The land of Gable--renowned for its birds, revered for its legends and secrets--is home to the grandest castle in the known world. Inside this cast...
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Jan 08, 2011
Adelehajicek
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Nov 20, 2010
Jill
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Slave girl, Robbyn, is nearly burned to death in a fire set by the Marauder King. Drift, a giant, rescues her. Together they set off to warn King Darius that the Marauder King plans to attack the land of Gable. But will they get there in time? And even if they do, will anyone believe the claims of a slave girl and a giant?
Shepherd boy, Micah, embarks on a journey. He must deliver a herd of sheep to the Gable Kingdom Castle. King Darius has requested that the sheep's wool be sheared f More...
Shepherd boy, Micah, embarks on a journey. He must deliver a herd of sheep to the Gable Kingdom Castle. King Darius has requested that the sheep's wool be sheared f More...
Sep 24, 2010
Jennifer
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I received this boook as a first-reads giveaway.
I am glad I entered this giveway. This book was very enjoyable to read. It contained everything I would expect a good fantasy novel to and more. The main character goes on a life-changing journey. Along the way he meets interesting characters and faces many dangers. This book was full of action and suspense and the plot keeps you guessing till the end. The book is filled with imaginative, descriptive language that brings the
world of t More...
I am glad I entered this giveway. This book was very enjoyable to read. It contained everything I would expect a good fantasy novel to and more. The main character goes on a life-changing journey. Along the way he meets interesting characters and faces many dangers. This book was full of action and suspense and the plot keeps you guessing till the end. The book is filled with imaginative, descriptive language that brings the
world of t More...
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Sep 20, 2010
Candace
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J. R. Parker's Christian Teen Fantasy, Kestrel's Midnight Song, is a riveting, page turner from start to finish. Micah faces many trials and challenges as he travels with his sheep to Gable Castle. Along the journey he is rescued by Robbyn and Drift, who are racing to save the Castle from the Marauder King and his band. Isaac Ganthorn is racked with guilt searching for a hope of redemption. Bart is a fool but he is more than he appears to be. Interwoven within all these characters' fates are the
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Jul 14, 2010
Lauren
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When I got the chance to pre-read and review J.R. Parker’s Kestrel’s Midnight Song, I jumped at the chance. It describes itself as being an adventure novel for younger readers, but seems to be more about the journey than the ultimate goal. The characters were a motley bunch, and could feel irrational mush of the time.
The hero is but a lowly shepherd, his only goal is to get to the palace to deliver his sheep to the king’s weaver. Micah sets off on his journey unaware of the flute, the Ma More...
The hero is but a lowly shepherd, his only goal is to get to the palace to deliver his sheep to the king’s weaver. Micah sets off on his journey unaware of the flute, the Ma More...
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Jul 13, 2010
Marcie
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This book follows the journey of Micah, a shepherd, who would do anything to protect his sheep even risk his own life. He is part of a plan that he knows nothing about. A plan to help free Kestrel. On his journey he meets Bart, an unusual traveling companion who wears a mysterious symbol that is also branded on Micah's sheep. Micah also meets Robbyn and Drift. Robbyn is a girl trying to hide the fact that she is a slave. Drift is a giant and sworn protector of Robbyn. They are all travelin
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Jul 18, 2010
Snorkle
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I received this book as an advance readers copy. I thought the cover artwork was well done and I loved the magnificent bird. The huge bird were thought-out and displayed quite nicely as the cover art, it didn't have any cheesy elements or design flaws (that I could tell). The story's beginning was intriguing and left you wanting to know what happened next. I also thought the minor characters were well-rounded and had distinct personalities.
I wanted the main characters to be more fles More...
I wanted the main characters to be more fles More...
Jul 15, 2010
Valerie
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading Kestrel’s Midnight Song. I was initially hesitant to read it because the description mentioned the book having a Christian theme to it, and I wasn’t completely thrilled with the idea. Now having read the book, I don’t know why I worried at all; the small religious parts weren’t as overpowering as I had feared they might be, and they seemed like they had been added as an afterthought. Truthfully, it wasn’t like anything I’d expected; I thought it was going to focus mo
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Aug 13, 2010
Valerie
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First of all, I'd like to thank Mr. Parker for letting me to be one of the few to pre-read his book. Although I thought it wasn't the best, I truly think he has the potential to become a great author.
All I really have to say about this book is it was okay. It was neither really great, nor was it really horrible. It had a good plot, but I felt it could have been written better. At first while reading the synopsis I felt that this book would be packed with adventure and keep me glued t More...
All I really have to say about this book is it was okay. It was neither really great, nor was it really horrible. It had a good plot, but I felt it could have been written better. At first while reading the synopsis I felt that this book would be packed with adventure and keep me glued t More...
Aug 22, 2010
Mashal
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One thing I'm going to say off the bat- it's REALLY good for a story written by a young author! It really is. I got an early copy through the author- it was quite enjoyable. There are many parts in the book in which the writing is beautifully done, and the storyline itself is one of originality and thought. But there were parts that seemed...flat...and sort of rushed.
The book itself is written from multiple views, in which I think is quite hard to do well. There are two main views i More...
The book itself is written from multiple views, in which I think is quite hard to do well. There are two main views i More...
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Feb 25, 2011
Kat
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Part of me wanted to give this book four stars instead of five ONLY because I want to be able to give an even higher mark for J.R. Parker's future works. There WILL be future works for this new author. Parker was only nineteen when Kestrel's Midnight Song released, which means he's a young talent who has years to grow--not that he needs many. This book is a very strong start for him. Wonderful characterization, a solid plot, and vivid imagery. The story was told with surprising skill, especially
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Jul 16, 2010
Steve
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When it comes to youth fantasy, this is about as good as it gets. I kept having to remind myself how young Parker is and that this is his debut.
Micah is a young shepherd on a mission to deliver his sheep to King Darius. Robynn is a slave girl who just wants to stay out of trouble. Drift is a giant with far more brawn than brains. Three unlikely heroes who wind up in the middle of a plot by the Marauders to overthrow the king and take control of the castle. By the time his journe More...
Micah is a young shepherd on a mission to deliver his sheep to King Darius. Robynn is a slave girl who just wants to stay out of trouble. Drift is a giant with far more brawn than brains. Three unlikely heroes who wind up in the middle of a plot by the Marauders to overthrow the king and take control of the castle. By the time his journe More...
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Oct 04, 2010
Kristie
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This story kept jumping back and forth between characters, and I kept trying to figure out how they were all going to come together in the end. The plot was entertaining, and I really liked the main characters. The conclusion was good and explained most everything satisfactorily. My only complaint is that I would have liked to find out a little bit more of Robbyn's and Drift's stories. I was also sort of surprised when Christian viewpoints were brought up (although they never specifically say "
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Sep 05, 2010
NR
rated it:
Fast-paced, with unique characters - the latter a pleasant surprise in today's glutted fantasy field! The story reveals itself through interwoven character arcs, which connection you may or may not intuit. They're not always what you might expect!
Each main character is well-developed and three-dimensional. Often, in a book with interwoven arcs, there's a character or two in whom I'm less interested. That didn't happen here; I cared about them all.
A note for animal lovers: there are sce More...
Each main character is well-developed and three-dimensional. Often, in a book with interwoven arcs, there's a character or two in whom I'm less interested. That didn't happen here; I cared about them all.
A note for animal lovers: there are sce More...
Sep 11, 2010
OldProfessor
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= A fun read. Seems to get more and more exciting as the story rolls along.
= The mountain scenery comes alive during all the journeys through the mountains - not surprising cuz I guess the author has lived in Idaho all his life. I did a lot of backpacking along the John Muir Trail in California several years ago, and I can relate.
= There are several ocean scenes too - if the author wrote them from personal experience in or near Idaho, he must have spent some time on a large lake an More...
= The mountain scenery comes alive during all the journeys through the mountains - not surprising cuz I guess the author has lived in Idaho all his life. I did a lot of backpacking along the John Muir Trail in California several years ago, and I can relate.
= There are several ocean scenes too - if the author wrote them from personal experience in or near Idaho, he must have spent some time on a large lake an More...
Jul 19, 2010
Kathleen
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I had the chance to pre-read Kestrel's Midnight Song and I was very happy that I had the opportunity to do so. This book was definitely an adventure from the very first page. The characters are well thought up and truly unique individuals. I grew to them throughout the novel. I found J.R. Parker's choice of words to be incredible. It allowed me to get the King Arthur time era feel. It is a wonderful mystery with a twist of fantasy. This story flowed and had me turning the pages in anticipation b
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Sep 26, 2010
Noah
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Explore the land of Gable! Take a ride on the elusive Aegre bird! Join the search for the legendary Caelum flute! The adventure is thick with many fantastical scapes and creatures! The plot is developed with mastery. Everything falls into place neatly, without me suspecting it’s conclusion.
The inn-servant girl and the giant could have more involvement and purpose in the story. There isn’t enough thrilling material to make you read all night, but it isn’t boring either.
My rati More...
The inn-servant girl and the giant could have more involvement and purpose in the story. There isn’t enough thrilling material to make you read all night, but it isn’t boring either.
My rati More...
Jul 07, 2010
Christina
rated it:
In Kestrel’s Midnight Song J. R. Parker introduces us to a wonderful and imaginative world of fantasy. Action packed and full of rich characters this page turner kept me enthralled and feverishly reading through to the last word. Parker is wonderfully descriptive; I actually found myself gasping aloud at the twists and turns each character encountered on their way. I could hardly wait to see where his unique journey was going to take me next and now I am anxiously awaiting the sequel.
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Aug 13, 2010
Samantha
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Kestrel's Midnight Song is a fantastic story. I found it impossible to put this book down once I began it until I was done that is. The characters are vividly real and draw the reader in until one cannot help, but have a deep connection with them and their trials. Readers of this fine book will realize that they have as much of a stake in the outcome as any of the main characters do. It is a creative and enjoyable read that will mesmerize people of all ages.
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Apr 05, 2011
Daniel
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Despite my mom's statement that it was "from one dragon boy to another," I was disappointed to find that there weren't really any dragons in this book. On the other hand, this author is 18! And to write a book with such a plot, that is truly amazing. I was carried through from beginning to end. There were some very good plot twists, a few details and ends that never got resolved, but a very good book nonetheless.
Sep 13, 2011
Josiah
rated it:
This teenage writer has potential.
The imagery of the cover and book was well done. The twist at the end was very well concealed and the ultimate message of the book was powerful. While the characters could have been more fleshed out and the timeline cleared up and some of the plot more explained, overall an excellent book. One I would recommend to any library.
The imagery of the cover and book was well done. The twist at the end was very well concealed and the ultimate message of the book was powerful. While the characters could have been more fleshed out and the timeline cleared up and some of the plot more explained, overall an excellent book. One I would recommend to any library.
Sep 05, 2011
I thought it was mediocre, but I met the kid who wrote it and I want to support him, so I won't actually give a rating because I don't want to affect his average score:) I admire that he wrote a book and published it at such a young age! It is a quick, easy, pleasant read, but I thought there were some holes in the plot.
Sep 23, 2010
Margaret
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I enjoyed this book and I think it was especially well done considering the age of the author and the fact that it is shorter than most novels. Having said that, the larger number of viewpoints made it difficult to really get to know those characters in that short time frame. It made me wish he'd either made the story longer or had us focus on fewer people. It was an imaginative story with an unexpected twist at the end.
I think we can expect great things from this author if he keeps More...
I think we can expect great things from this author if he keeps More...
Oct 29, 2011
Kandyce
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This book was shared with me by a student. A fun fantasy story, with several interesting threads going on at once. Micah, a shepherd boy is chosen to journey with his sheep across the kingdom to the castle. His journey is hampered by evil Marauders who have plans to take over the kingdom themselves.
Sep 28, 2010
Katie
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This book was great! There was a strong sense of place, the characters were well developed, and the plot was intriguing. The whole time I was reading the book, I kept trying to figure out how all the pieces of the puzzle would fit together, and I have to say that I am pretty pleased with the way it all played out in the end. This book is definitely worth recommending, and I'll be passing it on to friends and family.
Jul 18, 2010
Michelle
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This book starts you off with mystery and intrigue from the get go. I would share thid book with any who want a good fantasy book that they wont be able to put down till their done with it.
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May 25, 2011
it awesome book i got in as sign book soo i keep it as treasure.. it soo wonderful book to read i suggest everyone love fairy tales story i suggest to read this book...
Jul 14, 2010
Jennifer
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I really enjoyed reading this book. I found it to be a Lord of the Rings type story for younger readers. It had great character development and a nice story that intertwined and came together nicely in the end. I was really impressed at the maturity of the book, especially coming from such a young author.
Aug 19, 2010
Pam R.
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I read the online pdf. version of this book. It is a well written story that will appeal to the young adult reader. The author, also a young adult, has a wonderful mastery of language.
The tale is a short one, not the tome of Rowling, or the development of characters. A much faster 'read' that will draw in those who think they don't like to read! It has nasty villians (boo hiss), heroic heros (applause), lots of fun scenic descriptions & a fine storyline.
Well done, Mr Park
The tale is a short one, not the tome of Rowling, or the development of characters. A much faster 'read' that will draw in those who think they don't like to read! It has nasty villians (boo hiss), heroic heros (applause), lots of fun scenic descriptions & a fine storyline.
Well done, Mr Park
