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44th out of 119 books
—
34 voters
Secrets of the Crown (The Familiars #2)
by
Adam Jay Epstein (Goodreads Author),
Andrew Jacobson (Goodreads Author), Peter Chan , Kei Acedera
A curse befalls Vastia, eliminating human magic. Only animals are able to cast spells, and it is up to Aldwyn, Skylar, and Gilbert to save the queendom from the evil threatening it. In addition, Aldwyn discovers the truth about his past, embarking on a journey that brings him closer to the father he never knew.
Kindle Edition, 389 pages
Published
September 6th 2011
by HarperCollins
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Two years ago I read The Familiars. I was attracted to it because that year I had a reader of only cat books. Aldwyn, one of the Familiars, was a cat so I thought I’d give it a try. I did and it was great fun. The main characters are a stray cat, a red-eyed tree frog and a blue jay. I don’t think there could be a more unlikely trio and their distinct personality traits had me smiling all the way through.
When I saw The Familiars – Secrets of the Crown in the bookstore I knew I wanted to keep this...more
When I saw The Familiars – Secrets of the Crown in the bookstore I knew I wanted to keep this...more
Once again the familiars are back! Aldwyn, Skylar and Gilbert, the animal familiars to three young wizards are out to save the world as they know it from the evil hare Paksahara, formerly familiar to Queen Loranella herself. Where book one explained wizards and familiars and the coming together of these three very different familiars, book two shows how the three familiars have bonded and become family.
At the end of Book One Paksahara reveals herself and then escapes, opening the way to the sequ...more
At the end of Book One Paksahara reveals herself and then escapes, opening the way to the sequ...more
Oct 15, 2011
Charlyn Trussell
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Grades 4 and up
Recommended to Charlyn by:
the author
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This series follows three magical animals on a quest, a Hermione-ish bluejay, an orphaned street cat, and a tree frog who is insecure about his magical talent. The writing is very good, given the target audience, as are the pacing and plot. The anthropomorphic characters, despite being a bit stereotypical, are well rounded; learning, growing, and building a closer friendship as they do so.
The 1st grade me would have adored this series. I read every fiction and non-fiction animal book in the scho...more
The 1st grade me would have adored this series. I read every fiction and non-fiction animal book in the scho...more
Apr 01, 2013
Dolly
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
children starting to read longer chapter books
This is the second book in The Familiars series by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson. Our oldest has really taken to this series and finished all three books (published so far) rather quickly.
I thought the story was dramatic and entertaining and we enjoyed talking about the human and animal characters. The story is full of drama, danger, wonder, and magic. The beginning was a bit abrupt, with little introduction, so this story really wouldn't stand alone - the first book really has to be rea...more
I thought the story was dramatic and entertaining and we enjoyed talking about the human and animal characters. The story is full of drama, danger, wonder, and magic. The beginning was a bit abrupt, with little introduction, so this story really wouldn't stand alone - the first book really has to be rea...more
The story picks up four weeks after the Familiars leaves off. The Loyals and the Familiars are now being educated in magical defensive arts when there is a flash of green light disenchanting the human Loyals who lose their abilities to cast spells and which leaves the animals as the only magical creatures. As part of a prediction that the animal will now rule, the Familiars must now race to save the humans against the evil intentions of the queen's familiar, Paksahara who has tried to overthrow...more
In this fun- filled, packed, book we revisit the life of magic thru animals and their relationships with humans. There is lots of warmth in this book and great, thrilling adventure, too. The entire book is appropriate for middle school students, although, I think 8th graders might seem it a bit elementary. The ending is easily predicted. The main characters are well developed and easy to identify with as they embark on a quest to find the source of human magic and return it to their village. We...more
I liked this book a little better than the first one in the series. But my son, who is a third grader and probably closer to the target audience, thought it was "awesome." I might be remembering wrong since it's been over a year since I read the first one, but it seemed that one took a long time to get started and dragged a bit here and there. Whereas in this second book, the authors immediately sent the trio off on their quest and they kept things moving right along. I believe Gilbert's comic r...more
First, I love how book two picks up right where book one leaves off leaving no unexplainable time gaps to try and figure out. If you decided to start with book two though, you wouldn’t be completely lost. There is enough information shared to bring you up to speed in order to follow along in the opening chapters, however the journey will feel more complete if one started at the beginning.
The familiars have secured their loyals once again…but Pakashara will have none of this chummy business. She...more
The familiars have secured their loyals once again…but Pakashara will have none of this chummy business. She...more
Secrets of the Crown is the second book in the Familiars series, the story of Aldwyn, Skylar, and Gilbert's quest to save their world and maybe find themselves. Paksahara casts a spell that takes away all human magic and the chosen three embark on a quest to stop her from unleashing her army of the dead. Along the way, we learn more about each character and what drives them. The best part of the book is when Gilbert finds his courage at long last.
Even more than the first book, it is easy to see...more
Even more than the first book, it is easy to see...more
I didn't think this one was quite as strong as the first, particularly in the writing, which felt a bit choppy and simplified. However, I have no doubt that most kids will highly enjoy the series and fans of the first book will not be disappointed.
One thing I didn't like (and this is a minor detail, mind you!) was the illustration of Paksahara. She did not look fierce or frightening. She almost bordered on cute. (It was like when Yzma (Emperor's New Groove) turns into that awfully cute cat - "Is...more
One thing I didn't like (and this is a minor detail, mind you!) was the illustration of Paksahara. She did not look fierce or frightening. She almost bordered on cute. (It was like when Yzma (Emperor's New Groove) turns into that awfully cute cat - "Is...more
Very cute. It's got some great lines and I am loving these characters. I like the slow reveal of their backstories, while at the same time it makes perfect sense and I don't feel like I'm missing it, before I learn. A satisfying adventure, although I'm a little bummed about the ending because I do NOT like those "and then..." type endings. Still, I can't wait to find out what happens next.
I also liked that whenever creatures are mentioned, they don't immediately launch into a description. The au...more
I also liked that whenever creatures are mentioned, they don't immediately launch into a description. The au...more
Aldwyn, Gilbert and Skylar are off on another adventure. This time they have to find the crown of the snow leopard. Paksahara is threatening to release her army of the dead at the next full moon. The familiars have 8 days to figure out where the shifting fortress is. Paksahara stole the wooden bracelet from queen Loranella so that way is out. Originally when the fortress was built, the key was the crown of the snow leopard.
It's another great adventure that has puzzles to figure out in order to...more
It's another great adventure that has puzzles to figure out in order to...more
Secondo volume della saga, è il classico romanzo di transizione. Alcuni aspetti dei personaggi vengono svelati, mentre la storia generale evolve nella minaccia di una guerra senza speranze.
I Famigli Aldwyn, Skylar e Gilbert partono alla ricerca della Corona del Leopardo Bianco, l'unico talismano che può fermare Paksahara da distruggere Vastia. Aiuti inaspettati, tradimenti, successi e delusioni costellano il loro tortuoso cammino.
A lettura terminata, avrei preferito che alcuni aspetti venissero...more
I Famigli Aldwyn, Skylar e Gilbert partono alla ricerca della Corona del Leopardo Bianco, l'unico talismano che può fermare Paksahara da distruggere Vastia. Aiuti inaspettati, tradimenti, successi e delusioni costellano il loro tortuoso cammino.
A lettura terminata, avrei preferito che alcuni aspetti venissero...more
Ne parlo anche qui --> http://lafedelibrovora.blogspot.it/20...
Ho iniziato "The familiars" benché avessi già altri due libri in lettura, ma non riuscivo proprio a resistere alla tentazione di scoprire cos'altro avrebbero combinato i buffi animaletti protagonisti della storia. E' stato bello ritrovare tutti i personaggi del primo libro, in particolare Gilbert, la rana pasticciona, che mi ha strappato più di un sorriso per via della sua incorreggibile goffaggine e la sua divertente rassegnazion...more
Ho iniziato "The familiars" benché avessi già altri due libri in lettura, ma non riuscivo proprio a resistere alla tentazione di scoprire cos'altro avrebbero combinato i buffi animaletti protagonisti della storia. E' stato bello ritrovare tutti i personaggi del primo libro, in particolare Gilbert, la rana pasticciona, che mi ha strappato più di un sorriso per via della sua incorreggibile goffaggine e la sua divertente rassegnazion...more
This saga is getting better and better at any new episode. In fact I gave a three stars rating at the first volume and a four stars rating at this one; they're not five because I hope the next one will be even better.
The story starts where the first episode ends with little or no introduction, so is necessary to have read the first volume before.
The action takes place with great speed so that the reader (child or adult) is never bored. Characters develope further and their characteristics becam...more
The story starts where the first episode ends with little or no introduction, so is necessary to have read the first volume before.
The action takes place with great speed so that the reader (child or adult) is never bored. Characters develope further and their characteristics becam...more
This was a fun, easy book. As a children's book, it does a very good job, full of action and adventure mixed with a lot of humor. It does a great job highlighting friendships and overcoming challeges. Sometimes the book gets a little redundant as the story jumps from situation to situation so quickly. Also, for a children's book, ending on such a cliffhanger isn't the best idea. We were all so excited when this sequel came out, only to realize we would obviously have to wait for the next book to...more
I love these stories! After reading the first one, I went straight out and bought both books (I had originally gotten the first book from the library), cause I wanted to know what happened... only to be left with a greater need to find out how it will all end. These books are so well written, the characters have depth and they bamboozled this grown-up... I figured a few things out but then declared out loud who I thought a certain person (sorry, animal) was, only to discover I had got it wrong a...more
The Familiars are back!
I actually liked this book better than the first one. This book really picks up speed and it shows the talents of the co-authors. (It is so cool that Adam and Andrew are able to write jointly--how do they do that?) I was really impressed with the vocabulary in this book. It was very rich and challenges the reader to think deeply.
The focus in this book was the familiars: Aldwyn (the cat), Skylar (the bluejay) and Gilbert (the frog). They are separated from their loyals (Ja...more
I actually liked this book better than the first one. This book really picks up speed and it shows the talents of the co-authors. (It is so cool that Adam and Andrew are able to write jointly--how do they do that?) I was really impressed with the vocabulary in this book. It was very rich and challenges the reader to think deeply.
The focus in this book was the familiars: Aldwyn (the cat), Skylar (the bluejay) and Gilbert (the frog). They are separated from their loyals (Ja...more
I’m so glad this series just keeps getting better! I’ve really enjoyed the first one, but this one is even better!
It’s still an adventure, and it’s certainly more focused on Aldwyn and his friends. It’s certainly more focused on Aldwyn and his past, and provides a little more on the background information to make the world building more comprehensible and easy to picture.
I’m also glad to see Gilbert still hasn’t lost his touch on being the funny one of the group. I was also surprised that Skyla...more
It’s still an adventure, and it’s certainly more focused on Aldwyn and his friends. It’s certainly more focused on Aldwyn and his past, and provides a little more on the background information to make the world building more comprehensible and easy to picture.
I’m also glad to see Gilbert still hasn’t lost his touch on being the funny one of the group. I was also surprised that Skyla...more
Aldwyn, Skylar, and Gilbert are back together in Secrets of the Crown. Just when the familiars think their human loyals are safe, human magic fails. Once again, it is up this trio of animal familiars to save the day. Prepare to be familiarized!
There is only one way to restore the power of human magic and it involves finding the snow leopard’s crown. The familiars embark on a wild adventure in their search for the crown. They encounter many unusual people and animals during their quest. A trail o...more
There is only one way to restore the power of human magic and it involves finding the snow leopard’s crown. The familiars embark on a wild adventure in their search for the crown. They encounter many unusual people and animals during their quest. A trail o...more
The Familiars are back, and this time their adventures is even more exciting than the last. On a quest to restore the power of human magic, The Familiars set off to find the snow leopard's crown. Aldwyn, Skylar and Gilbert's unforgettable adventure is full of magic, danger, and has a few surprises a long the way for them. One of the things I love about this group is their friendships and bond. This time there's a stronger sense of family unity between them, especially for Aldwyn, who discovers s...more
Aug 25, 2011
Brenda
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Middle graders who love animal stories and magic
Recommended to Brenda by:
Goodreads First Read Giveaway
Shelves:
fantasy,
first-reads
Many thanks to the publisher and Goodreads for this advanced reading copy of The Familiars: Secrets of the Crown. After having just completed an exciting quest to save their loyals from the evil queen of Vastia our second book takes up with the familiars and their loyals learning how to hone their magical abilities. Suddenly, the city is brought in peril due to the effects of a disenchantment spell and the roles of human and animal companions become reversed. Once again the familiars are called...more
Sep 08, 2012
Liza Wiemer
added it
The familiars are back! Epstein and Jacobson have created a perfect series for middle grade readers with some of the best talking animals out in the world of imagination today. With situations connected to family, friendship, and loyalty, middle graders will definitely be able to relate. Filled with magic, adventure, and plenty of good versus evil, this novel will keep kids engaged.
The three chosen ones - Aldwyn (a telekinetic cat), Skylar (a brilliant, magical blue jay) and Gilbert (a funny tr...more
The three chosen ones - Aldwyn (a telekinetic cat), Skylar (a brilliant, magical blue jay) and Gilbert (a funny tr...more
When all human magic disappears from Vastia, it is up to the three Familiars to fulfill the prophecy and save the Queendom. Skyler, Aldwyn, and Gilbert must overcome many obstacles, including coming to terms with their own pasts as they set off on this great adventure. I highly recommend reading the first book in the series before you embark on this one. A fun and exciting read for both fantasy lovers and animal lovers.
We won a copy of this ARC through a Goodreads Giveaway and this review and rating comes from my 10-year-old daughter. She devoured this book in an afternoon (just as she did the first book in the series) and is already asking me how long we have to wait for the next one. She told me she loved it because it was "fun" and "entertaining" and gave it her highest rating!
With three entertaining (and magical) animal characters, plus a whole lot of adventure, mystery, and suspence, this is a fun book to read. Gilbert is as entertaining as he was in the first book in this series, but now other characters get flashes of silliness as well. The quest, and how they find their way, is really interesting. This would make a great book to read aloud.
Like a standard "2nd book in a trilogy" there are many hints of things to come in the concluding book and there is the ending...more
Like a standard "2nd book in a trilogy" there are many hints of things to come in the concluding book and there is the ending...more
You get to see more great creatures and discover much more about the land of Vastia in this book, not to mention a more insightful look at the characters and their histories. I thought it was an awesome adventure, a little predictable at times but an all around good read!
Very suspenceful. I like Aldwyn the cat and the frog is very cute. I want to know more about Skylar- her sister and such. She`s a real mystery to me. I like the evil bunny too- she is really evil and cunning but seems to never get the 3 familiars.
I really like this series and I'm looking forward to reading this with my kids when they get just a little bit older. This is a fantastic sequel. My full review is on MKs here http://mundiekids.blogspot.com/2011/0...
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I grew up in Great Neck, NY loving all things fantasy and science fiction - from Dungeons and Dragons and the Legend of Zelda to Star Wars and Dr. Strange. I created and imagined new worlds and stories from an early age but never knew that I had the talent to be a writer until seventh grade, when my English teacher assigned our class to write the first ten pages of a sequel to The Good Earth. Afte...more
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