Razo has never been anything but ordinary. He's not very fast, or tall, or strong, so when he's invited to join an elite mission escorting the a... read full description
reviews
May 18, 2010
Cara
rated it: 
This was a perfect way too round up the series. I was really excited about this one since it had Razo as the main character. He is the funniest character of the series and I'm so glad he got to shine in his own book.
You get to see past characters fairly often and some good new characters as well.
Here is a quick run down of the book: Razo and the other soldiers of Bayern's Own must go to Tira to help along with the peace that is trying to be formed. Of course this doesn't turn out t More...
You get to see past characters fairly often and some good new characters as well.
Here is a quick run down of the book: Razo and the other soldiers of Bayern's Own must go to Tira to help along with the peace that is trying to be formed. Of course this doesn't turn out t More...
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Dec 28, 2010
Ash
rated it:
Great, great book!! I really liked it. I was so glad to see that the next book in the series was about Razo. He's always so funny and a trustworthy friend.
Quick overview: Razo is chosen to join an elite mission to escort the ambassador to Tira. Razo can't think of any other reason that he would be chosen except out of pity, which is what most of his fellow soldiers think. In hopes of making peace with Tira they enter into the capital only to find that some Tiran are not so easy to fo More...
Quick overview: Razo is chosen to join an elite mission to escort the ambassador to Tira. Razo can't think of any other reason that he would be chosen except out of pity, which is what most of his fellow soldiers think. In hopes of making peace with Tira they enter into the capital only to find that some Tiran are not so easy to fo More...
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Dec 17, 2009
Erin
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This is possibly my favorite of Shannon Hale's books so far (although it is hard to choose). The plot was perhaps slightly more predictable (just slightly), but Razo's character is absolutely hilarious! I love how Hale takes time to add in little funny or observant tidbits that aren't necessarily pertinent to the plot, but that add depth to the characters. This is definitely a worthwhile read (but read Goose Girl and Enna Burning first.)
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Dec 31, 2008
Becky
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I shouldn't have been surprised that I loved this book - I've loved all of Shannon Hale's books, and the Bayern series (Goose Girl/Enna Burning/River Secrets) certainly doesn't disappoint. If I were to rate the Bayern books in order of my favorites, I'd go with #1: Goose Girl, #2: River Secrets, and #3: Enna Burning.
I wasn't sure what I would think of River Secrets, as it's from the perspective of a male character. Shannon Hale definitely impressed me, greatly, with her capture o More...
I wasn't sure what I would think of River Secrets, as it's from the perspective of a male character. Shannon Hale definitely impressed me, greatly, with her capture o More...
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May 06, 2008
LeiAnn
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Mar 13, 2008
Sheri
rated it: 
I would have to call this Shannon's worst work I've read. The storyline was boring and dragged a lot. The entire first half of the book was devoted to Razo's feeling bad for himself and whining a lot. "I'm so short. I suck at everything. Nobody likes me. My girlfriend married someone else. I am no good at swordplay. Woe is me. etc etc." This was repeated page after page after page. Finally, about 3/4 way into the book, the story started going somewhere. There was a pleasant fi
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Feb 17, 2009
Noelle
rated it:
Not as good as all her other books but it was good.
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Feb 22, 2009
Joy
rated it:
Oh I've waited to get a copy of this book for so long that I could scarcely believe it when the librarian said we'd got a copy in. Oh oh oh oh I can scarcely believe my own good fortune.
Besides very decidedly being my favorite YA author, Shannon Hale is a mastermind of the uncliche, well-written fantasy. You won't find wizards or elves in her book, but very believable characters that any young person can relate to, and strong, unhidden themes of love, loyalty, sacrifice, and honor More...
Besides very decidedly being my favorite YA author, Shannon Hale is a mastermind of the uncliche, well-written fantasy. You won't find wizards or elves in her book, but very believable characters that any young person can relate to, and strong, unhidden themes of love, loyalty, sacrifice, and honor More...
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Jan 11, 2009
Jaemi
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This is the third "Book of Bayern." I found myself wishing I had read the others more closely to this one as I struggled at some points to remember clearly things that were only alluded too, but I think that was my own personal annoyance at forgetting, and it didn't really take away from the story itself.
In this book, Bayern's war with neighboring Tira is still a sore spot in many minds. Both countries long for peace, but know it won't be easy in the making. Still, despite More...
In this book, Bayern's war with neighboring Tira is still a sore spot in many minds. Both countries long for peace, but know it won't be easy in the making. Still, despite More...
Mar 11, 2008
JoLee
rated it:
This book is different from Goose Girl and Enna Burning because it is a murder mystery. I found the book suspenseful and more difficult to put down than the first two books. Also, it was really great to see Razo develop so much over the course of the books. In that regard, it was kind of a coming of age tale. One thing I really like about Enna Burning and River Secrets is the idea that learning the languages of the elements is not without its consequences, both desirable and undesirable.
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Aug 03, 2011
Josie
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jul 07, 2010
Emily Michelle
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I can't decide if this or Goose Girl is my favorite book in the Books of Bayern series. They are both fantastic, but in different ways. While Goose Girl is beautiful in a sort of old-fashioned way, River Secrets is more straightforward and fun. It's the first book in the series to feature a male protagonist, which could explain the shift in tone, and which I'm really glad about because I think Razo is one of my favorite book heroes.
As I've noted in previous reviews, the Books of Baye More...
As I've noted in previous reviews, the Books of Baye More...
May 18, 2010
Katie
rated it: 
I plugged through this one, hoping it would catch my interest later in the book like Enna Burning did. Alas, it was not to be. Shannon Hale (the author) was quoted as saying that Razo was her favorite character, the easiest to write, the most real to her. Unfortunately, that's not the case for me. Razo is the short, funny guy in the group who questions his worth in the war and wonders if he'll ever get over his first love. As the youngest son, he wishes he was the best at something, just fo
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Jan 13, 2010
Shannon
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There's something to be said for a good young adult book when you're in the right mood, especially a good Shannon Hale young adult book. River Secrets was no exception. While I didn't find it quite as magical as the other two books of Bayern, The Goose Girl and Enna Burning, it was still a satisfying read.
River Secrets takes the reader to another kingdom in the world introduced in The Goose Girl and we follow some characters from previous books, including Razo, Enna and Finn. I th More...
River Secrets takes the reader to another kingdom in the world introduced in The Goose Girl and we follow some characters from previous books, including Razo, Enna and Finn. I th More...
Oct 06, 2009
Camzcam
rated it:
I have loved Shannon Hale's Bayern series, and so I was a little disappointed in River Secrets. It doesn't capture the fairy-tale quality of the Goose Girl or the epic feeling of Enna Burning. It's just a little ho-hum.
The story follows the character Razo from the earlier books as he and a company of soldiers accompany an ambassador from Bayern to the land of their recent enemy of war, Tira. Only a few weeks remain before the Tiran assembly will vote whether or not to return to More...
The story follows the character Razo from the earlier books as he and a company of soldiers accompany an ambassador from Bayern to the land of their recent enemy of war, Tira. Only a few weeks remain before the Tiran assembly will vote whether or not to return to More...
Aug 02, 2009
Susan
rated it:
Ok, so I should be reviewing Shannon’s newest book, Book of a Thousand Days. It IS on my nightstand. I don’t know what took me so long to read River Secrets since I liked Goose Girl and Enna Burning SO well. Maybe it was that everyone said it wasn’t AS good, and I didn’t want to be disappointed. Well, it isn’t as good, but for the fans who still care about Isi, Geric, Enna, Finn, and Razo, it is still worth reading. Razo, Enna, and Finn go to Bayern to guard the ambassador who is trying to
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Feb 19, 2009
Jenny
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Aug 23, 2011
Cathy
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Read my reviews at A Sakura Between Pages
I guess I finally understood when people say the first one is always the best. In my opinion, these two sequels can't compare with the first.
Though I was disappointed, I still have to congratulate Shannon Hale for successfully presenting a male point of view. The first two were all from a female protagonist's point of view. However this book was written from a male protagonist's point of view. Razo, I'm sure most of More...
I guess I finally understood when people say the first one is always the best. In my opinion, these two sequels can't compare with the first.
Though I was disappointed, I still have to congratulate Shannon Hale for successfully presenting a male point of view. The first two were all from a female protagonist's point of view. However this book was written from a male protagonist's point of view. Razo, I'm sure most of More...
Jul 20, 2011
Amanda
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The story picks up after the war with Tira, as Enna and friends journey to Tira as ambassadors of peace between the countries. This tale centers around Razo, the oft-ignored runt of the King's Own, who cannot fathom why he was invited to take part in the entourage. Upon entering the kingdom, the party begins to find burned bodies, specifically placed within their proximity to rouse rebellion in the beaten country and throw suspicions on Enna, the fire-witch. Razo must use all of his latent, undi
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Dec 05, 2008
I would recommend this book to someone that haves a mission of a really important work they have to do. My favorite character is Razo because he is a soldier that has a mission on a war and to larder those soldiers in that war. I don’t have a least favorite character because they are all soldiers that are thinking of the war and fighting there live. I think the author wrote this book for those people that are fighting for their lives but not only in a war but those who have a live to in hear in
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Oct 07, 2011
Rachael
rated it:
This is another cute book by Shannon Hale. This book takes place in the Bayern world where the Goose Girl is set. River Secrets is the 3rd book to be in Bayern and set around Isi, Geric, Enna, Finn and Razo. Enna Burning is in between Goose Girl and River Secrets but I was able to follow along just fine without reading it.
Former forest folk, animal herders and now members of the King’s Bayern’s Own soldiers, Razo, Enna, Finn and Conrad travel to Tira on a diplomatic mission to keep peace b More...
Former forest folk, animal herders and now members of the King’s Bayern’s Own soldiers, Razo, Enna, Finn and Conrad travel to Tira on a diplomatic mission to keep peace b More...
Aug 16, 2011
Michelle
rated it:
I'm officially a fan of Shannon Hale's books. This is volume three of the books of bayern. I liked this one a bit better than number two (Enna Burning) because I liked Razo's humorous character better than Enna's hormonal one. Again, I listened to it on a CD in the car and house . . . I find I'm a lot more motivated to do the dishes if I get to listen to something intriguing at the same time. A great continuation of the books of Bayern.
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Aug 08, 2010
Library Lady
rated it:
Book=*****
Audiobook=***
I'm still not a fan of full cast recordings even after listening to so many, but this one managed to rise above typical full cast mediocrity by virtue of the story. I actually liked this A LOT better than Enna Burning, because I felt it was a stronger story with much more tension and character development. With Enna I felt like Hale sort-of lost steam half way through with an ending that came out of nowhere. In the end it worked, but it isn't her best More...
Audiobook=***
I'm still not a fan of full cast recordings even after listening to so many, but this one managed to rise above typical full cast mediocrity by virtue of the story. I actually liked this A LOT better than Enna Burning, because I felt it was a stronger story with much more tension and character development. With Enna I felt like Hale sort-of lost steam half way through with an ending that came out of nowhere. In the end it worked, but it isn't her best More...
Sep 09, 2009
Danylle
rated it:
Wrapped up Razo' story last night. I have to admit in the beginning my expectations weren't that excited because I perceived it to be more of a "boy" book and therefore less interesting that Enna & Isi's stories. Besides, Razo doesn't speak to the wind or the fire so how could he be an interesting hero? Naturally my expectations and preconceived notions were nothing like the actual experience while reading River Secrets. I've grown to love these Bayern characters. The characters are re
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Mar 19, 2011
Gail
rated it:
This is a continuation of The Goose Girl and Enna Burning. In this book, a group of Bayern people go to the Tiran lands to try and persuade their country to forget about war and revenge and to vote for peace with the Bayern people. Enna is still an important part of the story along with Finn. Their friend Razo has a bit of an identity crisis as he wonders why he is asked to accompany the group to the Tiran capital. Upon arrival, they experience new customs and climatic changes. People are a
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Mar 31, 2010
Anajoy-rusticgirl
rated it:
This is the third book in the Bayern series, and I have to congratulate Mrs. Hale once again :) I was kind of timid to start reading River Secrets because it focused on a male character, and I usually don't like books with male protagonists because I can relate to females much better, and because girls are more romantic...and I am a hopeless romantic when I read books :)
This book focuses on Razo, a boyish-man who is a soldier in the Bayern Guard, he is shorter than most people and isn't a More...
This book focuses on Razo, a boyish-man who is a soldier in the Bayern Guard, he is shorter than most people and isn't a More...
Apr 29, 2010
Becky
rated it:
I'm pretty sure that I've made my love for Shannon Hale pretty clear. I just discovered her this year (with some help from a friend) and am now obsessed! This third title in the Books of Bayern series is just as good as the previous two! This time we get Razo's story. He's been around since The Goose Girl, remember when he convinced Enna that her chickens were laying colored eggs? Yeah, I've always had a soft spot for Razo, so I was really excited to read his story!
Razo is a really More...
Razo is a really More...
May 18, 2011
Dana
rated it:
This is book 3 of the Books of Bayern. I really love these books! The main character of this book is Razo, who sees himself as a short nobody but he is friends with Enna and Finn and is part of Bayern's Own - the King's special forces type army. He feels insignifigant because he cannot fight well with swords like the rest of the soldiers and he wonders why he is sent on a mission with the Own and an ambassador from Bayern to Tira, a neighboring country that they suspect wants to have a war w
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Oct 06, 2009
Jamie
rated it:
This series has definately grown on me. There are several things I like about it. First, each book stands entirely on its own. No cliff hangers, no unanswered mysteries. As I finished each book (The Goose Girl, Enna Burning) I honestly did not even suspect there would be another. And yet it is fun to continue on with the same characters. I am excited to read the next one as it just came out. Second, I like that the central characters are different in each book. I always believe that ever
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