yapha's review against another edition
4.0
In this sequel to Frostborn, gamer Karn Korlundsson is basking in the glow of his heroics regarding the horn of Osius. Much to his dismay, he learns that there is a second horn that must be found and destroyed. Even worse, his best friend Thianna has gone missing while searching for it. He immediately sets off to find her. To complicate matters, two Dark Elves are searching for the horn as well, and will stop at nothing to get it. This is another exciting adventure filled with riddles, strategy, intrigue, and double crossing. I suggest reading Frostborn first to better appreciate the characters and their friendships. Recommended for fantasy lovers in grades 4-7.
eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley
eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley
arrr's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent tough girl characters who respect and celebrate their very different strengths. Good example of a boy warrior who is strong smart and brave without toxic masculinity. Lots of teamwork and communication among the kids. They trust each other and don't keep secrets. Their naivety is their weakness and strength. Different examples of conflict resolution and making reparations for mistakes.
blackmetalblackheart's review against another edition
4.0
Nightborn has the same great qualities found in the first book of the series; great characters, vivid action, and a terrific pace. The addition of new races and locations continues to add depth to the world that Anders has created. If you are looking for a fun, brisk read, this is the series for you.
booksandbosox's review against another edition
4.0
http://librarianosnark.blogspot.com/2015/12/middle-grade-reviews-part-one.html
alexalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
FIRST THOUGHTS: This sequel is definitely much more fast-paced than the first! But in the best way. I liked seeing our two MCs again, but I also fell in love with a new character. This book is so fun!
heatherhy01's review
4.0
So normally, I am not a big fan of middle grade reads. I have tried and tried reading them in the past and to no avail, I have not been able to finish them! This book has become my exception to that rule! If you enjoy high fantasy, then you should probably pick up this series.
I had not read the first book and went into this completely blind! I must admit that although there were a few times that I seemed to get confused, I was able to follow the book through for the most part which made me VERY happy!!
I loved every second of it! This book had all kinds of different creatures from humans to elves, from dragons to giants! This book has it all!
My favorite character was Karn! I liked his love of games and enjoyed the way he was able to piece together the riddle! (oops! That may have been a small spoiler)
My other favorite part of the book is that they actually teach you at the end how to actually play the game of Charioteers! They give you the rules and explain the object of the game. I thought this was a REALLY cool special touch on the authors part.
All in all, I am glad that I received this book for review and I am hoping that there might be another book to this fine series!
I had not read the first book and went into this completely blind! I must admit that although there were a few times that I seemed to get confused, I was able to follow the book through for the most part which made me VERY happy!!
I loved every second of it! This book had all kinds of different creatures from humans to elves, from dragons to giants! This book has it all!
My favorite character was Karn! I liked his love of games and enjoyed the way he was able to piece together the riddle! (oops! That may have been a small spoiler)
My other favorite part of the book is that they actually teach you at the end how to actually play the game of Charioteers! They give you the rules and explain the object of the game. I thought this was a REALLY cool special touch on the authors part.
All in all, I am glad that I received this book for review and I am hoping that there might be another book to this fine series!
briananderson's review
5.0
Wanted to add a few words on the book, instead of just stars. I honestly can't recommend this series enough. I could try, but you'd want me to zip it after three pages of gushing.
Since page one of the first book in the series I have loved these characters. They felt real, I felt homey in their homes (well, at least Karn's village). So much so, I had that cringing anticipation, knowing bad things were going to happen. That eager anticipation of the character's adventure is a rare thing in books. It's why I reread "The Hobbit" once a year. Now I have this series.
If you haven't already, pick up book one.
Since page one of the first book in the series I have loved these characters. They felt real, I felt homey in their homes (well, at least Karn's village). So much so, I had that cringing anticipation, knowing bad things were going to happen. That eager anticipation of the character's adventure is a rare thing in books. It's why I reread "The Hobbit" once a year. Now I have this series.
If you haven't already, pick up book one.
kleonard's review
4.0
Second in a series for young readers, Nightborn is even better than Iceborn, the first in the order. Excellently written characters of various "races" and genders, a tight plot, real conflicts and tensions, and just the right amounts of magic and fantastical beasts.
nightxade's review
4.0
With thanks to Penguin Randomhouse for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
"The outside world was the best kind of terrifying." With a tasty opening line like that, I know I'm in for some fun.
Nightborn is the second book in Anders' Thrones & Bones series. It returns us to the vast continent of Katarnia, which expands beyond the frozen north we discovered in the first book, Frostborn. It also begins by introducing us to a new race of people and the character of Desstra, a dark elf intent on fulfilling her dream of becoming a member of the deadly Underhand. Desstra is a rogue skilled in the fine arts of traps and poisons, but she lacks that killer instinct that defines the dark elves in general, and the Underhand in particular.
Soon enough, the story pops back over to Karn, the main protagonist of the series, and it quickly jumps into the adventure when Karn is summoned by the great dragon, Orm. Orm has a quest for Karn: find the Horn of Osius--because, as it turns out, the dragon-controlling instrument Orm destroyed in the first book was not the only one in existence. The other catch? Orm has already sent Thianna on this quest, but the half-giantess has disappeared.
Karn's friendship with Thianna is what spurs his decision and remains the key motivator of the story for both Karn and Desstra, who inevitably comes in contact with the boy, since the dark elves are also hunting for the horn for their own dastardly reasons. The adventure takes us into the southern lands where we get to meet more elves, gnomes, dwarfs, and the various other creatures typical of fantasy realms, though Anders adds his own little quirks to make them all fresh and interesting. Thianna is missing for a good chunk of the book, which is disappointing, but the giantess definitely makes up for it when she finally arrives on the scene.
The sense of adventure never slows down, teetering from challenging riddles and games (this book introduces the game called Charioteers) to battles and sieges and even a manticore driven chariot race that would impress and amuse Ben-Hur.
One of my favourite things about Anders' series is the way he interjects little bits of trivia into the story, ensuring that there's lots of learning as well as fun for all ages. I also like that he's not afraid to let things get a little dark, even in a kids book. Parents can determine whether or not their children are ready to handle man-eating monsters and assassins, but I'd rather have the dark mixed in with the light, than have it omitted all together. Still, Anders' sense of humour lends just the right touch to keep things from getting too scary.
www.BiblioSanctum.com
"The outside world was the best kind of terrifying." With a tasty opening line like that, I know I'm in for some fun.
Nightborn is the second book in Anders' Thrones & Bones series. It returns us to the vast continent of Katarnia, which expands beyond the frozen north we discovered in the first book, Frostborn. It also begins by introducing us to a new race of people and the character of Desstra, a dark elf intent on fulfilling her dream of becoming a member of the deadly Underhand. Desstra is a rogue skilled in the fine arts of traps and poisons, but she lacks that killer instinct that defines the dark elves in general, and the Underhand in particular.
Soon enough, the story pops back over to Karn, the main protagonist of the series, and it quickly jumps into the adventure when Karn is summoned by the great dragon, Orm. Orm has a quest for Karn: find the Horn of Osius--because, as it turns out, the dragon-controlling instrument Orm destroyed in the first book was not the only one in existence. The other catch? Orm has already sent Thianna on this quest, but the half-giantess has disappeared.
Karn's friendship with Thianna is what spurs his decision and remains the key motivator of the story for both Karn and Desstra, who inevitably comes in contact with the boy, since the dark elves are also hunting for the horn for their own dastardly reasons. The adventure takes us into the southern lands where we get to meet more elves, gnomes, dwarfs, and the various other creatures typical of fantasy realms, though Anders adds his own little quirks to make them all fresh and interesting. Thianna is missing for a good chunk of the book, which is disappointing, but the giantess definitely makes up for it when she finally arrives on the scene.
The sense of adventure never slows down, teetering from challenging riddles and games (this book introduces the game called Charioteers) to battles and sieges and even a manticore driven chariot race that would impress and amuse Ben-Hur.
One of my favourite things about Anders' series is the way he interjects little bits of trivia into the story, ensuring that there's lots of learning as well as fun for all ages. I also like that he's not afraid to let things get a little dark, even in a kids book. Parents can determine whether or not their children are ready to handle man-eating monsters and assassins, but I'd rather have the dark mixed in with the light, than have it omitted all together. Still, Anders' sense of humour lends just the right touch to keep things from getting too scary.
www.BiblioSanctum.com
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