Jon Blue Essence is a Norse Mythology Fantasy that is perfect for fans of Norse gods. If you like the Magnus Chase series and movies like Mortal, then you will love Jon Blue Essence. Jon Bragg enjoys a quiet life in the small town of Grinwell, Iowa. He has loving parents, a typical, bratty little sister, and a best friend named Marc Miller, who is so fascinated by Norse mythology that everyone at school calls him Thor; mostly to tease him, but he doesn't mind. However, when Jon turns sixteen, a new kid arrives, stirring up a whirlwind of trouble, and Jon and Marc find themselves caught in the middle of a hunt for demigods and their blue essence. If you have a passion for stories about Odin, Thor, and Loki, then have you heard of Bragi? His power is fueled by something completely different than thunderbolts and trickery--words and music. Jon Blue Essence will give you the opportunity to learn about and fall in love with Bragi, Odin's second eldest son.
I really enjoyed this book and wish I had something like this to recommend when my son was younger and he struggled to find anything he really enjoyed reading that was easy to understand. This has such a creative spin on Norse Mythology and a young Jon Bragg, turning sixteen, worried about the same things as most teenagers, along with dealing with the recent death of his grandmother and the sudden illness of his grandfather who moves in with them in need of constant care. He navigates through it all with his best friend, Marc (who others call Thor), always by his side. But his best friend believes there’s much more to him than meets the eye. Then, there’s Dustin Locke, new in town and a legendary athlete already at a young age, with a father who he’s always trying to please and who pushes him to his limits. But then his dad reveals there’s a history in their family giving him reasons for why he’s so powerful, but if he doesn’t help him find others like them to get more blue Essence, he could lose it all. Then again, helping him, could also have the same dire results. I love that I get to see both points of view of Jon and Dustin. That really helps draw you in! I definitely recommend this book if you love Norse Mythology!
Set during the long cold winters in Grinwell, Iowa, Jon Bragg Blue Essence by Kenney Myers follows a sixteen-year-old thin boy, Jon Bragg. Jon is a quiet book nerd who’s likely invisible at Grinwell High School for being average. However, things took a turn when Jon Bragg's PE teacher, Mr. Keith, found his demise in the middle of the woods. The school replaced the missing position, introducing a great Olympian wrestler, Coach Locke, as a new PE teacher and wrestling coach. Coach Locke has a son named Dustin, who is also a wrestling state champ. However, Dustin is a bully, and he will become Jon’s classmate, as well as his best friend, Marc Miller, who is a fanatic of the Norse gods.
When Jon turned sixteen, an extra responsibility was handed to him: helping his grandpa, who was seriously ill. Believing it was Alzheimer’s, Grandpa’s illness occurred right after his wife’s death; it was mysterious as Grandma wasn’t ill and was found dead in the kitchen. As the days pass by, strange occurrences happen, which impact Jon’s life. Read Jon Bragg Blue Essence to unravel the mystery behind the deaths of Keith and Grandma, as well as discover the newly ascended Asgardian.
Kenney’s writing prowess accommodates readers right from the beginning, savoring his flawless narration, top-notch characterization, and engaging plot. The book’s steady pace allows readers to submerge gradually in the story, uncovering the mystery behind Keith and Grandma’s deaths, Jon’s newfound superpowers, and Grandpa’s upsetting illness. These elements make up blistering moments in the book, producing contentment in every scenario.
Kenney used the alternating point of view of Jon and Dustin, transporting readers into their inner world and experiencing their thoughts and feelings. The book’s pacing moves moderately, which makes the book a perfect length to read; it is just enough to entertain readers. The scene that piqued my interest was the Descendants fight between Bragi and Loki’s line, the demigods of Norse mythology, who have ascended. It was a witty plan about how Jon tricked Loki’s demigods, letting them finish the extraction before he ended them by reciting his powerful blood rhyme.
Kenney expertly interweaves the plot, delivering the story harmoniously, especially about the disclosure of the murderer. Coach Locke is one of the notable characters in the story. His treatment of his son lacks endearment, which negatively affects Dustin’s behavior. Dustin becomes an attention seeker because of his loveless treatment, blustering his classmates.
The commendable stylistic heading enhanced the book's format. Throughout, I only spotted a handful of missing quotations, incorrect pronouns, and punctuation, which proves that the book underwent professional editing. I’d like to add that the title adds the book’s predictable element, which, from my standpoint, is better to look into; the process of revealing the protagonist’s ability and superpowers can somehow be noticeable in this title.
Still, I only took away a star from my rating since the book’s downsides didn’t significantly detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. The book was brimming with moral lessons, such as being supportive, understanding, and loving to the family. My favorite character, Jon, has exhibited these traits.
As Jon is going to register with the Asgardian Protection Society, I’m certain that his journey will be much more exciting in the next installment, discovering this secret group. I can’t wait to flip over the pages of Jon Bragg Scout’s Honor, which is already in my hand.
In conclusion, this book will surely interest people familiar with Norse mythology, particularly fans of Bragi and Loki.
Jon Bragg is a teenage boy going about life in a small town with his family and his Thor-fanatic best friend by his side. Not much happens in this small town until a new kid arrives and stirs up trouble that intertwines with Jon’s life and changes it forever.
I finished reading Jon Bragg: Blue Essence and I must say this was a genuinely excellent read! What first led me to this book was the cover. The helmet reminded me of the TV show, Vikings, which I loved, so I decided to read the summary. After reading the summary, the aspect of Norse mythology intrigued me further. I don’t know much about Norse mythology but mythology is interesting in general, so I decided to give it a read. Before I dive into this review, there are only one or two uses of profanity within the entire book, and there is nothing remotely sexual. I recommend this book to ages 13 and up. The storyline starts a bit slow but picks up toward the climax and from there it just gets more and more exciting. The chapters are relatively short, but it’s most likely due to the book being short too. I don’t mind starting a good book and being able to finish it within a day. I thought the ending was good but so much happened from the start of the climax to the end. It was exciting and made you curious, but compared to the steady start toward the middle of the book, it felt a bit more rushed than I would have liked. To be fair, it was leading to a climax, so understandable. The POV is a nice change from having one POV or several different POVs or two main protagonists' POVs. The back-and-forth POV between the protagonist, Jon, and the antagonist, Dustin, gave me a peek into understanding the antagonist's actions and thoughts, which is always an engaging aspect and brings a different perspective to the situation. I was genuinely surprised while reading Dustin’s perspective that he wasn’t just another jock but that he had telltale signs of untapped potential in other ways besides the obvious. On the other hand, Dustin was not very likable, but when you read how his father interacts with him, it makes sense why he turned out the way he did, which is no real surprise. If anything, it’s sad and makes you wonder how different he would have been if his father was different. I would have liked to have read more about Dustin’s background to get the full experience of the antagonist. Another aspect that I thought made Dustin an interesting character was that there wasn’t any hesitation from Dustin. He was very accepting and straightforward about the whole situation. A very “gotta do, what you gotta do” type character, which I thought was refreshing. Regarding Jon, at first, I thought it was odd the way he spoke because he is a sixteen-year-old boy but didn’t speak or act like one. However, as I continued to read, I realized why that was and that he was mature for his age. I think it’s because he’s an avid reader, but that’s just my opinion. He was a very likable character. He was one of the most sweet, considerate, genuine, and caring teenagers I’ve ever read in a book. Jon certainly surprised me in a “you knew something was going to happen, but didn’t know what” way. It made me so excited to continue reading the rest of the book to see what would happen and how he would handle this unexpected discovery. This made the book have a more unique and WOW factor that hooked me into finishing it.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and rate it 5 out of 5. I’m curious about the sequel and can’t wait to read it!
You must have watched or at least heard the name Thor, right? Thor was born to the Asgardian god king, Odin Borson, and the earth goddess, Gaea. This book tells the story of the Asgardian descendants, specifically the descendants of Bragi, Odin's second-eldest son, which means brother of Thor. Bragi in Norse mythology is the God of Poetry. Bragi is revered for his wisdom, his eloquence, his ability to compose and recite, and his knowledge of poetry. Jon Bragg is a high school student at Grinwell High. He is a careless boy. On his 16th birthday, he had an embarrassing incident with a new student during lunch time. Not only that, but Jon also had to deal with the new student again in PE class. The new student is named Dustin Locke. He is the son of the new wrestling coach at Grinwell High, and Dustin himself is a wrestler who has won the state championship. Dustin's character is described as that of a kid who likes to bully his friends who are weaker than him because he thinks he's great. Jon's birthday wasn't too bad, because in the evening he was very happy. His mother made Jon's favorite meal, spaghetti with meatballs, and it's tradition in the family to say something nice to the birthday person. Hearing all the nice things said about him, Jon felt that this was the best part of his birthday. In his room, Dustin still found it hard to believe what his father said about his family being descended from Loki, the Asgardian people. His father said that the blue liquid he always drank every week came from the blood of special people like them. Through a filtering process, the blood then becomes a blue liquid. His father and Dustin need it because, without it, they will lose their abilities and become fully human. Jon felt that something bad had happened to his only friend, Marc Miller, because Marc had been unreachable since school. That's when he learns his true identity after he recites a verse to restore his grandfather's condition. His grandfather told him about their family's origins and Jon's abilities. After hearing the story his grandpa told, he knows he must go to save Marc from Dustin and also Coach Locke. This book is interesting because it shows the different points of view of the two characters. In my opinion, the storyline is a little slow, maybe because the author wants to give as much detail as possible for the readers to understand the story. It would have been more thrilling if the scenes between Jon, Dustin, and Coach Locke were more intense. However, I enjoyed reading this book.
Jon Bragg Blue Essence by Kenny Myers is a young adult fantasy story based on Norse mythology. Dustin is a wrestler in high school. His father, Coach Locke, pressures Dustin to wrestle since, as Dustin puts it, wrestling is all Coach Locke knows since it is deep in their genetic heritage. Coach Locke passionately holds to their family roots, tracing them to Grinwell High School in Iowa. Jon is a high-school student at Grinwell who just turned 16. On this particular school day, which also falls on his birthday, Jon and Dustin's paths cross unexpectedly, and Dustin is out to punish Jon for their misadventure. Though Coach Locke believes Jon may have something special, Dustin dismisses this after their encounters, marking the beginning of their search for the family heritage connected to this high school.
Several aspects of this book stand out as exceptional, with plot development topping the list. Characters like Coach Locke, the domineering father, the nerdy Jon and his awkward best friend Marc, the catatonic grandfather, and the bully Dustin all expertly tie the plot points together. The descriptions of the characters are also exceptional in that the two main characters give lively thoughts about the supporting characters, making it possible for readers to visualize their manner of dress and demure. The author also expertly fuses the story with humor, which makes for a lively reading.
Furthermore, the language is simple and friendly. The two main characters, Jon and Dustin, narrate the story through their thoughts and descriptions of people and events. These thoughts are conversation-like, engaging, and hilarious such that the reader does not wish to put the book down but reads it through in one sitting.
Also, there is a reasonable suspense build-up in the story. The author expertly builds suspense into the setting, where the first chapters capture aspects of teenage flicks with some semblance of werewolf tropes and the popular boy and girl in school cliche. Gradually, the teen flick and tropes transition to the expert use of flashbacks, foreshadowing, and pacing, which create a heightened anticipation for what is coming next. All these indicate a well-thought-out plot that thoroughly entertains and stimulates the reader. The story also highlights the value of friendship and family, which appeals to teenagers and adults alike.
I highly recommend this book to lovers of fantasy and Norse mythology.
Kenney Myers’ Jon Bragg Blue Essence features a teenager learning that words have power. Jon Bragg wakes up on his 16th birthday, excited that he can get his driver’s license. During breakfast, Jon's parents inform him that his grandfather is being moved into the house. His parents tell him that he will be sharing his room. Jon's best friend, Marc, joins him on the way to school. He has an obsession with Thor and is often mocked for it. Their lack of athleticism makes them easy targets for bullying.
Dustin Locke was a state champion wrestler and hates that he moved to Grinwell. Coach Locke is insistent on making sure Dustin is successful in wrestling by watching his diet and making him practice difficult drills. He also provides him with a blue drink supplement every day. Coach Locke tells him that the blue essence supplement helps with his ability and must be extracted from Asgardian descendents. Dustin targets Marc after learning his nickname is Thor. Unbeknownst to others, Jon and Marc have discovered that Jon’s poems have power.
Jon Bragg is a relatable character. He personifies a book nerd who enjoys writing poems to help him process difficult situations. He isn’t popular but tends to spend time with his best friend, even when Marc’s fascination with Norse gods seems to border on obsession. Dustin’s arrogance and intentional aggression make him a bully. It was easy to dislike Coach Locke and Dustin as key facts were revealed. Normally a dry subject, Myers incorporates genealogy without impeding the story’s progress. The unpredictable plot twists build the tension. Readers find the importance of genealogy and Norse god history easy to understand with the engaging conversations between characters. Suspense is built from the first page and becomes more intense as the story continues.
I have nothing negative to say about this entertaining story. The high school student interactions are realistic. I am eager to read the sequel, as this story was captivating. The editing, character development, and plot were exceptional. Fans of watching characters discover suppressed abilities will find Jon Bragg Blue Essence appealing. There are a few instances of mild profanity and mentions of death that may not suit sensitive readers. Readers who have limited knowledge about Norse mythology will benefit from the added details that Myers provides in the story.
Finаlly! I wаs finаlly аble to reаԁ book one of the Jon Brаgg series. It is just аs аmаzing аs book two. Even though, tyрiсаlly, I рrefer reаԁing books in the сhronologiсаl orԁer of their рubliсаtion, I'm very рleаseԁ thаt I got the oррortunity to reаԁ it аfter аll. "Jon Brаgg: Blue Essenсe" is а thrilling аԁventure story, filled with Norse mythology, асtion, аԁventure, аnԁ humor. The book exрlores the life of teenаger, Jon Brаgg. He is the ԁesсenԁаnt of Brаggi, the Norse goԁ of musiс аnԁ рoetry. The book hаs а slow beginning, but enԁs with а bаng. I love it! Overаll, I rаte it 4 stаrs.
The vаrious twists аnԁ turns in this novel will more thаn sаtiаte your neeԁ for асtion аnԁ аԁventure. Jon is а tyрiсаl, somewhаt reserveԁ, teen boy with а zeаl for musiс аnԁ reаԁing. His world is саught off bаlаnсeԁ when Coасh Locke аnԁ his son, Dustin, move to Grinwell, Iowа. Grinwell is the loсаtionаl sitting of the book. On his sixteenth birthԁаy, Jon's Brаggi рowers ԁeveloр. Along with it сomes more сomрliсаtions—ԁаngerous рeoрle begin to threаten the people he саres аbout. Grаԁuаlly, Jon's self-сonfiԁenсe ԁeveloрs. He is determined to рroteсt аnԁ sаve the рeoрle аrounԁ him.
Asiԁe from Coасh Locke аnԁ Dustin, this novel сontаins а few intriguing seсonԁаry сhаrасters. We аre аlso introԁuсeԁ to Jon's раrents, his sister (Jill), his best friend (Mаrс), аnԁ his grаnԁfаther. The сhаrасters аnԁ their рersonаlities аre аll well-ԁesсribeԁ аnԁ рerfeсtly рortrаyeԁ. The аuthor, Kenney Myers, went out of his wаy to build а сomрellingly аuthentiс world аrounԁ these сhаrасters аnԁ the storyline. His use of ԁesсriрtive lаnguаge serves to enhаnсe the quаlity of world-builԁing ԁeрiсteԁ throughout the novel. Even though the book is told from vаrious viewрoints, it's relаtively eаsy to ԁifferentiаte eасh сhаrасter аs а seраrаte, well-ԁeveloрeԁ inԁiviԁuаl.
Although mythology is а сruсiаl раrt of this book, the mythology weаves throughout the storyline аs а whole, thus blenԁing the moԁern-ԁаy world with the mythiсаl world. Essentiаlly, "Jon Brаgg: Blue Essenсe" is аn exhilаrаting YA fаntаsy novel thаt will keeр reаԁers fully engаgeԁ in its remаrkаble storyline. After аll, who doesn't аррreсiаte а gooԁ fаntаsy book аbout Norse goԁs аnԁ Norse mythology? Enjoy!
Kenney Myers' exciting adventure novel Jon Bragg Blue Essence is rife with Norse mythology. The narrative focuses on the life of teenage Jon Bragg and his family's connections with the Norse god Bragi. At sixteen, Jon is an average kid, if not a reclusive one, who loves to read and write poetry. Bragi is the Norse god that is tied to Jon's family, while Loki is the Norse god tied to Dustin's family. Dustin has a contrasting life from Jon. While Jon has a loving grandfather who is teaching him his true identity, Dustin is faced with his strict, unaffectionate father, who seems never to be satisfied, no matter the level of achievement his son has attained. The Bragi descendants only know if they have inherited any abilities after they get to a certain age. What happens when Jon reaches this age? Did he inherit any powers? What rival was he faced with? What does Dustin and his father want from Jon? Find out by reading the book.
While reading, I had a thought that the author must be similar to Jon in very uncommon ways. The first telltale was when he ventured off explaining how much he loved books. It felt natural. Seeing as the book spoke about ancient gods, I was expecting a historical book, but I am glad that the book is set in the present day. It made it easier for me to grasp the whole story quickly, and I was even more excited since it was about teenagers. One standout aspect of this book is how the author matched each character's personality. It was outstanding to read. Jon, being someone who loved to keep to himself and read books, was perfectly illustrated as an introvert he was. He was not loud or overly expressive, which was great considering the temptation always to make the lead characters extroverts. I also loved that the character speaking was indicated atop the book when there was a change in POVs. I once read a book where I had to figure out whose POV I was reading from, and it was an exhausting read.
I have no dislikes for this book. It was well-edited and remains a five-star rating for me. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the Norse gods, and a light and exciting read.
Jon Bragg, who recently turns sixteen, is unaware of his true lineage. As a matter of fact, he is the direct descendant of the Norse deity of words and music—Bragi. Originally, Jon is unaware of his supernatural power to influence events through the use of his poetry. But in time, he realizes that this is a useful superpower that comes in handy later on in the book. A lot has changed in Jon's life in a short space of time. Aside from the acquisition of this strange and new superpower, his home life has been altered as well. After his grandmother's untimely passing, his ill grandfather moves in with Jon and his family; which consists of his parents and his little sister.
In the meantime, their little town in Grinwell, Iowa has welcomed two new community members—Dustin Locke and his father, Coach Locke. Coach is the new replacement for the PE teacher at Jon's high school. Dustin learns from his father that he is in fact a descendant of Loki. Both father and son are on a quest to locate other Asgardian descendants in order to absorb their essence and use it for their own nefarious ideals. Read this thrilling action-fantasy novel to find out more about these Norse god descendants, and who will come out triumphant in this fight between good and evil.
In short, "Jon Bragg: Blue Essence" is a gripping young adult fantasy novel with an exhilarating tale that will keep readers completely engrossed in its unforgettable storyline. It is developed from a Norse mythology standpoint, which I find very innovative and engaging. While I view each character as uniquely intriguing and masterfully depicted, the friendship between Jon and his best friend, Marc, stands out above the rest. Jon and Marc's interactions are very amusing and hilarious throughout the novel, and this adds deeper meaning to the storyline as a whole. All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend "Jon Bragg: Blue Essence" (book one) and "Jon Bragg: Scout's Honor" (book two) to die-hard YA action-fantasy fans.
“Jon Bragg Blue Essence” by Kenny Myers explores the life of young Jon Bragg, a voracious reader and big lover of books and even poetry. The book also explores the life of Dustin Locke, a wrestler, one trained and coached. In this beautiful narrative, one I'd call a coming-to-age narrative, Jon Bragg discovers a world of supernatural beings also exists, just after he turns sixteen. The flow of the story is told from two different perspectives; that of Jon, and Dustin’s as well. It is a very engaging mix of reality and mystery and also has a slightly exciting element that keeps you on your toes.
What struck me about this book is how much emphasis it places on connection, family, relationships, and never leaving a loved one without help. The main character, Jon Bragg was not portrayed as a distant character, I love how conscious or aware he is of his emotions. This same quality made him the great friend he is, compassionate and kind. Another striking thing about this book for me is how fresh it is; it's unlike the books I have read before as it doesn't follow any prototype. I love how Jon's identity discovery didn't affect how he saw himself and how he responded to those around him.
However, I particularly do not like that some parts of the book are unnecessarily long. The beauty of seeing the story from two perspectives was affected when the two points of view began to strain the flow of the story. I for one, am not a very patient person, and the repetition at some point tested my patience. The saga, for example, could have been at least two chapters or even less, but it was longer.
Regardless, it was all worth it at the end as I really enjoyed the book. If you're a lover of mystery and paranormal, and the ride through adolescence, I highly recommend this book. You won't regret it!
Dustin wishes for a normal father-son relationship with his father, whom he calls Coach. He successfully won the state wrestling championship under his father's coaching, which earned him the respect and awe of his peers at school, but his father remains cold and indifferent towards him. Until one day, Coach Locke entrusts Dustin with a huge secret that alters his life.
In this outstanding fantasy novel that revolves around Norse mythology, Myers skillfully combines fiction with the modern world, creating a gripping plot that reminds me of the Percy Jackson movies but with Norse gods. His use of simple language, short chapters, and different points of view kept me engaged and glued to the pages. The way he switches perspectives between Dustin and Jon with each chapter gave me a deep understanding of both characters, their relationship with their families, and their way of thinking.
I admire Jon's character very much; how he prioritizes Marc's feelings and happiness, his compassionate nature, his efforts to help his sick grandfather, and his willingness to share his room with him are heartwarming, especially considering his rebellious age. Not to mention the realistic and amusing love-hate relationship with his sister.
I immensely enjoyed reading this book and didn't find anything to dislike while reading it. I also appreciate the nostalgia this book brings by reminding me of the times I watched Percy Jackson. My only comment is on the lack of Marc's mother's concern for him. It seemed illogical for Jon to be more concerned about Marc's well-being than his mother, but this is just my personal opinion.
I'm sure anyone over the age of 13 interested in the fantasy genre or Norse mythology will take pleasure in reading "Jon Bragg: Blue Essence" by Kenney Myers.
Kenney Myers’ “Jon Bragg Blue Essence” is an engaging and dynamic novel that puts the readers in the middle of a complex mystery with supernatural motifs. Jon Bragg is an ordinary man who wakes up one day to find he can control the seven deadly sins telepathically, in an ability known as Blue Essence. With the help of a beautiful woman whom he meets in the process, Jon has to fight killers in order to survive while discovering hidden truths in his life. Using features of suspense, perhaps a tint of fantasy, and strong action, the novel is very interesting for fans of various types of books. Many actions in the book are described as provoking readers’ interest by introducing unexpected conditions that will be faced by the main character, Jon.
In particular, the text authored by Kenney Myers is quite laconic and hooking to read; the author initiates his story from the very first pages. His storyline is good, and the characters created by the author are unique and quite realistic. Myers succeeds in coming up with tension and a speedy pace in an effective way, making the plot interesting all the time. The dialogue is witty and flows rather well, which contributes to the realistic nature of the characters and the ways they communicate with each other. It is due to Myers’ skillful portrayal of humanness amidst the magic that Keep of the Wild Child greatly succeeds as a novel. This balance makes “Jon Bragg Blue Essence” not only a fantasy novel but also a story about a boy who discovers his strengths and abilities and fights against adversity. Indeed, Kenney Myers has created a wonderful novel and intrigue that offers the audience a severely necessary feeling of entertainment and deep and exciting reading in the book “Jon Bragg Blue Essence.”.
“Jon Bragg Blue Essence” by Kenny Myers is the story of Jon Bragg, a young and avid lover of books and poetry, and Dustin Locke, a trained wrestler. In this growing-to-maturity narrative, Jon finds out that a world of paranormal beings exists after his sixteenth birthday. The story is told from two different perspectives; Jon's perspective and Dustin's perspective, and it's an engaging blend of real life and mystery. It has that faint excitement that keeps you really curious, yet the story is not not so shallow and not too emotional.
One thing I really like about this book is how much emphasis it places on bonding, friendship, family, and always being there for the people you love. Unlike in some other novels, the author did not show the main character, Jon Bragg, as someone cold, mean, or emotionally unavailable, as in some other novels I've read. Also, the author showed Jon's discovered identity did not affect his life and that made the book really distinct and fresh. I also like the overall look of the book, it was easy to read and the author intelligently employed the use of apostrophes and paragraphs; it was all just apt and really showed intelligence and intentionality. However, one thing I dislike is how long some parts of the book are.
At some point, seeing the story from two different perspectives made the journey redundant and repetitive. And for someone as curious as I am, I found it quite annoying a little. Take for example, the part that showed the "goulash" saga was three chapters, when it could have been one chapter or two at least.
Still, I highly recommend this book, Jon Bragg Blue Essence, to all book lovers who are interested in mystery, the supernatural, and in stories around journeying through adolescence. It's a really good read!
In the vibrant landscape of modern fantasy literature, "Jon Bragg: Blue Essence" stands out as a mesmerizing narrative crafted by the imaginative Kenney Myers. This novel, deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of Norse mythology, artfully spins a tale set in our contemporary world, featuring two protagonists, Jon and his stalwart companion Marc 'Thor.' Together, they are engaged in a thrilling expedition to uncover the veiled existence of Asgardian entities that walk among us today.
The story's complexity intensifies with the introduction of 'Dustin,' a cryptic young man who arrives in the serene town accompanied by his father, who assumes the role of the new wrestling coach. The residents are blissfully unaware that Dustin and his father are on a clandestine mission, tracing the Asgardian bloodlines with a particular interest in those who are descendants of Thor. Their clandestine goal? To harvest the potent life force of these ethereal beings, thereby bolstering their own already formidable powers.
Amid this enthralling setting, a serendipitous twist occurs: Jon and Marc encounter the shocking truth that their own ancestry might be linked to the divine Asgardians. The unfolding narrative grabs the reader, igniting a voracious curiosity about the subsequent chapters. Yet, amidst the excitement, there remains a yearning for a more elaborate denouement. The brisk conclusion leads one to muse over the plethora of potential narratives that remain untold. The precipitous end of the book hints at a vast repository of untold narratives, eagerly awaiting exploration and further development, leaving readers longing for a sequel that could propel the adventure far beyond the confines of this book's final pages.
Jon Bragg Blue Essence by Kenney Myers starts with our 16-year-old Jon Bragg. Things move fairly smoothly until his sixteenth birthday when his life turns south. Jon loved to read and write poetry in his journal, sharing these creatives with only his friend Marc. He used his writing as an outlet for his running thoughts, and part of what he wrote was about the suspicious death of his P.E. teacher, Mr. Keith. Jon is a descendant of Bragi, the Norse God of poetry and music, which explains his writing talent. The Bragi descendants only know if they have inherited any abilities after they turn sixteen. Dustin is entangled in a toxic relationship with his father, who is never pleased with anything he does. Could it be that he saw a reflection of himself through his son, or was he just a toxic father? What happens when Jon turns sixteen as a Bragi descendant? Did he inherit any powers, or was he part of the skipped generation? Find out by reading this book.
I loved Jon's introverted character, as I relate so well with it. It made this reading experience a lot more exciting and enjoyable. As introverts, we just choose one person to stick with for the rest of our lives, which was seen in Jon's friendship with his best friend, Marc. You share everything with them as you do with your human diary; the feeling is heaven. I also loved Jill's character. I have no dislikes for the book. It was well-edited and received a five-star rating from me. The characters were finely developed. The points of view were clearly indicated when there was a change in viewpoint. The reading experience was enjoyable. This book is recommended to lovers of the fantasy fiction genre. You will have a blast reading author Kenny Meyer's creation.
Jon Bragg Blue Essense is a Norse mythology following two main protagonists, Jon and Dustin. Dustin and his father, whom he refers to as Coach, move from Urbandale to Grinwell, Iowa, in search of someone special, as his father is convinced that their family tree has branches in the area. When coach’s friend and wrestling coach, Mr. Keith, gets torn apart by an unknown animal, what was meant to be a quick visit turns into a longer stay when coach feels bad for the school Mr. Keith works at and offers to take up his position. The decision is meant to kill two birds with one stone, as it provides an opportunity to find someone truly special with the natural skills worth of being a member of their family. Meanwhile, Jon is a quiet nerd who lives a quiet life with his friend Marc, who has a strong passion for Norse gods, especially Thor, but this soon changes when he starts having terrible encounters with Dustin, who is larger than him and, as a result, bullies him. What do the kids have in store for them?
The book felt really slow-paced, and while reading, I found myself wanting it to move faster, most especially at the beginning because the first quarter of the book conveys what happens on the first day alone. This is the only issue or criticism I have with the book, and aside from this, it was a really fun read for me. The book was really well written and has a writing style that makes it easy to enjoy. I also enjoyed reading from two different points of view, not just Jon’s.
Potential content warnings would be bullying, and I would recommend the book to lovers of fantasy and young adult novels.
John Bragg Blue Essence by Kenney Myers is an interesting adventure story about a young teen John Bragg and his community's connections with the Norse gods, Thor, Loki, and Bragi. John Bragg was an introvert and lived a quiet life in the small town of Grinwell, he was surrounded by loving parents, had a spoilt sister, Jill, and has a best friend whose name was Marc Miller. Marc was strongly attracted to Norse Mythology to the extent that everyone at school called him Thor just to tease him, but he wasn't bothered at it. When Jon turned sixteen had to deal with personal losses along side Norse mythology, he had the extra responsibility of helping his grandfather who was seriously ill and the sickness occurred immediately after his grandmother died, this and many more strange things continued to take place that impacted jon life. Also, Jon's paths unexpectedly crossed with Dustin who was new at school, he was a wrestler and had his dad coach Locke who was always pressuring him to wrestle because it is what he believed to be in their family root. Coach Locke believed Jon had something special but Dustin refused to accept that until after his encounter with Jon and this was the beginning of the search for their family heritage in connection to the high school they attended I would rate this book a 5 star because I love the fact that the book was very interesting and also a fantasy novel, the language used in the book was simple and friendly, and also there was a suspense build-up in the story which shows that the story was written to entertain the reader, I would recommend this book for reader who love mythological adventure
What do you get when you cross Norse Mythology with an epic fantasy fiction?—Jon Bragg: Blue Essence!!
Two new arrivals have entered the small town of Grinwell. But with them marks the beginning of trouble and danger. I wouldn't roll out the welcome carpet for these two mysterious characters just yet. Coach Locke and Dustin are on the hunt (quite literally) for descendants of Norse gods. You'll have to read the book to find out why….and trust me, you will want to find out why. Jon (our protagonist), happens to be the descendant of a Norse god. In fact, Jon stems from a long line of Bragi descendants. In case you're unaware of who Bragi is—Bragi is the Norse god of poetry, wit, words, music, and the likes. Now we know where Jon gets his sense of humor and lyrical competence from. With the help of his family and best friend, Jon has to muster up the strength and confidence to hinder his enemies’ plans before they destroy him; along with everyone he cares about.
Book one has a slower start than book two (Jon Bragg: Scout's Honor), but irrefutably, it is worth the read. Before reading either novel, I wasn't very familiar with Bragi, but now, I've learned to embrace his representation. Overall, this book is a well-written coming-of-age fantasy fiction. In the end, Jon has matured a great deal. He’s more confident, and his wit remains intact. Teenagers will definitely enjoy reading this book, and adult fans of YA fiction will love it as well. Without a doubt, I certainly did. It gets 5 stars!! Get your copy and let the adventure spirit you away.
Jon Bragg: Blue Essence by Kenney Myers introduces us to the boy scout Jon Bragg, a student at Grinwell High who would rather spend his time playing video games with his best friend, Marco, or reading a book instead of going out to where the action is. It's just not this introvert’s style. However, things start changing when the new coach, Locke, and his freakishly strong son, Dustin rock up at his high school. As luck would have it, Jon and Marco end up being his first victims. But what Jon doesn’t know is that he’s a descendant of the Norse god, Bragi, and is about to come into his full powers. But he’s not the only one with superpowers. Coach and Dustin don’t intend to use theirs for good and it’s up to Jon to stop them.
Jon Bragg: Blue Essence is the first book in the Bragg series. It was a fun read with witty dialogue. I like how Kenney chose to make Jon a nerd instead of someone like Brad because it’s important to show people that you don’t have to be popular to make an impact, all you have to do is be comfortable in your skin and that is what Jon did. I liked how he developed; he came across as average while actually being really brave, becoming a total hero. Dustin too; his reasoning, while dark, made sense and it was interesting to see how far he would go to get what he wanted. The plot was gripping as was the pace, making it difficult to put down. However, there were a few puncuation errors here and there which pevents me from giving Jon Bragg: Blue Essence a 5-star rating. I recommend this intriguing teen novel to fans of Norse gods and mythology.
Jon Bragg Blue Essence by Kenny Meyers is the story of Jon Bragg, a young teen with new powers. Jon was the average teenager who loved books and poetry until he turned sixteen. His powers became awakened and things changed for Jon. He was no longer the unknown nerd. He learned about the sources of his powers, which led him to discover the enemies that would do anything to get his Blue Essence. The book also mentions Dustin, the villain's son, who I believe had no choice but to rely too much on the Blue Essence. The book was a combination of reality, mystery, and thrill.
What I liked about this book was how creative the author was. Every other coming-of-age story makes the main character super-glorified. However, the writer went with a regular character, living a regular life, and just made his existing passions bigger. The message I got here was that our "superpowers" are the things we love doing. I loved Jon's kindness to his family and friends, and how far he went to protect them.
One thing I disliked, however, was that the end of the story was not what I expected. It seemed rushed and the bad guys suffered a quick finish. I also felt like the action part of the climax was too short, so it finished as soon as it started. This did not change the fact that it was a good book.
I would recommend this book to any reader who wants a pleasant time reading an uncomplicated but thrilling novel. It's a good read!
First of all, the book shares Jon Bragg's story of a sixteen-year-old boy living in a small town called Grinwell, Lowa. He deals with growing up, family issues, and strange events happening in his town.
The author's writing made it easy for me to picture everything, and I felt as if I was right there with Jon as he went through it all. I loved how he felt, with his love for books and poetry, his struggles with family, and trying to figure out who he is.
The part that stood out to me was when Dustin showed his wrestling skills, and everyone cheered, "Way to go, Miller!" It was a wild and totally awesome sight to see!
From my own perspective, this book will appeal to young adults who like stories about growing up and discovering who they are. Jon and Dustin, along with their classmates, felt like real teenagers dealing with issues. I could feel the intensity of those moments.
I felt like I was back in high school with Jon and Dustin, dealing with all those friendship dramas and trying to figure out who I am.
When Jon reflected on his championship match, saying, "It was exhausting, but one of the best feelings I have ever felt," I could feel the adrenaline pumping as Jon and his friends faced off on the mat as well.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes stories about growing up and finding yourself. Give it a try.
By Kenney Myers Kenney Myers's first book in his Norse mythology fantasy series titled [i]Jon Bragg Blue Essence[/i]begins on a wicked cold day in Grinwell Iowa; frosted over with the prediction that nothing new will happen, not ever, something that only a tiny town in grey, frozen winter can foresee, when keen explorer of book worlds extraordinaire and mindfully compelled but self consciously hushed poet Jon Bragg ditches his blankets, stubs his toe, and realizes that this day is his Sixteenth birthday! With dubious optimism, he wonders: is today the day his action, his destiny begins? Add Norse descendants of a celestial stronghold, an evil quest for power, a wrestling challenge, and there you will discover the essence. It's blue. This book is not only hilarious, um, “ hot lunch pants” is all I got to say, but also Meyer's style of writing snaps the point of view back and forth from Jon to Dustin sparking movement and suspense and sets a tone that builds. It also stimulates the visual mind's eye like he's flipping an electric switch or a slide show in the brain. It's Christopher Moore-esque for young adults and there are only a few moments in the book that explain rather than show and that is totally forgivable. I recommend it for lovers of fantasy, mythology, nostalgia, coming of age, and comedy.
"Jon Bragg: Blue Essence" is a fantasy story based on Norse mythology. The story is set in the peaceful village of Grinwell, where Jon Bragg lives a simple life. He has devoted parents, a typical spoiled younger sister, and a best friend, Marc Miller, who loves Norse mythology, whom he calls "Thor." But when Jon turns sixteen and a new kid moves to town and starts causing trouble, everything changes. Jon and Marc become interested in a quest to find the strange blue essence of demigods. There is also another character, Bragi, the second-eldest son of Odin, whose strength comes from both music and words. As readers, we get to explore Bragi’s unique abilities and fall in love with his character. Kenney Myers creates a Norse mythology story, blending relatable teenage struggles with fantastical elements. While Jon seems like a nice guy, Marc feels uneasy about him and is comforted by his unwavering friendship. Meanwhile, Dustin Locke, a legendary young athlete, arrives in town. His father pushes him to the limit, revealing a family history tied to their extraordinary abilities. Dustin must find others like him to gather more blue essence, but the consequences are dire either way. In summary, “Jon Bragg: Blue Essence” combines mythology, friendship, and adventure, making it a delightful read for fans of Norse lore.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The book “Jon Bragg Blue Essence” by Kenny Meyers is a thrilling and captivating novel. The story is centered around the life of Jon, who is a book nerd, and an avid reader, and leads a quiet life in the small town of Grinwell, Lowa. Following the disappearance of his PE teacher, and some activities happening in the school, Jon discovers paranormal abilities about himself and what happens to his PE teacher. The book is a Norse mythology that blends elements of fantasy and mystery which is suitable for fans of Norse gods.
I found this book to be very engaging because of the skillful narration of the author, narrating from different perspectives. This made me engrossed in the story from start to finish and will captivate any reader, making them feel like part of the story. Jon’s good intellect was commendable, he was able to think quickly about how to use his newly discovered ability in fighting. On the flip side, this story would have used more work in character development. There was no back story on Mr. Keith's disappearance. It would have been more interesting if this was explained. Also, the story took too long to build, making the pacing a little slow.
All in all, Jon Bragg Blue Essence is an engaging book to read. If you are a fan of Norse Mythology, this book is a worthwhile read.
Who will not want power if being give to? Kenney Myers in his Jon Bragg: Blue Essence tells us about some awesome powers taking us away from reality for a while.
Teens from the small town of Grinwell normally go to school. Then it's Jon's sixteenth birthday. Family and best friend Marc celebrate with him, and there's this blue drink that does wonders, suddenly making them have superpowers. Studies and the football team seem to lighten a bit and be thrilling. Cool and awesome high school life until the descendants of these extraordinary beings are not quite getting along. Everything in excess proves so true. How far will they go with this blue drink then? Will they realize the true meaning of power?
Jon Bragg: Blue Essence teaches us power, honor, sportsmanship, friendship, love for family, responsibility, tradition and discipline. This story doesn't contain any profanity or violence and so overall this is a good book for the youngsters. I enjoy the part where poems rhyme and superpowers happen. I give this book a five-star rate for the thrilling and amusing plot, as well as its themes.
Hence I recommend this genre to all the readers specifically the fanatics of mythology. The young teens will enjoy and learn from the moral lessons too.
Kenney Myers' "Jon Bragg: Blue Essence” is a fresh take on high fantasy as it incorporates elements and the myths of the Norse, allowing it to bring the life of an average teenage American into contrast with the world of gods and legends.
The story is set around Jon Bragg, a sixteen-year-old high school boy going through the boring day-to-day life in a humdrum town known as Grinwell, Iowa. Although Jon’s life consists of regular teenage activities, school, family, and being unnoticed by others, he gets into a mysterious and most probably dangerous situation connected with the unusual death of his PE teacher, Mr. Keth.
This novel is aimed at the audience of young adults and readers who like fantasy with elements of mythology added. It is also perfect for people who enjoy reading novels with lots of detailed world and character building and not an instant jump into the action.
However, the story-building approach is very effective, gradually increasing from boring everyday events to noting some sort of link to the mythology of the Norse that is meant to be exciting and filled with adventures.
This novel is recommended to readers willing to spend their precious time with Jon and the story. Consider adding it to your list.
Jon Bragg Blue Essence is written from the point of view of the protagonist and antagonist. Apart from the twists and turns of the fantasy book, Kenny Myres has very well depicted the emotional journey of teenagers and how they struggle to find their worth.
The journey of the antagonist as he evolves through his relationship with his coach is also very well narrated, elaborating on how evil takes birth even in alleged Gods. However righteous you try to become, how you choose the side can only influence your further decisions in that direction. Unlike the annoying time taken for developing the arc of the characters, the book quickly turns to the main plot, engaging readers to finish the book in one go. Although, its predictability is quite obvious, the climax remains underdeveloped.
Kenny Myres has picked up the least famous asgardian ascendant, the second eldest son of Odin-the Bragi. And it is interesting to see how prose has proven to be a superpower. The other side characters also have potential to develop, like Jon’s mother and sister.
One of the good aspects of the book is that the author himself is convinced of the mythological universe he has created, which ultimately makes the book worth reading for any age group.
A compelling Norse mythology fantasy, "Jon Bragg: Blue Essence" tells a story of adolescence, identity, and adventure by fusing fantasy and the mundane everyday life. The story, which takes place in the small town of Grinwell, is about Jon Bragg, a bookworm who enjoys poetry, and his friend Dustin Locke. Jon learns, as he turns sixteen, that he is destined to take on extraordinary responsibilities and that his family has secrets connected to the Norse gods. Jon embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal development after learning about a hidden realm inhabited by supernatural entities. The characters are compelling and well-developed, with Jon and his best friend Marc particularly known for their shared hardships and friendship. Readers are given a rich and engaging experience as the story strikes a balance between the enticing aspects of mythology and the difficulties of being a young adult. In general, "Jon Bragg: Blue Essence" is a charming book that provides interesting insights on growth and maturity. Anyone who has ever felt the weight of destiny or the excitement of learning undiscovered facts about themselves and the world around them will be able to relate to this story. This book has a way of ensuring that you want more of the mysteries with every page turn.
Jon Bragg Blue Essence is a fantasy novel that draws from Norse mythology to create an engaging world and story. As a fan of Norse mythology myself, I appreciated the author's inclusion of specific mythological elements, though I felt more could have been explored and I hope that is explored in the second book. The writing style is perfect for the young teenage target audience, keeping the story light and entertaining.
The book is told from two distinct points of view, and the author skillfully captures the unique personalities and voices of these characters, making them feel like real people. However, the initial stereotypical descriptions of the characters felt a bit limiting, though this improves as you get to know them better.
One drawback was that some major revelations were hinted at too explicitly, allowing the reader to solve the mystery before the intended reveal.
Overall, Blue Essence is an original and great story, particularly well-suited for young teenagers. It's a highly entertaining read.
This book puts a modern spin on ancient Norse mythology. Descendants of the Norse gods live among us, some inheriting the powers of their forebears.
Jon Bragg notices some strange coincidences that begin on his sixteenth birthday. It becomes clear that something weird is going on. As his powers develop and dangerous people threaten those he cares about, Jon's self confidence grows and he's determined to help and protect those around him.
This is a lovely coming of age story. Jon is a typical teen - a bit awkward, a bit nerdy and a bit unsure of himself. As he adjusts to his new reality with grace and humility, the reader gets a glimpse of the good man he will become.
I would recommend this book to YA readers with an interest in mythology.
Four stars for this modern take on the Norse gods.
This is an honest, voluntary review of an ARC of the story.