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EmersonRose (320 KP) rated Alfred: And The Underworld in Books
Nov 20, 2019
“Yes Alfred, that is it. I love you. I love you so much. And I am worried. I, we, your father and I, and even Tirnalth – we chose this life for you. We fled for you. A great magic was unleashed to help us, for you Alfred. It helped us escape a world fallen to darkness”
Alfred and the Underworld is the second volume of Alfred: The Boy King series by author Ron Smorynski. Published on November 2017, this book continues Alfred’s journey as the King of Westfold. After spending some time back with his mother in the human world researching and preparing, he goes back to his people. Things are not going well, and Alfred has a lot of work to do to help his people get back on their feet and defend themselves from the darkness that surrounds them.
In this book, Smorynski continues not only with this adventure-filled story but has continued to build up his fantasy world. Alfred encounters several new magical creatures, both good and bad around his kingdom. We also get a further building of the magical system and who has access to magic, which adds to the world and what is possible within it. Another interesting aspect was the history and politics that took a forefront position in this book. We are given a better grasp of the world outside of Alfred’s little kingdom. There are more players in the game now some that could be allies and some that have allied themselves with the evil in the land.
I really enjoyed that in this book we get to see different perspectives. While mostly told from Alfred’s point of view, we also get sneak peaks into both his mother’s mind and the enemies Alfred, and his people are fighting. This was interesting because these other characters are privy to information Alfred does not have access to and helps build the intrigue of the story. I particularly liked the chapters focused on Alfred’s mother. Through the excitement of Alfred building up his kingdom and the thrill of preparing for battle and defeating enemies, the mother is a reminder of a big picture and a deeper mystery. Throughout the first book we were given pieces of the life that she left behind when she brought Alfred to our world, and slowly those pieces are coming together.
I greatly enjoyed this book and am excited about the third book in the series Alfred and the Quest of the Knights. Alfred and the Underworld was an exciting, fun, and interesting story on its own, but it also set up nicely for the next installment. Between the big bad that is Gorbogal the witch and the truth bomb that was dropped on Alfred in the last sentence as a cliffhanger, this book as left me desperately waiting for more.
Alfred and the Underworld is the second volume of Alfred: The Boy King series by author Ron Smorynski. Published on November 2017, this book continues Alfred’s journey as the King of Westfold. After spending some time back with his mother in the human world researching and preparing, he goes back to his people. Things are not going well, and Alfred has a lot of work to do to help his people get back on their feet and defend themselves from the darkness that surrounds them.
In this book, Smorynski continues not only with this adventure-filled story but has continued to build up his fantasy world. Alfred encounters several new magical creatures, both good and bad around his kingdom. We also get a further building of the magical system and who has access to magic, which adds to the world and what is possible within it. Another interesting aspect was the history and politics that took a forefront position in this book. We are given a better grasp of the world outside of Alfred’s little kingdom. There are more players in the game now some that could be allies and some that have allied themselves with the evil in the land.
I really enjoyed that in this book we get to see different perspectives. While mostly told from Alfred’s point of view, we also get sneak peaks into both his mother’s mind and the enemies Alfred, and his people are fighting. This was interesting because these other characters are privy to information Alfred does not have access to and helps build the intrigue of the story. I particularly liked the chapters focused on Alfred’s mother. Through the excitement of Alfred building up his kingdom and the thrill of preparing for battle and defeating enemies, the mother is a reminder of a big picture and a deeper mystery. Throughout the first book we were given pieces of the life that she left behind when she brought Alfred to our world, and slowly those pieces are coming together.
I greatly enjoyed this book and am excited about the third book in the series Alfred and the Quest of the Knights. Alfred and the Underworld was an exciting, fun, and interesting story on its own, but it also set up nicely for the next installment. Between the big bad that is Gorbogal the witch and the truth bomb that was dropped on Alfred in the last sentence as a cliffhanger, this book as left me desperately waiting for more.
Whoowasit? - Children's game of the year 2008
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Whoowasit? has been nominated in the categories „Bestes Kinderspiel“ (best game for kids) and...
Ski Safari: Adventure Time
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Adventure Time meets Ski Safari! Shred the slopes of Ooo with Finn or BMO in this endlessly fun...
Louise (64 KP) rated The Sleeper and the Spindle: Winner of the Cilip Kate Greenaway Medal 2016 in Books
Jul 2, 2018
My thoughts:
What a beautiful book! How have I not come across Chris Riddell before? I do not know! What an amazing illustrator!
The sleeper in the spindle is a combination of sleeping beauty and snow-white retelling with Gaiman’s dark twist added to it.There are two lands which are separated by huge mountains which no-one can get across, not even the birds fly over, the only one’s are three dwarves and they tunnel under. The dwarves are off to find the queen some silks for her pending wedding. Dorimar is the other kingdom where they make the best silks, once the dwarves get there they come across an Inn, which they usually drop by as they made friends with the local innkeeper. Only this time the Inn was packed with Villagers, There Is a plague travelling across the kingdom which puts everyone into a slumber which was casted by an enchantress. With this news the dwarves return to the Queen to let her know what is going on the other side of the mountains and could possibly come across to Kanselaire. With her pending wedding and the thoughts of being a dutiful wife and mother, one last adventure is what she needs, she is off to save Dorimar.
I have actually read the sleeper in the spindle before but from Gaiman’s short story collection Trigger Warning.
The story is very short only 72 pages so can be easily done in one sitting. However there is not a lot of character development and the Villain is the same old power/youth hungry menace.The ending will not be to everyone’s taste,but it was well written and an easy read
The illustrations are absolutely stunning, they are black and white with gold leaf added on every page, The detail is so intricate and amazing and definitely complements the story really well.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone as it is classed as a children’s book.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.
What a beautiful book! How have I not come across Chris Riddell before? I do not know! What an amazing illustrator!
The sleeper in the spindle is a combination of sleeping beauty and snow-white retelling with Gaiman’s dark twist added to it.There are two lands which are separated by huge mountains which no-one can get across, not even the birds fly over, the only one’s are three dwarves and they tunnel under. The dwarves are off to find the queen some silks for her pending wedding. Dorimar is the other kingdom where they make the best silks, once the dwarves get there they come across an Inn, which they usually drop by as they made friends with the local innkeeper. Only this time the Inn was packed with Villagers, There Is a plague travelling across the kingdom which puts everyone into a slumber which was casted by an enchantress. With this news the dwarves return to the Queen to let her know what is going on the other side of the mountains and could possibly come across to Kanselaire. With her pending wedding and the thoughts of being a dutiful wife and mother, one last adventure is what she needs, she is off to save Dorimar.
I have actually read the sleeper in the spindle before but from Gaiman’s short story collection Trigger Warning.
The story is very short only 72 pages so can be easily done in one sitting. However there is not a lot of character development and the Villain is the same old power/youth hungry menace.The ending will not be to everyone’s taste,but it was well written and an easy read
The illustrations are absolutely stunning, they are black and white with gold leaf added on every page, The detail is so intricate and amazing and definitely complements the story really well.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone as it is classed as a children’s book.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.
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Selected App Store EDITORS’ CHOICE, Dawn of Titans showcases the BEST graphics on mobile! Battle...
Merissa (13298 KP) rated Spark & Heir (Royal & Piper #3) in Books
Dec 10, 2024
SPARK & HEIR is the final part of this outstanding trilogy, so hold onto your hats because it's non-stop.
Quirin and Cal are with King Eryk, although neither of them knows for sure where or how they fit in. Cal bargains for her kingdom, paying a price she has always known about. Quirin finds himself torn between his old king who made him what he was, and the new queen who had won his loyalty and admiration. I absolutely loved how Quirin talked with Kylen about Cal. Kylen was also a character I grew to love, understated and shy, but with a massive heart for those he cares about.
Still told by three different people, you literally get the inside take on just how twisted and malicious Evalena is. My heart broke at times, not only for a specific character but also for Quirin.
Now, I'm going to be deliberately vague here, but I want to mention something without giving away any details... Quirin is sent away to gather information on what Evalena's doing, while Cal obviously stays behind. During that time, something absolutely necessary happened, but I didn't like it because Quirin wasn't there. After I got over my upset, I realised it was a perfect example of how war doesn't stop just because you're a main character!
The climax and epilogue are outstanding and I was hung on every word. I am sad to see this come to an end, although I still hope for more from this kingdom and for Quirin. A 5-star series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Just don't make me choose my favourite book out of the three because I'm stumped!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 10, 2024
Quirin and Cal are with King Eryk, although neither of them knows for sure where or how they fit in. Cal bargains for her kingdom, paying a price she has always known about. Quirin finds himself torn between his old king who made him what he was, and the new queen who had won his loyalty and admiration. I absolutely loved how Quirin talked with Kylen about Cal. Kylen was also a character I grew to love, understated and shy, but with a massive heart for those he cares about.
Still told by three different people, you literally get the inside take on just how twisted and malicious Evalena is. My heart broke at times, not only for a specific character but also for Quirin.
Now, I'm going to be deliberately vague here, but I want to mention something without giving away any details... Quirin is sent away to gather information on what Evalena's doing, while Cal obviously stays behind. During that time, something absolutely necessary happened, but I didn't like it because Quirin wasn't there. After I got over my upset, I realised it was a perfect example of how war doesn't stop just because you're a main character!
The climax and epilogue are outstanding and I was hung on every word. I am sad to see this come to an end, although I still hope for more from this kingdom and for Quirin. A 5-star series and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me. Just don't make me choose my favourite book out of the three because I'm stumped!
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 10, 2024