Quest for Merlin's Map (Jumper Chronicles, #1) by W.C. Peever

Dec 26, 2010 Nikki (Wicked Awesome Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, for-review, middle-grade, read-in-2010

I'd give it 4.5

Charlie Burrows is a normal 12 year old boy with a normal 12 year old best friend named Bailey. The two of them have grown up together in the seaside town of Marblehead, Massachusetts. Both of them have no idea where their dads disappeared to when they were mere toddlers, but the arrival of a strange man shakes up their seemingly normal world as they’re spirited to a far-away castle and a world they never knew existed.

Peever has done something that rivals the likes of J.K. Rowling...more I'd give it 4.5

Charlie Burrows is a normal 12 year old boy with a normal 12 year old best friend named Bailey. The two of them have grown up together in the seaside town of Marblehead, Massachusetts. Both of them have no idea where their dads disappeared to when they were mere toddlers, but the arrival of a strange man shakes up their seemingly normal world as they’re spirited to a far-away castle and a world they never knew existed.

Peever has done something that rivals the likes of J.K. Rowling and Rick Riordan. Charlie’s story is vast in nature and magical in its telling. Not only does Charlie discover a world hidden within our world, but he also discovers how pivotal a role he could play.

The students at Thornfield Academy all have special abilities. These abilities can range from being a Guardian, to telekinesis, to the rare power of invisibility, and then to the even rarer ability to Jump from dimensions and maybe even time. I’ll give you one guess at what Charlie’s ability is. Yep, he’s a Jumper, as was his long lost dad. This rare ability may herald the coming of a new age, and for Charlie, that means he will be highly sought after; for both good and evil.

The world that Peever has created is layered in Norse mythology, Arthurian legends, and some sci-fi alternate dimensions/parallel universes. He flawlessly weaves these elements into Charlie’s life and makes it entirely compelling and unputdownable. Not only does the story boast of wonderfully vivid and fantastical elements, but the characters are well-developed with their own nuances and intricacies.

Charlie and Bailey make quite the best friend duo, in that they complement in each other in every which way. They are fiercely loyal to one another and love with a passion. Where Charlie is a more shy boy, Bailey is a brash, in your face kind of girl. She’s one tough cookie and, as it turns out, that is exactly what Charlie needs in his best friend. Thornfield opens up the possibility of new friendships and along comes Mick, a gruff older boy with a tendency to care for the underdog. His new role as Guardian means more to him than just keeping Charlie safe – he makes friends for life. Then there’s Tillie…

The gorgeous girl that Charlie begins eyeing sort of throws a wrench into the workings of this newfound group of friends and I’ll admit that Tillie’s relationship with an older boy really bothered me. She’s twelve and this boy is a seventh year, making him 17ish? But I really did enjoy the tension she brings to the group and how, even though she could easily be viewed as competition to Bailey, that avenue is never explored. Bailey is Charlie’s best friends, no questions asked.

The Jumper Chronicles: Quest for Merlin’s Map is well-written, entertaining and thriving with fantastical elements, Arthurian legends, and several history lessons hidden amongst the adventure. Any fan of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or fantasy novels in general will be absolutely absorbed in Charlie’s tale. I was and I’m more than excited to see where Charlie’s adventures will lead to next.

Opening line: The wind howled outside the small, colonial-blue, seacoast home of Daniel Burrows, as February bared its teeth in the small New England town of Marblehead. ~ pg. 5

Favorite lines: “Time was never meant to be tampered with. Left alone, it should go on forever. But with many different realities all using the same fabric of time…” ~ pg. 81(less)

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Nov 11, 2010 Cheryl rated it 5 of 5 stars

When Charlie was just a baby, his father disappeared leaving his mother to raise him. Flash forward to the present. Charlie is celebrating his twelve birthday. While ice skating at the pond with his best friend, Bailey; Charlie spots a strange old man watching them. Charlie and Bailey arrive back at his house to find both Charlie and Bailey's mothers talking to the same man at the pond. The old man introduces himself as Professor Henry Grayson. Grayson is Headmaster at the Thornfield School for...more

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Dec 07, 2010 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

I was blown away by Quest for Merlin's Map. I'm not sure exactly what I expected, but it definitely wasn't the perfect blend of boarding school, mythology and Arthurian legend that I was given.

Any young adult book that includes a boarding school for magically inclined students will forever be compared to Harry Potter. While Quest for Merlin's Map brings to mind the Harry Potter series as well as the Percy Jackson series, the similarities are all positive. This first book in The Jumper Chronicles...more

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Nov 15, 2010 Jennifer (Fictitious Musings) rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Jumper Chronicles is a thrilling story about a young boy named Charlie and his best friend Bailey. Their fathers disappeared when they were both very young and haven't been seen since. They have bonded as much as two friends could, each watching the others back over the years. As they each turn twelve, they find themselves at Thornfield Academy. Thornfield Academy is a place for the magically gifted, where they will find out what exactly their gift is and how to harness it's power. Soon they...more The Jumper Chronicles is a thrilling story about a young boy named Charlie and his best friend Bailey. Their fathers disappeared when they were both very young and haven't been seen since. They have bonded as much as two friends could, each watching the others back over the years. As they each turn twelve, they find themselves at Thornfield Academy. Thornfield Academy is a place for the magically gifted, where they will find out what exactly their gift is and how to harness it's power. Soon they are thrust into a war against magical foes that will stop at nothing to bring back the Gods. Charlie is the key to it all. Destiny awaits.

In a fantasy novel, world building is a key element that must be planned and strategically executed to put the reader in the mix alongside the characters and Peever has done just that. The Thornfield Academy is a fantastic magical place. From the classes they attend to the Trials of Tribulation, you are drawn to its magic. The Trials were especially intriguing as Charlie was tested and found to be extremely important to the Order. There is much to imagine in the nine worlds that have been created by the Gods.

The array of magical creatures seems endless with shape-shifters, Seers, Elementalists, Telecons, Guardians, Influencearians and, of course, Jumpers. Readers who enjoy the paranormal and fantasy genres will not be disappointed. Each character brings a depth to the story that livens up the plot. Charlie, Bailey and Mick hold their own amongst a host of experienced magical beings. Lord Grayson is the Dumbledore of The Jumper Chronicles and his role is much the same as well, adding flavor to the story and the castle. My favorite character is Joelle, the shape shifting cat in the library. She is definitely a ball of energy; quite fiesty as well.

I anxiously awaited the arrival of The Jumper Chronicles after reading the summary. It exuded qualities that make fantasy novels come to life. My assumptions were correct. After receiving it, I dove into an adventure that I didn't want to end. I was thrilled, enchanted and mesmerized by the characters and the worlds that they lived in. The Jumper Chronicles is a fine display of true fantasy, providing an adventure like that of "Harry Potter" and "The Magicians." I'm looking forward to the next installment "The Path of the Templar" due out in 2012.

For more information on author W.C. Peever and The Jumper Chronicles check out his website here.

Peever also has an awesome contest going on for budding writers ages 11-18. The contest is simple.
Read the Jumper Chronicles and write the first chapter of the second book in the series. He will publish the winners chapter alongside his own when the book is published. For more details go here.(less)

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Dec 30, 2010 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs-i-own, 2010-debut-author, 2010-100-book-challenge, books-i-own, mundie-kids-reviews, mundie-moms-reviews

Quest for Merlin's Map was such a fun, magical read. I didn't except to be so swept up in the fantasy, adventure and lore than made up the story. It's a book that has very minor similarities to other books out there, but enough that it will draw fans of magic, and fantasy in.

Twelve year old Charlie Burrows has a gift that he inherited from the father he never knew, World Jumping. In finding his talent, Charlie is suddenly whisked away from his mother and home, and brought to a magic school in En...more Quest for Merlin's Map was such a fun, magical read. I didn't except to be so swept up in the fantasy, adventure and lore than made up the story. It's a book that has very minor similarities to other books out there, but enough that it will draw fans of magic, and fantasy in.

Twelve year old Charlie Burrows has a gift that he inherited from the father he never knew, World Jumping. In finding his talent, Charlie is suddenly whisked away from his mother and home, and brought to a magic school in England where kids with special powers attend. Luckily Charlie has his best friend Bailey with them, as the two are about to learn about their father's past, a whole another magical world they never existed and about the powers that they have, and never knew existed until now.

Charlie is a brilliant witty character, and his best friend Bailey is one a character I also really like. She's this bigger than life character, who deep down has a fear for losing Charlie, as she too grew up without a father. Through Charlie and Bailey's dangerous adventures, they learn more about their fathers, their quest and the war that's taken place both in the new world that once laid just beyond their imaginations.

Along with Charlie and Bailey is a cast of great characters who's powers range from a World Jumper to, Shape Shifters, Guardians, Elementalists, Influencearians, Telecons and Seers. Lord Grayson and Joelle (the shape shifting were cat who lives in the library), are two more characters I really enjoyed getting to know. They added a rich history to the story and in getting to know little bits and pieces of their ancient characters. I got to know more of Charlie's destiny, while learning along side Charlie about the history of the new world he's now apart of.

I really liked the way W.C. Peever molded together a fun adventure full of paranormal characters, lore, magic, and a well known historical character like Merlin and gave it his own spin. The Quest for Merlin's Map is a unique and richly detailed story that both middle grade and young adult readers will enjoy. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.(less)

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Dec 30, 2010 Katieb (MundieMoms) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arcs-i-own, mundie-moms-review, 2010-100-book-challenge, debut-author-challenge, mundie-kids-book-reviews

Quest for Merlin's Map was such a fun, magical read. I didn't except to be so swept up in the fantasy, adventure and lore than made up the story. It's a book that has very minor similarities to other books out there, but enough that it will draw fans of magic, and fantasy in.

Twelve year old Charlie Burrows has a gift that he inherited from the father he never knew, World Jumping. In finding his talent, Charlie is suddenly whisked away from his mother and home, and brought to a magic school in En...more Quest for Merlin's Map was such a fun, magical read. I didn't except to be so swept up in the fantasy, adventure and lore than made up the story. It's a book that has very minor similarities to other books out there, but enough that it will draw fans of magic, and fantasy in.

Twelve year old Charlie Burrows has a gift that he inherited from the father he never knew, World Jumping. In finding his talent, Charlie is suddenly whisked away from his mother and home, and brought to a magic school in England where kids with special powers attend. Luckily Charlie has his best friend Bailey with them, as the two are about to learn about their father's past, a whole another magical world they never existed and about the powers that they have, and never knew existed until now.

Charlie is a brilliant witty character, and his best friend Bailey is one a character I also really like. She's this bigger than life character, who deep down has a fear for losing Charlie, as she too grew up without a father. Through Charlie and Bailey's dangerous adventures, they learn more about their fathers, their quest and the war that's taken place both in the new world that once laid just beyond their imaginations.

Along with Charlie and Bailey is a cast of great characters who's powers range from a World Jumper to, Shape Shifters, Guardians, Elementalists, Influencearians, Telecons and Seers. Lord Grayson and Joelle (the shape shifting were cat who lives in the library), are two more characters I really enjoyed getting to know. They added a rich history to the story and in getting to know little bits and pieces of their ancient characters. I got to know more of Charlie's destiny, while learning along side Charlie about the history of the new world he's now apart of.

I really liked the way W.C. Peever molded together a fun adventure full of paranormal characters, lore, magic, and a well known historical character like Merlin and gave it his own spin. The Quest for Merlin's Map is a unique and richly detailed story that both middle grade and young adult readers will enjoy. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.(less)

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Jun 14, 2011 Briana rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: on-my-shelf

When I got a request to review this book, I was uncertain about whether or not it would be something I would enjoy. Whenever I get a request, the first thing I look at it is the cover to see if it attracts me. I know that's not the way I should judge a book by first impression, but that's just how I've always been! With that said, I'm not attracted to the cover. It's a nice cover, but it just doesn't look like my type of book, at first glance. However, The Quest for Merlin's Map, pleasantly surp...more

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Nov 28, 2012 Jennifer Wardrip rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: trt-posted-reviews

Reviewed by Theresa L. Stowell for TeensReadToo.com

Charlie Burrows' twelfth birthday brings a few surprises that concern both himself and his best friend, Bailey Relling.

First, they see a strange man watching them ice skate at the local pond. Then, when they get home, hoping to share a meal and some birthday cake, they overhear their mothers arguing with that same man. He introduces himself as Professor Henry Grayson, and he is the headmaster at a private school where he wants the children to at...more Reviewed by Theresa L. Stowell for TeensReadToo.com

Charlie Burrows' twelfth birthday brings a few surprises that concern both himself and his best friend, Bailey Relling.

First, they see a strange man watching them ice skate at the local pond. Then, when they get home, hoping to share a meal and some birthday cake, they overhear their mothers arguing with that same man. He introduces himself as Professor Henry Grayson, and he is the headmaster at a private school where he wants the children to attend. He tells them that their fathers worked for the British government, and he has been sent to take the children into protective custody due to the case that resulted in the disappearance of their fathers ten years earlier.

Overwhelmed by the information and frightened by the idea of leaving their mothers, the children attempt to run away. To their surprise, Professor Grayson appears on the road in front of them. A bright light flashes, and the next thing they know, they have been transported to Thornfield Academy.

Charlie and Bailey adapt quickly to their new environment, meeting a new friend to make their duo a threesome, trying out for new sports (lacrosse), taking on new classes with quirky professors, and learning about the magical world in which they now belong.

The most shocking piece of information they learn is that Norse gods exist and they created nine worlds and that there are different dimensions. The gods, however, have been at war for eons and have closed themselves off from our world. This has not kept the battles between the Asgardians (the good gods) and the Vanari (the jealous lesser gods) from affecting Earth. The lives of Charlie's and Bailey's fathers are at sake as the children search for a magical object that could change the outcome of everything they know.

Readers who enjoy the Harry Potter, Charlie Bone, and Percy Jackson series' will also embrace this new group of youngsters. This combination of magic, Norse mythology, and Arthurian legend is a creative and fun addition to the fantasy genre. Finally, a touch of family, friendship, and conflict keep the characters real enough to allow readers to easily relate. I'm looking forward to a new installment in what is an exciting new series. (less)

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Jan 24, 2011 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: chat-n-chew-2010

The Jumper Chronicles: Quest for Merlin's Map has the distinct feel of being a Harry Potter wannabe. There are some inventive differences, but all in all, it feels like a less well written Harry Potter. Also, I feel as though the publisher may be a clearinghouse for self-published works. My copy of the book had its actual date of printing published in the book, which coincided with the day I purchased the book through Amazon. And, there were numerous errors in spelling, punctuation, and word cho...more The Jumper Chronicles: Quest for Merlin's Map has the distinct feel of being a Harry Potter wannabe. There are some inventive differences, but all in all, it feels like a less well written Harry Potter. Also, I feel as though the publisher may be a clearinghouse for self-published works. My copy of the book had its actual date of printing published in the book, which coincided with the day I purchased the book through Amazon. And, there were numerous errors in spelling, punctuation, and word choice that a savvy editor would surely have caught. One or two typos may be passable, but I lost count. If the book is being printed on a per order basis, it would seem that the author and editor could take the time to make the necessary corrections.

All that aside, I think students who are HP and Lightning Thief fans will most likely enjoy the series as it unfolds. Plotting and pacing were an issue for me as was the introduction of the 9 worlds and mythology which I found confusing. Perhaps liner maps would have been a good addition? Or a family tree of the mythology? Just for a visual. I may have my book club create this and send it to the author.
With regards to the pacing and plotting, a lot happens in a very short time frame and it seems to me that made it less believable. On the one hand there was urgent sense of imminent danger for Charlie and yet there was also a "let's not rush" attitude by the headmaster. Also, Charlie and Bailey do not seem at all bewildered or astonished at being plucked out of their very ordinary lives and thrown into a situation that is at once dangerous and completely novel to anything they have experienced. Other than marveling at the quantity and array of food, that is. They seem to accept rather easily the dizzying explanations for the existence of entire realms and dimensions outside of their awareness. Not that the realms aren't plausible, just their reactions.

In summary, I had a few issues with the book as an adult reader. I suspect my student readers will not have the same issues. I will be interested to hear their thoughts and opinions. But at this point, it's not one I can point to and say "This is going to be big! Read it now!"(less)

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Oct 17, 2010 Sarah Sammis rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-copy, read-in-2010, released

The Quest for Merlin's Map by W. C. Peever is the first of the Jumper Chronicles. It takes two traditional story types: the magical boarding school and the Arthurian legends and blends them together into something refreshingly new.

Twelve year old best friends Charlie Burrows and Bailey Relling are visited by a mysterious man who warns them that they are in grave danger. He can offer them protection and an education to help them hone their awakening magical powers. They are taken by QILT (Quick I...more

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Aug 18, 2011 Jack Collins rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

I enjoyed this almost as much as Fledgling Jason Steed. The character was real life and fun. I love it when these authors make the books fast fun and have action. Awesome book

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Apr 21, 2013 Noah Shafer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Very good book, the opening kind of takes after the first book in the Percy Jackson series though. You'll most likely love this book, the characters are fun, the plot great, and the twists are amazing. I love how it somewhat incorporates references to other stories.
Great read guys, you won't regret it.

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Feb 21, 2013 W.C. Peever rated it 5 of 5 stars · (Review from the author)

I have to love this book...I wrote it! However I must say I have not read it since it arrived at my house from the publisher! When you edit a book you read it so many times that you just cant pick it up again for a while…but I do plan on reading it again at some point, as I love the story and I will need to follow up on some of the information as I write the series, the second book is done and now in editing…

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Dec 17, 2010 Heather added it

Shelves: for-review, didn-t-finish

I tried three times to finish the book, but got confused with so much going on with the mythology and numerous worlds. I found myself confused. Other reviews I've read really enjoyed it. Just not a good match for me.

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Jul 19, 2011 Tina marked it as to-read

Shelves: first-reads, ya-fantasy

Can't wait to read this to my boys. It's sitting on our TBR shelf.

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