Monday, May 20, 2013

REVIEW REDUX: The Legend of Finndragon's Curse by Richie Earl

 
Title: The Legend of Finndragon's Curse
Series: Tales of Finndragon #1
Author: Richie Earl
Publisher: author
Published date: Dec 22, 2011
Rating: 31/2 stars
Buy it link: Amazon

Note: my original review is below...first posting date of October 6, 2012...some of the issues I had before have been resolved (re: British terminology, and the cover artwork)

Synopsis: Three children racing against time, desperately searching for their missing father.
A medieval kingdom cursed by an evil wizard.
An ancient legend beneath our very feet.
The Legend of Finndragon’s Curse is the first book in a unique, two book fantasy adventure series and is a fast paced, engaging and thrilling page turner. The story races along with plenty of twists and turns as it heads for the prophesized confrontation between the children and the evil Finndragon himself.
Combining wizardry and magic with modern technology and containing magical animals and terrible demons, The Legend of Finndragon’s Curse is a rollercoaster of emotions that will make you laugh out loud and then fight to hold back the tears, as the children race against time to rescue their father. In doing so they have to kill Finndragon and put an end to the dreadful curse.
A young adult adventure that is sure to be enjoyed by all ages.


Review: I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. This book is a great young adult fantasy book. While relying on three teenage and prepubescent children to save their father, the author doesn't give the children any extra-ordinary skills or paranormal abilities. I always dislike when the authors give the main characters such incredible skill-sets that makes the story absolutely unrealistic. The author stayed within the boundaries of normal children's abilities, while allowing them to overcome a difficult adversary in a realistic setting.
There were a few things I didn't like: some of the Welsh place names tripped me up, perhaps a glossary of how to pronounce these would be nice. Some of the British terminology tripped me up as well (it took me awhile to realise that an "underwater torch" wasn't an actual flaming torch, but a flashlight), but once you got past all of that, it was a great, enjoyable read. Most likely British readers will look at my review and think, "Silly American!"
The ending totally blew me away. Looking back, yes, it was foreseeable, but, on the last page, I turned it and thought, "What? This is it? No....I want the next book!" Great cliff-hanger.

1 comment:

  1. Thanks for your review. It had certainly helped me to develop as a writer.

    ReplyDelete