Fantasy and Science Fiction for Children and Teens

The Sword Of Straw The Sangreal Trilogy: Book 2 Author: Amanda Hemingway Paperback: 320 pages List Price: $12.95 Amazon.com price: $11.61 Buy it from Amazon.com

Description:

Nathan goes to other worlds in his dreams. Literally. The last time he risked life, limb, and everything he holds dear to retrieve the Grimthorn Grail. And now his dreams are taking him to a strange abandoned castle, where all the subjects have abandoned the king. Monsters roam around this castle, summoned accidentally by a princess' magic. And within all this lies a sword, with a demon trapped within, a sword that maimed the king forever. And Nathan must save this kingdom. Meanwhile, back in our world, one of the boys at Nathans school is acting very strangely...

David's rating: 4.5 wands

David's Review:

A very good book, I didn't like it as much as the first one though, it is also for a little bit older audience then the Greenstone Grail, I think. Very good storyline though, I like it a lot.

Mom's rating: 5.0 wands

Mom's Review:

The Sword of Straw is, if anything, better than its predecessor, The Greenstone Grail, although it is a mite darker. It's one of those books that you just can't put down until you finish it. Many of the characters from the first book return. Bartlemy is his same, implacable self; I loved the scene where, after two teenagers break into his house and are subdued by Hoover, Bartlemy feeds them cookies and gently questions them as they sit nervously awaiting the police to arrive. There's not enough of Eric in this book, but I was pleased to see the return of Inspector Pobjoy, a character I really enjoyed in the first book.

There's plenty to appeal to teens in this book; besides the modern references to popular culture and text messaging, Nathan and Hazel experience the angst of teen crushes, peer teasing, and parental conflict.

My only complaint about the book is that apparently, the Grandir saves Nathan several times. I would rather see Nathan get out of these situations using his own wits. But this is a minor complaint, and didn't diminish my enjoyment of the book.

If you haven't started the Sangreal Trilogy yet, I highly recommend the series. Author Amanda Hemingway skillfully blends fantasy, folklore, and particle physics with a great insight into human nature into a fascinating story that will appeal to teens and adults. If you've already read the first book, The Greenstone Grail, then you simply must read The Sword of Straw.

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Paperback ISBN 0345460804 $11.61 Buy Now

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