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The Universe Builders #3
Bernie and the Lost Girl
ASIN B01C0UBKWO moved to the most recent edition here
How did the young gods - Bernie, Suzie and Lenny - first meet?
Not long ago, a young girl disappeared, and all of God Town feared for her life. After extensive searches, little Emily could not be found. Only the woods remained to be searched - but that was a problem. The gods were so afraid of the woods, they would not venture there - not even to save the young girl's life.
Armed with nothing but courage and a magic stick, Bernie and his friends, Suzie and Lenny, enter a dark world filled with terrifying monsters. It will take a godly miracle to save them, and even that may not be enough...
If you liked Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or the tales of Terry Pratchett, this is a story for you. Join a new kind of hero on a great adventure as our young gods do something even the adults do not dare. Bernie and the Lost Girl is a stand-alone story and can be read before or after other stories of The Universe Builders.
Begin the adventure today. An extraordinary world awaits you…
How did the young gods - Bernie, Suzie and Lenny - first meet?
Not long ago, a young girl disappeared, and all of God Town feared for her life. After extensive searches, little Emily could not be found. Only the woods remained to be searched - but that was a problem. The gods were so afraid of the woods, they would not venture there - not even to save the young girl's life.
Armed with nothing but courage and a magic stick, Bernie and his friends, Suzie and Lenny, enter a dark world filled with terrifying monsters. It will take a godly miracle to save them, and even that may not be enough...
If you liked Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or the tales of Terry Pratchett, this is a story for you. Join a new kind of hero on a great adventure as our young gods do something even the adults do not dare. Bernie and the Lost Girl is a stand-alone story and can be read before or after other stories of The Universe Builders.
Begin the adventure today. An extraordinary world awaits you…
136 pages, ebook
Published May 1, 2016
58 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Steve LeBel
7 books287 followersWhat is the best way to describe an author who writes humorous fantasy?
Do we tell about bookshelves full of fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal books, his love of mythology, or the years he spent as dungeon master? Or is it more important to know his favorite player-character was a chaotic-good elf? What about that stack of old comic books he never seems to get rid of?
But there's a serious side too. The other half of his bookshelf is filled with books on management, marketing, computer programming, and financial analysis? What about his years as a hospital president, or the many businesses he created, his years as a stock trader? What about his early years counseling drug addicts?
Is there a pattern to his travels around the world? Why chose places like King Arthur’s Camelot, the Temple of Delphi, Buddha’s Tree of Enlightenment, China’s Forbidden City, or the Great Pyramid of Egypt? What is it he's searching for?
And what does any of this have to do with writing a good fantasy book?
Perhaps it’s that mix within Steve that makes The Universe Builders such a delightful story with such serious undertones.
Do we tell about bookshelves full of fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal books, his love of mythology, or the years he spent as dungeon master? Or is it more important to know his favorite player-character was a chaotic-good elf? What about that stack of old comic books he never seems to get rid of?
But there's a serious side too. The other half of his bookshelf is filled with books on management, marketing, computer programming, and financial analysis? What about his years as a hospital president, or the many businesses he created, his years as a stock trader? What about his early years counseling drug addicts?
Is there a pattern to his travels around the world? Why chose places like King Arthur’s Camelot, the Temple of Delphi, Buddha’s Tree of Enlightenment, China’s Forbidden City, or the Great Pyramid of Egypt? What is it he's searching for?
And what does any of this have to do with writing a good fantasy book?
Perhaps it’s that mix within Steve that makes The Universe Builders such a delightful story with such serious undertones.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 23, 2016
The second prequel in the young Young Adults fantasy series, The Universe Builders, revolving around a misunderstood young god, Bernie.
My Take
LeBel cracked me up from the start with his disclaimer about "any resemblance to actual gods … is purely coincidental". Hmmm, it seems that not only the omnipotent gods are afeared, but LeBel is hedging his bets too, lol.
LeBel makes his gods very human and insular. For such powerful (one would think) persons, they're very content to stay in The Town, not explore their world, and quite fearful of what lies outside The Town's boundaries. Like most people, they're willing to help their neighbors, as long as it's safe. To be fair, the woods and the Unknown Territory can be frightening, for the gods bring their living creations to The Town to play with and watch. And then let them go without care, so there are some terrifying beasties out there.
Emily is certainly quite human in her persistence in wanting to do big-girl things. One would think parents would have learned by now that "I said so" is not quite the end of any argument. In contrast to Emily's caring parents, there's Bernie's father. I hate him. I sure hope LeBel intends for Bernie to shine and shame his father.
I do like Bernie. He's goodhearted if clumsy, and he's been pushed ahead in school because of his father, which isn't fair. It's also Bernie's first time detecting, and it's cute how he finally figures out where it would be most practical to search. His mother is a peach as well. Terrified and angry with her son, but understanding of his reasons.
I liked Lenny's explanation of magic: technology we don't understand yet.
There's a feel of Star Trek in this with Kirk's adventures with various alien cultures who are as quirky as the Universe Builders with gods who are much like us. Well, okay, except that they build worlds like ours, lol.
The Story
Little Emily is lost, and her parents are frantic to find her. It's a blessing when the town pitches in to help, but only where it's safe to look. It'll take the intrepid Bernie with some loyal friends to venture forth into the wilds to search for the four-year-old.
The question is, will they return alive?
The Characters
All the characters are gods.
Bernie is a young god with a very chaotic and too mischievous cloud. Hannah is Bernie's mother, struggling to get by. "The Great" Simeon is his obnoxious father.
Suzie is Bernie's only friend. Emily is four years old and the only daughter of Aaron and Claudia who live in the Fourth Circle. Kissy is Emily's ever-present doll and confidante. Sarah is Emily's older friend.
The School's…
…primary purpose is to turn out new builders — builders create universes — although a number of students choose other professions. Jabal is an instructor. Fellow schoolmates include Billy who is a bully, Wanda, Tommy, and Lenny who is a year older than Bernie and a fellow builder student who likes to invent things.
The Town is…
…on a plateau and is where the gods live. The Town is actually quite big with its outermost circle four out from First Circle, the center of town with Central Plaza, ahem, at its center; the Second Circle is both exclusive residences and the business community; the Third and Fourth Circle are residential, although Third is a more distinguished address; and, Fifth Circle…*shudder*…is much too close to The Edge and only the very poor live there. Between the Fifth Circle and The Edge (where the plateau ends and the Unknown Territory *more shudders* begins with its many treacherous life forms) is the terrifying woods. No god dares foray into the woods or the Unknown! The Circles are connected by magical bridges.
A cloud is similar to an aura, and each god has his or her own cloud — with its own personality! A viewing window is similar to our computer monitors. The finder works on lost objects.
The Cover and Title
The atmosphere of the primarily black-and-white cover perfectly conveys the fear of young Emily with her tearful face as she clings to a tree in the woods. The title is angled across the top in turquoise while the author's name is at the bottom in white.
The title is succinct for the story is about "Bernie and the Lost Girl".
My Take
LeBel cracked me up from the start with his disclaimer about "any resemblance to actual gods … is purely coincidental". Hmmm, it seems that not only the omnipotent gods are afeared, but LeBel is hedging his bets too, lol.
LeBel makes his gods very human and insular. For such powerful (one would think) persons, they're very content to stay in The Town, not explore their world, and quite fearful of what lies outside The Town's boundaries. Like most people, they're willing to help their neighbors, as long as it's safe. To be fair, the woods and the Unknown Territory can be frightening, for the gods bring their living creations to The Town to play with and watch. And then let them go without care, so there are some terrifying beasties out there.
Emily is certainly quite human in her persistence in wanting to do big-girl things. One would think parents would have learned by now that "I said so" is not quite the end of any argument. In contrast to Emily's caring parents, there's Bernie's father. I hate him. I sure hope LeBel intends for Bernie to shine and shame his father.
I do like Bernie. He's goodhearted if clumsy, and he's been pushed ahead in school because of his father, which isn't fair. It's also Bernie's first time detecting, and it's cute how he finally figures out where it would be most practical to search. His mother is a peach as well. Terrified and angry with her son, but understanding of his reasons.
I liked Lenny's explanation of magic: technology we don't understand yet.
There's a feel of Star Trek in this with Kirk's adventures with various alien cultures who are as quirky as the Universe Builders with gods who are much like us. Well, okay, except that they build worlds like ours, lol.
The Story
Little Emily is lost, and her parents are frantic to find her. It's a blessing when the town pitches in to help, but only where it's safe to look. It'll take the intrepid Bernie with some loyal friends to venture forth into the wilds to search for the four-year-old.
The question is, will they return alive?
The Characters
All the characters are gods.
Bernie is a young god with a very chaotic and too mischievous cloud. Hannah is Bernie's mother, struggling to get by. "The Great" Simeon is his obnoxious father.
Suzie is Bernie's only friend. Emily is four years old and the only daughter of Aaron and Claudia who live in the Fourth Circle. Kissy is Emily's ever-present doll and confidante. Sarah is Emily's older friend.
The School's…
…primary purpose is to turn out new builders — builders create universes — although a number of students choose other professions. Jabal is an instructor. Fellow schoolmates include Billy who is a bully, Wanda, Tommy, and Lenny who is a year older than Bernie and a fellow builder student who likes to invent things.
The Town is…
…on a plateau and is where the gods live. The Town is actually quite big with its outermost circle four out from First Circle, the center of town with Central Plaza, ahem, at its center; the Second Circle is both exclusive residences and the business community; the Third and Fourth Circle are residential, although Third is a more distinguished address; and, Fifth Circle…*shudder*…is much too close to The Edge and only the very poor live there. Between the Fifth Circle and The Edge (where the plateau ends and the Unknown Territory *more shudders* begins with its many treacherous life forms) is the terrifying woods. No god dares foray into the woods or the Unknown! The Circles are connected by magical bridges.
A cloud is similar to an aura, and each god has his or her own cloud — with its own personality! A viewing window is similar to our computer monitors. The finder works on lost objects.
The Cover and Title
The atmosphere of the primarily black-and-white cover perfectly conveys the fear of young Emily with her tearful face as she clings to a tree in the woods. The title is angled across the top in turquoise while the author's name is at the bottom in white.
The title is succinct for the story is about "Bernie and the Lost Girl".
July 18, 2017
I got this book from the author when I signed up for his newsletter. It took me a while to read this. Finally, I have gotten to it and I felt like this story was too short. I wished it were longer.
The title of this book reminds me of a Lego toy. I think it has something to do with the word "universe builders". I have three nephews and one niece and they love playing with Legos. They build whatever suits their fancy and tickles their imagination. As it turned out, this story is not too far from my assumption about Legos. The only difference is instead of using blocks in building, the characters in this book build universes with moons and planets.
This is a fascinating story about a world of gods. Of young gods going to school to learn how to build universes. And like humans, not all of them are adept or skilled at universe-building. Universe-building is not a natural gift for every god. Young gods had to study to be able to learn how to do it. Bernie, the main character in this story is one great example. He is not good at universe-building. He is actually struggling in school. And what's harder is he has to measure up to his father who has won an award in universe-building. A father who left them to pursue his career further.
As I said, this story was too short for me. I wanted it to be longer. I wanted the author to explore more on the world where Bernie and the rest of the gods live. To expound more on their day-to-day lives. What really fascinated me about this story is that these gods, as I've mentioned are just like humans, they too have their own fears. One is not to go beyond the edge of the plateau where they live. It is an unknown world beyond the plateau. Even the forest is a place very few venture into.
I give the book 3/5 Lego blocks. I wanted more from the story. The characters of Bernie, Suzie and Lenny are promising to be very interesting characters. These three are turning out to be young law-breakers, in a good way. It is because, they are willing to break the rules to save someone even if it scares them out of their wits. They are willing to go out of their comfort zones and defy the norm. I like this wild streak they have in common and I am looking forward to the next dangerous and rule-breaking adventures of this trio.
When each child is born, Order and Chaos fight for dominance. For most children, it's a close battle, and the child ends up with only a slight inclination toward one side or the other. This imbalance is what we call the cloud...But for people like you Bernie, your cloud is so strong. When Order and Chaos were supposed to fight for you, Order never showed up.
- Steve Lebel, Bernie and the Lost Girl -
The title of this book reminds me of a Lego toy. I think it has something to do with the word "universe builders". I have three nephews and one niece and they love playing with Legos. They build whatever suits their fancy and tickles their imagination. As it turned out, this story is not too far from my assumption about Legos. The only difference is instead of using blocks in building, the characters in this book build universes with moons and planets.
This is a fascinating story about a world of gods. Of young gods going to school to learn how to build universes. And like humans, not all of them are adept or skilled at universe-building. Universe-building is not a natural gift for every god. Young gods had to study to be able to learn how to do it. Bernie, the main character in this story is one great example. He is not good at universe-building. He is actually struggling in school. And what's harder is he has to measure up to his father who has won an award in universe-building. A father who left them to pursue his career further.
As I said, this story was too short for me. I wanted it to be longer. I wanted the author to explore more on the world where Bernie and the rest of the gods live. To expound more on their day-to-day lives. What really fascinated me about this story is that these gods, as I've mentioned are just like humans, they too have their own fears. One is not to go beyond the edge of the plateau where they live. It is an unknown world beyond the plateau. Even the forest is a place very few venture into.
I give the book 3/5 Lego blocks. I wanted more from the story. The characters of Bernie, Suzie and Lenny are promising to be very interesting characters. These three are turning out to be young law-breakers, in a good way. It is because, they are willing to break the rules to save someone even if it scares them out of their wits. They are willing to go out of their comfort zones and defy the norm. I like this wild streak they have in common and I am looking forward to the next dangerous and rule-breaking adventures of this trio.
When each child is born, Order and Chaos fight for dominance. For most children, it's a close battle, and the child ends up with only a slight inclination toward one side or the other. This imbalance is what we call the cloud...But for people like you Bernie, your cloud is so strong. When Order and Chaos were supposed to fight for you, Order never showed up.
- Steve Lebel, Bernie and the Lost Girl -
June 17, 2017
I love the plot of this book. It's one I actually considered reality as a child (except in my mind, we were pets in a terrarium in the god-child's bedroom).
There were incredibly few grammatical errors in this book, which is so rare! I was able to focus on the story itself easily as a result. It is written with simplistic words, which are quite easy for a younger audience to read and understand clearly. It developed clearly through multiple character's viewpoints, which definitely adds interest.
I was slightly dumbfounded when they were using the finding stick to find the lost girl that they were concerned about becoming lost themselves in The Edge. Couldn't they just use the finding stick to find...school? Mom? Home? This was the only illogical area for me.
There were incredibly few grammatical errors in this book, which is so rare! I was able to focus on the story itself easily as a result. It is written with simplistic words, which are quite easy for a younger audience to read and understand clearly. It developed clearly through multiple character's viewpoints, which definitely adds interest.
I was slightly dumbfounded when they were using the finding stick to find the lost girl that they were concerned about becoming lost themselves in The Edge. Couldn't they just use the finding stick to find...school? Mom? Home? This was the only illogical area for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2017
Bernie is more than a god
Bernie is at it again, and along with Suzie and Lenny, he is searching for a lost girl. I like this new hero and hope there will be more Bernie adventures to come. Great adventure and wonderful writing. Bernie is courageous and brave, and personable, with the nerdy-edge.
Bernie is at it again, and along with Suzie and Lenny, he is searching for a lost girl. I like this new hero and hope there will be more Bernie adventures to come. Great adventure and wonderful writing. Bernie is courageous and brave, and personable, with the nerdy-edge.
April 26, 2017
Loved this story and the characters Bernie interacts with during the storytelling. The premise of the book is really interesting and Steve LeBel did a great job creating how the characters lived and where they reside. Highly recommend this book, it is both enjoyable and fun to read.
I received an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
I received an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
December 12, 2019
This story is a prequel to the author's first work "The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty". It takes place after the infamous "fight" and before most people have moved past that "fight" in "Bernie and the Putty". In this story, a young girl god, Emily, goes missing, her parents panicked and trying to find her. However, no matter how many times they search The Town the little girl is not discovered.
Our hero of the story, Bernie, deduces that the girl must have gone into The Woods at the edge of town. Since he lives near The Woods and does not fear them like everyone else, for in the Woods he has spent many a happy afternoon, he goes searching for her. Despite a rather thorough and meticulously grid-like search, he also comes up empty-handed.
Wanting two-fold to find her--first, he keeps thinking how scared and alone she must be and second, he wants to help since no one else is willing to go beyond the comfort of their known Town into the Woods or worse to The Edge into the Unknown Territory; when Lenny, an older builder student, comes forward with a possible method of finding the little girl, Bernie jumps on board. The two boys are ready to set off to search for the little girl, when Bernie's only friend Suzie declares she is going with them as well. Skipping school, the three young gods head into the woods and using Lenny's device, set their course to find Emily. It leads them deep into the Woods and then beyond the Edge into the Unknown Territory. Here, the three young gods must overcome their fears and work together to find the little girl.
When I read this story, I thought of my childhood and how I always imagined going on such an epic adventure with my friends. It was an enjoyable treat to be allowed to go along with Bernie, Lenny, and Suzie on theirs. I highly recommend this book!! It is a wonderful addition to Steve LeBel's writings and an intriguing setup to the world of the "Universe Builders".
Our hero of the story, Bernie, deduces that the girl must have gone into The Woods at the edge of town. Since he lives near The Woods and does not fear them like everyone else, for in the Woods he has spent many a happy afternoon, he goes searching for her. Despite a rather thorough and meticulously grid-like search, he also comes up empty-handed.
Wanting two-fold to find her--first, he keeps thinking how scared and alone she must be and second, he wants to help since no one else is willing to go beyond the comfort of their known Town into the Woods or worse to The Edge into the Unknown Territory; when Lenny, an older builder student, comes forward with a possible method of finding the little girl, Bernie jumps on board. The two boys are ready to set off to search for the little girl, when Bernie's only friend Suzie declares she is going with them as well. Skipping school, the three young gods head into the woods and using Lenny's device, set their course to find Emily. It leads them deep into the Woods and then beyond the Edge into the Unknown Territory. Here, the three young gods must overcome their fears and work together to find the little girl.
When I read this story, I thought of my childhood and how I always imagined going on such an epic adventure with my friends. It was an enjoyable treat to be allowed to go along with Bernie, Lenny, and Suzie on theirs. I highly recommend this book!! It is a wonderful addition to Steve LeBel's writings and an intriguing setup to the world of the "Universe Builders".
April 28, 2016
[ I received this novella free from the author as a beta reader. I thank him for him generousity. In exchange, I was simply asked to write an honest review, and post it. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising]
" I shouldn't be surprised they don't want my help. My life has been one rejection after another"
Bernie lives on the edge. And he has for the better part of his life. Standing up and defending the vunerable has gotten him in trouble. He's borderline at school. He's learned to find comfort being alone. Well, he's got his cloud of chaos which he cannot control. And his friend Suzie, and a guy from school, Lennie, although he's not sure if Lennie is his friend, he's just another misfit.
A little girl, Emily, decided that she was going to school to find Sara. All she'd have to do is remember how to get there. But as children are wont to do, she goes out, and wanders into the forest.... Everyone seems scared to be in the forest, except Bernie, he likes the quiet. He knows most of it....out to The Edge....and nobody goes there.
This powerful little story talks about taking risks and being brave, something everybody, even gods/ goddesses in LeBel's world are reluctant to be. Maybe we should be a little more like Bernie....learn to distract the chaos, and trust our instincts
People who know me learn very quickly how much I want everyone to read The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty the first book written by Steve LeBel. The originality of that work has won numerous well- deserved awards. This novella is a prequel to that book, and soon there will be a sequel to that first book. I, for one, can hardly wait!
" I shouldn't be surprised they don't want my help. My life has been one rejection after another"
Bernie lives on the edge. And he has for the better part of his life. Standing up and defending the vunerable has gotten him in trouble. He's borderline at school. He's learned to find comfort being alone. Well, he's got his cloud of chaos which he cannot control. And his friend Suzie, and a guy from school, Lennie, although he's not sure if Lennie is his friend, he's just another misfit.
A little girl, Emily, decided that she was going to school to find Sara. All she'd have to do is remember how to get there. But as children are wont to do, she goes out, and wanders into the forest.... Everyone seems scared to be in the forest, except Bernie, he likes the quiet. He knows most of it....out to The Edge....and nobody goes there.
This powerful little story talks about taking risks and being brave, something everybody, even gods/ goddesses in LeBel's world are reluctant to be. Maybe we should be a little more like Bernie....learn to distract the chaos, and trust our instincts
People who know me learn very quickly how much I want everyone to read The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty the first book written by Steve LeBel. The originality of that work has won numerous well- deserved awards. This novella is a prequel to that book, and soon there will be a sequel to that first book. I, for one, can hardly wait!
May 22, 2016
I received a free ecopy of this book from the author for an honest review.
It has been a while since I read The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty but I remember it well because it's one of my favorites. I was thrilled, of course, to read and review Bernie and the Lost Girl while I'm waiting for the next full length novel about Bernie.
Steve LeBel has created a world full of gods who are more like humans than we would imagine. They are more peaceful than humans and have their own town that is safe, and everyone is happy to stay there and not explore the rest of their world. Well, almost everyone. Bernie and his mom live close to The Woods and he likes to go into them and explore and has found some interesting animals. When four-year-old Emily disappears and it has become obvious that she must be in The Woods or beyond, Bernie is the first to volunteer to look for her.
Because this novella is so short, there isn't a lot of character development; however, there is enough for this to be a stand alone book. If you read Bernie and the Putty first, the same characters are in it and are well developed. Bernie, the main character, is a young god who has been through a lot in his short life. His friends, Suzie and Lenny, are scared but they can't let Bernie go alone into The Woods so they decide to help him look for Emily.
Bernie and the Lost Girl is well written and full of adventure. I definitely recommend this book for readers of all ages. I can't wait for the next one!
It has been a while since I read The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty but I remember it well because it's one of my favorites. I was thrilled, of course, to read and review Bernie and the Lost Girl while I'm waiting for the next full length novel about Bernie.
Steve LeBel has created a world full of gods who are more like humans than we would imagine. They are more peaceful than humans and have their own town that is safe, and everyone is happy to stay there and not explore the rest of their world. Well, almost everyone. Bernie and his mom live close to The Woods and he likes to go into them and explore and has found some interesting animals. When four-year-old Emily disappears and it has become obvious that she must be in The Woods or beyond, Bernie is the first to volunteer to look for her.
Because this novella is so short, there isn't a lot of character development; however, there is enough for this to be a stand alone book. If you read Bernie and the Putty first, the same characters are in it and are well developed. Bernie, the main character, is a young god who has been through a lot in his short life. His friends, Suzie and Lenny, are scared but they can't let Bernie go alone into The Woods so they decide to help him look for Emily.
Bernie and the Lost Girl is well written and full of adventure. I definitely recommend this book for readers of all ages. I can't wait for the next one!
July 18, 2016
original review @ JC's Book Haven.
In their world, there is no death. The gods live forever. That is unless something tragic happened. The gods are not immortal. They can be hurt — even killed. So, if they want to live forever, they have to be very careful. That meant avoiding any unnecessary risks. And the one thing all gods agreed on was this: the safety of their world ended at the edge of their town, where the woods begin.
The Good
For me I loved being able to see how Bernie,Lenny and Suzie first gelled as a small group of friends. Getting to see how they view each other and treat each other despite their parents views was entertaining. Seeing these all powerful gods cower at the ideal of leaving town was an enjoyable twist. It's interesting to me that with all the technology and animals they bring back to their world they still refuse to bring anything to help them explore their own world.
The Bad
I don't have any real complaints.
The Romance
No real romance with the main character as of yet. This story was mostly young godlings.
Conclusion
If you enjoyed The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty you will enjoy getting to know Bernie and his friends even more and find out how they ended up friends. The perfect little story to lead into the next book in the series. I can't wait to read more about Bernie and friends.
In their world, there is no death. The gods live forever. That is unless something tragic happened. The gods are not immortal. They can be hurt — even killed. So, if they want to live forever, they have to be very careful. That meant avoiding any unnecessary risks. And the one thing all gods agreed on was this: the safety of their world ended at the edge of their town, where the woods begin.
The Good
For me I loved being able to see how Bernie,Lenny and Suzie first gelled as a small group of friends. Getting to see how they view each other and treat each other despite their parents views was entertaining. Seeing these all powerful gods cower at the ideal of leaving town was an enjoyable twist. It's interesting to me that with all the technology and animals they bring back to their world they still refuse to bring anything to help them explore their own world.
The Bad
I don't have any real complaints.
The Romance
No real romance with the main character as of yet. This story was mostly young godlings.
Conclusion
If you enjoyed The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty you will enjoy getting to know Bernie and his friends even more and find out how they ended up friends. The perfect little story to lead into the next book in the series. I can't wait to read more about Bernie and friends.
October 19, 2016
This novella is set in the time before The Universe Builders. In this story, Bernie, our famous and most loved god (those who have previously read The Universe Builders may understand my sentiments) is but a 12 year old boy, still in God school. When a young goddess goes missing, it's left to Bernie to find and save her.
The story is short and to the point. However, it serves to give us an insight into the world and characters, making it easier to understand how Bernie, Suzie and Lenny end up as friends. A lot of the character and people dynamics is well explained. Those who have already read the main story will know that the woods are a place where no Gods dare venture. Bernie has spent many a days exploring some of it and thus knows that area better than most. When he offers to help, it is turned down and a dejected Bernie decides to take matters into his own hands. Accompanied by his soon to be best friends, he sets out on a mini adventure, all the time trying to control his mischievous cloud.
This is a wonderful short story and can be read before or after The Universe Builders. The order will not matter much, but this novella does lend some clarity to the world and people Steve has created. As usual Bernie's adventure and the trials the face on the journey are fun to read about.
The story is short and to the point. However, it serves to give us an insight into the world and characters, making it easier to understand how Bernie, Suzie and Lenny end up as friends. A lot of the character and people dynamics is well explained. Those who have already read the main story will know that the woods are a place where no Gods dare venture. Bernie has spent many a days exploring some of it and thus knows that area better than most. When he offers to help, it is turned down and a dejected Bernie decides to take matters into his own hands. Accompanied by his soon to be best friends, he sets out on a mini adventure, all the time trying to control his mischievous cloud.
This is a wonderful short story and can be read before or after The Universe Builders. The order will not matter much, but this novella does lend some clarity to the world and people Steve has created. As usual Bernie's adventure and the trials the face on the journey are fun to read about.
August 16, 2016
Bernie and the Lost Girl gives a deeper look into the world of the gods and proves even gods and be 'fraidy cats. Anything outside their literal circles of existence is unknown, undesirable, and absolutely terrifying. With all their imaginative capabilities, the wide array of creatures haunting the shadows of their hand crafted worlds, the gods cannot imagine, nor have any desire to discover, whatever lies beyond the edge of the forrest.
But a young girls life may depend on doing just that and Bernie can't stand by and watch as her parents fall to pieces searching for her.
Bernie shows what he's made of in this story of overcoming fear and true friendship. This book is a great opportunity to see what lies beyond the forrest and why the gods are so afraid of the unknown! Who made the gods? Why has history been left unrecorded? What in the world lies beyond the Forrest???
I have a feeling all these mysteries will be unraveled as the series continues. There's so much left to be said.
If you haven't read Bernie and the Putty yet, you can start with either book. They're easily stand alone books and you can't go wrong with either option.
But a young girls life may depend on doing just that and Bernie can't stand by and watch as her parents fall to pieces searching for her.
Bernie shows what he's made of in this story of overcoming fear and true friendship. This book is a great opportunity to see what lies beyond the forrest and why the gods are so afraid of the unknown! Who made the gods? Why has history been left unrecorded? What in the world lies beyond the Forrest???
I have a feeling all these mysteries will be unraveled as the series continues. There's so much left to be said.
If you haven't read Bernie and the Putty yet, you can start with either book. They're easily stand alone books and you can't go wrong with either option.
December 9, 2016
After being blown away by Steve LeBel's first book, Bernie & the Putty, I was anxious to get my hands on this prequel, which delved into the life of young gods Bernie, Lenny & Suzie when they were the "god" equivalent of middle-school age. It's certainly an interesting concept to think of all-powerful gods in such terms, but once you do, it's a great ride.
When a little girl goes missing in the mysterious woods near their home, it's up to our hero Bernie - who has a knowledge of the woods that most adults eschew - and his friends to rescue her. Simple, straightforward, not much gray area.
Mr. LeBel took great pains to establish all of his characters' personalities in Bernie and the Putty. However, in this prequel, the characters hit the ground running, and there's not much character development. (Does there need to be? Well, assuming you didn't read B&tP, it may be a problem, as you won't know the adolescents these kids are going to be.)
That being said, this is a great story for middle-school age kids to read. There are a few twists and turns, and the ending is really cool.
When a little girl goes missing in the mysterious woods near their home, it's up to our hero Bernie - who has a knowledge of the woods that most adults eschew - and his friends to rescue her. Simple, straightforward, not much gray area.
Mr. LeBel took great pains to establish all of his characters' personalities in Bernie and the Putty. However, in this prequel, the characters hit the ground running, and there's not much character development. (Does there need to be? Well, assuming you didn't read B&tP, it may be a problem, as you won't know the adolescents these kids are going to be.)
That being said, this is a great story for middle-school age kids to read. There are a few twists and turns, and the ending is really cool.
April 26, 2016
Having read his earlier work, I had high expectations from this book and could not resist the publisher's offer of a free copy in exchange for a review. I am glad to say the expectations have been fully justified. Even though I had a busy schedule, I found myself reading this book in just one go. The language is simple and lucid, the descriptions are realistic and easy to imagine, the sci-fi is plausible and the story is gripping and engrossing. Even though it is billed for 12-18 year olds, it has something for all ages. Even a grandfather like me found it a compelling read. I had read the other books in the series but even those not acquainted with the characters will still be able to enjoy the book. In fact the book is recommended as the first read. I have no hesitation in recommending this book for everyone.
May 22, 2016
I had previously read Bernie and the Putty and loved it so when I found this book available I jumped right on it. This book again shows us all of Bernie's uniqueness and courage. When Emily goes missing and is nowhere to be found in the first four circles God Town, only Bernie and his friends Suzie and Lenny are willing to look for her in the fifth circle and beyond. I am loving this world of God Town and can't wait to see what will happen next with Bernie and Suzie. The stories in The Universe Builders are stand-alones, but when read together show much more about Bernie's character and how he fits into his world of gods. I am looking forward to future books in this series.
October 24, 2016
Well written. The story was a good one, I read "Bernie and the Putty" not long after it came out, and I absolutely loved it. This short story has the same flavor as that, effectively keeping the characters true to the way they were written. It's a good intro for the other book, which follows the short story chronologically even though it was written first.
I like Steve Lebel's writing style, and have added him to my 'Read all the Author Writes' list. I'm looking forward to the next 'Bernie' book, which is coming out soon, I hope.
This is definitely a good read for kids, though I enjoyed it, too. (I'm not a kid, though!)
I like Steve Lebel's writing style, and have added him to my 'Read all the Author Writes' list. I'm looking forward to the next 'Bernie' book, which is coming out soon, I hope.
This is definitely a good read for kids, though I enjoyed it, too. (I'm not a kid, though!)
February 10, 2017
Bernie is a young god in training. This is the second adventure Steve takes us on with him. A young girl god is missing. All the adults have been searching the area but no one will go into the uncharted territory. Bernie is certain that is where the girl is, because they looked everywhere else. Bernie has gone into some of the wilderness at the edge of town. He is a loner and that is near his home. He offers to help by looking in the area but the adults say no. He enlists two friends and they decide to search together. The tale teaches the importance of friendship and the true meaning of courage. Great story!
November 4, 2016
This was an enjoyable book that should satisfy fans of Harry Potter. Bernie is a young god who is less than skilled in his Universe Building skills. When a little girl goes missing, he is the only one willing to brave the unknown areas of the woods to try to find her.
He is joined by his loyal friend Susie & Lenny, who is brilliant but friendless. Adventures, scares, danger, and humor abound throughout the book.
One quote that will stick with me : Magic is just technology we don't understand yet.
He is joined by his loyal friend Susie & Lenny, who is brilliant but friendless. Adventures, scares, danger, and humor abound throughout the book.
One quote that will stick with me : Magic is just technology we don't understand yet.
May 11, 2016
Bernie and the Lost Girl is an entertaining tale, but I'd have liked to see more character development. It seemed to me that the writer was rather depending on the characters he'd established so solidly in Bernie and the Putty, and that, I feel, is a mistake, especially in a prologue.
That said, the story is well written and moves to a satisfying conclusion. A little more dramatic tension wouldn't have hurt.
That said, the story is well written and moves to a satisfying conclusion. A little more dramatic tension wouldn't have hurt.
May 6, 2017
The First of the Universe Builders Series and a Great exciting read.
Made me think of Harry, Ron and Hermione from the Harry Potter books
going into the Forbidden Forest. I felt like I was on the Journey with them,
I'm so glad they got home in one piece and hope the scary big cat thing stayed put,
can't wait to see what young Bernie gets up to next another Adventure or in
Trouble or both, either way I'm sure I will enjoy it as much as the first if not
more so.
Made me think of Harry, Ron and Hermione from the Harry Potter books
going into the Forbidden Forest. I felt like I was on the Journey with them,
I'm so glad they got home in one piece and hope the scary big cat thing stayed put,
can't wait to see what young Bernie gets up to next another Adventure or in
Trouble or both, either way I'm sure I will enjoy it as much as the first if not
more so.
August 24, 2016
A young girl lost and a town full of selective volunteers. Selective in not wishing to leave their comfort zone. Selective in placing their own lives and fears ahead of the innocent young. Is it only the bravery (or naivety) of youth that can save the young, perhaps save us all?
The story is thought provoking and has something for all ages - a compelling read.
The story is thought provoking and has something for all ages - a compelling read.
November 9, 2016
Emily is lost, and the town is totally scared of going in the woods. That is the only place left to search. Bernie doesn't care, finding Emily is what counts. Off he goes with his friends. A great story, showing that if someone really cares, you will do anything in your power to help. Loved it. Can't wait for the next one
January 31, 2017
I enjoyed it. I thought it was an interesting story and a quick fun read. It held my attention to the end. I would have preferred a bit more description, but overall, it's a captivating tale of friendship and adventure. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story about friendship and doing the right thing even when you're scared.
March 29, 2017
My Review of Steve Lebel's The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Lost Girl
Read March 28 2017
A sweet story of childhood friends out to find a fellow schoolmate. My favorite part was the pesky cloud around the main hero. The story brings in some fascinating concepts, and shows that with help, and a little luck you can succeed. A great read for any child young or a little older.
Read March 28 2017
A sweet story of childhood friends out to find a fellow schoolmate. My favorite part was the pesky cloud around the main hero. The story brings in some fascinating concepts, and shows that with help, and a little luck you can succeed. A great read for any child young or a little older.
Read
April 4, 2017I voluntarily read the ebook for an honerst Review . Great book seeing how the gods approach the woods is interesting
January 9, 2019
This story is part of a box set but I wanted to say that it was enjoyable with an important message - do the right thing.
I'd read the other two books in this series some time ago, so knew this would be good, too, and although short, it expanded Bernie's world as well as further character development.
Well-written and fast-paced within a whimsical idea of gods and goddesses set in their own world as if human - including school.
Recommended reading.
I'd read the other two books in this series some time ago, so knew this would be good, too, and although short, it expanded Bernie's world as well as further character development.
Well-written and fast-paced within a whimsical idea of gods and goddesses set in their own world as if human - including school.
Recommended reading.
April 8, 2018
A great original book, I am always able to appreciate originality and good world building.
March 5, 2019
Short but good
As always, I enjoyed this Bernie book by Steve LeBel. Easy read with great characters. I just wish it was longer! 😊
As always, I enjoyed this Bernie book by Steve LeBel. Easy read with great characters. I just wish it was longer! 😊
November 18, 2023
Loved this just as much as the first one,onto the next one I can’t wait to see what happens next.
April 2, 2019
I read this book after the first two books in the series ("Bernie and the Putty" and "Bernie and the Wizards") While I enjoyed "Bernie and the Lost Girl" it wasn't my favorite. I enjoyed learning how the three friends in the books met. It took me a little bit to get into this one but it really picked up the pace at the end and I was frantically turning the pages to see what happened. This book also answered one of the questions I had after reading "Bernie and the Putty", what is the deal with the woods.
October 22, 2019
Not on KU, *is currently, one of those free hope you review it things, should go without saying that all my reviews are my own opinion, obviously have a lot and share them whether anyone wants them or not. The writer gives a blurb, the other reviewers give half the plot, more or less. Just read them already, there's a list of the titles out below. I'm helpful like that.Be nice to writers and they write more. *results may vary in your area/state/country
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty (The Universe Builders Series Book 1)
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Lost Girl (The Universe Builders Series Book 2)
COMING SOON TO A UNIVERSE-AL BOOKSTORE NEAR YOU June 15, 2017* EXACT TIME DEPENDS ON YOUR UNIVERSE/TIME ZONE/PLANETARY CYCLES
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Wizards
The continuation of the start of a whole new universe...literally.
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty (The Universe Builders Series Book 1)
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Lost Girl (The Universe Builders Series Book 2)
COMING SOON TO A UNIVERSE-AL BOOKSTORE NEAR YOU June 15, 2017* EXACT TIME DEPENDS ON YOUR UNIVERSE/TIME ZONE/PLANETARY CYCLES
The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Wizards
The continuation of the start of a whole new universe...literally.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews