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Saint Lupin's Quest Academy for Consistently Dangerous and Absolutely Terrifying Adventures #1
The Adventurer's Guide to Successful Escapes
Anne has spent most of her thirteen years dreaming of the day she and her best friend Penelope will finally leave Saint Lupin's Institute for Perpetually Wicked and Hideously Unattractive Children. When the big day arrives, a series of very curious happenings lead to Anne being charged with an epic quest. Anne, Penelope, and new questing partner Hiro have only days to travel to strange new locales, solve myriad riddles, and triumph over monstrous foes--or face the horrible consequences.
First published September 13, 2016
About the author
Wade Albert White
5 books77 followersWade hails from Nova Scotia, land of wild blueberries and Duck Tolling Retrievers. He teaches part time, dabbles in animation, and spends the rest of his time as a stay-at-home dad. It is also possible he has set a new record as the slowest 10K runner. Ever. He owns one pretend cat and one real one, and they get along fabulously.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 255 reviews
July 25, 2016
When I was in 1st grade and my parents took me to the library every week, Louis Sacher’s Wayside School series was my comfort read. When I couldn’t find any new books that piqued my interest (and even when I did), I’d always be sure to grab any Wayside book sitting on the shelf. They were laugh-out-loud funny, no matter how many times I read them, and beneath the humor and the fantastic elements, they were written with a real affection for the characters and the world that always brought me back to spend more time with them.
I have a distinct feeling that The Adventurer's Guide to Successful Escapes and its sequels will be the Wayside School series for many kids. Hell, this will probably be Wayside School for me now. Wade Albert White has written simply one of the funniest, most addictive books I’ve read in a long while. It tells the story of a 13-year old orphan named Anne, who after spending her whole life at Saint Lupin's Institute for Perpetually Wicked and Hideously Unattractive Children waiting for an adventure, finds herself tasked with one bigger than she could have ever imagined. With the help of her best friend Penelope and a newcomer Hiro, Anne has to deal with everything from wizard bureaucrats and fireball-related transportation to robots, zombie-sharks and a literal card-carrying antagonist in order to compete her epic quest.
If you take the witty prose and self-awareness of Douglas Adams and Lemony Snicket and combine it with the wild future-fantasy setting and charming friendships in Adventure Time, you get this hilarious book. Practically every page made me either: a) smile, b) chortle, c) burst out laughing, or d) pester my friends by sending them texts of the best lines. Even between chapters, White refuses to give you a moment to catch your breath. Instead, he provides imaginative excerpts and quotes from important documents and lore within Anne’s world that make you wish you had access to those entire libraries. Not to mention the impeccable timing of these excerpts. A chapter will end just at the moment where a character is being attacked and you will turn the page to:
And in the rare case a page doesn’t make you laugh, you can always count on plot twists, intriguing world-building and lovely friendship moments from both the stalwart best friend and the surprising new acquaintances. Escapes is pure escapist fun, that sort of book with a unique magical something that'll keep you coming back. You'll flip it open to a moment you loved and before you know it, you’ve unintentionally finished the rest of the book again.
I have a distinct feeling that The Adventurer's Guide to Successful Escapes and its sequels will be the Wayside School series for many kids. Hell, this will probably be Wayside School for me now. Wade Albert White has written simply one of the funniest, most addictive books I’ve read in a long while. It tells the story of a 13-year old orphan named Anne, who after spending her whole life at Saint Lupin's Institute for Perpetually Wicked and Hideously Unattractive Children waiting for an adventure, finds herself tasked with one bigger than she could have ever imagined. With the help of her best friend Penelope and a newcomer Hiro, Anne has to deal with everything from wizard bureaucrats and fireball-related transportation to robots, zombie-sharks and a literal card-carrying antagonist in order to compete her epic quest.
If you take the witty prose and self-awareness of Douglas Adams and Lemony Snicket and combine it with the wild future-fantasy setting and charming friendships in Adventure Time, you get this hilarious book. Practically every page made me either: a) smile, b) chortle, c) burst out laughing, or d) pester my friends by sending them texts of the best lines. Even between chapters, White refuses to give you a moment to catch your breath. Instead, he provides imaginative excerpts and quotes from important documents and lore within Anne’s world that make you wish you had access to those entire libraries. Not to mention the impeccable timing of these excerpts. A chapter will end just at the moment where a character is being attacked and you will turn the page to:
“Getting your hand cut off is less fun than you might think it is.”
-A quote from some guy who got his hand cut off and discovered it was less fun than he thought it would be
And in the rare case a page doesn’t make you laugh, you can always count on plot twists, intriguing world-building and lovely friendship moments from both the stalwart best friend and the surprising new acquaintances. Escapes is pure escapist fun, that sort of book with a unique magical something that'll keep you coming back. You'll flip it open to a moment you loved and before you know it, you’ve unintentionally finished the rest of the book again.
August 8, 2016
This was the most fun I've had reading a hero's quest in ages. Wade Albert White's humorous voice is astounding, making this story captivating from page one.
THE ADVENTURER'S GUIDE is the story of a girl named Anne, her best friend Penelope, and a host of other characters inhabiting a unique world filled with floating islands of humanity. In this world, dragons abound, magick runs wild, and Anne finds herself in possession of a prophecy medal and a very short amount of time to fulfill its precarious demands.
With laugh out loud humor on every page, THE GUIDE is a fresh new take on the hero's quest that will keep fans of HARRY POTTER turning pages late into the night. I see a bright future for this original new fantasy series!
(I received an ARC in return for an honest review.)
THE ADVENTURER'S GUIDE is the story of a girl named Anne, her best friend Penelope, and a host of other characters inhabiting a unique world filled with floating islands of humanity. In this world, dragons abound, magick runs wild, and Anne finds herself in possession of a prophecy medal and a very short amount of time to fulfill its precarious demands.
With laugh out loud humor on every page, THE GUIDE is a fresh new take on the hero's quest that will keep fans of HARRY POTTER turning pages late into the night. I see a bright future for this original new fantasy series!
(I received an ARC in return for an honest review.)
May 26, 2016
Brimming with hilarity and buzzing with action, this clever adventure has something for every Middle Grade reader!
Who can resist a magical quest for an unknown destiny that involves cruel matrons, plucky gruel-eating orphans, ancient robots, dragons, and every conceivable adventure plot twist...delivered with the perfect touch of ironic humor? (Oh, and don't forget the zombie sharks.)
Wade Albert White delivers outrageous fun with quite possibly the most astonishing level of danger (and bureaucratic red tape) you've ever encountered. Enjoy the thrill ride! Join the quest! THE ADVENTURER'S GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL ESCAPES has it all!
Who can resist a magical quest for an unknown destiny that involves cruel matrons, plucky gruel-eating orphans, ancient robots, dragons, and every conceivable adventure plot twist...delivered with the perfect touch of ironic humor? (Oh, and don't forget the zombie sharks.)
Wade Albert White delivers outrageous fun with quite possibly the most astonishing level of danger (and bureaucratic red tape) you've ever encountered. Enjoy the thrill ride! Join the quest! THE ADVENTURER'S GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL ESCAPES has it all!
October 30, 2017
4.5 STARS Such fun!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this middle great adventure story. I could imagine Wade Albert White having the best time writing this. Fortunately, he doesn't strike me as one of those smug humorists who sits back after typing the last word and chuckles to himself over his own cleverness (and how much more clever he is than his readers); I really feel White is generous with his humor, writing a story he loves and then inviting us all aboard for a jolly good time. It also happens to be a jolly good yarn filled with a bit of magic, a bit of sci-fi, a bit of old-school questing, and a memorable cast of characters that includes haughty dragons, robots both good and bad, a feline headmistress, and sand wolves (that's wolves made of sand, not traditional wolves dwelling in sand, in case you were wondering). Our protagonist, Anne, is so easy to like. I really love that she is a strong female character yet she is not in-your-face clever or any of the other cliches that are getting a bit overdone in the post-Hermione middle grade world. Penelope and Hiro are both great side-kicks with some depth of their own. I found a few of the elements really refreshing, such as how the kids aren't 100% all-on-their-own during the quest (some adults do offer a bit of guidance and oversight at times, and that's kind of nice to see for a change, yet the kids also pretty much save the day on their own -- so the target audience still gets the satisfying kid-power message). One last little note, I appreciated the way the author described the characters; I am glad that books today tend to include characters of different ethnicity but it so often seems that it's just a given (in many cases) that a character is Caucasian unless otherwise noted. White actually described the various skin tones of all of the main characters, which I found refreshing--it just felt more matter-of-fact and equal that way. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for an original, entertaining, humorous, intelligent middle grade adventure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this middle great adventure story. I could imagine Wade Albert White having the best time writing this. Fortunately, he doesn't strike me as one of those smug humorists who sits back after typing the last word and chuckles to himself over his own cleverness (and how much more clever he is than his readers); I really feel White is generous with his humor, writing a story he loves and then inviting us all aboard for a jolly good time. It also happens to be a jolly good yarn filled with a bit of magic, a bit of sci-fi, a bit of old-school questing, and a memorable cast of characters that includes haughty dragons, robots both good and bad, a feline headmistress, and sand wolves (that's wolves made of sand, not traditional wolves dwelling in sand, in case you were wondering). Our protagonist, Anne, is so easy to like. I really love that she is a strong female character yet she is not in-your-face clever or any of the other cliches that are getting a bit overdone in the post-Hermione middle grade world. Penelope and Hiro are both great side-kicks with some depth of their own. I found a few of the elements really refreshing, such as how the kids aren't 100% all-on-their-own during the quest (some adults do offer a bit of guidance and oversight at times, and that's kind of nice to see for a change, yet the kids also pretty much save the day on their own -- so the target audience still gets the satisfying kid-power message). One last little note, I appreciated the way the author described the characters; I am glad that books today tend to include characters of different ethnicity but it so often seems that it's just a given (in many cases) that a character is Caucasian unless otherwise noted. White actually described the various skin tones of all of the main characters, which I found refreshing--it just felt more matter-of-fact and equal that way. I highly recommend this book if you're looking for an original, entertaining, humorous, intelligent middle grade adventure.
March 26, 2016
[from Lex Zacharias, age 12] One of the best books I have ever read. Better than Harry Potter. Wade White is the author of the century no doubt. Anvil is a remarkable character with good morals and a great sense of humour a great book for everyone! Thank you Wade for loaning me your advanced copy, I can't wait for the final copy to come out. I am already excited to read book two in the series!
May 23, 2016
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy for kids, but with added:
*Diversity
*Dragons
and, well...*Kids
Adorable and genuinely funny! Yay!
*Diversity
*Dragons
and, well...*Kids
Adorable and genuinely funny! Yay!
June 1, 2016
I received an advance readers copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Wow, this was outrageously fun! Anvil & Penelope (aka Anne & Pen) are desperate to escape from St. Lupin's Institute for Perpetually Wicked & Hideously Unattractive Children, where every orphan is treated with the same amount of disdain and neglect. With the help of a magick library book, a powerful gauntlet, and an enchanted sparrow, they join with a mysteriously brilliant sidekick named Hiro and a cast of surprising characters as they embark on a quest of a lifetime.
I had a ball rooting for these two. Brave and quick-thinking, Anne has a truly good heart. Pen, who is shunned thanks to her late parents' notorious failure, is feisty and hilarious.
Wade Albert White has created a fantasy-sci fi mash-up world full of excitement, camp, & laugh-out loud moments. Highly recommend for middle grade readers who enjoy adventure, magic, and humor!
Wow, this was outrageously fun! Anvil & Penelope (aka Anne & Pen) are desperate to escape from St. Lupin's Institute for Perpetually Wicked & Hideously Unattractive Children, where every orphan is treated with the same amount of disdain and neglect. With the help of a magick library book, a powerful gauntlet, and an enchanted sparrow, they join with a mysteriously brilliant sidekick named Hiro and a cast of surprising characters as they embark on a quest of a lifetime.
I had a ball rooting for these two. Brave and quick-thinking, Anne has a truly good heart. Pen, who is shunned thanks to her late parents' notorious failure, is feisty and hilarious.
Wade Albert White has created a fantasy-sci fi mash-up world full of excitement, camp, & laugh-out loud moments. Highly recommend for middle grade readers who enjoy adventure, magic, and humor!
November 11, 2018
What Fed My Addiction:
The humor!
This book is delightfully witty---I can't remember the last time I laughed so much when reading. And it's the kind of humor that both kids and adults can appreciate. I can tell you for sure that would have adored this book when I was a middle grader (it made me nostalgic for the Robert Asprin and Terry Pratchett books I read as a kid). Not only is the MC's voice fun, but there are hilarious tongue-in-cheek notes from a narrator between each chapter as well.
Full of adventure.
That title doesn't lie. Anne and her friends end up on a high-stakes quest that could start their careers as adventurers ... or kill them. They have to face down dragons, zombie sharks, sand wolves, ancient robots and more. And they have only their wits, a wooden sword, an old gauntlet, and some wayward magic to get them through it all. The pacing in this story is brilliant---our adventurers are always on the edge of failure, but they never feel like a lost cause.
Imaginative worldbuilding.
I was able to imagine this world perfectly---though I'm finding it hard to describe. It consists of a series of magically floating land masses, each with its own unique features and culture. Plus, I love the discoveries we make about this universe and its beginnings. The magic system is fun and unique, and there were constantly new discoveries to be made!
Full of surprises.
This was one of those books that kept me guessing. Even the tropes had fun twists to them. The ending was especially surprising. Just when I thought I had some idea of where Anne's quest was going to lead, it took a sharp turn that made the story even more rich and intriguing. We got a satisfying ending that still kept me wanting more! (Luckily, there is more!)
What Left Me Hungry for More:
I don't know---this was one of those books that kept me so entertained that I just couldn't focus on any of the negatives. I put this book down and just wanted to pick it right back up again!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
The humor!
This book is delightfully witty---I can't remember the last time I laughed so much when reading. And it's the kind of humor that both kids and adults can appreciate. I can tell you for sure that would have adored this book when I was a middle grader (it made me nostalgic for the Robert Asprin and Terry Pratchett books I read as a kid). Not only is the MC's voice fun, but there are hilarious tongue-in-cheek notes from a narrator between each chapter as well.
Full of adventure.
That title doesn't lie. Anne and her friends end up on a high-stakes quest that could start their careers as adventurers ... or kill them. They have to face down dragons, zombie sharks, sand wolves, ancient robots and more. And they have only their wits, a wooden sword, an old gauntlet, and some wayward magic to get them through it all. The pacing in this story is brilliant---our adventurers are always on the edge of failure, but they never feel like a lost cause.
Imaginative worldbuilding.
I was able to imagine this world perfectly---though I'm finding it hard to describe. It consists of a series of magically floating land masses, each with its own unique features and culture. Plus, I love the discoveries we make about this universe and its beginnings. The magic system is fun and unique, and there were constantly new discoveries to be made!
Full of surprises.
This was one of those books that kept me guessing. Even the tropes had fun twists to them. The ending was especially surprising. Just when I thought I had some idea of where Anne's quest was going to lead, it took a sharp turn that made the story even more rich and intriguing. We got a satisfying ending that still kept me wanting more! (Luckily, there is more!)
What Left Me Hungry for More:
I don't know---this was one of those books that kept me so entertained that I just couldn't focus on any of the negatives. I put this book down and just wanted to pick it right back up again!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
March 22, 2016
I received an Advanced Readers Copy in return for an honest review, which I am happy to provide.
I have been waiting a long time for the heir to Lemony Snicket & Patricia Wrede's Dragon books, and I have found him! Yup - Wade White is hysterically funny, brilliantly imaginative and his Anvil, a protagonist worth getting behind! Kids will love it for the cheeky humour and the rip-roaring adventure; adults will love it for its cleverness and brilliance. Me? Already counting the days till I can buy this book and contemplating buying stock in Wade White....
I have been waiting a long time for the heir to Lemony Snicket & Patricia Wrede's Dragon books, and I have found him! Yup - Wade White is hysterically funny, brilliantly imaginative and his Anvil, a protagonist worth getting behind! Kids will love it for the cheeky humour and the rip-roaring adventure; adults will love it for its cleverness and brilliance. Me? Already counting the days till I can buy this book and contemplating buying stock in Wade White....
October 2, 2016
I loved The Adventurer's Guide to Successful Escapes! The story is filled with original humor, exciting adventure, and cool world building. I cared about the characters, especially the determined Ann and her brave friend Penelope. I love how there's a bit of science fiction, and probably more on its way in the series. I can't wait to hand this one to my son who's moving from shorter, funny books to longer adventure series. Wade Albert White is a great new voice in the tween scifi/fantasy realm!
May 23, 2017
Ich hatte mich eigentlich auf dieses Buch sehr gefreut, denn die Mischung aus Abenteuer, Fantasy und Humor, die der Klappentext versprach, schien genau das Richtige für mich zu sein. Leider haben sich meine Erwartungen jedoch nicht erfüllt.
Worum geht es? Anne, eigentlich Anvil, sehnt ihren 13. Geburtstag am nächsten Tag herbei, denn dann kann sie endlich das Waisenhaus Saint Lupin's, in dem die schreckliche Oberin sie und andere Kinder als billige Arbeitskräfte (sogar steuerlich legal) ausbeutet, entkommen. Doch alles kommt anders. Anne bekommt keinen Passierschein, der sie von der Ebene bringt, sondern muss fliehen und wird von Lady Jocelyn von einer Abenteuerakademie angeworben und muss gleich darauf zu ihrer ersten Prophezeiungsmission aufbrechen. Zum Glück unterstützen sie dabei ihre beste Freundin Penelope und ihr neuer Mitschüler Hiro.
Klingt alles schön logisch, nicht wahr? Nur leider liest es sich nicht so. Stattdessen erinnert die gesamte Handlung an einen Terry Pratchett-Roman für Kinder. Absurd, unlogisch, undurchsichtig - aber für mich anders als ein Terry Pratchett-Roman leider irgendwie nicht mitreißend oder komisch. Entweder bin ich aus der Terry Pratchett-Phase rausgewachsen oder ich bin einfach nur aus der Zielgruppe dieses Buches herausgewachsen. Aber mir fehlte einfach was. Es passiert zwar viel, das spannend hätte sein können, aber es für mich nicht war. Ich kam mir leider wie in einer Welt gestrandet vor, die ich nicht verstehe, weder zu Anfang noch am Ende. Da ergeht es mir wie den Figuren, die in einer magischen Welten mit Rittern, Drachen, Zauberern, Sandwölfen, Zombiehaien, Prophezeiungen, etc. leben - und plötzlich erkennen müssen, dass einige davon Roboter sind, dass die ganze Prophezeiungen, etc. Überbleibsel einer antiken, fast vergessenen technologischen Welt sind.
Meine Sinnsuche oder zumindest der Versuch, die Grundlagen der Prophezeiungsmissionen zu verstehen, die nach irgendwelchen undurchsichtigen Regeln des Rats der Zauberer geregelt sind, scheiterte leider. Und so nahm der Spaß am Lesen für mich leider ab, je weiter ich kam.
"Saint Lupin's Academy - Zutritt nur für echte Abenteurer!" ist der 1. Band einer Kinderbuch-Reihe ab 10 Jahren, die ich leider nicht fortsetzen werde.
Worum geht es? Anne, eigentlich Anvil, sehnt ihren 13. Geburtstag am nächsten Tag herbei, denn dann kann sie endlich das Waisenhaus Saint Lupin's, in dem die schreckliche Oberin sie und andere Kinder als billige Arbeitskräfte (sogar steuerlich legal) ausbeutet, entkommen. Doch alles kommt anders. Anne bekommt keinen Passierschein, der sie von der Ebene bringt, sondern muss fliehen und wird von Lady Jocelyn von einer Abenteuerakademie angeworben und muss gleich darauf zu ihrer ersten Prophezeiungsmission aufbrechen. Zum Glück unterstützen sie dabei ihre beste Freundin Penelope und ihr neuer Mitschüler Hiro.
Klingt alles schön logisch, nicht wahr? Nur leider liest es sich nicht so. Stattdessen erinnert die gesamte Handlung an einen Terry Pratchett-Roman für Kinder. Absurd, unlogisch, undurchsichtig - aber für mich anders als ein Terry Pratchett-Roman leider irgendwie nicht mitreißend oder komisch. Entweder bin ich aus der Terry Pratchett-Phase rausgewachsen oder ich bin einfach nur aus der Zielgruppe dieses Buches herausgewachsen. Aber mir fehlte einfach was. Es passiert zwar viel, das spannend hätte sein können, aber es für mich nicht war. Ich kam mir leider wie in einer Welt gestrandet vor, die ich nicht verstehe, weder zu Anfang noch am Ende. Da ergeht es mir wie den Figuren, die in einer magischen Welten mit Rittern, Drachen, Zauberern, Sandwölfen, Zombiehaien, Prophezeiungen, etc. leben - und plötzlich erkennen müssen, dass einige davon Roboter sind, dass die ganze Prophezeiungen, etc. Überbleibsel einer antiken, fast vergessenen technologischen Welt sind.
Meine Sinnsuche oder zumindest der Versuch, die Grundlagen der Prophezeiungsmissionen zu verstehen, die nach irgendwelchen undurchsichtigen Regeln des Rats der Zauberer geregelt sind, scheiterte leider. Und so nahm der Spaß am Lesen für mich leider ab, je weiter ich kam.
"Saint Lupin's Academy - Zutritt nur für echte Abenteurer!" ist der 1. Band einer Kinderbuch-Reihe ab 10 Jahren, die ich leider nicht fortsetzen werde.
October 16, 2017
A really great madcap Middle Grade featuring snide dragons, wolves formed of sand, those mythical ROBOTS, found family, and enough dry humour to amuse adults reading while small people are more focused on the OMG CAT HEADMISTRESS OF SCHOOL. I got the best of both worlds really.
And oh my GOSH this is polished for a first book.
And oh my GOSH this is polished for a first book.
October 13, 2016
I'm back from vacation ya'll!
Unfortunately, this didn't ensnare me the way it did for everyone else. I blame myself entirely for that though--the day I finished this I was leaving for my first-ever trip to Europe, and I was all nerves and giddiness. It would definitely be fair to say that I wasn't fully focused on the book.
I think it was just too long for me at that time. It took too long to get to the meat and potatoes (of which I had lots of in Ireland, mmmmmm) of the plot and I started to get antsy waiting for the good stuff to happen. I did appreciate the variations in ethnicities and ingenuities, but I just wasn't hooked. Sorry, book! My bad!
Unfortunately, this didn't ensnare me the way it did for everyone else. I blame myself entirely for that though--the day I finished this I was leaving for my first-ever trip to Europe, and I was all nerves and giddiness. It would definitely be fair to say that I wasn't fully focused on the book.
I think it was just too long for me at that time. It took too long to get to the meat and potatoes (of which I had lots of in Ireland, mmmmmm) of the plot and I started to get antsy waiting for the good stuff to happen. I did appreciate the variations in ethnicities and ingenuities, but I just wasn't hooked. Sorry, book! My bad!
August 24, 2022
4.5 stars.
I liked this book much better than its sequel (which I read first). While the story was still a little "pull the main character along," there were a lot more plot twists and character development.
The main character is named Anvil, and she is joined by her friend Penelope from page one as they attempt to escape the orphanage where Anvil is being held prisoner. After a fortunate turn of events that sees them away from the orphanage, the two girls are joined by a boy named Hiro, and together they set off on a whirlwind adventure.
Anvil seems to be searching for her origins. She has no idea who her family might have been or where she came from. Thoughtful and introspective, finding clues about her past is a major driving force in her motivations. Penelope, on the other hand, knows exactly who her parents were. She's determined to climb out from under the shadow of their poor reputation, and she plans to do it by hitting everything that comes into range. Hiro is a bit of a mystery, and for good reason. He's just trying to stay under the radar as he learns to control his wacky magic, but his extensive knowledge and freakishly good memory make him a valuable ally. Together the three make a well-rounded, if poorly prepared, adventuring party.
The world-building in this story is wonderful. At some point in the world's past, the planet was shattered into chunks of land called tiers. Traveling between these tiers takes serious work, and poses one of the major challenges and unique aspects of the book. Most often the kids end up traveling by dragon fireball, though ancient portals also make an appearance. Each tier has distinct characteristics and inhabitants. For example, one tier is a desert which the kids cross on a sled pulled by sand wolves.
This book has a lighthearted tone of voice that is common among middle grade fiction. Dialogue often takes the form of joking banter. All the adults and most of the rules of their society are ridiculous. All in all this was a highly entertaining read.
I liked this book much better than its sequel (which I read first). While the story was still a little "pull the main character along," there were a lot more plot twists and character development.
The main character is named Anvil, and she is joined by her friend Penelope from page one as they attempt to escape the orphanage where Anvil is being held prisoner. After a fortunate turn of events that sees them away from the orphanage, the two girls are joined by a boy named Hiro, and together they set off on a whirlwind adventure.
Anvil seems to be searching for her origins. She has no idea who her family might have been or where she came from. Thoughtful and introspective, finding clues about her past is a major driving force in her motivations. Penelope, on the other hand, knows exactly who her parents were. She's determined to climb out from under the shadow of their poor reputation, and she plans to do it by hitting everything that comes into range. Hiro is a bit of a mystery, and for good reason. He's just trying to stay under the radar as he learns to control his wacky magic, but his extensive knowledge and freakishly good memory make him a valuable ally. Together the three make a well-rounded, if poorly prepared, adventuring party.
The world-building in this story is wonderful. At some point in the world's past, the planet was shattered into chunks of land called tiers. Traveling between these tiers takes serious work, and poses one of the major challenges and unique aspects of the book. Most often the kids end up traveling by dragon fireball, though ancient portals also make an appearance. Each tier has distinct characteristics and inhabitants. For example, one tier is a desert which the kids cross on a sled pulled by sand wolves.
This book has a lighthearted tone of voice that is common among middle grade fiction. Dialogue often takes the form of joking banter. All the adults and most of the rules of their society are ridiculous. All in all this was a highly entertaining read.
October 30, 2017
Loads of fun and refreshingly unpredictable!
The characters are delightful and ones I want to cheer on. And I like that the protagonist was multi-layered, not easily cliched, and very kind.
There were a few things I would have changed (I'm all for bending the rules when they are oppressively imposed, but I think I'd have liked a little more discussion on why this was okay, and I wasn't thrilled with fighting the one dragon who was, after all, just doing its job). But, those two things aside, I really loved the book! There are great messages which don't feel pushy, there's a beautiful sense of magic even though the book doesn't feel like its based on magic (not that I mind that, but it's nice to have diversity), the secondary characters all felt developed, and I was left with wanting more.
It is a series, so not all questions are answered within these pages, but the end still felt satisfactory.
The book is fun and really fast to read. It's easy to read without feeling simplistic. And the story clips along at a good pace. I can't think of any point where I felt the story slowed or became uninteresting.
And, again, it was very refreshing to have a protagonist who really wasn't "special" in any way, except for her determination, her heart, and her kindness. I'm off to get the second book now :)
And for a far better, more insightful review, please read this one:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The characters are delightful and ones I want to cheer on. And I like that the protagonist was multi-layered, not easily cliched, and very kind.
There were a few things I would have changed (I'm all for bending the rules when they are oppressively imposed, but I think I'd have liked a little more discussion on why this was okay, and I wasn't thrilled with fighting the one dragon who was, after all, just doing its job). But, those two things aside, I really loved the book! There are great messages which don't feel pushy, there's a beautiful sense of magic even though the book doesn't feel like its based on magic (not that I mind that, but it's nice to have diversity), the secondary characters all felt developed, and I was left with wanting more.
It is a series, so not all questions are answered within these pages, but the end still felt satisfactory.
The book is fun and really fast to read. It's easy to read without feeling simplistic. And the story clips along at a good pace. I can't think of any point where I felt the story slowed or became uninteresting.
And, again, it was very refreshing to have a protagonist who really wasn't "special" in any way, except for her determination, her heart, and her kindness. I'm off to get the second book now :)
And for a far better, more insightful review, please read this one:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
August 17, 2019
This book was delightful. It was funny and silly but was still a great story. It was just what I needed at this point in time (I had just finished reading something really heavy and needed a pick-me-up.
The book is about Anne and her friend Penelope, who are both orphans in a really horrible orphanage. When they turn 13 they are supposed to be kicked out but Anne doesn't get a ticket to leave. Then a mysterious professor from a quest school turns up with a gauntlet and an offer of an exciting career as an adventurer.
After some misadventures that puts her in peril and accidently activates a quest that needs to be completed in 4 days otherwise it will result in the end of the world. Anne and her friends must combat a number of shady characters to try to complete the quest in time.
Really enjoyable. I would recommend it if you were after a light read with a book that does not take itself seriously.
The book is about Anne and her friend Penelope, who are both orphans in a really horrible orphanage. When they turn 13 they are supposed to be kicked out but Anne doesn't get a ticket to leave. Then a mysterious professor from a quest school turns up with a gauntlet and an offer of an exciting career as an adventurer.
After some misadventures that puts her in peril and accidently activates a quest that needs to be completed in 4 days otherwise it will result in the end of the world. Anne and her friends must combat a number of shady characters to try to complete the quest in time.
Really enjoyable. I would recommend it if you were after a light read with a book that does not take itself seriously.
July 26, 2019
374 pages. I really enjoyed this book. The main characters are very believable and likable. I loved the humor throughout. There are so many little details that will make you wonder or laugh. It is kind of a combination of adventure and fantasy…with a little bit of sci-fi, too. Even though the protagonist is a girl, I think boys will love the story as well. The author wrote an amazing tale and I cannot wait to read the next one in this series. Bravo! Highly recommended for students in 5th -7th grade. Even though the main characters are 12-13 years old, I think it is appropriate for elementary kids.
March 30, 2018
Un roman beaucoup trop jeunesse pour moi mais malgré tout très intéressant ! L’univers était bien construit et super original et les personnages assez drôles !
June 26, 2017
Hilarious! Looking forward to the next Wade Albert White book!
February 20, 2016
The publisher is describing this book as “packed with action, humor, and endless heart” and this claim is totally accurate – it’s actually the perfect way to describe this wonderful, exciting and incredibly fun first novel in a series that will surely become a new favourite for many.
ESCAPES is the story of Anne, a young heroine who is incredibly likeable from the first second she appears. She’s had a tough upbringing as an orphan from Saint Lupin’s Institute for Perpetually Wicked and Hideously Unattractive Children (I will never get over how amazing that name is), but she hasn’t lost any of her warmth or her sense of adventure. She’s just a delight to get to know, and to root for once she begins her epic quest.
Speaking of her quest, which is the main focus of this book, it’s incredible. The world in which Anne lives is divided by pleateu-like floating worlds, each of which is totally different. Her quest takes her across a wide variety of these worlds, which leads great variety to the plot. Magic, dragons, robots: this book has them all, and each of these elements bounces off each other in such cool and interesting ways. I also really enjoyed the spins on all of these elements, for in this world, nothing is what you’d expect. I’m being vague here to avoid spoilers, but these genius twists on fantasy and sci-fi elements were one of my favorite parts of this book.
All in all, this is an amazing book, one that takes readers on a fun and action-packed adventure. I can’t wait for book two to read more about these loveable characters and this twisty, exciting world.
Note 1: I read an early draft of this, so things may have changed in the final version, just fyi.
Note 2: This book is incredibly diverse, so it holds an extra-special place in my heart because of that.
ESCAPES is the story of Anne, a young heroine who is incredibly likeable from the first second she appears. She’s had a tough upbringing as an orphan from Saint Lupin’s Institute for Perpetually Wicked and Hideously Unattractive Children (I will never get over how amazing that name is), but she hasn’t lost any of her warmth or her sense of adventure. She’s just a delight to get to know, and to root for once she begins her epic quest.
Speaking of her quest, which is the main focus of this book, it’s incredible. The world in which Anne lives is divided by pleateu-like floating worlds, each of which is totally different. Her quest takes her across a wide variety of these worlds, which leads great variety to the plot. Magic, dragons, robots: this book has them all, and each of these elements bounces off each other in such cool and interesting ways. I also really enjoyed the spins on all of these elements, for in this world, nothing is what you’d expect. I’m being vague here to avoid spoilers, but these genius twists on fantasy and sci-fi elements were one of my favorite parts of this book.
All in all, this is an amazing book, one that takes readers on a fun and action-packed adventure. I can’t wait for book two to read more about these loveable characters and this twisty, exciting world.
Note 1: I read an early draft of this, so things may have changed in the final version, just fyi.
Note 2: This book is incredibly diverse, so it holds an extra-special place in my heart because of that.
May 27, 2016
Adventure (& HUMOR), Cool Settings (& HUMOR), and Fun (with more HUMOR!)
What can I say? This is one of the most fun reads I've read in a long time. It wasn't just humor-filled, but utterly hilarious at points. Two lowly, yet clever and brave misfits paired up with an adequately skilled upper-class (my definition) for an adventure that takes them to far away lands via flames of a dragon's breath. Haha! (Don't worry. You'll understand after you read the story.) And of course there are all sorts of consequences and limitation to most - if not all - of the three main characters' actions.
The world building is really cool; just enough fantasy mingling with practicality. Fantastical creatures, vivid settings, and bold action bring this tale to life. Many fun pages of sneak peeks into the 'behind the scenes' of this world spoken directly to the reader. So clever! Boys will love the fast action - there's even a robot...EEK! - and girls will cheer for the two female characters, who just won't give up on their quest. Especially Anne. Her hero moments are special, inner growth that affects the story in a positive way, but doesn't always feel good. The reader grows along with her each time.
What can I say? This is one of the most fun reads I've read in a long time. It wasn't just humor-filled, but utterly hilarious at points. Two lowly, yet clever and brave misfits paired up with an adequately skilled upper-class (my definition) for an adventure that takes them to far away lands via flames of a dragon's breath. Haha! (Don't worry. You'll understand after you read the story.) And of course there are all sorts of consequences and limitation to most - if not all - of the three main characters' actions.
The world building is really cool; just enough fantasy mingling with practicality. Fantastical creatures, vivid settings, and bold action bring this tale to life. Many fun pages of sneak peeks into the 'behind the scenes' of this world spoken directly to the reader. So clever! Boys will love the fast action - there's even a robot...EEK! - and girls will cheer for the two female characters, who just won't give up on their quest. Especially Anne. Her hero moments are special, inner growth that affects the story in a positive way, but doesn't always feel good. The reader grows along with her each time.
December 10, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this from the first few chapters, but found myself liking it more and more as the book went on and I got more into the adventure! It's creative and fast paced and moves right along, and I really liked the mix of action and humor--and I liked the heroes, too. Not all of my questions were answered by the end, and it left me wondering about some things, but I still found it a satisfying ending. I'm looking forward to more adventures with Anne and company!
September 2, 2016
A fun adventure story about two orphan girls who become adventurers and quest bearers and have to save their world from evil! A bit of a post-apocalyptic setting with technology being broken and magic being more relevant. Really enjoyed the characters, plot and setting of this one! Read it in a day I enjoyed it so much!
June 2, 2018
3.5 Stars. I don't like much middle grade fiction, but this one was cute. I genuinely enjoyed it and found it funny.
IL: MG - BL: 5.7 - AR Pts: 10.0 374 pgs.
Anne is an orphan. She has spent her whole life at St. Lupin’s Institute for Perpetually Wicked and Hideously Unattractive Children. It’s not a good place to live. The matron is awful—she works the kids all day long, gives out awful punishments, and only cares about the money she can get from the government for orphan care. If the kids get adopted, that’s one less check for her, so she is proud of her adoption record—not one child has ever been adopted from St. Lupin’s.
Thankfully, the Matron stops receiving checks when the children turn 13. At that point, all the kids are shipped off to get jobs and make their fortunes. The luckiest kids will get selected for a Quest Academy. It’s what Anne and her best friend Penelope dream of--Quest Academy is your guide to a better future. You might go on a treasure quest and end up rich beyond your wildest dreams. You might go on an heir quest and end up inheriting a kingdom.
Unfortunately for the both of them, they have no chance of getting in. You must know who your parents are to qualify, and Anne has no idea. Penelope knows her parentage, but unfortunately, they had a disastrous failed quest and now no school will touch her. However, any job has to be better than living at St. Lupin’s.
Anne and her best friend Penelope should be on the ship away from Lupin’s. A crazy string of events involving the evil Matron, a fire lizard, robot minions, and a magical gauntlet lead to the two of them missing the boat (which is awful) but also getting recruited by a Quest Academy (which is amazing)!
They even have their first quest and another student to go adventuring with them. Here is the Cliffnotes version of that conversation:
Students: Let’s find out what level quest we must complete! It surely won’t be more than a Level 2—that would be quite advanced for new students.
Magical Quest Guide: It’s a level 13!
Students: *mouth drop* We’re going to die. How long do we have to complete the quest? The average quest lasts a year.
Magical Quest Guide: You have four days!
Students: Oh no! This is a disaster! What happens if we fail?
Magical Quest Guide: The world will end.
Students: Fantastic.
To find out how their almost-certainly-doomed quest goes, read The Adventurer’s Guide to Successful Escapes.
IL: MG - BL: 5.7 - AR Pts: 10.0 374 pgs.
Anne is an orphan. She has spent her whole life at St. Lupin’s Institute for Perpetually Wicked and Hideously Unattractive Children. It’s not a good place to live. The matron is awful—she works the kids all day long, gives out awful punishments, and only cares about the money she can get from the government for orphan care. If the kids get adopted, that’s one less check for her, so she is proud of her adoption record—not one child has ever been adopted from St. Lupin’s.
Thankfully, the Matron stops receiving checks when the children turn 13. At that point, all the kids are shipped off to get jobs and make their fortunes. The luckiest kids will get selected for a Quest Academy. It’s what Anne and her best friend Penelope dream of--Quest Academy is your guide to a better future. You might go on a treasure quest and end up rich beyond your wildest dreams. You might go on an heir quest and end up inheriting a kingdom.
Unfortunately for the both of them, they have no chance of getting in. You must know who your parents are to qualify, and Anne has no idea. Penelope knows her parentage, but unfortunately, they had a disastrous failed quest and now no school will touch her. However, any job has to be better than living at St. Lupin’s.
Anne and her best friend Penelope should be on the ship away from Lupin’s. A crazy string of events involving the evil Matron, a fire lizard, robot minions, and a magical gauntlet lead to the two of them missing the boat (which is awful) but also getting recruited by a Quest Academy (which is amazing)!
They even have their first quest and another student to go adventuring with them. Here is the Cliffnotes version of that conversation:
Students: Let’s find out what level quest we must complete! It surely won’t be more than a Level 2—that would be quite advanced for new students.
Magical Quest Guide: It’s a level 13!
Students: *mouth drop* We’re going to die. How long do we have to complete the quest? The average quest lasts a year.
Magical Quest Guide: You have four days!
Students: Oh no! This is a disaster! What happens if we fail?
Magical Quest Guide: The world will end.
Students: Fantastic.
To find out how their almost-certainly-doomed quest goes, read The Adventurer’s Guide to Successful Escapes.
September 4, 2018
If you enjoy snarky comments and plenty of humor, this enjoyable fantasy novel is for you. I'm a fan of snarky comments and humor so I really enjoyed this book. Anne has spent her entire life at St. Lupin's Institute for Perpetually Wicked and Hideously Unattractive Children (orphanage). The existence is not a pleasant one as the children spend most of their time completing punishments or doing chores. The only thing that made it bearable was the presence of her best friend, Penelope, and the library out of which she sneaks books to read. Anne is thrilled that the day has arrived that will allow her to leave. But things don't turn out the way she hoped. First she's told she has to stay for another year, then while tending the Matron's fire lizard, she falls off the end of the world (the world is made up of tiers that do end) before being recruited to a quest academy. But things get worse when she ends up in the orphanage dungeon followed by a crazy escape that leads to being blown on by a dragon and an encounter with zombie sharks.
Once she and Penelope arrive at the quest academy, Anne hopes things will calm down. But it turns out she inadvertently started a quest that she must complete. The problem: she has absolutely no training whatsoever and it's a high level quest. Disaster continues to plague Anne and her companions as they set out on their journey. But Anne's determination, Penelope's fierceness, and Hiro's magic may not be enough to save them.
The book contains advice from various quest-related books but in reality isn't very helpful. For example, in a pamphlet entitled: The Limitations of Forever: the reader is told "don't bother trying to picture infinity. It's impossible". For readers who enjoy a good dose of laughter along with their adventure this is a fabulous series. The unusual combination of quest literature, world tiers that end, and strange references to technology also make for a fun read.
Once she and Penelope arrive at the quest academy, Anne hopes things will calm down. But it turns out she inadvertently started a quest that she must complete. The problem: she has absolutely no training whatsoever and it's a high level quest. Disaster continues to plague Anne and her companions as they set out on their journey. But Anne's determination, Penelope's fierceness, and Hiro's magic may not be enough to save them.
The book contains advice from various quest-related books but in reality isn't very helpful. For example, in a pamphlet entitled: The Limitations of Forever: the reader is told "don't bother trying to picture infinity. It's impossible". For readers who enjoy a good dose of laughter along with their adventure this is a fabulous series. The unusual combination of quest literature, world tiers that end, and strange references to technology also make for a fun read.
March 10, 2017
Geschichten rund um Internate und Akademien haben es mir schon immer angetan, sodass ich auch auf "Zutritt nur für echte Abenteurer!", Band der "Saint Lupin's Academy"-Reihe gestoßen bin. Hier habe ich mir eine spannende und aktionsgeladene Geschichte gewünscht, die ich auch letztendlich bekommen habe.
Wade Albert White besitzt einen angenehmen Schreibstil, der sich nicht nur leicht und flüssig lesen lässt, sondern auch altersgerecht ist. Die Geschichte wird empfohlen für Leser zwischen zehn und zwölf Jahren, allerdings gibt es auch viele Momente, die durchaus auch ältere Leser ansprechen dürften.
Hierbei geht es um Anne, die gemeinsam mit ihrer Freundin Penelope in einem Waisenhaus lebt, wo es ihr allerdings nicht gut geht. Da Anne bald dreizehn Jahre alt wird und somit das Waisenhaus verlassen darf, hat sie die Hoffnung auf ein besseres Leben, allerdings lässt die Oberin sie nicht freiwillig weg, sodass Anne einen anderen Weg suchen muss, um aus dem Waisenhaus zu kommen. Hilfe bekommt sie dabei von Jocelyn, die sie auf eine Abenteuerakademie aufnimmt, bei der es nicht nur jede Menge Abenteuer zu erleben gibt, sondern auch sehr viele Gefahren, die sich Anne mit ihren neuen Freunden stellen muss.
Auch wenn man im Großen und Ganzen weiß, wohin die Geschichte führt, hat der Autor dennoch jede Menge Überraschungen und Wendungen in die Geschichte eingebaut, die mir sehr gefallen und für Spannung gesorgt haben. Die Figuren sind allesamt sehr gut ausgearbeitet, man lernt sie ausreichend kennen und stellenweise konnte ich sie auch ins Herz schließen, sodass "Zutritt nur für echte Abenteurer!" ein rundum gelungener Auftakt ist.
Die Covergestaltung ist sehr gelungen, da dieses nicht nur tolle Farben besitzt, sondern man immer wieder kleinere Details entdeckt, die die Geschichte so sehr ausmachen. Auch die Kurzbeschreibung ist gelungen und hat mich sofort angesprochen, sodass ich der Geschichte sehr gerne eine Chance gegeben haben.
Kurz gesagt: "Zutritt nur für echte Abenteurer!" ist ein toller und spannender Auftakt, der mit liebenswerten Figuren und vielen tollen Ideen daherkommt, sodass auch ältere Leser durchaus ihren Spaß an der Geschichte haben dürften. Ich bin begeistert und kann die Geschichte somit nur empfehlen.
Wade Albert White besitzt einen angenehmen Schreibstil, der sich nicht nur leicht und flüssig lesen lässt, sondern auch altersgerecht ist. Die Geschichte wird empfohlen für Leser zwischen zehn und zwölf Jahren, allerdings gibt es auch viele Momente, die durchaus auch ältere Leser ansprechen dürften.
Hierbei geht es um Anne, die gemeinsam mit ihrer Freundin Penelope in einem Waisenhaus lebt, wo es ihr allerdings nicht gut geht. Da Anne bald dreizehn Jahre alt wird und somit das Waisenhaus verlassen darf, hat sie die Hoffnung auf ein besseres Leben, allerdings lässt die Oberin sie nicht freiwillig weg, sodass Anne einen anderen Weg suchen muss, um aus dem Waisenhaus zu kommen. Hilfe bekommt sie dabei von Jocelyn, die sie auf eine Abenteuerakademie aufnimmt, bei der es nicht nur jede Menge Abenteuer zu erleben gibt, sondern auch sehr viele Gefahren, die sich Anne mit ihren neuen Freunden stellen muss.
Auch wenn man im Großen und Ganzen weiß, wohin die Geschichte führt, hat der Autor dennoch jede Menge Überraschungen und Wendungen in die Geschichte eingebaut, die mir sehr gefallen und für Spannung gesorgt haben. Die Figuren sind allesamt sehr gut ausgearbeitet, man lernt sie ausreichend kennen und stellenweise konnte ich sie auch ins Herz schließen, sodass "Zutritt nur für echte Abenteurer!" ein rundum gelungener Auftakt ist.
Die Covergestaltung ist sehr gelungen, da dieses nicht nur tolle Farben besitzt, sondern man immer wieder kleinere Details entdeckt, die die Geschichte so sehr ausmachen. Auch die Kurzbeschreibung ist gelungen und hat mich sofort angesprochen, sodass ich der Geschichte sehr gerne eine Chance gegeben haben.
Kurz gesagt: "Zutritt nur für echte Abenteurer!" ist ein toller und spannender Auftakt, der mit liebenswerten Figuren und vielen tollen Ideen daherkommt, sodass auch ältere Leser durchaus ihren Spaß an der Geschichte haben dürften. Ich bin begeistert und kann die Geschichte somit nur empfehlen.
March 10, 2021
This book is really funny. It has unexpected, quirky humor, which is my favorite kind. Too many books for kids this age rely on potty humor or rudeness to be funny, but this has genuine, clever humor to it. It made me laugh aloud!
It's all about a couple of orphan girls who go on a Quest thanks to a magic gauntlet one of them gets stuck on their hand. With the aid of a somewhat inept young wizard and an unpredictable instructor, they set off to find out where they belong and fulfill their Quest before time runs out. They encounter everything from a giant robot to wolves made of sand on the way, and have a series of more or less successful escapes, thanks in part to a magical book that sometimes tells them what they need to know.
It's all about a couple of orphan girls who go on a Quest thanks to a magic gauntlet one of them gets stuck on their hand. With the aid of a somewhat inept young wizard and an unpredictable instructor, they set off to find out where they belong and fulfill their Quest before time runs out. They encounter everything from a giant robot to wolves made of sand on the way, and have a series of more or less successful escapes, thanks in part to a magical book that sometimes tells them what they need to know.
March 2, 2017
Anne hat mit ihrem Platz im Waisenhaus buchstäblich den schwarzen Peter gezogen. Die Kinder müssen von Haferschleim überleben und schwer im Bergwerk arbeiten. Spätestens mit 13 Jahren werden die Insassen vor die Tür gesetzt, weil sich ein Waisenhaus sonst wirtschaftlich nicht lohnen würde. Die einzige Hoffnung auf Besserung bietet die Bewerbung für eine Abenteuermission, die Bürgern in jedem Alter offen steht. Weil Anne ihre Herkunft nicht nachweisen kann, wurde sie bisher immer wieder von Abenteuerakademien abgelehnt. Ihrer Freundin Penelope ging es nicht besser; ihre Eltern sind verunglückt und werden in der Magier-Bürokratie als Versager geführt. Noch vor ihrer Entlassung an ihrem 13. Geburtstag hat Anne ein Abenteuer-Handbuch aus der Bibliothek mitgehen lassen, das ihr bald gute Dienste leisten wird. Das magische Artefakt präsentiert in Form einer dynamischen Anzeige exakt die Informationen, die Anne gerade braucht. Ein weiteres überlebenswichtiges Requisit ist Annes reichlich betagter Panzerhandschuh, in dem ihr tierischer Begleiter lebt, der Sperling Jeffery. Anne ist die Hüterin des Sperlings. Weil Zauberer-Akademien auch nicht mehr sind, was sie einmal waren, und einem harten Konkurrenzkampf ausgesetzt sind, erhalten Anne und Penelope mithilfe der Mythologie-Professorin der kleinen, alternativen Todesberg-Akademie die Gelegenheit, in wenigen Tagen eine Turbomission zu erfüllen. Sollten sie versagen, muss die Akademie wegen Schülermangel geschlossen werden. Für Anne bietet eine Mission die willkommene Gelegenheit, endlich Genaueres über ihre Herkunft zu erfahren. Dem eingespielten Team Anne/Penelope stellt Lady Jocelyn als Quotenmann Hiro Darkflame an die Seite. Hiro übernimmt sofort die Führung. Das kann ja heiter werden. In einem alternativen Universum geht es lange nach unserer Zeit (der Alten Welt) an die Lösung des Rätsels des Unendlichen Turms.
Fazit
Fantasy ist ein Mehrgenerationen-Genre, weil jeder Leser die Handlung auf einer anderen Ebene aufnimmt. St. Lupin’s Academy erfindet das Fantasy-Genre und den Kosmos der Zauberer-Akademien nicht neu, nimmt beides jedoch vollumfänglich auf die Schippe. Dass 10-jährige Leser über den „offiziellen Antagonisten“ grinsen werden, erwarte ich nicht, lasse mich aber gern von ihnen überraschen. Mit der ironischen Läster-Ebene dieses Serienauftaktes habe ich mich als erwachsene Leserin köstlich amüsiert – ich sage nur: Schülerbewertungsbogen! Als Kind hätte ich mich liebend gern mit Annes Unangepasstheit identifiziert und sie schamlos um ihre Fertigkeiten beim Schlösserknacken beneidet. Im ersten Band dominieren noch die Einführung magischer Lebewesen und rasante Action-Szenen, für den zweiten Band wünsche ich mir eine Weiterentwicklung der Figuren und des Abenteurer-Teams mit seinem kleinen Schlauberger als Quoten-Jungen.
Fazit
Fantasy ist ein Mehrgenerationen-Genre, weil jeder Leser die Handlung auf einer anderen Ebene aufnimmt. St. Lupin’s Academy erfindet das Fantasy-Genre und den Kosmos der Zauberer-Akademien nicht neu, nimmt beides jedoch vollumfänglich auf die Schippe. Dass 10-jährige Leser über den „offiziellen Antagonisten“ grinsen werden, erwarte ich nicht, lasse mich aber gern von ihnen überraschen. Mit der ironischen Läster-Ebene dieses Serienauftaktes habe ich mich als erwachsene Leserin köstlich amüsiert – ich sage nur: Schülerbewertungsbogen! Als Kind hätte ich mich liebend gern mit Annes Unangepasstheit identifiziert und sie schamlos um ihre Fertigkeiten beim Schlösserknacken beneidet. Im ersten Band dominieren noch die Einführung magischer Lebewesen und rasante Action-Szenen, für den zweiten Band wünsche ich mir eine Weiterentwicklung der Figuren und des Abenteurer-Teams mit seinem kleinen Schlauberger als Quoten-Jungen.
July 11, 2017
Wow.
This book was weird. In an awesome page turning excitement gripping never predictable way. It was engaging and funny to the very last page!! I just wish the ending didn't leave with a few unanswered questions. I'm so glad I read this book because the world and plot are unforgettably original. And the characters, those characters were hilarious and unique!
This book was weird. In an awesome page turning excitement gripping never predictable way. It was engaging and funny to the very last page!! I just wish the ending didn't leave with a few unanswered questions. I'm so glad I read this book because the world and plot are unforgettably original. And the characters, those characters were hilarious and unique!
April 25, 2018
The setting is somewhere between fantasy, science fiction, and satire.
The characters (particularly the side ones) are downright funky, and always interesting.
The storytelling is what would happen if you had a mid-air collision between a high-octane action-adventure (that happened to be carrying the cargo of intrigue/mystery) and a rollicking, laid-back cheerful comedy.
And somehow it works.
I had a blast. I'm currently reading the next one. I'll read any other he writes. This book is ....easy to read.
Bonus points for being a male author who can convincingly write a female protagonist first crack out of the box.
The characters (particularly the side ones) are downright funky, and always interesting.
The storytelling is what would happen if you had a mid-air collision between a high-octane action-adventure (that happened to be carrying the cargo of intrigue/mystery) and a rollicking, laid-back cheerful comedy.
And somehow it works.
I had a blast. I'm currently reading the next one. I'll read any other he writes. This book is ....easy to read.
Bonus points for being a male author who can convincingly write a female protagonist first crack out of the box.
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