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Ancient Enemy #1
The Dryad's Kiss
My name is Ian Finn Morgenstern, Finn to my friends. The spring of my 18th birthday, I found and then helped dig up a Native American burial mound. Unfortunately for everyone involved, this particular mound guarded secrets best left for dead.
I pulled three things of note from that mound: a bear totem, a cool stick, and the horrendous skull of a not-quite-dead monster. What followed was a summer of mayhem, madness, murder, and sex—lots of sex. When put that way, it sounds sort of adventurous and fun, but it wasn't. Especially for someone who is more hobbit than ranger. Adventures are best read from the comfort of ones bed.
If only I had taken the hint from the mound's ghostly guardian, or dropped that stick when it started singing to me, or let my dad cut down that oak, things would be different. I'd probably still be a virgin, but I'd be a blissfully ignorant virgin, and you wouldn't have anything to read before bed tonight. Sorry, but I'd be okay with that.
I pulled three things of note from that mound: a bear totem, a cool stick, and the horrendous skull of a not-quite-dead monster. What followed was a summer of mayhem, madness, murder, and sex—lots of sex. When put that way, it sounds sort of adventurous and fun, but it wasn't. Especially for someone who is more hobbit than ranger. Adventures are best read from the comfort of ones bed.
If only I had taken the hint from the mound's ghostly guardian, or dropped that stick when it started singing to me, or let my dad cut down that oak, things would be different. I'd probably still be a virgin, but I'd be a blissfully ignorant virgin, and you wouldn't have anything to read before bed tonight. Sorry, but I'd be okay with that.
- GenresFantasy
438 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2013
1 person is currently reading
361 people want to read
About the author
R. Scott VanKirk
9 books11 followersR. Scott VanKirk has been devouring SF and Fantasy all his life. He has always been interested in writing but he has many interests which seemed like they might pay better and has indulged many of them over last few decades.
He spent twenty years as a programming consultant. Most of that time was spent in Denver Colorado, but he spent a year in Curacao writing software for online Casinos and Sports-books. When the US decided that the only type of gambling they wanted to see was Lotto, Scott returned to the states and continued as a programmer for hire working on the bleeding edge of computer technology.
It turns out that twenty years on the bleeding edge of technology was enough masochism for one life and Scott switched careers. Figuring that 'It's good to be the boss' was an excellent motto, Scott began starting companies. Being a cutting edge guy, Scott founded several companies around the cutting edge inventions of three mad scientists. He found out the hard way that mad scientists tend to believe more in themselves than physics.
Around that time he also started a real estate investment company. 30 years of increasing property values made this seem like a good bet. He teamed up with a long time friend and gaming buddy to renovate broken down houses. It worked well for the first four houses so they bought 5 more. At that point the housing market crashed and Scott learned first hand the wonders of being a landlord of properties that were experiencing what is called in the biz, 'Negative Cash Flow.'
While his other companies were languishing, Scott discovered the wonders of being a PV installer. The local utility company was paying big rebates and the Federal government instituted a 30% tax credit. PV took off in Denver like a chariot drawn by 50 horses. Soon, Scott discovered several things. First, basing your business off of a rebate from a company that viewed you as a leach to be destroyed is not the best business model. Second, doing construction really, really, really sucks. Third he found 'It's good to be the Boss' became increasingly inaccurate. The recession deeply wounded the company since it is hard to sell anything if no one has any money but the company soldiered on. Scott's solar career came to an abrupt end when the local utility company decided to stop offering rebates without warning. His company went from being a 5 million dollar company to zip practically overnight.
Scott was crushed between the solar and the real estate crash and learned the joys of bankruptcy. Thus motivated to try something different, Scott is brushing off the large collection of story ideas that have occured to him over the years and is now in the process of writing them down.
Scott now lives with his amazing and beautiful wife who provides more love and support than any three people. He also lives with his amazing and talented daughter and his equally amazing Mother. (Everyone who meets them agrees!)
Author: This proves that God has a sense of humor. These are three of the most wonderful, kind, caring people on the planet and they got me.
He spent twenty years as a programming consultant. Most of that time was spent in Denver Colorado, but he spent a year in Curacao writing software for online Casinos and Sports-books. When the US decided that the only type of gambling they wanted to see was Lotto, Scott returned to the states and continued as a programmer for hire working on the bleeding edge of computer technology.
It turns out that twenty years on the bleeding edge of technology was enough masochism for one life and Scott switched careers. Figuring that 'It's good to be the boss' was an excellent motto, Scott began starting companies. Being a cutting edge guy, Scott founded several companies around the cutting edge inventions of three mad scientists. He found out the hard way that mad scientists tend to believe more in themselves than physics.
Around that time he also started a real estate investment company. 30 years of increasing property values made this seem like a good bet. He teamed up with a long time friend and gaming buddy to renovate broken down houses. It worked well for the first four houses so they bought 5 more. At that point the housing market crashed and Scott learned first hand the wonders of being a landlord of properties that were experiencing what is called in the biz, 'Negative Cash Flow.'
While his other companies were languishing, Scott discovered the wonders of being a PV installer. The local utility company was paying big rebates and the Federal government instituted a 30% tax credit. PV took off in Denver like a chariot drawn by 50 horses. Soon, Scott discovered several things. First, basing your business off of a rebate from a company that viewed you as a leach to be destroyed is not the best business model. Second, doing construction really, really, really sucks. Third he found 'It's good to be the Boss' became increasingly inaccurate. The recession deeply wounded the company since it is hard to sell anything if no one has any money but the company soldiered on. Scott's solar career came to an abrupt end when the local utility company decided to stop offering rebates without warning. His company went from being a 5 million dollar company to zip practically overnight.
Scott was crushed between the solar and the real estate crash and learned the joys of bankruptcy. Thus motivated to try something different, Scott is brushing off the large collection of story ideas that have occured to him over the years and is now in the process of writing them down.
Scott now lives with his amazing and beautiful wife who provides more love and support than any three people. He also lives with his amazing and talented daughter and his equally amazing Mother. (Everyone who meets them agrees!)
Author: This proves that God has a sense of humor. These are three of the most wonderful, kind, caring people on the planet and they got me.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 4, 2012
This is a fantastic, original story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It's definitely not your typical run of the mill Young Adult Urban Fantasy.
We follow Finn as he is forced to distinguish between fantasy and reality within this supposed imaginary world he has created for his friends and himself. Not to mention all the issues of just being a teenage boy. This was one of those stories where the main character is just sort of thrown into a world he does not understand, all the while taking you along for the ride. It was quite the page turner.
The character development is awesome! Finn interacts with his friends and family in a way that flows naturally and adds to the developing plot. I especially enjoyed the bit with Finn and Ricky. That awkward stage, directly before being considered an adult, is captured perfectly here.
There were a few loose ends left, but I anticipate these being tied up with the second installment. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an original and captivating story. As for myself, I cannot wait for the next and thank the author for allowing me the opportunity to read this book.
We follow Finn as he is forced to distinguish between fantasy and reality within this supposed imaginary world he has created for his friends and himself. Not to mention all the issues of just being a teenage boy. This was one of those stories where the main character is just sort of thrown into a world he does not understand, all the while taking you along for the ride. It was quite the page turner.
The character development is awesome! Finn interacts with his friends and family in a way that flows naturally and adds to the developing plot. I especially enjoyed the bit with Finn and Ricky. That awkward stage, directly before being considered an adult, is captured perfectly here.
There were a few loose ends left, but I anticipate these being tied up with the second installment. I recommend this book to anyone looking for an original and captivating story. As for myself, I cannot wait for the next and thank the author for allowing me the opportunity to read this book.
October 23, 2014
I read this a couple of months ago & forgot to review it! I liked it more than I do most YA novels. It was a lot of fun & an interesting world. It was so prosaic, yet not. Set in today's world, some magic comes to life. How people deal with it was very well done.
This is an author who really wrote what he knew & his teenage boy's attitudes & frank thoughts brought back a lot of memories. There's definitely going to be a sequel, but I didn't feel terribly hung up by it, either. Definitely a new author & a budding series worth watching.
This is an author who really wrote what he knew & his teenage boy's attitudes & frank thoughts brought back a lot of memories. There's definitely going to be a sequel, but I didn't feel terribly hung up by it, either. Definitely a new author & a budding series worth watching.
January 6, 2013
The Dryad's Kiss
(The Chronicles of the Mighty Finn) by R Scott Vankirk
'The Dryad's Kiss' is the first book in 'The Chronicles of the Mighty Finn saga' which has been penned by Author R Scott Vankirk. This book is a Fictional novel which falls into young-adult fantasy group but what sets this story apart from today's YA fiction is its core concept of Dryad (at least for the time being). Author Vankirk has a very witty writing style and thus making this read, a fun filled experience.
Ian a.k.a. The Mighty Finn! is the protagonist of the story, who knowingly-unknowingly falls for a tree spirit. This tree spirit is a beautiful young girl with bright smile that can lit up the whole room and green eyes (with green body. and did I mention that she appears naked ;) filled with passion. Ian is 18 year old; he is good in studies, which is to say that getting good grades was never a concern for him. He is a High-schooler, & as he is in his final days at high-school, the days should have been just about getting through High School with Great grades... but there are some problems... like Beautiful and lusty dryads for starters and psychopathic bullies and crystals that could drive anyone insane if you touch them, and as if this all was not enough Finns uncle is a tomb raider.
This book has lot of potential, and has a nice story too, the only place it lacked was when it gave insufficient details about some plot elements, but I guess they will unfold eventually in forthcoming books. Protagonist Ian is a good guy with nice friends, family and brilliance to create his very own version of RPG (Role Playing Game), but like every teenager, he too is no exception when it comes to opposite sex appeal and thus he is struggling to make a decision...
On concluding notes, I would say that it’s an interesting fantasy book with lots of twists to keep readers busy... all the while (like rabbit hole), book goes deeper and deeper into the life of Ian and Spring (the Dryad), and making it a worthy of 3 of 5 stars.
(The Chronicles of the Mighty Finn) by R Scott Vankirk
'The Dryad's Kiss' is the first book in 'The Chronicles of the Mighty Finn saga' which has been penned by Author R Scott Vankirk. This book is a Fictional novel which falls into young-adult fantasy group but what sets this story apart from today's YA fiction is its core concept of Dryad (at least for the time being). Author Vankirk has a very witty writing style and thus making this read, a fun filled experience.
Ian a.k.a. The Mighty Finn! is the protagonist of the story, who knowingly-unknowingly falls for a tree spirit. This tree spirit is a beautiful young girl with bright smile that can lit up the whole room and green eyes (with green body. and did I mention that she appears naked ;) filled with passion. Ian is 18 year old; he is good in studies, which is to say that getting good grades was never a concern for him. He is a High-schooler, & as he is in his final days at high-school, the days should have been just about getting through High School with Great grades... but there are some problems... like Beautiful and lusty dryads for starters and psychopathic bullies and crystals that could drive anyone insane if you touch them, and as if this all was not enough Finns uncle is a tomb raider.
This book has lot of potential, and has a nice story too, the only place it lacked was when it gave insufficient details about some plot elements, but I guess they will unfold eventually in forthcoming books. Protagonist Ian is a good guy with nice friends, family and brilliance to create his very own version of RPG (Role Playing Game), but like every teenager, he too is no exception when it comes to opposite sex appeal and thus he is struggling to make a decision...
On concluding notes, I would say that it’s an interesting fantasy book with lots of twists to keep readers busy... all the while (like rabbit hole), book goes deeper and deeper into the life of Ian and Spring (the Dryad), and making it a worthy of 3 of 5 stars.
April 1, 2012
Hmmm, where to start…
Well to begin with I am not doing a review that tells you what happens in the book or give you snippets of the plot here and there. I think that’s what the book jacket description is for. With that said…
When I started read the Prologue, I had to stop – go back read the title, read the description of the book again and I tell you I was a little confused, the prologue makes you feel like you are reading a story with its basis in Native American folk lore, but then the title “dryad” – well that’s greek mythology. So I have to say I was pretty leery… and well almost half way through the book and I still was leery as to how the 2 worlds would come together and work, not sure how it happened but IT DID, it worked!
It was a little slow for the first 1/3 of the book and progressively brought you further into Finn’s world, by the time you are half way through you can’t wait to see what happens to Finn. It’s certainly different that any UF I have read before; you won’t compare it to any other series, which is good. All too often you find yourself reading a series just to say “oh it’s a combination of this series and that one”, but not Finn’s world, its unique and interesting.
Finn is a good guy, he’s loyal, good hearted and a great friend and son, but his world comes crashing down on him and there is no way he can stop it, but he’s not alone so he gets through it a little worse for wear, but not everyone comes out ok. VanKirk does good with how he brings the past and the present together with enough intrigue to make you want to know more.
Is it worth the read and time absolutely! Would you want to find out what happens to Finn in the next book, absolutely!
Well to begin with I am not doing a review that tells you what happens in the book or give you snippets of the plot here and there. I think that’s what the book jacket description is for. With that said…
When I started read the Prologue, I had to stop – go back read the title, read the description of the book again and I tell you I was a little confused, the prologue makes you feel like you are reading a story with its basis in Native American folk lore, but then the title “dryad” – well that’s greek mythology. So I have to say I was pretty leery… and well almost half way through the book and I still was leery as to how the 2 worlds would come together and work, not sure how it happened but IT DID, it worked!
It was a little slow for the first 1/3 of the book and progressively brought you further into Finn’s world, by the time you are half way through you can’t wait to see what happens to Finn. It’s certainly different that any UF I have read before; you won’t compare it to any other series, which is good. All too often you find yourself reading a series just to say “oh it’s a combination of this series and that one”, but not Finn’s world, its unique and interesting.
Finn is a good guy, he’s loyal, good hearted and a great friend and son, but his world comes crashing down on him and there is no way he can stop it, but he’s not alone so he gets through it a little worse for wear, but not everyone comes out ok. VanKirk does good with how he brings the past and the present together with enough intrigue to make you want to know more.
Is it worth the read and time absolutely! Would you want to find out what happens to Finn in the next book, absolutely!
August 10, 2012
I've gone and read another young adult book! It just keeps happening against my will. But The Dryad's Kiss has a hint of that Stand By Me/Super 8 retro feel that drew me in (despite an opening dream sequence!). In truth the first couple of chapters left me wanting to skim read.
But when Finn embarked on a morally questionable unearthing of a haunted burial mound with his father and uncle, the text found its voice and came alive. Finn's voice-cracking, wobbly-kneed youth becomes endearing as he wrestles with everything from common sexual attraction to mystical revelation.
Overall I think Vankirk and his protagonist the Mighty Finn recover from a few missed cues early in the routine in order to stick the landing. Read it! Review it! Share it!
But when Finn embarked on a morally questionable unearthing of a haunted burial mound with his father and uncle, the text found its voice and came alive. Finn's voice-cracking, wobbly-kneed youth becomes endearing as he wrestles with everything from common sexual attraction to mystical revelation.
Overall I think Vankirk and his protagonist the Mighty Finn recover from a few missed cues early in the routine in order to stick the landing. Read it! Review it! Share it!
April 10, 2012
This is a great book for any urban fantasy reader, and it's especially good for young men. It has some true edge of seat scenes closer towards the end and you can't help but feel for Finn. He seems like a caring person and yet a lot of weird stuff happens around him.
Definitely give this a book a go, it is some pretty good writing!
Definitely give this a book a go, it is some pretty good writing!
April 21, 2012
I was a little confused when I started reading The Dryad's Kiss by R. Scott VanKirk by the Indian lore at the beginning since by the name of it I thought it was about a Greek mythology creature called a Dryad. As I started reading I wasn't disappointed as it soon became clear that this story did include a Dryad as well as having sacred Indian burial mounds and so much more. It is a well written story where fantasy overlaps reality and had suspense, mystery, and even had me laughing at times.
I won't recap the whole story since you can read that for yourself but the main jest of it is about Ian Finn Morgenstern or simply "Finn" by his friends who is a bit of a geek. He enjoyed "gaming" and created this fantasy world where he and his friends would play. It was a world of magic but posed dangers as well. He made many things in his world including the "Dreamstone". The "Dreamstone" is really an amethyst crystal that his father had originally given Finn's now deceased mother on their wedding anniversary. After her passing he had given it to Finn so when he looked at it, it would remind him of his mother and how much she loved him. The only thing neither of them were counting on is the Dreamstone driving people into a psychiatric breakdown. Nor was any one expecting Finn's dream about the Dryad that lives in the big oak tree outside his bedroom window to be real and sucking the life force out of him or as he put it, using him as fertilizer, until there was no way to deny it any longer.
This story involved a lot more but as I said I won't recap the whole thing nor do I want to spoil it for those who didn't read it. I found this to be one of the books that once you started it you didn't want to put down. I was a bit disappointed when the questions raised were not answered but this is only the first book in a series so I am assuming the answers are in the following books. In the author's defense I think that is the whole object to a series, get you hooked on the first book and then make you want to read the next book. He definitely succeeded!
I really enjoyed the book and although there was sex between the Dryad and Finn it didn't go into any detail so Young Adults should enjoy this story of coming of age as well as adults. I think Young Adults can relate to this story even more so than I can but it didn't stop me from enjoying it one bit. Be warned, if your curiosity is intense as mine be prepared to put the next book in the series on your reading list.
I won't recap the whole story since you can read that for yourself but the main jest of it is about Ian Finn Morgenstern or simply "Finn" by his friends who is a bit of a geek. He enjoyed "gaming" and created this fantasy world where he and his friends would play. It was a world of magic but posed dangers as well. He made many things in his world including the "Dreamstone". The "Dreamstone" is really an amethyst crystal that his father had originally given Finn's now deceased mother on their wedding anniversary. After her passing he had given it to Finn so when he looked at it, it would remind him of his mother and how much she loved him. The only thing neither of them were counting on is the Dreamstone driving people into a psychiatric breakdown. Nor was any one expecting Finn's dream about the Dryad that lives in the big oak tree outside his bedroom window to be real and sucking the life force out of him or as he put it, using him as fertilizer, until there was no way to deny it any longer.
This story involved a lot more but as I said I won't recap the whole thing nor do I want to spoil it for those who didn't read it. I found this to be one of the books that once you started it you didn't want to put down. I was a bit disappointed when the questions raised were not answered but this is only the first book in a series so I am assuming the answers are in the following books. In the author's defense I think that is the whole object to a series, get you hooked on the first book and then make you want to read the next book. He definitely succeeded!
I really enjoyed the book and although there was sex between the Dryad and Finn it didn't go into any detail so Young Adults should enjoy this story of coming of age as well as adults. I think Young Adults can relate to this story even more so than I can but it didn't stop me from enjoying it one bit. Be warned, if your curiosity is intense as mine be prepared to put the next book in the series on your reading list.
October 17, 2012
It changed my life! I laughed! I cried! ...I wrote it. Here is a bit about it.
Finn, as he is known to his friends, grew up with a twisty old oak tree right outside his bedroom window. He loved that tree and from practically the moment he could walk, he started climbing that tree. It became his refuge from the world and he would have sworn that he knew everything about it. He never would have guessed that he could also know it in the biblical sense - or at least the sexy tree spirit which resided there - until he brought home two ancient artifacts from a burial mound dig organized by his uncle.
The first artifact he brings home was was an effigy bear whistle worn by one of the warriors who fought a long forgotten battle against a monstrously deformed demonic giant over one thousand years ago.
The second artifact was buried in the body of that monster over one thousand years ago by the native people who finally killed it. It looks like a piece of black driftwood, but has a charisma that holds Finn captivated.
The arrival home of those artifacts start a chain of consequences that reach much farther than bringing Finn to the attention of a beautiful, lusty, Dryad. It will have a profound impact on Finn, his friends and eventually reach much further.
Struggling through a growing fatigue, the questions come at Finn fast and furious. Can he get through school? Can an 18 year old get too much sex? Is this true love or is he bespelled? Does she love him as a person or merely as fertilizer? Why does he want to hunch over his artifacts and cackle 'my precious..." The questions pile up until a decision has to be made - before his friends make the decision for him.
The Dryad's kiss is the first book in a new urban fantasy series. It follows the adventures of Ian Finn Anderson, AKA, The Mighty Finn as he discovers that our sane, predictable world isn't quite what it seems.
It is suitable for ages 16 and up.
I recommend it to everybody I meet :)
Finn, as he is known to his friends, grew up with a twisty old oak tree right outside his bedroom window. He loved that tree and from practically the moment he could walk, he started climbing that tree. It became his refuge from the world and he would have sworn that he knew everything about it. He never would have guessed that he could also know it in the biblical sense - or at least the sexy tree spirit which resided there - until he brought home two ancient artifacts from a burial mound dig organized by his uncle.
The first artifact he brings home was was an effigy bear whistle worn by one of the warriors who fought a long forgotten battle against a monstrously deformed demonic giant over one thousand years ago.
The second artifact was buried in the body of that monster over one thousand years ago by the native people who finally killed it. It looks like a piece of black driftwood, but has a charisma that holds Finn captivated.
The arrival home of those artifacts start a chain of consequences that reach much farther than bringing Finn to the attention of a beautiful, lusty, Dryad. It will have a profound impact on Finn, his friends and eventually reach much further.
Struggling through a growing fatigue, the questions come at Finn fast and furious. Can he get through school? Can an 18 year old get too much sex? Is this true love or is he bespelled? Does she love him as a person or merely as fertilizer? Why does he want to hunch over his artifacts and cackle 'my precious..." The questions pile up until a decision has to be made - before his friends make the decision for him.
The Dryad's kiss is the first book in a new urban fantasy series. It follows the adventures of Ian Finn Anderson, AKA, The Mighty Finn as he discovers that our sane, predictable world isn't quite what it seems.
It is suitable for ages 16 and up.
I recommend it to everybody I meet :)
December 3, 2012
The Dryad's Kiss is only part of an epic tale. It contains American Indian history, mythical themes, psychological issues, a bit of teen romance, and a totally fantastic nerd factor.
I really enjoyed being in Finn's head. I often found myself smirking at his sense of humor, I also enjoyed the ribbing his friends and family often gave him.
I liked his Dad and Mum, even though they were quite frequently incorporated into the story, I couldn't help but wonder if we were purposelly not given more info in book one, to add a bit more mystery to book two?
Finn's Uncle was an interesting character, but somewhat flat for me. I can see him playing a much bigger role in book two.
The initial prologue confused me and threw me right off. I instantly disliked the character names and it wasn't until quite a bit later in the book that I realized the importance of it.
There were a few time in the last third of the book that I felt a little bombarded with the mundane in Finn's life, it made those areas seem to drag a little and it slowed down an otherwise well paced story.
While I felt the writing style was probably suitable for as young as 14yrs, some of the content isn't. I would recommend it to people 16yrs and up, but specifically for adults who enjoy a youthful, quirky adventure tale that packs a punch.
NOTE: I receieved a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review
I really enjoyed being in Finn's head. I often found myself smirking at his sense of humor, I also enjoyed the ribbing his friends and family often gave him.
I liked his Dad and Mum, even though they were quite frequently incorporated into the story, I couldn't help but wonder if we were purposelly not given more info in book one, to add a bit more mystery to book two?
Finn's Uncle was an interesting character, but somewhat flat for me. I can see him playing a much bigger role in book two.
The initial prologue confused me and threw me right off. I instantly disliked the character names and it wasn't until quite a bit later in the book that I realized the importance of it.
There were a few time in the last third of the book that I felt a little bombarded with the mundane in Finn's life, it made those areas seem to drag a little and it slowed down an otherwise well paced story.
While I felt the writing style was probably suitable for as young as 14yrs, some of the content isn't. I would recommend it to people 16yrs and up, but specifically for adults who enjoy a youthful, quirky adventure tale that packs a punch.
NOTE: I receieved a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review
April 12, 2012
This was a really fascinating and well written book. I was a little confused when the Irish sounding title of the book started with Native American lore but the appearance of Ian Finn Morgenstern helped to meld the Irish dryad legends and the Native American lore. Finn is your basic 18 year old high school senior. He has a posse of friends who he likes a lot but he gets bullied a bit because he is a little geeky. Finn is a good son who enjoys spending time with his Dad and his “uncle” – his Dad’s best friend looking for Native American artifacts in fields and sites. The guys find a farmer excavating a Native American burial mound that he claims is haunted. When Finn finds an intact flute on the site, his uncle buys the rights to excavate the mound and keep everything he finds. Finn keeps the flute and hopes to find more artifacts. Things start to get a little weird for Finn once he finds the flute; his dreams are haunted by a luscious sexy green gal, a dryad. This tree sprite is no benign woodland spirit and she begins to beguile Finn through increasingly sexual dreams. As the dreams increase, Finn’s life starts to fall apart, physically and emotionally. The lines between reality and fantasy blur catching Finn in the middle. Most 18 year old guys would definitely choose the sexual allure of the dryad but is Finn average? Can he find his way back or will the dryad’s kiss cost him, his family, his friends or his life?
April 20, 2012
The Dryad’s Kiss by R. Scott Vankirk is a cute story about a teenage boy named Finn who saves the tree in his yard from his father’s construction plans and is claimed by the Dryad in the tree. He begins to dream about her and struggles with believing if she is real or a figment of his dreams. At the same time he is invited to attend a archeological dig being run by his uncle and strange things start to happen to him as they uncover ancient artifacts and argue with the local native American tribe who is trying to protect the burial ground they have been hired to dig out. While this is all going on Finn runs into trouble at school with a bully and has to fight his supernatural problems while trying to finish his school year.
This was not a bad story although I felt it was geared towards a younger adult reader base. The author goes in to a fair bit of detail about Finn’s role playing games and girl obsession as well as his studies and problems with other students. The story had a several different problems going on at once and this book did not tie up those storylines, which generally makes me dislike a story. This one I liked enough to want to read the next books but I wish more had been resolved within this book itself. I did like that you don’t see too many books focusing on this particular supernatural element and it was a nice take on the Dryad idea.
This was not a bad story although I felt it was geared towards a younger adult reader base. The author goes in to a fair bit of detail about Finn’s role playing games and girl obsession as well as his studies and problems with other students. The story had a several different problems going on at once and this book did not tie up those storylines, which generally makes me dislike a story. This one I liked enough to want to read the next books but I wish more had been resolved within this book itself. I did like that you don’t see too many books focusing on this particular supernatural element and it was a nice take on the Dryad idea.
November 17, 2013
When I first started reading this book it started on raiding a tomb- a mound to be exact. Here, Finn discovered a unique whistle and later started having dreams about it and including a bear. So this starts with Native American lore. Later, Finn saved an oak tree from being cut down by his dad and started having dreams about a dryad whom he saved. The dreams became sexual which led to Finn having problems besides bullies from school, a crystal that makes him have visions that he were his fantasies mixed up with reality which led more trouble to his friend's sister. There's more to the story including the dad and his birth mom which I really want to know more about.
I really enjoy reading from a male's point of view in the YA genre. Like other teenage boys, they still think about the opposite sex. I like how Finn is very heroic despite him being a nerd. He's also very close with his friends and he is also fair. Despite the difficulties he is experiencing he overcomes them.
Though I wonder what Finn is? Because he dreams about Native American Folklore, dryads, and another world from his crystal. Plus, when he touches things he feels strongly about them. I wonder why that is?
I really enjoy reading from a male's point of view in the YA genre. Like other teenage boys, they still think about the opposite sex. I like how Finn is very heroic despite him being a nerd. He's also very close with his friends and he is also fair. Despite the difficulties he is experiencing he overcomes them.
Though I wonder what Finn is? Because he dreams about Native American Folklore, dryads, and another world from his crystal. Plus, when he touches things he feels strongly about them. I wonder why that is?
November 7, 2013
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The Dryad's Kiss is the first book in a new young adult fantasy series by R. Scott VanKirk. It is a well written, entertaining book about an eighteen year old average guy named Ian Finn Morganstern, who goes by Finn. It was a bit confusing at the beginning since it starts off with Native American visions and then we jump to the Dryad who lives in the tree outside Finn's window. In the midst of finals, he goes with his dad to his uncles's archaeological dig where he finds an ancient artifact and begins to experience strange things. When he gets back to normal high school life, he losses concentration in reality and thinks non stop about his gaming world and Spring, the Dryad.
The book had an interesting concept, but I found it disjointed and silly. It was interesting reading about a slightly innocent young man, compared to most of the Young adult fiction.
The Dryad's Kiss is the first book in a new young adult fantasy series by R. Scott VanKirk. It is a well written, entertaining book about an eighteen year old average guy named Ian Finn Morganstern, who goes by Finn. It was a bit confusing at the beginning since it starts off with Native American visions and then we jump to the Dryad who lives in the tree outside Finn's window. In the midst of finals, he goes with his dad to his uncles's archaeological dig where he finds an ancient artifact and begins to experience strange things. When he gets back to normal high school life, he losses concentration in reality and thinks non stop about his gaming world and Spring, the Dryad.
The book had an interesting concept, but I found it disjointed and silly. It was interesting reading about a slightly innocent young man, compared to most of the Young adult fiction.
September 1, 2012
I was a bit confused when I first started reading the book. The title is The Dyad's Kiss but I seemed to be reading about an American Indian legend. The Dryad does play a major role in the book and somehow the author manages to blend the two mythologies and make it work.
November 23, 2013
Loved this book! Very original and I couldn't wait to read books 2 & 3!
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