reliablepat's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
5.0
szeththeassassin's review against another edition
5.0
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Before I really begin this review, I need to share a little bit about myself. I am not a very emotional person. I will bury them deep and do my best to not show much. That being said, this book cast a hook to the bottom of my soul and pulled all of my feelings out to be shown to the world.
This book had my attention from the very beginning. It is a very well told Young Adult portal fantasy. There are interesting characters, loyalty, pirates, knights, zombies, and more. Everything that a person could want in a fantasy story make an appearance.
Now to why I really loved this book. It spoke to me as a father and a son. It has a strong dedication to that bond which hit me in ways that I was not expecting. It explores all avenues of this relationship and speaks to the importance of having the fatherly figures, whether by blood or discovered. It made me think of all of the relationships that I have cultivated over the years and the type of example that I present to them. The author does a great job of building these relationships that become meaningful and create a very real connection to the characters he has put on the page.
The world contained within these pages is unique. It has a very real history that is explained while still leaving us wanting to know more. It was explored in ways that were familiar and new at the same time.
It is an excellent telling of how legends can begin. Growing up, I loved hearing the legends of the Greeks, Native Americans, and others. I have always found the origins extremely interesting and have always found that everyone has a different take on the legend. So now I encourage this, read The Legend of Black Jack and discover your own beliefs on what makes a legend. I know I did and enjoyed every minute of it!
Thank you for reading my review, and as always I wish you the best of reading!!
Before I really begin this review, I need to share a little bit about myself. I am not a very emotional person. I will bury them deep and do my best to not show much. That being said, this book cast a hook to the bottom of my soul and pulled all of my feelings out to be shown to the world.
This book had my attention from the very beginning. It is a very well told Young Adult portal fantasy. There are interesting characters, loyalty, pirates, knights, zombies, and more. Everything that a person could want in a fantasy story make an appearance.
Now to why I really loved this book. It spoke to me as a father and a son. It has a strong dedication to that bond which hit me in ways that I was not expecting. It explores all avenues of this relationship and speaks to the importance of having the fatherly figures, whether by blood or discovered. It made me think of all of the relationships that I have cultivated over the years and the type of example that I present to them. The author does a great job of building these relationships that become meaningful and create a very real connection to the characters he has put on the page.
The world contained within these pages is unique. It has a very real history that is explained while still leaving us wanting to know more. It was explored in ways that were familiar and new at the same time.
It is an excellent telling of how legends can begin. Growing up, I loved hearing the legends of the Greeks, Native Americans, and others. I have always found the origins extremely interesting and have always found that everyone has a different take on the legend. So now I encourage this, read The Legend of Black Jack and discover your own beliefs on what makes a legend. I know I did and enjoyed every minute of it!
Thank you for reading my review, and as always I wish you the best of reading!!
2ndchance_chad's review against another edition
5.0
I don't have too much to add from my original review. It's still a great story! But I loved the narration by Andy personally. It's hard to beat the ability of an author that has the skill set to handle their narration who is intimate with the book. As I mentioned on social media I had strong narration style vibes from Andy comparing him to the late great Jean Shepherd. Very similar styles and it just fit this story perfect for my immersion. It felt like someone was sitting in the room with me just telling me of this epic story! I bumped this up to a solid 5.0/5.0 with the audiobook.
Original Review 4.5/5.0 officially
I had heard about this one from the community both in Discord and on Twitter this Summer so I had added it to my short list and found some time here in early September to dive into this one. I honestly didn't know much going in other than most readers I had seen enjoyed it to some extent or another.
I will say as interesting as the prologue was to start this book, by the second chapter I was scratching my head as our world was being turned upside down. The prologue had me expecting a bit of an Indiana Jones type of story which I wouldn't have been mad about at all. However, the way this book progressed I ended up with very strong nostalgia vibes reminding me of fantasy movies from the 80s that I grew up watching. It felt like I was being throw back into fantastical worlds such as The Never Ending Story, Time Bandits, Dark Crystal or Labyrinth once again.
The pacing seemed very consistent for me. There was a lot of action or anxiety as we learn about the world and characters around our protagonist and his story. This was one of those books that I found time whenever I could to keep moving along with this story.
The character development was strong as well. We certainly learn a lot about Jack but as the story is told we learn more and more about many of the supporting characters as well. I'm not sure I'll forget the introduction of Memphis to Jack for quite some time. That was the moment I shoock my head wondering just what I had gotten into! There are also several touching moments near the end of the story and one specifically that actually got me a little choked up. It wasn't a sad moment, just a very powerful and emotional moment!
The world building was another strong aspect of this read. We start our early learning about a few areas within Jack's world in detail before we are transported to another fantastic world which spends most of the book learning about this new world. There were so many regions, environments, races and cultures introduced and explained to us by the author. There were so many different traditional fantasy aspects pulled into this grand story! We have pirates, mages, knights/samurai and deamons to make one hell of an adventure!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I hope that Andy (now that I've finished his book, I hope I can call him that) can continue to give us more wonderful stories and worlds to explore in the future!
I think this book could appeal to many different readers since it touches on a lot of different sub-genres to fantasy. I've since seen this book categorized as a Young Adult Portal Science Fiction Fantasy. And though it does have aspects that fit that, I hope that doesn't turn readers off from giving this one a chance. It's not a very long read and the style is a very easy read as well. Definitely worth the time!
Original Review 4.5/5.0 officially
I had heard about this one from the community both in Discord and on Twitter this Summer so I had added it to my short list and found some time here in early September to dive into this one. I honestly didn't know much going in other than most readers I had seen enjoyed it to some extent or another.
I will say as interesting as the prologue was to start this book, by the second chapter I was scratching my head as our world was being turned upside down. The prologue had me expecting a bit of an Indiana Jones type of story which I wouldn't have been mad about at all. However, the way this book progressed I ended up with very strong nostalgia vibes reminding me of fantasy movies from the 80s that I grew up watching. It felt like I was being throw back into fantastical worlds such as The Never Ending Story, Time Bandits, Dark Crystal or Labyrinth once again.
The pacing seemed very consistent for me. There was a lot of action or anxiety as we learn about the world and characters around our protagonist and his story. This was one of those books that I found time whenever I could to keep moving along with this story.
The character development was strong as well. We certainly learn a lot about Jack but as the story is told we learn more and more about many of the supporting characters as well. I'm not sure I'll forget the introduction of Memphis to Jack for quite some time. That was the moment I shoock my head wondering just what I had gotten into! There are also several touching moments near the end of the story and one specifically that actually got me a little choked up. It wasn't a sad moment, just a very powerful and emotional moment!
The world building was another strong aspect of this read. We start our early learning about a few areas within Jack's world in detail before we are transported to another fantastic world which spends most of the book learning about this new world. There were so many regions, environments, races and cultures introduced and explained to us by the author. There were so many different traditional fantasy aspects pulled into this grand story! We have pirates, mages, knights/samurai and deamons to make one hell of an adventure!
I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I hope that Andy (now that I've finished his book, I hope I can call him that) can continue to give us more wonderful stories and worlds to explore in the future!
I think this book could appeal to many different readers since it touches on a lot of different sub-genres to fantasy. I've since seen this book categorized as a Young Adult Portal Science Fiction Fantasy. And though it does have aspects that fit that, I hope that doesn't turn readers off from giving this one a chance. It's not a very long read and the style is a very easy read as well. Definitely worth the time!
minna_ekman's review
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
becky_the_bookworm's review against another edition
4.0
At its heart, this book is a coming of age story. Fantastical and lovable characters abound. But at the center of it all, is Jack - a teenager (which at times it's hard to remember that) faced with very dangerous threats, and who suffers from very real self doubt and anxiety. While not my usual book, definitely an enjoyable read.
I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.
nina_bloodsworn's review against another edition
5.0
Kindly received an ARC for an honest review...
Jack Swift never catches a break ... he was plunged into an adventure he never saw coming.
Few YA books keep my interest going but A.R. managed to hold my attention and my breath. Characters are well established, the World fantastic and great battle scenes .
Heartwarming, frightning, breathless, and sometimes grim - a really fine debut by the author.
Really loved the story. If you love adventure, action, battle and strong bonds of friends and family and a lovable MC as well as great side characters, you gonna love this story.
4.5* and the Illustrations brought it up to 5*
Amazing illustrations throughout the whole book!
Jack Swift never catches a break ... he was plunged into an adventure he never saw coming.
Few YA books keep my interest going but A.R. managed to hold my attention and my breath. Characters are well established, the World fantastic and great battle scenes .
Heartwarming, frightning, breathless, and sometimes grim - a really fine debut by the author.
Really loved the story. If you love adventure, action, battle and strong bonds of friends and family and a lovable MC as well as great side characters, you gonna love this story.
4.5* and the Illustrations brought it up to 5*
Amazing illustrations throughout the whole book!
vigneshs's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of the most enjoyable story i've read in this year. The action and adventures in this book made me enjoy this book more than i thought i would. I think some parts dragged a bit too much. It could have been considerably shorter. Otherwise, i really liked it and will wait for the next books by this author.
aamna_theinkslinger's review against another edition
3.0
ARC acquired via NetGalle.
Legend of Blackjack is a very specific kind of story genre-wise. It seems to flirt the line between middle grade and YA. It is shelved as YA, but personally I felt like it leaned on the younger side of YA- around 12 to 13 years target audience.
It's an adventure story, with fast moving plot and action. But the tone changes quite a bit in between. In the first few chapters and prologue, it reads like a young adult contemporary, but then it completely changes gears to a fantasical portal world, atmospheric voice.
I say that it is somewhere in the middle because it has mixed elements. For example, the descriptions, the world building in quite some scenes with graphic content all point towards an older young adult read. But the vibe or the feel of it, mainly because of the main characters young age and voice, as well as how he (Jack) articulates things give it sort of a younger feel.
To conclude, I think it can be read by anyone in any age range. But it would be perfect specially for younger teens who are avid readers and are looking to level up.
The main character is amazing we see him in the prolog which was one of my favourite part of the story and tucked at my heart strings as a little boy of who loves his dad and admires him but then as we go on we find that fathers and you are tragically separated and jack has to grow up without him he has always been introverted kid he has an idiotic memory so he has become a better for genius just reading books and he is just quietly living his life in his first to home when su suddenly he is thrown into a fantastical world beneath a river, with weird creatures, knights and magic bells.
I would say that it is a well written fantasy world, with tightly woven action-packed plot and adorable and even really heartwarming side characters.
The only thing that fell short for me was the inconsistency in the tone of the story and the decision making of Jack's character. Sometimes he acts very mature, and realistic- with fear or caution or frustration and humor. But then there are just a couple of times, for example when he goes to rescue someone who has been captured by the villain. He doesn't seem to have a big connection with the person who has been captured. Jack had known them for hardly a week or two, and we don't get to see a lot of development in their relationship.
Jack fights through unimaginable danger just to rescue that person, but as the reader don't have any attachment to them. In my opinion a different motivation for that particular quest would have felt more believable.
As for criticism, that's all I have. As I said overall, I think this story is incredible- maybe not the most to my tastes but something different for a change.
Legend of Blackjack is a very specific kind of story genre-wise. It seems to flirt the line between middle grade and YA. It is shelved as YA, but personally I felt like it leaned on the younger side of YA- around 12 to 13 years target audience.
It's an adventure story, with fast moving plot and action. But the tone changes quite a bit in between. In the first few chapters and prologue, it reads like a young adult contemporary, but then it completely changes gears to a fantasical portal world, atmospheric voice.
I say that it is somewhere in the middle because it has mixed elements. For example, the descriptions, the world building in quite some scenes with graphic content all point towards an older young adult read. But the vibe or the feel of it, mainly because of the main characters young age and voice, as well as how he (Jack) articulates things give it sort of a younger feel.
To conclude, I think it can be read by anyone in any age range. But it would be perfect specially for younger teens who are avid readers and are looking to level up.
The main character is amazing we see him in the prolog which was one of my favourite part of the story and tucked at my heart strings as a little boy of who loves his dad and admires him but then as we go on we find that fathers and you are tragically separated and jack has to grow up without him he has always been introverted kid he has an idiotic memory so he has become a better for genius just reading books and he is just quietly living his life in his first to home when su suddenly he is thrown into a fantastical world beneath a river, with weird creatures, knights and magic bells.
I would say that it is a well written fantasy world, with tightly woven action-packed plot and adorable and even really heartwarming side characters.
The only thing that fell short for me was the inconsistency in the tone of the story and the decision making of Jack's character. Sometimes he acts very mature, and realistic- with fear or caution or frustration and humor. But then there are just a couple of times, for example when he goes to rescue someone who has been captured by the villain. He doesn't seem to have a big connection with the person who has been captured. Jack had known them for hardly a week or two, and we don't get to see a lot of development in their relationship.
Jack fights through unimaginable danger just to rescue that person, but as the reader don't have any attachment to them. In my opinion a different motivation for that particular quest would have felt more believable.
As for criticism, that's all I have. As I said overall, I think this story is incredible- maybe not the most to my tastes but something different for a change.
crystalcollectsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I want more! What is going to happen to Jack (and the others) next?
Jack is an orphan, he lost is father to a cave in at one of his archeological digs. He’s a genius; devours every book he can get his hands on. He is shuffled from foster home to foster home until Memphis, a shapeshifting rhinoceros type creature, whisks him away to another world. His task? To save the life of a man by perform surgery - he’s no doctor, but will be… they took him from the wrong time - good thing he did all that reading.
The world building in this book is exquisite. The author did a wonderful job of making it easy for me to envision Jack’s surroundings. The magic system was well thought out and Jack brings his own magic to the story (science). His character development through the book, from fake legend to living legend, is incredible to behold. I enjoyed following every step of his journey.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for giving me the opportunity to reader an advanced copy of this book.
Jack is an orphan, he lost is father to a cave in at one of his archeological digs. He’s a genius; devours every book he can get his hands on. He is shuffled from foster home to foster home until Memphis, a shapeshifting rhinoceros type creature, whisks him away to another world. His task? To save the life of a man by perform surgery - he’s no doctor, but will be… they took him from the wrong time - good thing he did all that reading.
The world building in this book is exquisite. The author did a wonderful job of making it easy for me to envision Jack’s surroundings. The magic system was well thought out and Jack brings his own magic to the story (science). His character development through the book, from fake legend to living legend, is incredible to behold. I enjoyed following every step of his journey.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for giving me the opportunity to reader an advanced copy of this book.
renerdifiedreads's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25