April 28, 2011
34 people are currently reading
493 people want to read
About the author
John Lenahan
5 books177 followersJohn Lenahan is a popular TV magician who toured with Jack Dee, Lenny Henry and Victoria Wood. He starred on a prime time BBC1 TV show, had his own BBC2 series, and was the voice of the toaster in ‘Red Dwarf’.
His fantasy trilogy Shadowmagic, an award-winning podcast that received over 100,000 downloads, was published by HarperCollins and sold over 70,000 copies across all editions.
Ice Lake is his debut crime novel, the first in a new series featuring psychologist Harry Cull. (written as John A. Lenahan)
His fantasy trilogy Shadowmagic, an award-winning podcast that received over 100,000 downloads, was published by HarperCollins and sold over 70,000 copies across all editions.
Ice Lake is his debut crime novel, the first in a new series featuring psychologist Harry Cull. (written as John A. Lenahan)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 8, 2015
This book is the second book in the Shadowmagic trilogy by John Lenahan and have to say that this was even better than the first.
Everything about this book was either just as good or better than the first. The plot for example was full of twists and turns, although often predictable, enjoyable and entertaining all the same.
It's pretty easy to get into this book and think John Lenahan does an excellent job of getting you into the book quickly. The dialogue appears to be minor and there is some comic content too, but that turns into major plot points later on and adds something extra into the book.
Connor and Essa's characters were improved in this book, I think mostly because they had to grow up a little, making them slightly more relate-able. Other characters such as Brendan and Aunt Neive were great to read about as you learn a little more about them. I enjoyed most of the characters enormously in this book and have been improved greatly
This book was a great read and with the free pod-cast (read by the author), it was even better. I can definitely recommend this book and give it 5 stars and will read the last book pretty soon.
Everything about this book was either just as good or better than the first. The plot for example was full of twists and turns, although often predictable, enjoyable and entertaining all the same.
It's pretty easy to get into this book and think John Lenahan does an excellent job of getting you into the book quickly. The dialogue appears to be minor and there is some comic content too, but that turns into major plot points later on and adds something extra into the book.
Connor and Essa's characters were improved in this book, I think mostly because they had to grow up a little, making them slightly more relate-able. Other characters such as Brendan and Aunt Neive were great to read about as you learn a little more about them. I enjoyed most of the characters enormously in this book and have been improved greatly
This book was a great read and with the free pod-cast (read by the author), it was even better. I can definitely recommend this book and give it 5 stars and will read the last book pretty soon.
October 5, 2011
There isn't much to say about the sequel to Shadowmagic but this: WOW.
This is the kind of book that you need to pause every now and then while you're reading and take a breath - it's pure adventure and more. I could totally see this as a TV series - something like BBC Merlin and all its swashbuckling characters!
I love the main protagonist - Conor, Prince of Duir - and his sense of humour; his witty jokes whenever he is in mortal peril cracked me up.
I really do hope Mr Lenahan is pouring his heart and soul into book 3 because I'm sure there will be a third book; there has to be. There are many loose ends to tie and I can't wait to find out about them.
The Shadowmagic series is certainly on my list of favourites of all time!
Absolutely recommend it!
This is the kind of book that you need to pause every now and then while you're reading and take a breath - it's pure adventure and more. I could totally see this as a TV series - something like BBC Merlin and all its swashbuckling characters!
I love the main protagonist - Conor, Prince of Duir - and his sense of humour; his witty jokes whenever he is in mortal peril cracked me up.
I really do hope Mr Lenahan is pouring his heart and soul into book 3 because I'm sure there will be a third book; there has to be. There are many loose ends to tie and I can't wait to find out about them.
The Shadowmagic series is certainly on my list of favourites of all time!
Absolutely recommend it!
March 3, 2011
This is the sequel to "
Shadowmagic
" by John Lenahan and, despite being aimed at young men, these books appeal to me immensely. Okay, so I haven't actually read the books but listened to the podcasts downloadable from iTunes and Podiobooks, but I am going to buy the books and I am going to give them to friends because I think that John Lenahan knows how to write a rip-roaring tale. Yes, the main character is a bit obnoxious at times, but show me a teenage boy that isn't.
The Shadowmagic series runs at a face pace and is packed with adventure and humour. Both books are set in the land of Tir Na Og where fairies, banshees, pucas, brownies and sentient trees reside and into this world was thrown young Conor, the said Prince of Hazel and Oak, who grew up in the real world not knowing his was the heir to the House of Oak, his father having kept this secret from him all his life in order to protect Conor from his uncle, Cialtie, who was determined to kill him.
After making it back to real world from his first adventure in Tir Na Og, Conor finds himself in yet more trouble as the police believe he has murdered his own father who has gone missing. The truth is, Conor's father is mortally ill and so, once again, Conor is hurled back to Tir Na Og, but this time there is a stowaway: the policeman, Brendan, who is determined to see Conor brought to justice. Conor now find himselfs struggling to save his father's life, and save Tir Na Og from Cialtie, with the help of his loyal friends and one confused policeman.
Sure, Conor can be a bit obnoxious at times, but what teenage boy isn't? His friends soon knock it out of him, and the supporting characters are fantastic, loveable at times, and they are what really makes these books a joy. Well ... okay, the storytelling skills of the author have a lot to do with it and his reading for the podcasts is of exceptional quality for Podiobooks.
Seriously, folks: read " Shadowmagic " and " Shadowmagic: Prince of Hazel and Oak " for a rip-roaring tale of a boy's own adventure in the Otherworld.
The Shadowmagic series runs at a face pace and is packed with adventure and humour. Both books are set in the land of Tir Na Og where fairies, banshees, pucas, brownies and sentient trees reside and into this world was thrown young Conor, the said Prince of Hazel and Oak, who grew up in the real world not knowing his was the heir to the House of Oak, his father having kept this secret from him all his life in order to protect Conor from his uncle, Cialtie, who was determined to kill him.
After making it back to real world from his first adventure in Tir Na Og, Conor finds himself in yet more trouble as the police believe he has murdered his own father who has gone missing. The truth is, Conor's father is mortally ill and so, once again, Conor is hurled back to Tir Na Og, but this time there is a stowaway: the policeman, Brendan, who is determined to see Conor brought to justice. Conor now find himselfs struggling to save his father's life, and save Tir Na Og from Cialtie, with the help of his loyal friends and one confused policeman.
Sure, Conor can be a bit obnoxious at times, but what teenage boy isn't? His friends soon knock it out of him, and the supporting characters are fantastic, loveable at times, and they are what really makes these books a joy. Well ... okay, the storytelling skills of the author have a lot to do with it and his reading for the podcasts is of exceptional quality for Podiobooks.
Seriously, folks: read " Shadowmagic " and " Shadowmagic: Prince of Hazel and Oak " for a rip-roaring tale of a boy's own adventure in the Otherworld.
August 22, 2011
The Prince of Hazel and Oak is the sequel to Shadowmagic. Conor's return to Earth wasn't as joyful as he expected. His home looks like a disaster movie set, his girlfriend isn't interested in him anymore and besides, doesn't measure up to his Tir Na Nogian girlfriend Essa and the Police have questions about his father that he can't answer. So he does what most teenagers being held by the Police for a murder they didn't commit would do, scream for Mummy.
Mummy, Deidre, happens to be a powerful Shadowmagic witch, and she brings along Aunt Naeve who is also a kick-ass witch. They do a fair impression of Arnie and trash the police station and rescue Conor. When they jump through a portal back into Tir Na Nog, they discover that Detective Brendan, the cop who had arrested Conor has followed them through. Conor's dad is slowly dying from the reattachment of his rune-hand (yeah, you should probably read the first one first). Conor and his mum head over to the Hall of Knowledge, which is being rebuilt, to magically read the ruined books for a solution to save dad. On arrival, Conor finds Esse is still mad at him for going and that she is engaged to the banshee leader, the Turd-low . . . sorry, the Turlow.
Conor discovers a possible solution to save his dad and sets out on a mission to find the cure, the blood of a red eel? The journey, typically, visits all the lands that weren't visited in the first book, including Pookaville and Brownie-castle. The rest you'll have to read for yourself.
I liked the first book for its charm. This one, if anything, has even more charm. I got into the humor of the tale, which reminds of Terry Brook's Roundear books. The writing is solid and the voice of the character grows on you. There are times when you want to scream at Conor when he misses clues, which are too obvious and could have done with more subtlety. In fact, if there is anything that is wrong with this book is that the plot is too predicatable, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the story. What was annoying is that Lenahan has managed to duplicate plot elements similar to ones I'd planned for my own sequel, but then, great minds do think alike.
If you like a little funny in your fantasy then join Lenahan's club. I know I am.
Mummy, Deidre, happens to be a powerful Shadowmagic witch, and she brings along Aunt Naeve who is also a kick-ass witch. They do a fair impression of Arnie and trash the police station and rescue Conor. When they jump through a portal back into Tir Na Nog, they discover that Detective Brendan, the cop who had arrested Conor has followed them through. Conor's dad is slowly dying from the reattachment of his rune-hand (yeah, you should probably read the first one first). Conor and his mum head over to the Hall of Knowledge, which is being rebuilt, to magically read the ruined books for a solution to save dad. On arrival, Conor finds Esse is still mad at him for going and that she is engaged to the banshee leader, the Turd-low . . . sorry, the Turlow.
Conor discovers a possible solution to save his dad and sets out on a mission to find the cure, the blood of a red eel? The journey, typically, visits all the lands that weren't visited in the first book, including Pookaville and Brownie-castle. The rest you'll have to read for yourself.
I liked the first book for its charm. This one, if anything, has even more charm. I got into the humor of the tale, which reminds of Terry Brook's Roundear books. The writing is solid and the voice of the character grows on you. There are times when you want to scream at Conor when he misses clues, which are too obvious and could have done with more subtlety. In fact, if there is anything that is wrong with this book is that the plot is too predicatable, but that didn't stop me from enjoying the story. What was annoying is that Lenahan has managed to duplicate plot elements similar to ones I'd planned for my own sequel, but then, great minds do think alike.
If you like a little funny in your fantasy then join Lenahan's club. I know I am.
March 4, 2011
Once again John Lenahan has created a good clean fantasy that keeps me coming back week after week to hear what is going to happen next in this wonder land that he's created. Oh to be so talented! The characters have depth, the story has humor and evokes emotions as the story developes. I feel like I i know these characters and not only that but I've come to love them as well.
Truly good story telling and one that I will recommend to any one who loves this genre.
Truly good story telling and one that I will recommend to any one who loves this genre.
March 3, 2011
One chapter left and another great adventure. I purchased the limited edition, softbood and kindle edition of the first to support this book and the author. Yes, it is that good. Hazel and Oak is on par with the quality we have come expect. Another banner year for John Lenahan. Get it, listen or buy it, well worth the time and expense.
April 30, 2011
At last the long awaited sequel to Shadowmagic is here. Fab book. Once picked up I guarantee you won't be able to put this down. As excting as the first one I hope this is the second in a long long line of Shadowmagic books. If you like fantasy you will love this book.
January 15, 2016
Better than the first, in my opinion. Still not enough imagery of the world in which it is set. More adventure however.
April 6, 2024
Still just as funny as Shadowmagic, perhaps more so. I really liked the relationship between Conor and Graysea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2011
It's been about a month since I last listened to this one & it had taken me at least a month to get 15 chapters in so I'm not going to try & carry on listening to this one. Unfortunately it just wasn't for me but I tend to get distracted when listening to audiobooks and lose track of the story. I'd probably have liked this more if I'd picked up a print copy so please don't let me put you off giving it a try
January 19, 2013
Funny, enchanting, emotional.. Loved it.
October 5, 2023
The only reason this isn't a one-star review is because this is a quick and easy read. For a very young audience, this might actually be a good book. For an adult audience, this is largely unbearable because of its many flaws.
The pacing is off, characters are willfully obtuse, the settings' more interesting concepts don't get time and space to breathe and their impact is never realized or explored. A lot of tell-don't-show. A paper-thin plot. Formulaic twists. Childish and un-nuanced personalities and motivations for characters. One-note cardboard cutout standees for characters.
Special mention, in my review of the first book I complained about the endless repetitive humor: "We get it, the people in Tir Na Nog don't know what a hamburger and Nike's are. The twelfth time this is mentioned isn't any funnier than the third." This is twice as bad in this book: the protagonist keeps on doing it, but there's a second Real World character that also gets to do it. Now the protagonist also gets to watch someone else be equally baffled and pleasantly surprised over and over and over! Yay!
The setting remains enchanting and wonderful. It's just sad to see it go to waste. I will not be picking up more of this series.
The pacing is off, characters are willfully obtuse, the settings' more interesting concepts don't get time and space to breathe and their impact is never realized or explored. A lot of tell-don't-show. A paper-thin plot. Formulaic twists. Childish and un-nuanced personalities and motivations for characters. One-note cardboard cutout standees for characters.
Special mention, in my review of the first book I complained about the endless repetitive humor: "We get it, the people in Tir Na Nog don't know what a hamburger and Nike's are. The twelfth time this is mentioned isn't any funnier than the third." This is twice as bad in this book: the protagonist keeps on doing it, but there's a second Real World character that also gets to do it. Now the protagonist also gets to watch someone else be equally baffled and pleasantly surprised over and over and over! Yay!
The setting remains enchanting and wonderful. It's just sad to see it go to waste. I will not be picking up more of this series.
June 8, 2017
Not what was expected
Well, that escalated quickly. Connor has survived a lot of things. Murderous relatives, a girlfriend that wants him dead, and a misplaced prophecy that said he was going to bring about the end of the world. He made it back to the real world. Whew. Now he only has to deal with real world problems: money, college, police detectives that think he killed his father. Wait, what?
His father isn't dead, but how do you explain that your Dad is in the land of fairies where he's a king. Um, yeah, that's a tough one. He'll make it back, with cop in tow, to find out his father is dying. Now it's a race against time, with his Dad getting weaker by the day. This new adventure will take him further into the magical land of Tir-na-nog. Connor will encounter pookas, mermaids, and dragons on his quest to save his father and the kingdom. Old and new friends will be there to help and his treacherous uncle continues to lurk in the shadows.
A great sequel to Shadowmagic. John Lenahan brings back many of our favorite characters and introduces many more. Magic and mayhem ensue as Connor fights again to save his adopted home.
Well, that escalated quickly. Connor has survived a lot of things. Murderous relatives, a girlfriend that wants him dead, and a misplaced prophecy that said he was going to bring about the end of the world. He made it back to the real world. Whew. Now he only has to deal with real world problems: money, college, police detectives that think he killed his father. Wait, what?
His father isn't dead, but how do you explain that your Dad is in the land of fairies where he's a king. Um, yeah, that's a tough one. He'll make it back, with cop in tow, to find out his father is dying. Now it's a race against time, with his Dad getting weaker by the day. This new adventure will take him further into the magical land of Tir-na-nog. Connor will encounter pookas, mermaids, and dragons on his quest to save his father and the kingdom. Old and new friends will be there to help and his treacherous uncle continues to lurk in the shadows.
A great sequel to Shadowmagic. John Lenahan brings back many of our favorite characters and introduces many more. Magic and mayhem ensue as Connor fights again to save his adopted home.
October 22, 2021
Another magical adventure. Heart-wrenching, warming, anxiety inducing, wholesome, and murderous. It really is a wild ride from start to finish. As in the last book, the skills of the author are evident throughout, amazing world building, brilliant character development, I can feel the magic oozing out of the pages.
This book made me laugh, cry, happy, depressed, every emotion possible. The descriptions made me feel like I was literally there watching everything happen. It really is one of the most magical trilogies I've ever had the pleasure to read.
This book made me laugh, cry, happy, depressed, every emotion possible. The descriptions made me feel like I was literally there watching everything happen. It really is one of the most magical trilogies I've ever had the pleasure to read.
January 18, 2018
Very well done book. I read this book following along with it with my dad. We had many fun conversations thinking about what was going to happen next. Both of us enjoyed it a lot, although the change in the story at the beginning. As we are moving into the third book it is playing a bigger part and it seems to show how unprofessional the author was when creating the book. Through all this though it was a very good read and currently I am happily reading the third book.
June 22, 2020
Definitely nice to get back to Tir Na Nog for a new quest, with the involvement of many known characters. Some aspects did not work as well for me (countless myths and tales, all but one female characters are dreamy-mystic just sitting around waiting to tell her sad autobiography, …). Yet in the end all these side plots and worldbuilding do come together in another epic battle. And that was exactly what I'd been hoping for.
February 21, 2022
Another fun and funny instalment in a great brain-candy series. The shadow magic trilogy is entertaining. Lenahan’s skills as a comedian and storyteller continue to shine through. I enjoy coming back to these stories from time to time when I just need to turn my brain off. Looking forward to the recently announced fourth book!
June 14, 2018
The sencond book of a lovely and exciting saga. This story is writen with so much love. In a way, in many ways it is about love. It's a fantasy series based on celtic mithology. It's funny, dramatic, lovable. A perfect light reading for young and not so young adults.
February 29, 2020
Great follow up to Shadowmagic. The author continues to bring The Land to life through the characters and their journeys. New places and people expand the mind and open the possibility of The Land being real.
July 20, 2017
This story is a fun fantasy and captured me from the beginning.
August 11, 2017
fun read
August 21, 2017
Just as great as his first book Shadowmagic.
I hope this new Author is able to keep this quality of work and also release a book every year!
I hope this new Author is able to keep this quality of work and also release a book every year!
August 23, 2017
Absolutely adored this trilogy .... such wit!!
June 26, 2018
I love this serise and listening to the podcast from John Lenahan was just a treat. I cant wait to read sons of macha
July 1, 2018
Same awesome writing style and character progression. Amazing series
January 14, 2019
Wow! I could not put this one down. So much to focus on but it's all good fun. The plot moves wickedly fast. Lost of loveable characters and new villians. Wildly entertaining and crazy! I loved it!
March 23, 2019
good read for 13-16 year olds
August 2, 2019
This was a really good book, I took a little while reading it because I stopped for three weeks 😂 My favorite part of the book was the ending
September 11, 2020
I enjoyed this one immensly. Conor's companions are well fleshed. I now know what happened to the druids.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews