Rate this book

Ravenwoud (2011)

by Andrew Fusek Peters(Favorite Author)

3.58 of 5 Votes: 6

languge

English

genre

Fantasy

publisher

The House Of Books

review 1: In spite of several mediocre reviews, I really loved this book. It followed a typical "Quest" formula which is enduringly popular in fantasy fiction - a kingdom under threat, evil baddies, armies on both sides, beings from sub-worlds and humble born heroes. The heroes are two teenage boys, living in a world clearly divided by boundaries of belief constrained by "religion", legend and law. The boys themselves are from the bottom of the social heap in the Dendran (tree dweller) world and must traverse all levels of society and the physical world to save the kingdom. Peters creates a completely believable environment for his characters to move about in and his writing is so cinematic, readers should have no trouble in forming their own image of it. The adventure the boys emba... morerk on is exciting and flows well, moving with purpose to the end. The book is written for children but is just as enjoyable for the adult reader. I work with many boys who are reluctant readers, not because they can't physically read but because they can't find books that are interesting enough to make them want to read a story to it's conclusion. This would be ideal to recommend to reluctant boy readers aged 9 plus, just because the story is engaging from the get-go, with enough action,combat and bodily fluids to maintain interest all the way to the end. It would also be a good read-aloud for class groups. The book would easily transfer to film - I would love to see that happen.
review 2: Star parts: Now, where shall I start? Well, for a start this is a rip-roaring plot, with the kind of pace I love. The story starts off with an amazing chase scene. By the end of chapter one, the reader is already firmly on Ark's side and plunged straight into this slightly strange tree world that is Arborium.Chapter two clears up any of those burning questions the reader might be having, such as: what's going on? and from there on, it's just pure fun, and lots of escaping death.Arborium is obviously a very different world, but Peters litters in enough references with a little twist that the reader can imagine this world and how it functions. The language of Arborium is also slightly different so although there is no real swearing in the book, the characters do say 'buddy' a lot. The characters are great and as they embark on their journey to save Arborium, they also all embark on a journey of self discovery. Ark suspects there is something that sets him apart from the other dendrans, but as any hero on a journey knows, first he ignores his difference and then embraces it while staying true to himself. Mucum who is the muscle and comedy character discovers and accepts his weaknesses. And Flo who is ridiculed ends up being the hero of the day. Petronio, Ark's nemesis, also discovers just how bad he can be and totally embraces it.Black clouds: Mmm... don't think there are any. Well... maybe some of the characters are a little stereotypical, but not cardboard. The reader knows what motivates the character, so while they might start off as a standard good or bad guy, we get to know their nuances along the way. In fact what we really find out by the end of the book is that nothing is black and white.Do I recommend it: What do you think? YES! I really, really enjoyed this. Please do read it. It's out in May and should do great things. less

Download links for: Ravenwoud

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