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Flin's Destiny #1
Cobble Cavern
What starts out to be a fun field trip to Ireland for Flin and his school debate team turns into a life changing adventure. Flin and his teammates get swallowed by an earthquake and become trapped under the ocean inside a clear dome where they discover an unknown civilization. Join Flin and his classmates on a journey of a lifetime in this thrilling adventure story.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Jon Erik Olsen
3 books10 followersERIK OLSEN lives in Sandy Utah, where he enjoys the mountains and is surrounded by a great family and friends that have continued to support him throughout his writing quest. After having one of the world’s craziest dreams, he began writing a series of five books detailing it, called Flin’s Destiny, which is full of continuous action and adventure deep in the earth and keeps you wanting more.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 23, 2013
This book could be so much better than it is. Olsen has an interesting story, but he gets lazy with his writing.
I like the cavern and the dwarfs. Their gardens are like something out of Willy Wonka's factory. I think the idea of pits and seeds that create fantastical plants is a good one.
However, the characters are flat, and Olsen often pulls the reader out of the story with lazy writing. I wanted to like this book more than I do because my little boy loves it, but Olsen is in dire need of a good editor.
I think he needs to give his reader more credit and fix his plot holes.
The dialogue is often stilted and fake. In what dimension do flight attendents force sedatives down a person's throat? Both Parcell and Sump would have been removed from that flight. Parcell gets a bunch of peanuts shoved up his nose but doesn't figure it out until after a cross Atlantic flight - really?
Flin uses a rope as a seat belt - way to chop your kid in half if you get in a crash - or send them through the windshield - just stupid.
A principal calling a student slightly troubled to that child's peers is not going to happen. Also, teachers don't carry teachers' manual around with them; we develop curriculm - no one hands us a manual. We don't need a manual to be able to teach.
Edgar takes his scissors on a plane - this book was written in 2012 - after 9/11 - hello! Then the kids keep asking each other what they thought of the debates - what debates. They went from the plane directly to a bus ride - no debate.
At one point a torch is snuffed out with the characters worried about how they will relight it, but it magically still has a few embers left for them to blow on and get it going again - this after Olsen has them snuffing out all the embers.
Parcell, Sump, and Ruel pretend to close their cell door. In what idiots world do the prisoners close their own doors? Both times when Parcell and Ruel steal from the rest of the group, they make enough noise to wake everyone because Olsen's characters never just say anything. They bark it, or say with some adverb attached to it - almost always. And what child carries a cobra in their luggage - how did it make it past TSA?
At one point they mend a baby whale. Does Olsen have any idea how big a baby whale is? His character reaches around the baby whale (through a sea anemone no less) and wraps guaze around it? How stupid does he think his audience is?
The final battle with Blade is flat - how can Flin survive the wind, but big, giant Blade gets sucked in? It doesn't make much sense.
He also has things in the book that don't relate to anything: the big key hanging on the kitchen wall, the cobra in the luggage, the baby whale getting speared.
With a good editor, this could be a really good series because the premise is different and fascinating to children. I hope he has objective people read his unpublished sequels because I would like to see him succeed.
I like the cavern and the dwarfs. Their gardens are like something out of Willy Wonka's factory. I think the idea of pits and seeds that create fantastical plants is a good one.
However, the characters are flat, and Olsen often pulls the reader out of the story with lazy writing. I wanted to like this book more than I do because my little boy loves it, but Olsen is in dire need of a good editor.
I think he needs to give his reader more credit and fix his plot holes.
The dialogue is often stilted and fake. In what dimension do flight attendents force sedatives down a person's throat? Both Parcell and Sump would have been removed from that flight. Parcell gets a bunch of peanuts shoved up his nose but doesn't figure it out until after a cross Atlantic flight - really?
Flin uses a rope as a seat belt - way to chop your kid in half if you get in a crash - or send them through the windshield - just stupid.
A principal calling a student slightly troubled to that child's peers is not going to happen. Also, teachers don't carry teachers' manual around with them; we develop curriculm - no one hands us a manual. We don't need a manual to be able to teach.
Edgar takes his scissors on a plane - this book was written in 2012 - after 9/11 - hello! Then the kids keep asking each other what they thought of the debates - what debates. They went from the plane directly to a bus ride - no debate.
At one point a torch is snuffed out with the characters worried about how they will relight it, but it magically still has a few embers left for them to blow on and get it going again - this after Olsen has them snuffing out all the embers.
Parcell, Sump, and Ruel pretend to close their cell door. In what idiots world do the prisoners close their own doors? Both times when Parcell and Ruel steal from the rest of the group, they make enough noise to wake everyone because Olsen's characters never just say anything. They bark it, or say with some adverb attached to it - almost always. And what child carries a cobra in their luggage - how did it make it past TSA?
At one point they mend a baby whale. Does Olsen have any idea how big a baby whale is? His character reaches around the baby whale (through a sea anemone no less) and wraps guaze around it? How stupid does he think his audience is?
The final battle with Blade is flat - how can Flin survive the wind, but big, giant Blade gets sucked in? It doesn't make much sense.
He also has things in the book that don't relate to anything: the big key hanging on the kitchen wall, the cobra in the luggage, the baby whale getting speared.
With a good editor, this could be a really good series because the premise is different and fascinating to children. I hope he has objective people read his unpublished sequels because I would like to see him succeed.
March 17, 2012
Original post can be found at Krazy Book Lady's blog!
Cobble Cavern is the first in a series of five middle grade novels written by Jon Erik Olsen. It, along with the next two books in the series, was originally self-published and is now being published by Cedar Fort Books. It follows the adventures of Flin Newby, his teachers, his classmates, and their bus driver after they are trapped underneath the earth during a field trip to Ireland for an international debate competition.
Flin Newby is poor. He is so poor that the only birthday present that he has ever received is an heirloom ring from his father when he turned thirteen. Despite his family's severe lack of money, Flin is able to work after school and save enough money to go to Ireland with his school's debate team. On the last day of the trip, the tour bus falls into a crevice in a cave. They find themselves in a strange underground world where their survival is questionable at each turn. This new environment is filled with snazzards, grimgoblins, and dangerous plants, but also new friends.
I found Cobble Cavern to be a creative and fun read. The world and situations that Erik Olsen created were interesting, thrilling, and quite unique. There were times that I was on the edge of my seat, so to speak, and glued to the book because I could not wait to find out what happened to the group. It was filled with monsters, nasty antagonists among the group, and fascinating world that I could see vividly in my mind from Olsen's wonderfully descriptive writing.
There were only two things that detracted from my enjoyment of the story. The first was the over-abundance of characters and the manner in which they were written. The main characters were fun and had distinct personalities, but the secondary characters tended to blend together. Several characters popped up throughout the story for various plot points, and I had no idea who they were or what they contributed to the story as a whole. I think fewer characters with speaking roles who were described more clearly could have been more effective in the book. My other issue was the brutality in a few scenes. I will grant that it was used for character development and to progress the story, but it made me extremely uncomfortable. The story is listed as Middle Grade, but I would definitely only recommend it to older MG or the younger end portion of the YA audience.
Overall, this was one of my favorite recent Middle Grade reads. Erik Olsen has created an enjoyable world, and it is a series that I look forward to continuing.
3.5/5 Stars
*To satisfy FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received the book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has in no way affected the outcome.
Cobble Cavern is the first in a series of five middle grade novels written by Jon Erik Olsen. It, along with the next two books in the series, was originally self-published and is now being published by Cedar Fort Books. It follows the adventures of Flin Newby, his teachers, his classmates, and their bus driver after they are trapped underneath the earth during a field trip to Ireland for an international debate competition.
Flin Newby is poor. He is so poor that the only birthday present that he has ever received is an heirloom ring from his father when he turned thirteen. Despite his family's severe lack of money, Flin is able to work after school and save enough money to go to Ireland with his school's debate team. On the last day of the trip, the tour bus falls into a crevice in a cave. They find themselves in a strange underground world where their survival is questionable at each turn. This new environment is filled with snazzards, grimgoblins, and dangerous plants, but also new friends.
I found Cobble Cavern to be a creative and fun read. The world and situations that Erik Olsen created were interesting, thrilling, and quite unique. There were times that I was on the edge of my seat, so to speak, and glued to the book because I could not wait to find out what happened to the group. It was filled with monsters, nasty antagonists among the group, and fascinating world that I could see vividly in my mind from Olsen's wonderfully descriptive writing.
There were only two things that detracted from my enjoyment of the story. The first was the over-abundance of characters and the manner in which they were written. The main characters were fun and had distinct personalities, but the secondary characters tended to blend together. Several characters popped up throughout the story for various plot points, and I had no idea who they were or what they contributed to the story as a whole. I think fewer characters with speaking roles who were described more clearly could have been more effective in the book. My other issue was the brutality in a few scenes. I will grant that it was used for character development and to progress the story, but it made me extremely uncomfortable. The story is listed as Middle Grade, but I would definitely only recommend it to older MG or the younger end portion of the YA audience.
Overall, this was one of my favorite recent Middle Grade reads. Erik Olsen has created an enjoyable world, and it is a series that I look forward to continuing.
3.5/5 Stars
*To satisfy FTC guidelines, I am disclosing that I received the book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has in no way affected the outcome.
June 18, 2012
COBBLE CAVERN
Book #1 of the Flin's Destiny Series
By Erik Olsen
It is October 13th and it is Flin’s 13th birthday – the birthday he has been eagerly awaiting, the birthday when he will finally get his destiny ring! As he reaches into the emerald silk bag Flin shuts his eys, suddenly the bag starts rattling and bright light flashes from the bag. As his family backs away from this strange sight, a ring with five colored stones slides onto Flin’s finger.
Flin and his debate team are headed to Ireland for a week of competition. As a special treat all the debate teams are spending their last day in Ireland touring the Irish ocean coastline. The last bus, an old broken down looking bus with an equally tattered driver named Luftin was going to transport the Stockhaus and Hausdale debate teams. But as they drive towards their destination an earthquake shakes the bus and boulders begin to fall edging the bus closer to the edge of the cliff it driving along! Luftin drives the bus into an old abandoned mine to keep from being forced off the cliff. An aftershock causes the mine's entrance to collapse and a rift to open in the floor of the tunnel! As another aftershock hits the bus falls into the rift. The bus lands in mud and starts flowing into a downward sloping tunnel. After a terrorizing ride the bus comes to stop in a gravel pit.
The next morning Flin and his best friend Pilt volunteer to explore the cavern and the funnel shaped hole in the middle of it. The teams all lowered themselves into the hole and split up to examine the various tunnels. Flin and Pilt slid down a slimy muddy slope. As the boys try to get out they suddenly hear a hissing screech and it is moving towards them fast! With quick thinking Flin and Pilt manage to escape from the Snazzard!
The Snazzard is the first of many perils the students face beneath Ireland. But when they come upon the Cobbles Flin comes face to face with his destiny and he knows that his destiny ring was indeed meant for him! As Flin discovers an important part of his history will the students ever be able to return home? Or will each discovered path bring them greater danger?
But as Flin develops strange powers can he control them or will they end up controlling him instead? What will happen next? Stay tuned for book 2!
Book #1 of the Flin's Destiny Series
By Erik Olsen
It is October 13th and it is Flin’s 13th birthday – the birthday he has been eagerly awaiting, the birthday when he will finally get his destiny ring! As he reaches into the emerald silk bag Flin shuts his eys, suddenly the bag starts rattling and bright light flashes from the bag. As his family backs away from this strange sight, a ring with five colored stones slides onto Flin’s finger.
Flin and his debate team are headed to Ireland for a week of competition. As a special treat all the debate teams are spending their last day in Ireland touring the Irish ocean coastline. The last bus, an old broken down looking bus with an equally tattered driver named Luftin was going to transport the Stockhaus and Hausdale debate teams. But as they drive towards their destination an earthquake shakes the bus and boulders begin to fall edging the bus closer to the edge of the cliff it driving along! Luftin drives the bus into an old abandoned mine to keep from being forced off the cliff. An aftershock causes the mine's entrance to collapse and a rift to open in the floor of the tunnel! As another aftershock hits the bus falls into the rift. The bus lands in mud and starts flowing into a downward sloping tunnel. After a terrorizing ride the bus comes to stop in a gravel pit.
The next morning Flin and his best friend Pilt volunteer to explore the cavern and the funnel shaped hole in the middle of it. The teams all lowered themselves into the hole and split up to examine the various tunnels. Flin and Pilt slid down a slimy muddy slope. As the boys try to get out they suddenly hear a hissing screech and it is moving towards them fast! With quick thinking Flin and Pilt manage to escape from the Snazzard!
The Snazzard is the first of many perils the students face beneath Ireland. But when they come upon the Cobbles Flin comes face to face with his destiny and he knows that his destiny ring was indeed meant for him! As Flin discovers an important part of his history will the students ever be able to return home? Or will each discovered path bring them greater danger?
But as Flin develops strange powers can he control them or will they end up controlling him instead? What will happen next? Stay tuned for book 2!
March 8, 2012
"Cobble Cavern" was probably a far more entertaining read than I could've expected coming into it. I haven't read a lot of cross middle-grade/young adult fantasy titles as of late, and this one charmed me - had me grinning from ear to ear as I read through and visualized the odd scenarios occurring. Olsen has a way of creating not only vivid depictions of magical mishaps, but he does so with whimsical execution. It features a wide cast of characters swallowed into an adventure filled with an array of mythical creatures and harrowing situations that it kept me engaged for much of the novel.
The story revolves around Flin, a boy traveling with his classmates, teachers and chaperons from New York to Ireland for a debate competition. But the trip gets severely derailed after a sudden earthquake sends their spiraling down into the depths of the Earth. As the group struggles to find their way back to the surface, they have to contend with many creatures of the unique underground caverns, including the novel's namesake. Flin comes to terms with some unique abilities, and follows in his grandfather's footsteps as he journeys an embraces his destiny.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of in a short time within Cobble Cavern, but each of the characters has their own unique charms and attributes to keep them distinct. By far, I thought Flin and Pilt had the most impact on me, not just for their friendship, but their dynamic interactions. Flin's a brave boy and not afraid to push himself to do what needs to be done - and I like proactive protagonists like him. It's interesting to see how involved both the kids and adults in the novel are, and to get a sense of their motivations and awe while on this incredible journey. I understand that this is book one in an ongoing series, and I'm more than intrigued enough to check out the sequels, not just for the characters, but also to see more of the world that Olsen creates.
Overall score: 4/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Cedar Fort.
The story revolves around Flin, a boy traveling with his classmates, teachers and chaperons from New York to Ireland for a debate competition. But the trip gets severely derailed after a sudden earthquake sends their spiraling down into the depths of the Earth. As the group struggles to find their way back to the surface, they have to contend with many creatures of the unique underground caverns, including the novel's namesake. Flin comes to terms with some unique abilities, and follows in his grandfather's footsteps as he journeys an embraces his destiny.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of in a short time within Cobble Cavern, but each of the characters has their own unique charms and attributes to keep them distinct. By far, I thought Flin and Pilt had the most impact on me, not just for their friendship, but their dynamic interactions. Flin's a brave boy and not afraid to push himself to do what needs to be done - and I like proactive protagonists like him. It's interesting to see how involved both the kids and adults in the novel are, and to get a sense of their motivations and awe while on this incredible journey. I understand that this is book one in an ongoing series, and I'm more than intrigued enough to check out the sequels, not just for the characters, but also to see more of the world that Olsen creates.
Overall score: 4/5
Note: I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, from the publisher Cedar Fort.
March 23, 2012
Cobble Cavern is a very fun, adventuresome book! I feel that there is something to be found in the book for most middle grade students. There is a field trip to Ireland, an earthquake, getting trapped underground - ultimately, under the ocean, various underground creatures, and the search for a way to get out.
The visual / sensory descriptions are amazing. Erik Olsen did an excellent job in putting you right in the setting. I could feel the earthquake and see what was happening, as it occurred. The views of the ocean from underneath, how powerful. My favorite view was of the momma and baby whale! I would love to experience that in real-life. The creepy creatures that Flin and his classmates encounter, WOW! As Principal Vespar put it near the end "It's like a fairy tale down here." I couldn't put it better myself.
I found Flin to be a very strong character. He is not your typical boy, but not all that far off either. He has a "different" family life, with a lot of history and heritage - that which is tied into the whole adventure. He handles all the obstacles that he comes across quite casually, dealing with them as they come. The abilities he adopts are not much of a challenge to him - he learns to use them rather than fear them. He tends to be a leader and helps others through it. He is a quick thinker, and often saves the day.
My favorite characters are Fezzy, Heppel, and Inger. I would love to stay in the cathedral with them. They see so sweet and welcoming. I would hate to leave them, just as Flin and his classmates hated to do so.
The end was totally unexpected, it most definitely leaves you wanting for more. I was unaware until I was done reading it, that it is part of a five book series called Flin's Destiny. I am very excited about the prospects of reading more about Flin and his classmates.
I have found another book to share with my students, and knowing that it is a series is even better! I highly recommend this book to everyone!!!
The visual / sensory descriptions are amazing. Erik Olsen did an excellent job in putting you right in the setting. I could feel the earthquake and see what was happening, as it occurred. The views of the ocean from underneath, how powerful. My favorite view was of the momma and baby whale! I would love to experience that in real-life. The creepy creatures that Flin and his classmates encounter, WOW! As Principal Vespar put it near the end "It's like a fairy tale down here." I couldn't put it better myself.
I found Flin to be a very strong character. He is not your typical boy, but not all that far off either. He has a "different" family life, with a lot of history and heritage - that which is tied into the whole adventure. He handles all the obstacles that he comes across quite casually, dealing with them as they come. The abilities he adopts are not much of a challenge to him - he learns to use them rather than fear them. He tends to be a leader and helps others through it. He is a quick thinker, and often saves the day.
My favorite characters are Fezzy, Heppel, and Inger. I would love to stay in the cathedral with them. They see so sweet and welcoming. I would hate to leave them, just as Flin and his classmates hated to do so.
The end was totally unexpected, it most definitely leaves you wanting for more. I was unaware until I was done reading it, that it is part of a five book series called Flin's Destiny. I am very excited about the prospects of reading more about Flin and his classmates.
I have found another book to share with my students, and knowing that it is a series is even better! I highly recommend this book to everyone!!!
April 27, 2012
Cobble Cavern is an exciting, middle grade adventure that introduces us to Flin, the main character in the Flin's Destiny series. This fantasy novel was originally self published in a three book volume. Cedar Fort has picked up the series and will be releasing the next two books later this year. Two additional volumes will be released in the succeeding years.
The first thing I liked about this book was the creative names. Flin, Sump, Flowell, Pilt are just a few of the unique monikers featured. They remind me of Harry Potter names and seemed to fit the individual characteristics and attributes of each character.
I also enjoyed the way the book mixed realistic characters with fantastic situations. The relationships, interactions, and conversations between the group of kids were very relatable to today's youth. The issues they deal with including bullying, crushes, and friendships, are something we have all experienced. Flin sets a good example in the way he handles these situations by helping others, leading when necesary, and being a loyal friend.
The fantasy elements of the story were extremely creative and would be right at home in a child's imagination. I loved the new underground world that developed throughout the story and am anxious to know more about it and "Flin's Destiny".
Cobble Cavern is an easy, fun, and exciting read full of mythical creatures, non-stop adventure, and relatable characters. It will appeal to young readers, especially boys, and spark their vivid imaginations.
Book #2, Garden of the Lost Souls, which will be released in July 2012.
The first thing I liked about this book was the creative names. Flin, Sump, Flowell, Pilt are just a few of the unique monikers featured. They remind me of Harry Potter names and seemed to fit the individual characteristics and attributes of each character.
I also enjoyed the way the book mixed realistic characters with fantastic situations. The relationships, interactions, and conversations between the group of kids were very relatable to today's youth. The issues they deal with including bullying, crushes, and friendships, are something we have all experienced. Flin sets a good example in the way he handles these situations by helping others, leading when necesary, and being a loyal friend.
The fantasy elements of the story were extremely creative and would be right at home in a child's imagination. I loved the new underground world that developed throughout the story and am anxious to know more about it and "Flin's Destiny".
Cobble Cavern is an easy, fun, and exciting read full of mythical creatures, non-stop adventure, and relatable characters. It will appeal to young readers, especially boys, and spark their vivid imaginations.
Book #2, Garden of the Lost Souls, which will be released in July 2012.
April 7, 2012
Flin is excited for his school trip to Ireland. Everything is going great until there's an earthquake. Flin and his companions soon find themselves in a mysterious cave, and with further travel they discover they are under the sea. Here they discover new peoples and things they never had imagined. It will take all Flin and company have to survive their new world and make it back to their own.
This was definitely a fun adventure. I will admit to being a bit confused in the beginning. I wasn't really getting what was going on there. Things picked up once he went to Ireland though. Personally, I found the dialogue to be a bit jumpy. I guess I would just like it to flow a bit smoother. The bad guys were a bit over-the-top too. Flin and some of his other classmates were really fun though. I found the Cobbles to be very cool (even if I had a hard time reading their dialect). I think kids might enjoy this book more than me though, boys in particular. I can see some parts of the story that would be very appealing to them. There is certainly non-stop adventure. I think younger readers will have a great time with Flin.
Galley provided for review.
This was definitely a fun adventure. I will admit to being a bit confused in the beginning. I wasn't really getting what was going on there. Things picked up once he went to Ireland though. Personally, I found the dialogue to be a bit jumpy. I guess I would just like it to flow a bit smoother. The bad guys were a bit over-the-top too. Flin and some of his other classmates were really fun though. I found the Cobbles to be very cool (even if I had a hard time reading their dialect). I think kids might enjoy this book more than me though, boys in particular. I can see some parts of the story that would be very appealing to them. There is certainly non-stop adventure. I think younger readers will have a great time with Flin.
Galley provided for review.
March 17, 2012
What starts out to be a fun field trip to Ireland for Flin and his school debate team turns into a life changing adventure when their bus ends up in an earthquake. Flin and his teammates get swallowed deep into the earth and become trapped under the ocean inside a clear dome where they discover an unknown civilization. Now they must fight their way back to the surface if they ever want to see home again. Join Flin and his classmates on a journey of a lifetime in this thrilling adventure story.
Flin is just turning 13. On his birthday he can’t wait to get his special ring—only he doesn’t choose the ring, the ring chooses him. He’s going to Ireland with his debate team and after the competition, the school crowd takes a field trip. Imaginative adventures follow for all the students. We see Flin and his best friend Pilt confronted by snazzards and wonderful little creatures in a beautiful cathedral housed in a dome under the ocean. Rollicking frolicking adventures await Flin and his associates. Kids will enjoy this great adventure.
Flin is just turning 13. On his birthday he can’t wait to get his special ring—only he doesn’t choose the ring, the ring chooses him. He’s going to Ireland with his debate team and after the competition, the school crowd takes a field trip. Imaginative adventures follow for all the students. We see Flin and his best friend Pilt confronted by snazzards and wonderful little creatures in a beautiful cathedral housed in a dome under the ocean. Rollicking frolicking adventures await Flin and his associates. Kids will enjoy this great adventure.
April 6, 2012
Cobble Cavern is another great book that middle grade readers will love. With main character, Flin, having just turned thirteen, he is ready to go off on an adventure. The adventure is a trip to Ireland for a debate tournament. This average school trip turns into a journey of excitement, and sometimes great peril. As their tour bus is devoured by the Earth, and they are plunged deep underground, Flin finds out how brave he really is. I liked this character, as he showed common sense and courage trying to help his fellow classmates, along with his sidekick, Pilt. They battle strange creatures, mean and nasty classmates, unusually elements, and the big bad guy, Blade. The message is always there to not give up, and that you can accomplish things you never thought were within your reach.
To read the rest of my review, please go to my blog at:
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot....
To read the rest of my review, please go to my blog at:
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot....
October 31, 2019
Not very well-written, though that was clear from the first paragraph. (Does nobody else see the problem with the line "petite but tiny kitchen" ? That's like saying something is hot but steamy. Duh!)
The storyline rambles a rather lot and is at points highly unbelievable. At the beginning of the book, for example, an extremely snobbish rich character is forcibly escorted into a coach seat because no first class seats were available (why would the airline force him in? Wouldn't they either leave without him or escort him OFF?) Then said character's son is forcibly given sedatives by the airline stewardesses when he suddenly freaks out during takeoff. (WHAT?!) The book is also full of clichés and stock characters.
Good qualities of the book... the ideas were pretty creative and I wanted to know how it all panned out. Younger readers may enjoy it... particularly if they enjoyed Journey to the Center of the Earth with Brendan Frasier.
The storyline rambles a rather lot and is at points highly unbelievable. At the beginning of the book, for example, an extremely snobbish rich character is forcibly escorted into a coach seat because no first class seats were available (why would the airline force him in? Wouldn't they either leave without him or escort him OFF?) Then said character's son is forcibly given sedatives by the airline stewardesses when he suddenly freaks out during takeoff. (WHAT?!) The book is also full of clichés and stock characters.
Good qualities of the book... the ideas were pretty creative and I wanted to know how it all panned out. Younger readers may enjoy it... particularly if they enjoyed Journey to the Center of the Earth with Brendan Frasier.
April 26, 2012
Middle grade adventure stories have been hard to come by the last few years and this is a wonderful additional to the genre. The first in a series, this is a book that will keep kids interested. It reminds me of the Magic School Bus for an older audience and this could be a good transition book for the readers aging beyond that series who still want to read adventure tales. It does have a plethora of characters which will be difficult for some readers to keep straight but I don’t think it’s enough to deter the average middle grade reader. Definitely a highly recommended title for school libraries and public libraries with main interest directed toward middle grade boys and girls with an adventurous spirit.
ARC Galley Proof
ARC Galley Proof
November 21, 2013
This was an awesome book. It was full of action and adventure. If you have read the Hunger Games series or the Fablehaven series you are really going to enjoy this book. This book has 5 books in the series. Trust me you want to read this book. It is slow for the first couple chapters just like any good book, but after that it gets right into it. I would recommend this book to people 9 and up, just because kids under that age might not get what is going on and get lost. Just trust me go and read this book you will love it, and if you don't keep reading because then you will love it, and after that if you still don't love it get your mind together because you are crazy, because it is a good book.
December 16, 2012
What a great adventure story!
Flin and his debate team have earned the right to go to Ireland to compete.
But what starts out pretty standard turns into everything dangerous and amazing!
Almost missing the plane because of a prank, having to ride in an old bus, experiencing an earthquake, falling below the surface of the earth, searching for a way out and finding themselves below the ocean, animals that try to eat them, plants that try to destoy them, rain tunnels, wind tunnels, finding treasure and finding friendship...all are in this wonderful book.
This book was written as a Middle Grade/YA Fantasy, but adults will love it as well.
Flin and his debate team have earned the right to go to Ireland to compete.
But what starts out pretty standard turns into everything dangerous and amazing!
Almost missing the plane because of a prank, having to ride in an old bus, experiencing an earthquake, falling below the surface of the earth, searching for a way out and finding themselves below the ocean, animals that try to eat them, plants that try to destoy them, rain tunnels, wind tunnels, finding treasure and finding friendship...all are in this wonderful book.
This book was written as a Middle Grade/YA Fantasy, but adults will love it as well.
June 9, 2010
Since this was written by a friend of mine, I was prepared to give it the obligatory "Wow, it was really good." However, within a few short pages I was transported directly into the story world and I finished this book in a few short days.
It was a great fun read and now I'm on the hook, waiting for Book 2, to continue reading about Flin's continuing adventures. Fantasy, magic, monsters, the underworld, snazzards, grimgoblins, traitors, and much, much more.
Passing it on to my 8 year old daughter now and can't wait to hear her excited daily reports!
It was a great fun read and now I'm on the hook, waiting for Book 2, to continue reading about Flin's continuing adventures. Fantasy, magic, monsters, the underworld, snazzards, grimgoblins, traitors, and much, much more.
Passing it on to my 8 year old daughter now and can't wait to hear her excited daily reports!
March 20, 2012
Original, fun story. A story to be shared with your children.
This book is the journey of a lifetime. 13 year old Flin and his debate team classmates are on a field trip to Ireland. A land of magic and mystery. An earthquake occurs and the kids get swallowed into the Earth. They must find their way back to the surface against tremendous odd. This book involves magic, fantasy, and strange and amazing creatures.
A wonderful elementary/middle grade book. It is the first in a series. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
This book is the journey of a lifetime. 13 year old Flin and his debate team classmates are on a field trip to Ireland. A land of magic and mystery. An earthquake occurs and the kids get swallowed into the Earth. They must find their way back to the surface against tremendous odd. This book involves magic, fantasy, and strange and amazing creatures.
A wonderful elementary/middle grade book. It is the first in a series. I am anxiously awaiting the next book.
June 27, 2012
I really liked this book. It is a great story. A debate team from America travels to Ireland and joins up with some students from Ireland. While they are traveling, their bus gets caught in an earthquake and falls down a tunnel. While they are there, they find an underground world. They keep trying to find a way back to the surface. They have many adventures while underground. This is the first book in a series. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
March 18, 2014
I read this to my fourth grade class as a teacher read, they really enjoyed it. My students would have given it 4 to 5 stars. I met Erik Olsen at a book event and he even gave me a set of bookmarks for my class which they loved! It has kind of Brandon Mull style feel to it. For me personally the book wasn't one I would choose to read on my own, but it wasn't written for me! ;) I think most middle grade students will enjoy it.
November 18, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. It was great to read a book with such an original plot. Can't wait to read the next book in the series. I found this book to be imaginative, inventive and all around enjoyable to read.
October 5, 2010
I had a lot of fun with this book. It was a fast read, and very original. Your kids would love it too.
June 4, 2011
i love it! go snazzards! Half snake half lizard by the way. i love it!
October 6, 2011
My daughter was absolutely thrilled when I read this on her recommendation. This book is exactly when it claims: a good adventure story for older kids. My 9 year old loved it. Fast paced. Creative.
December 23, 2011
Olsen's Flin books are very creative, and fun to read with (and talk about with) my 9 year old daughter.
April 1, 2012
Such a fun series.
April 13, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! The characters have a lot of depth to them. I enjoyed the humor as well as the action! The b ook is all around intriguing with even a hint of romance!
March 17, 2013
Very creative and full of twists and turns!
March 25, 2013
This was a great book! Creative story and fantastic escape book! I read this and the second book in less than a week on vacation.
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