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55th out of 109 books
—
11 voters
The Drowned Vault (Ashtown Burials #2)
by
N.D. Wilson (Goodreads Author)
Fans of both Percy Jackson and Indiana Jones will be captivated by the lost civilizations, ancient secrets, and buried treasure found in the second book of the Ashtown Burials series, action-packed adventure by N. D. Wilson, the author of Leepike Ridge and the 100 Cupboards trilogy.
It's been almost a year since Cyrus and Antigone Smith earned their places as Journeymen at...more
It's been almost a year since Cyrus and Antigone Smith earned their places as Journeymen at...more
Hardcover, 464 pages
Published
September 11th 2012
by Random House Books for Young Readers
(first published September 1st 2012)
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I enjoy N. D. Wilson's books because they are not like anything else. He manages to take existing folklore, mythology, and historical events and people, and mix them together into something utterly different and riveting. I'm just bone-weary of re-makes. Do we need yet another retelling of X? I mean, if you can take X to a new, sublime level (for example, the LOTR movies), then I'm willing to give credit where credit is due. It seems authors and film makers have run dry on original material so w...more
Bk 2 of the Ashtown Burials raises the stakes. Villainous Dr Phoenix is using the Dragon’s Tooth to kill transmortals, and Gilgamesh of Uruk arrives at the Order of Brendan looking to take it out on Cyrus and Antigone Smith who lost the tooth in the first place. The O of B splinters. The transmortals resurrect their own Ordo Draconis, ended years ago when the O of B’s Avengel Cap’n John Smith tricked and then beheaded the blood sorcerers in charge: Vlad III Tepes and his family. Now the last of...more
The ideas in this and the first book are beyond five stars. If only I had read this kind of thing instead of the Hardy Boys as a kid. My two boys waited intensely throughout for me to tell them what was going on with Cyrus. We are waiting for more, especially about the Order, about explorations with details of what explorers do, the taming of strange specimen, science, ancient history, and anything with Captain Smith (especially when he talks). The variety of characters is fantastic, the main on...more
Oct 31, 2012
Melanie
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
for_fun,
middle-readers
For starters, I am a huge ND Wilson fan. I have read nearly everything he has published, and likely always will. The Drowned Vault is the second book in the Ashtown Burials series and follows Cyrus and his sister Antigone into the next adventure as they try to recover the Dragon's tooth that was stolen in book one. I loved the new characters we get to meet, and the historical twists they take (Captain John Smith, and Vlad the Impaler to name the most famous)
I am torn with what rating to give, a...more
I am torn with what rating to give, a...more
N.D. Wilson gets high marks in this book simply for his use of words. The story was great, no doubt about it, the characters are wonderful and intriguing, but Wilson's ability to craft a sentence is what gives this book the 5th star. I smile at the thought of young readers being shaped by Wilson.
At one point Cyrus hears the voice of freckled character who was out of sight. To alert the reader whose voice it was Wilson states "It sounded like it had freckles." It is one of the most absurd sentenc...more
At one point Cyrus hears the voice of freckled character who was out of sight. To alert the reader whose voice it was Wilson states "It sounded like it had freckles." It is one of the most absurd sentenc...more
Only the man who penned the crazy happy Notes From the Tilt-A-Whirl could weave death, dying, life, mortality, snot, sweat, blood, laughter, tears, and resurrection into such a story. Characters hailing from The Dragon's Tooth are back and more awesome than ever. New characters are everywhere: new loves, new hates, new giggles, new eye-rolls. And stepping out of most children's lit into N.D. Wilson's writing is, as always, like stepping from black-and-white into a hi-def color explosion. He lass...more
4 likes · like · see review
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Really good.
Writing style is quick and fluid. Dialogue is probably the weakest aspect but still decent. Cyrus continues to learn to act when it is time, instead of paralysis by analysis. An important lesson. Wilson's obviously targeting a certain age range, with all the vomiting going on. The main theme of what the bad guy is doing is a little mature for the audience, I think. I almost stopped reading it to my guys. But upon explaining to them I found it addresses evils at work in our culture ri...more
Writing style is quick and fluid. Dialogue is probably the weakest aspect but still decent. Cyrus continues to learn to act when it is time, instead of paralysis by analysis. An important lesson. Wilson's obviously targeting a certain age range, with all the vomiting going on. The main theme of what the bad guy is doing is a little mature for the audience, I think. I almost stopped reading it to my guys. But upon explaining to them I found it addresses evils at work in our culture ri...more
Originally posted on RED Book Reviews.
Story summary: Cyrus and Antigone Smith now have a whole lot of powerful immortal people really mad at them. So that's good. And now they have to run away from their previous haven of safety to find the guy who almost killed them last time. And everybody's chasing them, and they still have to keep up their training, and there's a girl with lots of creepy spiders who's supposed to be helping them.
Thoughts: Wilson's visual imagination can be absolutely stunnin...more
Story summary: Cyrus and Antigone Smith now have a whole lot of powerful immortal people really mad at them. So that's good. And now they have to run away from their previous haven of safety to find the guy who almost killed them last time. And everybody's chasing them, and they still have to keep up their training, and there's a girl with lots of creepy spiders who's supposed to be helping them.
Thoughts: Wilson's visual imagination can be absolutely stunnin...more
"The Drowned Vault is the second book in Wilson’s Ashtown Burials series, and it’s another enjoyable romp through a contemporary fantasy world. Wilson’s debt to Rowling is obvious in the style and the pacing, and his magical world is not a million miles away from the fantastical adventures at Hogwarts. The most noticeable difference is his reliance on classical mythology and American history for his background material, and it gives The Drowned Vault enough character of its own to lift it out of...more
Liked it a lot. We learn more about the O of B, meet more transmortals, some of who are friendly, but most aren't. In fact, some of them are so awful they remind me of the description I once read about Klingons - the kind of people who fart in airlocks. Nasty, hateful people.
I am slightly concerned for Cyrus, Antigone and the other Polygoners because their enemies are multiplying so fast. Will N.D Wilson create so many bad guys that it will be impossible to believably end the series?
What has gon...more
I am slightly concerned for Cyrus, Antigone and the other Polygoners because their enemies are multiplying so fast. Will N.D Wilson create so many bad guys that it will be impossible to believably end the series?
What has gon...more
I didn't love the pacing or the randomness of the perspective switches, especially early on and in the middle - the switches were less of a nuisance at the end. But I really enjoyed some of the character development, especially with Cyrus and Antigone, and to a lesser degree, Dan. The adult and/or characters out shined them in most respects, Rupert and Nolan, in particular. I love Rupert. Seriously.
I feel a little put off by the author's either dislike or disrespect for characters from non-chris...more
I feel a little put off by the author's either dislike or disrespect for characters from non-chris...more
Indiana Jones style fantasy with hardly a dull moment. The essential plot (everything blows up, heroes on the run, capture, escape, showdown) is pretty standard, but the writing style is vivid and very good with a quirky flavor that will make you laugh out loud. The transmortal characters really stand out. Arachne is one of the most creative figures I've seen in YA fiction in a long time. The main villain, carried over from the first book, still never got real enough to grip my interest, but the...more
How did I miss adding this to Goodreads? I was counting the number of books I'd read in 2012 and was feeling embarrassed that it had been so few, so I'm glad to have remembered another one.
Just a delightful rush of imaginative, adventurous fun. Nate's writing always reminds me of C. S. Lewis's observation that "Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the point of highest reality." I'm not very courageous, but I appreciate being...more
Just a delightful rush of imaginative, adventurous fun. Nate's writing always reminds me of C. S. Lewis's observation that "Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the point of highest reality." I'm not very courageous, but I appreciate being...more
The second book of the Ashtown Burials series is not only an outstanding follow-up to the first, it surpasses it. The storyline starts at an almost overwhelming speed, but if you've read the first (and you should) you'll be able to keep up.
There are a number of big surprises along the way and Wilson does a great job of filling in some of the missing context of the first book. Wilson successfully puts the reader in the same shoes as Cyrus and Antigone Smith through only revealing to you what is...more
There are a number of big surprises along the way and Wilson does a great job of filling in some of the missing context of the first book. Wilson successfully puts the reader in the same shoes as Cyrus and Antigone Smith through only revealing to you what is...more
Longer review to come closer to release date. Suffice it to say that Dragon's Tooth (book 1 in this series) is like the slow climb to the top of the first hill in the roller coaster: you can see a wide expanse of excitement ahead, you are noticing all kinds of interesting details, and suspense is building. And you're having fun, but...
Dragon's Tooth is that first plummet over that first steep hill... and you're off immediately on a wild adventure full of twists and turns... and spiders. Did I me...more
Dragon's Tooth is that first plummet over that first steep hill... and you're off immediately on a wild adventure full of twists and turns... and spiders. Did I me...more
Soooo excited!!!
how I would describe the first two books?
One of the funnest series of books I've read in a long time. Pure adventure, distilled, and poured straight from aged oak casks (that were probably used to make elfen-mead, but don't quote me on that) into a funnel that is held by two professional water skiers that are hanging out the windows of two racecars so that you can drink while threading your way through traffic riding a rocket powered street luge. That's how I would describe the Ashtown Burials...more
One of the funnest series of books I've read in a long time. Pure adventure, distilled, and poured straight from aged oak casks (that were probably used to make elfen-mead, but don't quote me on that) into a funnel that is held by two professional water skiers that are hanging out the windows of two racecars so that you can drink while threading your way through traffic riding a rocket powered street luge. That's how I would describe the Ashtown Burials...more
This is the second book in the Ashtown Burials series. I got an eGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It was a solid book and really drags the reader deeper into the world of the Order of Brendan. We learn many long kept secrets and have many adventures with Cy and Tigs.
After the Phoenix steals the Tooth from Cy and Tigs in book 1, they become even more outcast than they already are. Now the transmortals are descending on Ashtown seeking retribution for the Tooth’s loss an...more
After the Phoenix steals the Tooth from Cy and Tigs in book 1, they become even more outcast than they already are. Now the transmortals are descending on Ashtown seeking retribution for the Tooth’s loss an...more
Originally posted at Random Musings of a Bibliophile.
When I am asked who my favorite authors are, N.D. Wilson's name comes out in the same breath as Megan Whalen Turner and C.S. Lewis. I will buy and read anything he writes. Last year The Dragon's Tooth (my review) made my favorite reads of 2011. It's sequel, The Drowned Vault, is even better. Edge-of-your-seat sometimes, jumping-out-of-it sometimes, cringing-in-it sometimes, bouncing-in-it sometimes, good.
In The Drowned Vault Wilson takes the i...more
When I am asked who my favorite authors are, N.D. Wilson's name comes out in the same breath as Megan Whalen Turner and C.S. Lewis. I will buy and read anything he writes. Last year The Dragon's Tooth (my review) made my favorite reads of 2011. It's sequel, The Drowned Vault, is even better. Edge-of-your-seat sometimes, jumping-out-of-it sometimes, cringing-in-it sometimes, bouncing-in-it sometimes, good.
In The Drowned Vault Wilson takes the i...more
1 like · like · see review
Debated between 3 or 4 stars... Gave it 4 because Wilson is a great writer and has amazing creativity! However, I could do without the constant similes, and clever descriptions. It's too much and becomes distracting. (Sometimes a butterfly can just flutter away - it doesn't need to shoot liquid jewels as it rainbows through the air, and such-like.) There seem to be a few holes in the plot, but I'm hoping that it will all come together as the series continues.
Overall, I'm very impressed!
Overall, I'm very impressed!
Can't say enough about this author. I enjoyed his book so much I think I read it within a 24 hour time span and of course was left with my heart pounding desparate for the next in the series. This book starts where Dragon's Tooth leaves off so it is moving fast from tje beginning. I love the depth of characters and the beautiful writing. It evokes emotion! I love to read books that leave me asking questions. This is an amazing series and I can't wait for the next ones.
Not quite as exciting as
The Dragon's Tooth
but a great addition to the series. Some of the magical elements seem suspiciously similar to the story world of Wilson's
100 Cupboards
series. That's mostly forgivable, though, since that series is excellent. I might just be imagining that, though. There's very little magic in here, and it is far in the background. Mostly it's just action and transmortal intrigue.
Wilson definitely doesn't shy away from letting his characters get injured (which seems...more
Wilson definitely doesn't shy away from letting his characters get injured (which seems...more
Excellent sequel. When Gilgamesh appeared in the story, I immediately thought of Michael Scott's The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series. (And Gilgamesh was not the only creature of myth and legend to appear!) However, I am quite happy to report that N.D. Wilson's Ashtown Burials series is much more interesting, and the characters are much better developed. I look forward to book 3!
The complexity of this second installment crossed over into convolutedness. Perhaps it was necessary to set the stage for the happenings of the final book in the trilogy, but this one definitely involved some slogging through, unlike The Dragon's Tooth.
Another fine fantasy adventure story and page turner from ND Wilson. I really enjoyed the growth of Cyrus as a character in this story. My only complaint is The Drowned Vault doesn't really hold up as a complete story but more of an episode in a larger story. I understand it's part of a 5 part series but I'd like a little more wholeness in each book.
N.D. Wilson writes simply but packs in a lot of excitement and character into his stories. The characters are intriguing, understandable, and funny all at the same time with a depth only the best writers can achieve. As the Ashtown Burials series continues with The Drowned Vault, I still love reading these wonderful novels by N.D. Wilson.
Finally got my hands on the second volume in this new ND Wilson series. Another exciting and action packed adventure. Like the first volume, this one layers in the back-story and weaves in plot developments even as the action pushes forward. It is a little complex and dense but if you love a mix of mythology, fantasy and YA adventure this is a must read.
Started last night . . . big mistake. I didn't turn out my light until I was done. I thought that "Dragon's Tooth" was amazing and I was right, but boy has Mr. Wilson surpassed himself with this one. I'm sorely tempted to flip back to page 1 and begin again . . . but I'm afraid I really must sleep tonight.
(I was tempted to rate this a 4 because of the amount of blood, snot & vomiting (I don't think all of the other books I've read combined contain as much of that sort of thing as one N.D.Wilson book) but I thought that would be lame, because the story is incredible & fully deserves 5 stars.)
This is a sequel. Read Dragon's Tooth first. This book is also great. It ends clearly more unfinished than the first book, and the fantasy world expands greatly, making this one more of an imaginatively challenging of a read, but my boy and I kept up. Read it. N.D. Wilson is brilliant.
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