321zeggy's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
maridkbro's review against another edition
5.0
I generally cannot believe how much I loved this book, it just proved to be that sometimes "kids books" are better than YA. This first one was good, but this one is on another level. The plot kept enfolding and it revealed more and more layers. Most of the plot twists got me pretty good. I really just loved this book front to back, and boy that cliffhanger has me intrigued. Can't wait to read the last one.
thistlechaser's review against another edition
2.0
The first book in this series was one of my favorites from last year, but unfortunately this second one just did not work for me.
In the first book, we learned about the setting: Some fantasy world (or future Earth?), where "Dangers" (monsters) have taken over. Almost all people (humans, elves, dwarves) have been killed by the Dangers, just a few cities are left, protected by walls, men, and magic.
In this second book, the main characters from the first book set out to try to save one of the cities lost to Dangers.
Right from the beginning, I had problems with this book. I'm sure as an author, it's hard to balance how much recapping to do in a series -- do you add enough recap to bring people who haven't reread the earlier books up to speed? Or do you write for some future reader who is reading all the books one after another? Unfortunately the authors used the latter choice, and so I spent most of the book going "Wait, who was that again? Why is he here? Is this a new character or just one I forgot?".
I never hated this book, but from early on, I was bored with it (not helped at all by not knowing/remembering who most of the characters are). I could have reread the first book, so maybe that issue is on me. Because I had enjoyed the first one, I stuck with this one a lot longer than I usually would have, finally giving up at the 84% mark.
When the third book comes out (assuming there is one), maybe I'll reread the first two before I check it out.
In the first book, we learned about the setting: Some fantasy world (or future Earth?), where "Dangers" (monsters) have taken over. Almost all people (humans, elves, dwarves) have been killed by the Dangers, just a few cities are left, protected by walls, men, and magic.
In this second book, the main characters from the first book set out to try to save one of the cities lost to Dangers.
Right from the beginning, I had problems with this book. I'm sure as an author, it's hard to balance how much recapping to do in a series -- do you add enough recap to bring people who haven't reread the earlier books up to speed? Or do you write for some future reader who is reading all the books one after another? Unfortunately the authors used the latter choice, and so I spent most of the book going "Wait, who was that again? Why is he here? Is this a new character or just one I forgot?".
I never hated this book, but from early on, I was bored with it (not helped at all by not knowing/remembering who most of the characters are). I could have reread the first book, so maybe that issue is on me. Because I had enjoyed the first one, I stuck with this one a lot longer than I usually would have, finally giving up at the 84% mark.
When the third book comes out (assuming there is one), maybe I'll reread the first two before I check it out.
morgan_arrrrrr's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the characters development but at the same time I hated it. The characters were able to develop emotionally but I wish Brock and Zed didn’t grow so far apart. In the first book they had such a strong bond and I missed that in this book. They each created a bond with another character but it wasn’t as strong as the one between Brock and Zed in the first book.
I did really love Zed’s fondness with the elves as he discovers that missing part of him! And the plot was great!!! Overall it’s a 4.5 stars!
I did really love Zed’s fondness with the elves as he discovers that missing part of him! And the plot was great!!! Overall it’s a 4.5 stars!
scostner's review against another edition
4.0
Zed, Brock, Liza, Micah, and Jett are back to survive dangers and deceptions. Spoiler Alert - At the end of the first book in the series the elves arrived to report that their city had fallen. The town of Freestone allowed the refugees inside its walls, but the situation is uneasy (and that is putting it mildly). The Rangers of the elves have taken shelter with the Adventurers Guild and their youngest member, Fel, has joined the five friends in their training. When a party is sent to scout a possible return to the elven city of Llethanyl, the youngsters find themselves outside the safety of Freestone and in the wilderness where Dangers could be behind every bush or stone.
Besides the creatures who try to kill them(ranging from shapeshifting things with really large teeth to deadly spores and even banshees), there are also plenty of intrigue and cross-purposes to ruin everyone's day. The shadowy figure who wants Brock to discover secrets, Zed's desire to learn more about his elven father, the prejudices within the elven party against some of their own people, the elven queen's true agenda...all of these push and pull at the characters and influence their actions. And within this fantasy setting, there are still everyday themes of friendship, family, belonging, identity, prejudice, and the stirrings of teenage romance as the adventurers make their way toward Llethanyl.
Readers who enjoyed the first outing and have been waiting for the next installment in the series will be glad to reunite with the characters they know and to learn more about the newcomers. Those who are just discovering the Adventurers Guild can jump in and give this a try, and then they will probably want to go back and read about how this crew got their start once they reach the end of the book.
Highly recommended for middle grade readers who enjoy fantasy adventure. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
Besides the creatures who try to kill them(ranging from shapeshifting things with really large teeth to deadly spores and even banshees), there are also plenty of intrigue and cross-purposes to ruin everyone's day. The shadowy figure who wants Brock to discover secrets, Zed's desire to learn more about his elven father, the prejudices within the elven party against some of their own people, the elven queen's true agenda...all of these push and pull at the characters and influence their actions. And within this fantasy setting, there are still everyday themes of friendship, family, belonging, identity, prejudice, and the stirrings of teenage romance as the adventurers make their way toward Llethanyl.
Readers who enjoyed the first outing and have been waiting for the next installment in the series will be glad to reunite with the characters they know and to learn more about the newcomers. Those who are just discovering the Adventurers Guild can jump in and give this a try, and then they will probably want to go back and read about how this crew got their start once they reach the end of the book.
Highly recommended for middle grade readers who enjoy fantasy adventure. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
jilljemmett's review against another edition
5.0
This is a fun story in the Adventurers Guild series.
I love the group of kids who form the Adventurers Guild. They are like a bunch of misfits because they don’t really belong anywhere else. There was a lot of tension between Zed and Brock, the two main characters, because they are both keeping secrets from one another. The characters got a little confusing at times because there were so many new ones, such as the elves they travelled with, and some characters have similar names.
I was reminded of Game of Thrones throughout this story. There were different creatures and species, such as dragons. The elves play an important role in this story. The Adventurers Guild has to try and help the elves get rid of the Lich, which is causing all of their dead to spring to life and attack. Their trek reminded me of when the characters in Game of Thrones go beyond the wall. This story is like a kid-friendly version of Game of Thrones.
I really enjoyed this action-packed story! This is a great series!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I love the group of kids who form the Adventurers Guild. They are like a bunch of misfits because they don’t really belong anywhere else. There was a lot of tension between Zed and Brock, the two main characters, because they are both keeping secrets from one another. The characters got a little confusing at times because there were so many new ones, such as the elves they travelled with, and some characters have similar names.
I was reminded of Game of Thrones throughout this story. There were different creatures and species, such as dragons. The elves play an important role in this story. The Adventurers Guild has to try and help the elves get rid of the Lich, which is causing all of their dead to spring to life and attack. Their trek reminded me of when the characters in Game of Thrones go beyond the wall. This story is like a kid-friendly version of Game of Thrones.
I really enjoyed this action-packed story! This is a great series!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
tenzin_wangchuk's review against another edition
5.0
The second book is a great follow-up. We get new characters who play vital roles in the story. I would totally love to pick the next book, but unfortunately, it isn't out yet.
ddkeac's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.25
joy761's review against another edition
4.0
Another cracking installment in The Adventurers Guild. Can’t wait to read the next!