Hello everyone! Today is my stop of the Trickster's Totem Tour! Below I have shared my thoughts regarding these two exciting middle-grade novels in the Relics of Mysticus series!!
NOTE: The Serpent's Ring is FREE for Kindle May 28th through June 1st!
NOTE: The Serpent's Ring is FREE for Kindle May 28th through June 1st!
*Presented by: CBB Book Promotions!*
(Relics of Mysticus, #1)
By: H.B. Bolton
Release Date: July, 2012
Genre(s): Middle-Grade Fantasy/Mythology
My Review: (4/5 stars*)
The Serpent's Ring is an adventurous middle-grade novel with mythology woven into every turn. It's well told with imaginative and plentiful details that really help you visualize all the incredible places Evan and Claire venture to. The journey has a lot of little surprises along the way, and a bunch of fascinating characters to learn about. My favorite was Lazonia, a mermaid who helps Evan overcome his struggles and sees the hero in him before he does. The start of the story was the slowest part which builds up momentum to bigger and more dangerous things; snowballing into action scene after action scene from there on out. There are a lot of magical creatures the siblings encounter which includes dragons, imps, mermaids, giants, gods, and goddesses. I found each to be more interesting than the next, and I think anyone who read this will agree. Evan transforms from a boy seeking an adventure, to a boy scared, and finally to a boy who accepts his destiny and embraces it. Claire, Evan's older sister, is fun, humorous, and smart. I liked all those things about her but during some point in the novel she turns into a huge girly girl and fawns all over a guy she has just met—Sigurd. This wasn't a huge annoyance but at times you felt like rolling your eyes at her behavior. I very much enjoyed the entwined myths I thought they were creatively rendered. The Serpent's Ring is an exciting mythological ride that teens will just love.
When siblings Evan and Claire Jones visit the museum for "Family Fun Day" as insisted on by their parents they stumble across an enchanting artifact that leads them to a whole new world. This new and strange place is actually a portal called Sagaas that links all realms of the gods together allowing transport to each world. Evan accidentally lets the magical artifact bracelet called the Serpent's Ring fall into dangerous hands leaving him and his sister no choice but to journey through worlds to recover it. It's at the beginning of their quest that they meet an unexpected ally who insists they'll need all the help they can get to set things right again. Saving the world from destruction lies in the hands of two teenagers and their band of misfit creatures.
Now onto the negative, some sentences didn't flow right. At times it was hard to decipher who the speaker was and their was some plot holes. Aside from some weird moments that didn't add up, I had a great time reading this book. It took my mind to fun places, the story was simple enough to follow, and it was for the most part enjoyable. I think 9-year-olds+ will like reading The Serpent's Ring, there's a little bit of everything for everyone. Every chapter is marked with cute and adorable illustrations that bring the scenes to life in the simple yet finely detailed drawings. The cover is beautiful but the typography doesn't suit it. The Serpent's Ring generates interest in mythology while telling a story about brave kids who take responsibility for their actions and face their problems head-on. Their is a couple of important lessons that can be taken away from reading this and it'll defeat your boredom. The Serpent's Ring is a quick, spellbinding read that'll win you over.
The Serpent's Ring is an adventurous middle-grade novel with mythology woven into every turn. It's well told with imaginative and plentiful details that really help you visualize all the incredible places Evan and Claire venture to. The journey has a lot of little surprises along the way, and a bunch of fascinating characters to learn about. My favorite was Lazonia, a mermaid who helps Evan overcome his struggles and sees the hero in him before he does. The start of the story was the slowest part which builds up momentum to bigger and more dangerous things; snowballing into action scene after action scene from there on out. There are a lot of magical creatures the siblings encounter which includes dragons, imps, mermaids, giants, gods, and goddesses. I found each to be more interesting than the next, and I think anyone who read this will agree. Evan transforms from a boy seeking an adventure, to a boy scared, and finally to a boy who accepts his destiny and embraces it. Claire, Evan's older sister, is fun, humorous, and smart. I liked all those things about her but during some point in the novel she turns into a huge girly girl and fawns all over a guy she has just met—Sigurd. This wasn't a huge annoyance but at times you felt like rolling your eyes at her behavior. I very much enjoyed the entwined myths I thought they were creatively rendered. The Serpent's Ring is an exciting mythological ride that teens will just love.
When siblings Evan and Claire Jones visit the museum for "Family Fun Day" as insisted on by their parents they stumble across an enchanting artifact that leads them to a whole new world. This new and strange place is actually a portal called Sagaas that links all realms of the gods together allowing transport to each world. Evan accidentally lets the magical artifact bracelet called the Serpent's Ring fall into dangerous hands leaving him and his sister no choice but to journey through worlds to recover it. It's at the beginning of their quest that they meet an unexpected ally who insists they'll need all the help they can get to set things right again. Saving the world from destruction lies in the hands of two teenagers and their band of misfit creatures.
Now onto the negative, some sentences didn't flow right. At times it was hard to decipher who the speaker was and their was some plot holes. Aside from some weird moments that didn't add up, I had a great time reading this book. It took my mind to fun places, the story was simple enough to follow, and it was for the most part enjoyable. I think 9-year-olds+ will like reading The Serpent's Ring, there's a little bit of everything for everyone. Every chapter is marked with cute and adorable illustrations that bring the scenes to life in the simple yet finely detailed drawings. The cover is beautiful but the typography doesn't suit it. The Serpent's Ring generates interest in mythology while telling a story about brave kids who take responsibility for their actions and face their problems head-on. Their is a couple of important lessons that can be taken away from reading this and it'll defeat your boredom. The Serpent's Ring is a quick, spellbinding read that'll win you over.
Synopsis:
Evan and Claire Jones
are typical teenagers, forced to go with their parents to yet another
boring museum ... that is, until something extraordinary happens to make
their day a little more than interesting. After following a strange
little creature into a closed exhibit, Evan and his older sister,
Claire, discover the Serpent’s Ring, one of the magical relics formed
from the shattered Mysticus Orb. Purely by accident, they have awakened
its powers and opened a portal to Sagaas, land of ancient gods.
Before the siblings can comprehend what has happened, the Serpent’s Ring is wrenched from Evan’s hand by an enormous fish and flown back to Aegir, the Norse god of the sea. Evan and Claire, accompanied by a band of unlikely heroes, must retrieve the Serpent’s Ring before Aegir uses its immense powers to flood all the lands on Earth.
For Middle Grade readers and higher
Fans of: Percy Jackson Series
Before the siblings can comprehend what has happened, the Serpent’s Ring is wrenched from Evan’s hand by an enormous fish and flown back to Aegir, the Norse god of the sea. Evan and Claire, accompanied by a band of unlikely heroes, must retrieve the Serpent’s Ring before Aegir uses its immense powers to flood all the lands on Earth.
For Middle Grade readers and higher
Fans of: Percy Jackson Series
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(Relics of Mysticus, #2)
By: H.B. Bolton
Release Date: April 15th, 2013
Genre(s): Middle-Grade Fantasy/Mythology
My Review: (3.5/5 stars*)
The Trickster's Totem has a way of sucking you into its world of fantasy. Evan and Claire have an unspoken responsibility of protecting the relics of Mysticus as well as retrieving them when they are stolen. Their powers and bond are put to the test when they have to track down the Totem from which Mica the Coyote Trickster has escaped. Like the first book The Serpent's Ring, this one is intriguing right off the bat and works its way up to the action and when it delivers it's relentless. The creativity and vivid imagination comes through and compels you to read on. While I was fascinated with the Native American mythology it didn't hold a candle to the Norse myth story in The Serpent's Ring. The Trickster's Totem is riddled with fun surprises, and new creatures that will have you excited. Evan's character seemed to regress in maturity which was a bit of a let done from the progress he made before. Fortunately by the end of this book he felt more like himself and less like a spoiled brat. I found myself liking Claire more since she decided to keep on task and not go all eye-batting girly girl. She still had her moments but she redeemed herself. I like the series so far and I'm especially looking forward to The Dragon's Egg—Arthurian legend is my favorite!
Evan and Claire Jones are back to their old boring lives with only memories of their previous mythical adventure from Asgard—until another relic is stolen. Together they are forced back into Sagaas to journey to the Native American Spirit World to capture the Coyote Trickster. But to do this they must also get the Totem back and return it to its rightful place. Along the way Evan and Claire are tested when they are fooled by the elusive Trickster. He wreaks havoc across the realm further making matters worse and his capture near impossible. With the help of some old and new friends they set out on a perilous odyssey to make things right again in Sagaas.
Jumping into the enchanted world that H.B. Bolton created again has been a fun experience - young readers will enjoy the adventure of it. It's written slightly better than the first, I still felt like their were some strange inconsistencies lurking. The descriptions of everything are wonderful and I felt immersed and a part of the magical world. The Native American history was neat and opposite of what I'd been expecting since it's totally different lore from the last but it worked. The characters still have a ways to go but they've grown on me. The Relics of Mysticus series is genuinely amusing and young adults and middle-grade readers will find delight in the story of these daring siblings.
The Trickster's Totem has a way of sucking you into its world of fantasy. Evan and Claire have an unspoken responsibility of protecting the relics of Mysticus as well as retrieving them when they are stolen. Their powers and bond are put to the test when they have to track down the Totem from which Mica the Coyote Trickster has escaped. Like the first book The Serpent's Ring, this one is intriguing right off the bat and works its way up to the action and when it delivers it's relentless. The creativity and vivid imagination comes through and compels you to read on. While I was fascinated with the Native American mythology it didn't hold a candle to the Norse myth story in The Serpent's Ring. The Trickster's Totem is riddled with fun surprises, and new creatures that will have you excited. Evan's character seemed to regress in maturity which was a bit of a let done from the progress he made before. Fortunately by the end of this book he felt more like himself and less like a spoiled brat. I found myself liking Claire more since she decided to keep on task and not go all eye-batting girly girl. She still had her moments but she redeemed herself. I like the series so far and I'm especially looking forward to The Dragon's Egg—Arthurian legend is my favorite!
Evan and Claire Jones are back to their old boring lives with only memories of their previous mythical adventure from Asgard—until another relic is stolen. Together they are forced back into Sagaas to journey to the Native American Spirit World to capture the Coyote Trickster. But to do this they must also get the Totem back and return it to its rightful place. Along the way Evan and Claire are tested when they are fooled by the elusive Trickster. He wreaks havoc across the realm further making matters worse and his capture near impossible. With the help of some old and new friends they set out on a perilous odyssey to make things right again in Sagaas.
Jumping into the enchanted world that H.B. Bolton created again has been a fun experience - young readers will enjoy the adventure of it. It's written slightly better than the first, I still felt like their were some strange inconsistencies lurking. The descriptions of everything are wonderful and I felt immersed and a part of the magical world. The Native American history was neat and opposite of what I'd been expecting since it's totally different lore from the last but it worked. The characters still have a ways to go but they've grown on me. The Relics of Mysticus series is genuinely amusing and young adults and middle-grade readers will find delight in the story of these daring siblings.
Synopsis:
Life has returned to
normal for fourteen-year-old Evan and his older sister, Claire. That is
until Dunkle, a clever but stinky little imp, pays an unexpected visit
to their school. He has come to take the siblings back to Sagaas, the
mythical realm of the gods. Once again, a Relic from the ancient
Mysticus Orb has fallen into the wrong hands. Only Evan and Claire, with
their unique mystical abilities, can help find it.
Through the power of the Trickster’s Totem, a coyote trickster has escaped. His laughter echoes throughout the realm, as he spreads mischief and mayhem. He burns an entire crop of popcorn, carves his grinning image into sacred artifacts, and things really get interesting when he shape-shifts into Evan’s friends.
Claire and Evan must capture the Trickster, retrieve the Totem, and be careful not to become sidetracked by robotic Steampunk animals, “sweet” pixie-like Pains, and a problematic mermaid … all while dodging Mothman-like aces. Most surprising, Evan discovers the true reason dragons exist in the Native American Spirit World.
For Middle Grade readers and higher
Fans of: Percy Jackson Series
Through the power of the Trickster’s Totem, a coyote trickster has escaped. His laughter echoes throughout the realm, as he spreads mischief and mayhem. He burns an entire crop of popcorn, carves his grinning image into sacred artifacts, and things really get interesting when he shape-shifts into Evan’s friends.
Claire and Evan must capture the Trickster, retrieve the Totem, and be careful not to become sidetracked by robotic Steampunk animals, “sweet” pixie-like Pains, and a problematic mermaid … all while dodging Mothman-like aces. Most surprising, Evan discovers the true reason dragons exist in the Native American Spirit World.
For Middle Grade readers and higher
Fans of: Percy Jackson Series
LINKS: GOODREADS | AMAZON | AUTHOR | B&N | SHELFARI !
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~Author Interview~
H.B. Bolton
2. What genre do you enjoy reading most?
For North Carolina, summer and fall are the best.
7. What book do you think everyone would benefit from reading?
Why, The Trickster’s Totem, of course. Did I just shamelessly plug my book?
8. Are there any authors that you'd love to meet? If so, who?
There are many, many authors I’d love to meet; those I admire, J.K. Rowling; those I respect but fear, Steven King; and those I think would be fun to talk over a steaming cup of coffee. So, the author I’d like to sit in a café with would be A.G. Howard — she wrote an Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland-inspired book called Splintered.
9. Do you have a special area where you like to write?
My desk is in my bedroom, sitting next to a window that faces my backyard. When the weather’s nice, I like to open the window and fill my room with fresh air.
10. What scenes do you have the most fun writing about?
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~Author Interview~
H.B. Bolton
1. What’s your favorite thing about being an
author?
I love to twist, mold
and shape the ordinary into something extraordinary. So I’d have to say, I come
alive when I’m able to create imaginary worlds with mischievous creatures,
magical trinkets and wacky foods.
2. What genre do you enjoy reading most?
The great C.S. Lewis
once said, “Someday you will be old enough to start
reading fairy tales again.” As a child, I would dive into fantasy stories
such as Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit
and so many others. As an adult, I still feel the thrill and enchantment of
such stories.
3. Who are some of your favorite authors?
J.K. Rowling spun a
world full of magic, mystery, likable characters and exotic candies.
J.R.R. Tolkien shared
the story of a Hobbit’s quest in an enchanted realm called Middle-Earth.
4. Is there a book that you have read countless
times?
The Hobbit — not only is it an adventurous story, but it’s
also charming and witty.
5. What country would you most like to visit?
5. What country would you most like to visit?
Although I’ve been there
before, I’d like to return to England. This time, I want to visit the sites
from Arthurian legends. My travels would be helpful when writing my next book, The Dragon’s Egg.
6. Spring, summer, fall or winter: Which season
do you like best?
Depends on where I am:
In Florida, winter and spring
are my favorites.For North Carolina, summer and fall are the best.
7. What book do you think everyone would benefit from reading?
Why, The Trickster’s Totem, of course. Did I just shamelessly plug my book?
8. Are there any authors that you'd love to meet? If so, who?
There are many, many authors I’d love to meet; those I admire, J.K. Rowling; those I respect but fear, Steven King; and those I think would be fun to talk over a steaming cup of coffee. So, the author I’d like to sit in a café with would be A.G. Howard — she wrote an Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland-inspired book called Splintered.
9. Do you have a special area where you like to write?
My desk is in my bedroom, sitting next to a window that faces my backyard. When the weather’s nice, I like to open the window and fill my room with fresh air.
10. What scenes do you have the most fun writing about?
I
have the most fun when I’m right beside Evan and Claire, steering them through
sticky situations.
I enjoyed your thoughts about my stories. Evan had a break through moment at the end of The Trickster's Totem, so I have a feeling he'll act a little more mature in the 3rd book ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for taking the time to review my books.
Definitely, and I'll be anticipating the release of the Dragon's Egg :)
Delete-Seirra
Thanks so much for hosting a tour stop!
ReplyDeleteIts interesting that you liked the first one more, I liked the 2nd one more. But I didn't read them back to back and mood might have had something to do with it. I do love her creativity in these books and Arthurian legend is my favorite too so I cant wait for that book!
No problem :) & I'm a Norse mythology fan but I did find the Native American legend fascinating. Could be I read them immediately following each other :P It's just a fun series overall, and I'm most excited for The Dragon's Egg too!
Delete-Seirra