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Hollow Earth #3
The Book of Beasts
THE LAST BATTLE FOR HOLLOW EARTH BEGINS...
Lots of twins have a special connection - being able to finish each other's sentences; sensing what the other is thinking; perhaps even knowing when the other is in trouble or in pain - but for 12-year-old twins, Matt and Emily Calder, the connection is beyond special. They are Animare: they can bring art to life and enter paintings at will. But they are also Guardians, destined to safeguard the powers and existence of Animare everywhere. They are the first of their kind. Their childhoods have been spent in service to an ancient duty: preventing a breach in Hollow Earth - an alternate world that holds all the demons, devils and creatures ever imagined. But now their last battle for Hollow Earth begins...
Lots of twins have a special connection - being able to finish each other's sentences; sensing what the other is thinking; perhaps even knowing when the other is in trouble or in pain - but for 12-year-old twins, Matt and Emily Calder, the connection is beyond special. They are Animare: they can bring art to life and enter paintings at will. But they are also Guardians, destined to safeguard the powers and existence of Animare everywhere. They are the first of their kind. Their childhoods have been spent in service to an ancient duty: preventing a breach in Hollow Earth - an alternate world that holds all the demons, devils and creatures ever imagined. But now their last battle for Hollow Earth begins...
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 3, 2014
9 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
John Barrowman
71 books909 followersJohn Barrowman was born in Scotland, and moved to Illinois when he was eight years old. He is bi-dialectal, doing much of his stage and acting work in his American accent, but speaking with family in his Scottish accent.
He moved back to Britain in 1989 when he was hired to play the lead in Anything Goes. He took on a number of West End roles, including the leads in Sunset Boulevard and Miss Saigon and a dramatic play entitled Rope, while working as a children's television presenter and came back to America briefly to work on short lived shows such as Central Park West and Titans. He then bounced around Broadway, West End and the LA Stage for a number of years before moving back to Britain permanently. He won the role of Captain Jack Harkness in the new Doctor Who series and went on to star as Captain Jack in its adult spin-off Torchwood.
John married Scott Gill, his partner of fifteen years, in December 2006.
He moved back to Britain in 1989 when he was hired to play the lead in Anything Goes. He took on a number of West End roles, including the leads in Sunset Boulevard and Miss Saigon and a dramatic play entitled Rope, while working as a children's television presenter and came back to America briefly to work on short lived shows such as Central Park West and Titans. He then bounced around Broadway, West End and the LA Stage for a number of years before moving back to Britain permanently. He won the role of Captain Jack Harkness in the new Doctor Who series and went on to star as Captain Jack in its adult spin-off Torchwood.
John married Scott Gill, his partner of fifteen years, in December 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 28, 2014
It is very rare for me to give a really negative review of a book but sometimes I just can't help it. The Barrowman's Hollow Earth trilogy started really well with a great idea and some decent characters. The second book wasn't as good and gave us a huge cliffhanger. And then we have this mess.
The book follows straight on from Bone Quill and sees Matt Calder stuck in the middle ages with his evil father who is planning to open the Hollow Earth and unleash a horde of legendary monsters upon humanity. Meanwhile his twin sister Em is on a modern day Scottish island trying to work out how to get to the middle ages and her grandmother (on her father's side) wants to use her for the same evil purposes as her father does.
My first problem with this book is the plot. For the first three quarters of it almost nothing happens. There is the potential for some great showdowns here, Matt vs his father, all the characters against monsters but every issue is solved pretty easily. The solutions were so easy I had to wonder why it took three books to get to them.
Then there's the characters. The best things about the leads Matt and Em was the relationship between them but here they barely meet. There's lots of potential for their father to be a really nasty character and to have some proper father/son conflict but the father barely appears and is little more than a bit mean when he does. The twins grandmother is introduced here as a sort of second villain, mainly to give Em something to do, but seeing as though we've never seen her before and she barely does anything which affects our characters her addition is completely unnecessary. And on top of this there's a large cast of supporting characters who have no real part to play here.
So many decent subplots are shoehorned in the book but never really expanded upon. A possible relationship between Em and Zach is introduced and after a couple of chapters seemingly forgotten. There's a hint that Solon and Carrick are the twins ancestors but we never learn what became of them. There's a hint Sandie, the twins Mum, will find romance with Vaughn, the man she should have married but this is never shown to us either. It felt like the authors knew where they were going with all these things but forgot to tell the reader.
I still love the original idea and the ending is decent enough but it felt like the authors struggled to work out how to get from the end of the last book to the end of the series they had in mind. The middle ages side of things ripped up the plot for no good reason and we just end up with a story that desperately tries to end the series without giving us any of the pleasures of the previous books. A really disappointing end to the triology.
The book follows straight on from Bone Quill and sees Matt Calder stuck in the middle ages with his evil father who is planning to open the Hollow Earth and unleash a horde of legendary monsters upon humanity. Meanwhile his twin sister Em is on a modern day Scottish island trying to work out how to get to the middle ages and her grandmother (on her father's side) wants to use her for the same evil purposes as her father does.
My first problem with this book is the plot. For the first three quarters of it almost nothing happens. There is the potential for some great showdowns here, Matt vs his father, all the characters against monsters but every issue is solved pretty easily. The solutions were so easy I had to wonder why it took three books to get to them.
Then there's the characters. The best things about the leads Matt and Em was the relationship between them but here they barely meet. There's lots of potential for their father to be a really nasty character and to have some proper father/son conflict but the father barely appears and is little more than a bit mean when he does. The twins grandmother is introduced here as a sort of second villain, mainly to give Em something to do, but seeing as though we've never seen her before and she barely does anything which affects our characters her addition is completely unnecessary. And on top of this there's a large cast of supporting characters who have no real part to play here.
So many decent subplots are shoehorned in the book but never really expanded upon. A possible relationship between Em and Zach is introduced and after a couple of chapters seemingly forgotten. There's a hint that Solon and Carrick are the twins ancestors but we never learn what became of them. There's a hint Sandie, the twins Mum, will find romance with Vaughn, the man she should have married but this is never shown to us either. It felt like the authors knew where they were going with all these things but forgot to tell the reader.
I still love the original idea and the ending is decent enough but it felt like the authors struggled to work out how to get from the end of the last book to the end of the series they had in mind. The middle ages side of things ripped up the plot for no good reason and we just end up with a story that desperately tries to end the series without giving us any of the pleasures of the previous books. A really disappointing end to the triology.
May 25, 2017
The beginning was slow, the middle was AMAZING, and the ending was...anti-climatic.
Honestly, if the entire book had been like the middle, I would've given it five stars, no problem...but the way they was just...well, it was so quick that I MISSED IT! It also ended remarkably abruptly and I was left wondering where the repurcussions were. I mean, Matt never tried to hide that the plot was all his fault, but I kind of expected a tense scene where the Council debated whether he should be bound or not. Obviously, I wasn't expecting him to be bound (this is a kids' book, after all), but I expected it to be considered. The kid endangered the timeline for crying out loud!
*Takes a deep breath*
Aside from that, I did enjoy this book. I liked that Matt didn't try to blame anyone else (it's so refreshing when a character accepts responsibility for his/her actions). I also liked Carik and Solon - it was hilarious to see Matt try and explain 21st century concepts to them. I enjoyed seeing Em come into her own. Her brother might have been trapped in the middle ages, but there was NO WAY he was staying there. As for Zach, there was more of him in this book than there was in Bone Quill, and let's just say that he wasn't the only one wishing that .
If you don't read this trilogy for any other reason, read it for the nostalgia - this book has walkie talkies. Walkie Talkies. I can't be the only one who remembers walkie talkies, right?
Honestly, if the entire book had been like the middle, I would've given it five stars, no problem...but the way they was just...well, it was so quick that I MISSED IT! It also ended remarkably abruptly and I was left wondering where the repurcussions were. I mean, Matt never tried to hide that the plot was all his fault, but I kind of expected a tense scene where the Council debated whether he should be bound or not. Obviously, I wasn't expecting him to be bound (this is a kids' book, after all), but I expected it to be considered. The kid endangered the timeline for crying out loud!
*Takes a deep breath*
Aside from that, I did enjoy this book. I liked that Matt didn't try to blame anyone else (it's so refreshing when a character accepts responsibility for his/her actions). I also liked Carik and Solon - it was hilarious to see Matt try and explain 21st century concepts to them. I enjoyed seeing Em come into her own. Her brother might have been trapped in the middle ages, but there was NO WAY he was staying there. As for Zach, there was more of him in this book than there was in Bone Quill, and let's just say that he wasn't the only one wishing that .
If you don't read this trilogy for any other reason, read it for the nostalgia - this book has walkie talkies. Walkie Talkies. I can't be the only one who remembers walkie talkies, right?
September 20, 2024
The Book of Beasts by John Barrowman is a captivating read that truly brings magic to life. The novel's concept of animated drawings immediately sparked my imagination, taking me back to childhood memories of the moving newspaper images in the *Harry Potter* series. It made me wonder once again, what if this became a reality?
Barrowman's world feels so vivid and alive that I couldn’t help but wish characters like Em, Matt, and Zack truly existed. Their adventures drew me in, and I found myself loving them more with every page. The way they navigate the magic and the mysteries surrounding the book is enchanting. The connection between art, magic, and reality in this novel is fresh and inventive, making it a compelling read for anyone who loves fantasy with a twist.
I genuinely recommend *The Book of Beasts* for anyone looking for a story that blurs the lines between the real and the fantastical. It leaves you with a sense of wonder, wishing, like me, that somewhere out there, these characters might just be real.
January 15, 2016
I don't know what to say. I'm just disappointed by this boring mess :(
The first installment in this trilogy was all kinds of amazing, the second one was almost as great as the first one. But this? This one was a huge letdown. Despite the fact that there was some stuff going on, nothing was happening. Nothing. The story just went round in circles, there was no real development, some subplots made no sense resp. were pretty much useless. Esp. all this Henrietta stuff did nothing for the plot. All it did was to annoy me.
And all this talk about evil dads and even more evil grandmothers and the most evil beasts ever made me hope for some thrilling showdowns, but... no chance. Every severity was solved pretty easily. I never once feared something would go wrong. I never once feared one of the many (former great but now bland) protagonists (not even the most useless ones) wouldn't make it.
I still like the original idea behind this books, the Hollow World itself is great, and all this Animare stuff is pretty awesome. But apart from that... yeah :/ I'm just glad it's over.
The first installment in this trilogy was all kinds of amazing, the second one was almost as great as the first one. But this? This one was a huge letdown. Despite the fact that there was some stuff going on, nothing was happening. Nothing. The story just went round in circles, there was no real development, some subplots made no sense resp. were pretty much useless. Esp. all this Henrietta stuff did nothing for the plot. All it did was to annoy me.
And all this talk about evil dads and even more evil grandmothers and the most evil beasts ever made me hope for some thrilling showdowns, but... no chance. Every severity was solved pretty easily. I never once feared something would go wrong. I never once feared one of the many (former great but now bland) protagonists (not even the most useless ones) wouldn't make it.
I still like the original idea behind this books, the Hollow World itself is great, and all this Animare stuff is pretty awesome. But apart from that... yeah :/ I'm just glad it's over.
August 5, 2016
Amazing Fantasy adventure series!!
I absolutely love this series! If you like middle-grade books and fantasy stories, read Hollow Earth! Highly recommended. I am hoping to get this for our school library!!
I absolutely love this series! If you like middle-grade books and fantasy stories, read Hollow Earth! Highly recommended. I am hoping to get this for our school library!!
December 14, 2014
The first book was my favorite. I LOVED IT.
Though the sequels weren't as good.
There should have been an Epilogue in this one, though.
I wanted to know what happens to the characters.
Though the sequels weren't as good.
There should have been an Epilogue in this one, though.
I wanted to know what happens to the characters.
October 21, 2015
I quite enjoyed this final installment of this series. It was a nice conclusion that I had been waiting to be released in America for ever. It was worth the wait though
November 12, 2015
a brilliant conclusion to an awesome story
October 11, 2020
I originally started reading these books because John Barrowman wrote them. This was years ago when I wasn't really an avid reader and rarely finished a book. With this series, I had read the first two straight through but something about this one made me put it down.
I have since picked it back up of course and, starting over from the begging, rather enjoyed it. There were some scenes in it that I had to roll my eyes at but that may be because they seemed mushy or childish to my tastes.
The overall rules for the Barrowmans' world are amazing. They did a great job on world-building and I can imagine myself inside the story relatively easy. The characters are also very loveable/hateable depending on if you're looking at the heroes or the villains. There were parts near the end where I did feel that the authors tricked me or pulled a rabbit out of their hats to make the story work for them. I didn't feel that there was enough build-up of information to make that scene believable.
As always a warning for readers that this book does contain violence both from the people themselves and monstrous beasts.
All and all I found the series to make a great YA fantasy and I would suggest it to anyone who likes anything from Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings. I gave it four stars.
“I have heard it said that Albion is the one from whom we are all descended,” she mumbled. “Which makes the Council laws that keep us apart, when we’re all from the same stock, as daft as dust.” -John and Carole Barrowman
I have since picked it back up of course and, starting over from the begging, rather enjoyed it. There were some scenes in it that I had to roll my eyes at but that may be because they seemed mushy or childish to my tastes.
The overall rules for the Barrowmans' world are amazing. They did a great job on world-building and I can imagine myself inside the story relatively easy. The characters are also very loveable/hateable depending on if you're looking at the heroes or the villains. There were parts near the end where I did feel that the authors tricked me or pulled a rabbit out of their hats to make the story work for them. I didn't feel that there was enough build-up of information to make that scene believable.
As always a warning for readers that this book does contain violence both from the people themselves and monstrous beasts.
All and all I found the series to make a great YA fantasy and I would suggest it to anyone who likes anything from Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings. I gave it four stars.
“I have heard it said that Albion is the one from whom we are all descended,” she mumbled. “Which makes the Council laws that keep us apart, when we’re all from the same stock, as daft as dust.” -John and Carole Barrowman
May 30, 2022
This was a great ending to this trilogy. The past, the present, and the future combined. I will say there was one B-side villain that I thought didn't need to be there, as there was plenty going down without that particular threat, but after the second book being like the "Half Blood Prince" of this (mostly middle), I was pleased with the resolution.
June 9, 2022
I finished all the series however I think I should read this series before read the other series under same type of books..since I read the other one 1st and compare it to this series it make me think this book it quite a mess storyline. Even the action. But still one of the book that I will suggest to other.
July 24, 2017
I enjoyed this book. There was another reviewer that thought it wasn't good, and I almost didn't get the book due to that review. I'm so glad I didn't pay attention to that review.
February 11, 2018
Intense and engaging from begining to end; loved it! I just wish there was more.
July 12, 2021
Full of excitement and danger, sibling rivalry and love. The ending felt rather rushed.
March 20, 2023
3.5 rounded up. Ending seemed a bit rushed. Overall though, this is a fun trilogy aimed at Middle Grade that I wish I had available to me at that age!
August 3, 2023
The concept was really cool and interesting. This book just goes though one eye and out the other for me. I think maybe if i read it in a different time i might have enjoyed it a-lot more.
February 13, 2015
Quality Rating: Three Stars
Enjoyment Rating: Three Stars
I really enjoy these books, and I think they're just great for younger readers starting to move into more frequent/complex books. The concept of people who can draw and 'animate' things into the real world - while being used before - is unique in its development in this series and the vibrant depth of this will really draw readers in I think.
This series has a really nice style for children's books, but I did have an issue with the coherency of the writing: objects would just suddenly be mentioned like they were there the whole time, and events would happen out of no where without consequences or reason. Honestly the consistency in children's books doesn't irritate me as much as in more complex stories (for obvious reasons) but when I'm reading it and suddenly confused or finding it hard to keep up because things are happening out of nowhere it's a problem for me.
I did prefer the stories of the previous books, but The Book of Beasts succeeded in tying the story together in a reasonably satisfying way (I'll get to that in a minute). However, though the parts that don't include the twins had the potential to be good, they didn't end up adding to anything since this probably would've made things too complicated, but instead we've got this little snippets of the adults' stories but I don't quite see the point of it. I think younger readers would've enjoyed just following the protagonists and be satisfied with the explanations offered by the adults anyway.
The ending was very underwhelming for me - it did tie everything together and was perfectly fine, I was expecting more. The climax of a final book are usually more tense than the previous ones, but (though I admit I can't remember much about The Bone Quill) the endings of the prequels have been much more dramatic and exciting than this. The villain isn't exactly difficult to overcome and once everyone's together the story finishes. This is one of the few cases I would've liked to have a 'one week later' epilogue or something - as it was I felt things tied up but everything stopped very abruptly. (I wanted to know how the twins felt being back together; Em and Zach's relationship; what happens with the twin's mum?)
I really like the characters in these books - though I'm a little indifferent to the adults - and I really love their relationships. But some of the outer characters are a little necessary to me as they only really appear once or twice and have very little impact.
I really love following a story based on twins, especially when they're separated, because there's this real connection and drive for them to progress through the story. Having said that, I do feel that Matt is focused on more than his sister, and Em ends up missing a lot of the action, but I do appreciate that both of them are capable and talented in their own ways. I think Matt conforms a little too much to the brave-kid while Em reflects the overcoming-fear stereotype. But they're still enjoyable and good protagonists.
I really love Zach's character, and I love his normal representation despite being deaf - I also like the way it isn't constantly being used against him. Aside from the obvious, I just think he's a really nice, caring person that you don't often get in a side-kick that's still active and capable.
I have to say I don't really feel like I know Solon or Carik and I'm not entirely sure of their significance apart from preventing Matt from being completely alone in the Middle Ages. It was also very unsatisfying how we left them and they were then never mentioned afterwards.
While the pacing was far too rushed for me, I can see how it would appeal to a younger age group. This goes back to the incoherency in the plot for me but everything was very fast and events spiralled to their climax and were over extremely fast. This did make things less enjoyable for me just because I'm used to more suspense in the action.
This series has a brilliant premise for younger readers, and while some other parts of the story aren't exactly consistent, it's a lot of fun and a really nice series for anyone to read. I'd also say it's a good introduction into fantasy, adventure and even a little bit of mystery. Though in my opinion the trilogy starts off on a high and falls a little bit as you go through, the whole thing is really enjoyable and I'd be interested in a sequel if one were to be written.
Enjoyment Rating: Three Stars
I really enjoy these books, and I think they're just great for younger readers starting to move into more frequent/complex books. The concept of people who can draw and 'animate' things into the real world - while being used before - is unique in its development in this series and the vibrant depth of this will really draw readers in I think.
This series has a really nice style for children's books, but I did have an issue with the coherency of the writing: objects would just suddenly be mentioned like they were there the whole time, and events would happen out of no where without consequences or reason. Honestly the consistency in children's books doesn't irritate me as much as in more complex stories (for obvious reasons) but when I'm reading it and suddenly confused or finding it hard to keep up because things are happening out of nowhere it's a problem for me.
I did prefer the stories of the previous books, but The Book of Beasts succeeded in tying the story together in a reasonably satisfying way (I'll get to that in a minute). However, though the parts that don't include the twins had the potential to be good, they didn't end up adding to anything since this probably would've made things too complicated, but instead we've got this little snippets of the adults' stories but I don't quite see the point of it. I think younger readers would've enjoyed just following the protagonists and be satisfied with the explanations offered by the adults anyway.
The ending was very underwhelming for me - it did tie everything together and was perfectly fine, I was expecting more. The climax of a final book are usually more tense than the previous ones, but (though I admit I can't remember much about The Bone Quill) the endings of the prequels have been much more dramatic and exciting than this. The villain isn't exactly difficult to overcome and once everyone's together the story finishes. This is one of the few cases I would've liked to have a 'one week later' epilogue or something - as it was I felt things tied up but everything stopped very abruptly. (I wanted to know how the twins felt being back together; Em and Zach's relationship; what happens with the twin's mum?)
I really like the characters in these books - though I'm a little indifferent to the adults - and I really love their relationships. But some of the outer characters are a little necessary to me as they only really appear once or twice and have very little impact.
I really love following a story based on twins, especially when they're separated, because there's this real connection and drive for them to progress through the story. Having said that, I do feel that Matt is focused on more than his sister, and Em ends up missing a lot of the action, but I do appreciate that both of them are capable and talented in their own ways. I think Matt conforms a little too much to the brave-kid while Em reflects the overcoming-fear stereotype. But they're still enjoyable and good protagonists.
I really love Zach's character, and I love his normal representation despite being deaf - I also like the way it isn't constantly being used against him. Aside from the obvious, I just think he's a really nice, caring person that you don't often get in a side-kick that's still active and capable.
I have to say I don't really feel like I know Solon or Carik and I'm not entirely sure of their significance apart from preventing Matt from being completely alone in the Middle Ages. It was also very unsatisfying how we left them and they were then never mentioned afterwards.
While the pacing was far too rushed for me, I can see how it would appeal to a younger age group. This goes back to the incoherency in the plot for me but everything was very fast and events spiralled to their climax and were over extremely fast. This did make things less enjoyable for me just because I'm used to more suspense in the action.
This series has a brilliant premise for younger readers, and while some other parts of the story aren't exactly consistent, it's a lot of fun and a really nice series for anyone to read. I'd also say it's a good introduction into fantasy, adventure and even a little bit of mystery. Though in my opinion the trilogy starts off on a high and falls a little bit as you go through, the whole thing is really enjoyable and I'd be interested in a sequel if one were to be written.
June 1, 2015
Review first published on My Blog. Check out all my reviews there.
The conclusion to the Hollow Earth trilogy by John & Carole E. Barrowman. Matt is stuck in the past with his father, Malcolm, who has gone insane during his time being bound and will stop at nothing to open Hollow Earth and let out all of the monsters confined there. He has seen his sister and mother burned to death by his father and has no way back to his own time and any form of help until he stumbles onto Solon, an animare from that time's Abbey, and Carik, a girl left there by the Vikings who attacked a few days ago. Somehow, they must try to stop his father or the entire history of the Earth will be changed and not for the better.
Meantime, back in present day, Emily and her mother are fine having actually escaped Malcolm and are trying to figure out a way to help Matt without endangering everyone and everything. Jeannie goes back in time to do what she can as a descendant of Albion but no one is convinced it will be enough, especially not Emily once she has been contacted by Albion's ghost and given visions to draw. Things get even more interesting when Malcolm's mother shows up and she will do whatever it takes to make sure her son is successful.
Other than the addition of Malcolm's mother, I felt like this did a great job of wrapping up the series in a fulfilling way with all the basic questions being answered and no gaping holes screaming out to be filled. Malcolm's mother being added in this late in the game bothered me. I felt like she didn't add much to the story besides a brief explanation into Malcolm's obsession with Hollow Earth and her scenes didn't really move things along but were more like filler. I think if she had at least been in the background throughout the series it might have worked better but she felt shoehorned in and not for any particularly good reason plot wise. In all, I found the series nicely imaginative and I hope John and Carole do more collaborations together in the future.
The conclusion to the Hollow Earth trilogy by John & Carole E. Barrowman. Matt is stuck in the past with his father, Malcolm, who has gone insane during his time being bound and will stop at nothing to open Hollow Earth and let out all of the monsters confined there. He has seen his sister and mother burned to death by his father and has no way back to his own time and any form of help until he stumbles onto Solon, an animare from that time's Abbey, and Carik, a girl left there by the Vikings who attacked a few days ago. Somehow, they must try to stop his father or the entire history of the Earth will be changed and not for the better.
Meantime, back in present day, Emily and her mother are fine having actually escaped Malcolm and are trying to figure out a way to help Matt without endangering everyone and everything. Jeannie goes back in time to do what she can as a descendant of Albion but no one is convinced it will be enough, especially not Emily once she has been contacted by Albion's ghost and given visions to draw. Things get even more interesting when Malcolm's mother shows up and she will do whatever it takes to make sure her son is successful.
Other than the addition of Malcolm's mother, I felt like this did a great job of wrapping up the series in a fulfilling way with all the basic questions being answered and no gaping holes screaming out to be filled. Malcolm's mother being added in this late in the game bothered me. I felt like she didn't add much to the story besides a brief explanation into Malcolm's obsession with Hollow Earth and her scenes didn't really move things along but were more like filler. I think if she had at least been in the background throughout the series it might have worked better but she felt shoehorned in and not for any particularly good reason plot wise. In all, I found the series nicely imaginative and I hope John and Carole do more collaborations together in the future.
February 29, 2016
After Hollow Earth and Bone Quill we have The Book Of Beasts, the final book in the trilogy. A trilogy that it has to be said is definitely one of those that needs to be read in order.
An OK read with what I felt to be a fitting end to an enjoyable enough series. Whilst the end of the trilogy I did feel that there is some scope for further adventures ... or was that just wishful thinking?
Geared towards 'tweenagers' (perhaps even younger, more confident readers) and upwards, one of the things I loved about all three books was that they should appeal to both boys and girls. Filled with just enough peril to suit a generation renowned for their love of computerised games (for such is the style of much of the action) without being too graphic so why my reservations?
With short and snappy chapters anywhere between just over a page to almost four pages long the story traversed 'present day London', 'present day Edinburgh', 'fourteen years earlier', as well as a 'present day' and 'Middle Age' Auchinmurn Isle.
Arguably not the strongest book in the series. Slightly confusing at times - it got even more so when at one point the novel saw several different events all occurring on the Middle Ages Auchinmurn Isle. I could well imagine younger readers getting lost off and felt that combined with the shorter chapters it meant that the narrative didn't flow as well as it might otherwise have done.
And why the addition of such a wonderful character as Henrietta (the arch-villain's mother and Matt and Emily's grandmother) who is capable of bending the minds of 'lesser mortals' at such a late stage?
Still, an innovative read - I certainly hadn't come across Animares before. Well worth keeping a look out for if you are into mystical beasts and the like.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
An OK read with what I felt to be a fitting end to an enjoyable enough series. Whilst the end of the trilogy I did feel that there is some scope for further adventures ... or was that just wishful thinking?
Geared towards 'tweenagers' (perhaps even younger, more confident readers) and upwards, one of the things I loved about all three books was that they should appeal to both boys and girls. Filled with just enough peril to suit a generation renowned for their love of computerised games (for such is the style of much of the action) without being too graphic so why my reservations?
With short and snappy chapters anywhere between just over a page to almost four pages long the story traversed 'present day London', 'present day Edinburgh', 'fourteen years earlier', as well as a 'present day' and 'Middle Age' Auchinmurn Isle.
Arguably not the strongest book in the series. Slightly confusing at times - it got even more so when at one point the novel saw several different events all occurring on the Middle Ages Auchinmurn Isle. I could well imagine younger readers getting lost off and felt that combined with the shorter chapters it meant that the narrative didn't flow as well as it might otherwise have done.
And why the addition of such a wonderful character as Henrietta (the arch-villain's mother and Matt and Emily's grandmother) who is capable of bending the minds of 'lesser mortals' at such a late stage?
Still, an innovative read - I certainly hadn't come across Animares before. Well worth keeping a look out for if you are into mystical beasts and the like.
Copyright: Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper.
July 12, 2014
A fantastic third book in John & Carol Barrowman's Hollow Earth trilogy. Matt and Emily Calder are Animares, they can draw pictures which then come to life and can also enter paintings and use these as entrances and exits.
In this third book, Matt's evil father, Malcolm is getting closer to opening Hollow Earth and setting forth the beasts contained within. Matt has travelled through time to the Monastery in the Middle Ages and has found friends in Solon and Carik. Can they unite to stop Malcolm opening the portal and can Matt be brave enough to lure the one remaining beast still free into Hollow Earth to close off the portal for once for all
These are children's fantasy books, but I'm a massive fan of them, they're a great read, incredibly well written and with such an original idea which works well they appeal to all ages.
In this third book, Matt's evil father, Malcolm is getting closer to opening Hollow Earth and setting forth the beasts contained within. Matt has travelled through time to the Monastery in the Middle Ages and has found friends in Solon and Carik. Can they unite to stop Malcolm opening the portal and can Matt be brave enough to lure the one remaining beast still free into Hollow Earth to close off the portal for once for all
These are children's fantasy books, but I'm a massive fan of them, they're a great read, incredibly well written and with such an original idea which works well they appeal to all ages.
November 21, 2014
After being separated, twins Em and Matt are now each on their own and try to beat the bad guys and reunite with help of any good person.
I really enjoyed Carole Barrowman's writing style. After slower start reader gets more of catchy plot, and more villains to deal with, while wondering how the story might end.
I absolutely adored Jeannie's character. Happy end warmed my heart (yes, please, give me more books where all the bad guys are beaten, superheroes gets to control their power to large extent, and family gets reunited!)
Despite this being 'book for kids' I think Hollow earth trilogy is here for lots of adults to enjoy and it's definitely something I'd love to see translated in bookstores in Czech republic.
I really enjoyed Carole Barrowman's writing style. After slower start reader gets more of catchy plot, and more villains to deal with, while wondering how the story might end.
I absolutely adored Jeannie's character. Happy end warmed my heart (yes, please, give me more books where all the bad guys are beaten, superheroes gets to control their power to large extent, and family gets reunited!)
Despite this being 'book for kids' I think Hollow earth trilogy is here for lots of adults to enjoy and it's definitely something I'd love to see translated in bookstores in Czech republic.
November 20, 2014
A brilliant children's book and another thrilling instalment to the series which I absolutely loved reading. I can't recommend the Barrowman siblings' books enough. A more mature version of 'The Magic Key' books in some ways, a book which will appeal to both genders alike. A fantastic book but unfortunately, I felt this wasn't as good as it's two predecessors. Adults and children alike will enjoy this series, I always quickly read these books and the chapters are extremely short which makes it brilliant for children to read aloud.
December 5, 2015
As the story opens, Matt and Em Calder are in different centuries. There is immediate danger for Matt as his father Malcolm is free from the painting that bound him for ten years. Malcolm is dangerous and not necessarily of sound mind. Em is trying to find a way back to Matt.
This is an exciting conclusion to the Hollow Earth trilogy. There is much evil and danger but Matt, Em and their friends and family help to contain it. It felt like a long time between books 2 and 3, so I had to catch up with the story again. The writing is detailed and imaginative.
This is an exciting conclusion to the Hollow Earth trilogy. There is much evil and danger but Matt, Em and their friends and family help to contain it. It felt like a long time between books 2 and 3, so I had to catch up with the story again. The writing is detailed and imaginative.
February 21, 2016
This is such a wonderful book, and a perfect finish to the Hollow Earth trilogy.
The Barrowmans have a talent for story-telling and character-building that comes through on every page. The power in their writing, and the wonder in each chapter, is palpable. Whether you go into this for the story, for a meditation on the power of art as its understood, or for the simple wonder of the story, you should read this if you enjoy fantasy.
The only thing about this book which isn't wonderful is the fact that I believe it's meant to be the finish in the series.
Absolutely recommended.
The Barrowmans have a talent for story-telling and character-building that comes through on every page. The power in their writing, and the wonder in each chapter, is palpable. Whether you go into this for the story, for a meditation on the power of art as its understood, or for the simple wonder of the story, you should read this if you enjoy fantasy.
The only thing about this book which isn't wonderful is the fact that I believe it's meant to be the finish in the series.
Absolutely recommended.
July 29, 2017
This book was awesome. I was very pleased with how this booked flowed and kept up with the other two in the trilogy. I found it very easy to read and easy to keep track of everything even reading about different characters. Reading how the characters developed was amazing and I love the fact that I felt like I was part of the story. I would definitely recommend this trilogy to anyone that enjoys a story that will keep you on your toes. I loved these book so much that I may have to read them again.
May 30, 2016
2.5 stars. This was the conclusion to the Hollow Earth trilogy and the wait for this to be released in the states was excessively long. Maybe the long wait has something to do with it but I just feel a little let down with the conclusion. It was just too easy and the ending felt rushed. Plus Em didn't really have much to do with the final resolution and that seemed wrong. So all in all, it was decent but not stellar.
July 21, 2016
Good, solid middle grades read and a decent end to the trilogy. I liked the way the story wrapped up, even if it seemed a tad too easy. Easy to read, though I wasn't as invested in this one as in the previous book in the series. Regardless, I still just love the world of the Animare and the Guardians. Recommend for middle grades fantasy lovers. Looking forward to starting the next series with Em and Matt, Conjuror, very soon.
August 10, 2014
Loved the book so much. Even more than the first two books. I really hope there might be more than those three books in the Hollow Earth series.
It's amazingly written and the ideas behind the story are just breathtaking. The characters are amazing too and one feels like one is right in the middle of the story. AWESOME!
It's amazingly written and the ideas behind the story are just breathtaking. The characters are amazing too and one feels like one is right in the middle of the story. AWESOME!
February 21, 2016
As with all Hollow Earth books, I feel like it concludes too quickly. Lots and lots of build up for pages and pages, and then with a few quick strokes the book is over.
That being said I am still enthralled by the Guardians and Animare that the Barrowmanns have created. A world fueled by art and imagination is one I have enjoyed visiting through this trilogy, and am sad to see it conclude.
That being said I am still enthralled by the Guardians and Animare that the Barrowmanns have created. A world fueled by art and imagination is one I have enjoyed visiting through this trilogy, and am sad to see it conclude.
March 4, 2016
The Book of Beasts (Hollow Earth - book 3)
Fantastic read, monsters, villains, children that can bring drawings to life & secrets in the family! This has been a great read, both adults and children alike would enjoy this series? Good storyline, interesting characters. I would love to read a follow-up when Emily and Matt reach 16 - 18 - ish? Well done to the Barrowman's ! ;-))
Fantastic read, monsters, villains, children that can bring drawings to life & secrets in the family! This has been a great read, both adults and children alike would enjoy this series? Good storyline, interesting characters. I would love to read a follow-up when Emily and Matt reach 16 - 18 - ish? Well done to the Barrowman's ! ;-))
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