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Arlo Finch #1
Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire
Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire is the first book in a spellbinding fantasy adventure series by screenwriter John August.
Some trails lead to magic. Some lead to danger.
As Arlo looked around, the walls of his room began to vanish, revealing a moonlit forest. Only his bed remained, and the frame of his window, through which he saw the girl. The world on her side of the glass was sparkling with silver and gold, like a palace made of autumn leaves.
She looked off to her right. Someone was coming. Her words came in an urgent whisper: "If I can see you, they can see you . . . Be careful, Arlo Finch.”
Arlo Finch thought becoming a Ranger meant learning wilderness skills, like camping and knots. But upon arriving in the tiny town of Pine Mountain, Colorado, Arlo soon learns there's so much more. His new friends Indra and Wu teach him how to harness the wild magic seeping in from the mysterious Long Woods—a parallel realm of wonder and danger.
First he must master the basics, including snaplights, thunderclaps and identifying supernatural creatures. But Arlo Finch is no ordinary Ranger, and this is no ordinary time. A dark and ancient force is sending threats into the real world . . . our world.
Through perilous adventures and close calls, Arlo is awakened to his unique destiny—but the obstacles he faces will test the foundations of the Ranger's Vow: loyalty, bravery, kindness, and truth.
A Junior Library Guild selection
Some trails lead to magic. Some lead to danger.
As Arlo looked around, the walls of his room began to vanish, revealing a moonlit forest. Only his bed remained, and the frame of his window, through which he saw the girl. The world on her side of the glass was sparkling with silver and gold, like a palace made of autumn leaves.
She looked off to her right. Someone was coming. Her words came in an urgent whisper: "If I can see you, they can see you . . . Be careful, Arlo Finch.”
Arlo Finch thought becoming a Ranger meant learning wilderness skills, like camping and knots. But upon arriving in the tiny town of Pine Mountain, Colorado, Arlo soon learns there's so much more. His new friends Indra and Wu teach him how to harness the wild magic seeping in from the mysterious Long Woods—a parallel realm of wonder and danger.
First he must master the basics, including snaplights, thunderclaps and identifying supernatural creatures. But Arlo Finch is no ordinary Ranger, and this is no ordinary time. A dark and ancient force is sending threats into the real world . . . our world.
Through perilous adventures and close calls, Arlo is awakened to his unique destiny—but the obstacles he faces will test the foundations of the Ranger's Vow: loyalty, bravery, kindness, and truth.
A Junior Library Guild selection
336 pages, Hardcover
Published February 6, 2018
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February 28, 2018
A few weeks ago, my husband sent me the first episode of this new podcast called Launch, saying that he thought I would enjoy it. So I gave it go, and turns out he was right. I loved it!
Launch is hosted by screenwriter John August, who recently decided he wanted to write a children’s book. So he did. And then he made a podcast about the creation of the book, starting with the moment he began writing his story, to in the latest episode discussing how books are printed. John August talks to people involved in every step of the process, including the man who designed the typeface used on the front of his new book.
After listening to the first four episodes, I decided that I actually really wanted to read this book, which was released on February 6, and is called Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire. It is a middle grade book, and is similar to the Percy Jackson or the Mysterious Benedict Society. So we went to our local Barnes & Noble and picked up a copy.
I have read some fantastic middle grade books as an adult, and I have also read some that I think I would have enjoyed much more if I had read them earlier in life. I was a little worried that this would fall into the latter category, as the Percy Jackson books did for me.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main character (Arlo Finch) is a young boy who moves to Colorado with his mom and sister. In an attempt to fit in, Arlo joins the Rangers group, which is similar to Boy Scouts. However, Arlo soon discovers that the Rangers do more than learn basic survival skills and go on camping trips. They learn about using the magic of the Long Woods to create snapfires and thunderclaps, and how to avoid creatures such as NightMares and Wisps. Arlo draws some attention from the darker forces of a newly discovered world, and as a result finds himself on quite an adventure.
Although this story seems to be another variation of the same plot line that is told in nearly every middle grade book (young boy finds himself on an unexpected adventure and turns out to be especially talented at some special skill, saving the day) there are a few things that make Arlo Finch’s story different. The writing of this book is very intelligent, and definitely helps cater the story to an older crowd. The book is also structured well- chapters are an appropriate length and always have little “cliff-hanger” endings, the pacing is spot on, the characters are well-developed... basically, I wasn’t bored, but the action also wasn’t so fast-paced that details are missed. Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire is the first in the trilogy, with the next book set to release in the spring of 2019. Although this book definitely set up plot lines for books to come, it was also a complete story in and of itself.
I had high expectations for this book and fortunately they were met. I am very excited to continue with the series. This group is appropriate for a wide variety of readers- from the 8-12 age group it was initially intended for, up through adults who need a little bit of extra magic in their life.
Launch is hosted by screenwriter John August, who recently decided he wanted to write a children’s book. So he did. And then he made a podcast about the creation of the book, starting with the moment he began writing his story, to in the latest episode discussing how books are printed. John August talks to people involved in every step of the process, including the man who designed the typeface used on the front of his new book.
After listening to the first four episodes, I decided that I actually really wanted to read this book, which was released on February 6, and is called Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire. It is a middle grade book, and is similar to the Percy Jackson or the Mysterious Benedict Society. So we went to our local Barnes & Noble and picked up a copy.
I have read some fantastic middle grade books as an adult, and I have also read some that I think I would have enjoyed much more if I had read them earlier in life. I was a little worried that this would fall into the latter category, as the Percy Jackson books did for me.
However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main character (Arlo Finch) is a young boy who moves to Colorado with his mom and sister. In an attempt to fit in, Arlo joins the Rangers group, which is similar to Boy Scouts. However, Arlo soon discovers that the Rangers do more than learn basic survival skills and go on camping trips. They learn about using the magic of the Long Woods to create snapfires and thunderclaps, and how to avoid creatures such as NightMares and Wisps. Arlo draws some attention from the darker forces of a newly discovered world, and as a result finds himself on quite an adventure.
Although this story seems to be another variation of the same plot line that is told in nearly every middle grade book (young boy finds himself on an unexpected adventure and turns out to be especially talented at some special skill, saving the day) there are a few things that make Arlo Finch’s story different. The writing of this book is very intelligent, and definitely helps cater the story to an older crowd. The book is also structured well- chapters are an appropriate length and always have little “cliff-hanger” endings, the pacing is spot on, the characters are well-developed... basically, I wasn’t bored, but the action also wasn’t so fast-paced that details are missed. Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire is the first in the trilogy, with the next book set to release in the spring of 2019. Although this book definitely set up plot lines for books to come, it was also a complete story in and of itself.
I had high expectations for this book and fortunately they were met. I am very excited to continue with the series. This group is appropriate for a wide variety of readers- from the 8-12 age group it was initially intended for, up through adults who need a little bit of extra magic in their life.
October 23, 2018
Wart Ihr früher bei den Pfadfindern? Ich schon. Mit stolz habe ich das fürchterlich störrische Khaki-Hemd und mein grünes Halstuch getragen! Das amerikanische Pendant zu unseren Pfadfindern sind die Ranger. Und um die geht es in diesem Buch. Aber nicht so normale Ranger wie Tick, Trick und Track beim Fähnlein Fieselschweif – nein, hier ist mehr Magie im Spiel…
Arlo Finch ist gern auf alles vorbereitet – eigentlich wie geschaffen für die Rangersin seinem neuen Wohnort Pine Mountain. Schnell findet er dort Anschluß und das gruselige Haus mit seinem seltsamen Onkel darin scheint plötzlich nicht nicht mehr ganz so mies. Doch darauf, was Arlo in den Long Woods erwartet, konnte er sich nicht vorbereiten, trotz Ranger Handbuch:
„Am liebsten hätte er die ganze Nacht in dem Buch gelesen, andererseits wollte er sich Zeit lassen, um jede Seite genießen zu können.“
Die Long Woods sind magisch. Wer sich in ihnen verirrt, der bleibt meist verschwunden oder kommt am anderen Ende der Welt wieder heraus. Doch da, wo die Long Woods auf unsere Welt treffen, vermögen die, die noch aufnahmefähig für die Magie um uns herum sind, tolle Tricks damit vorzuführen wie den Donnerknall oder Schnipslichter. Arlo erlebt nach zahlreichen Umzügen endlich sowas wie Heimat – auch wenn er von dunklen Mächten verfolgt wird…
„Während seiner kurzen Zeit in Pine Mountain war er wunderlichen Wesen und geheimnisvollen Kräften begegnet. Beinahe wäre er sogar getötet worden. Aber ohne es auch nur richtig mitzubekommen, hatte er zwei beste Freunde gefunden. Das war die größte Überraschung.2
Das Cover und die wunderschönen Illustrationen stammen aus der Feder von Helge Vogt. Absolute Meisterwerke. Auch wenn ich sonst nicht so sehr Fan davon bin, dem Leser eine bestimmte Vorstellung der Protagonisten vorzugeben – hier ergänzen die stimmungsvollen Bilder meine Phantasie perfekt.
John August ist eigentlich ein Drehbuchautor und Journalist. Die Phantastik ist aber schon immer sein Genre gewesen. Filme wie Big Fish, Charlie und die Schokoladenfabrik und Frankenweenie sind nach seinen Drehbüchern entstanden. Kein wunder also, dass es ihm in seinem Romandebut Arlo Finch gelingt Spannung und Humor so toll zu vereinen. Die Sprache ist immer klar und sehr gut auf die Zielgruppe abgestimmt. Die Spannung nud der Humor macht das Buch aber auch für Erwachsene Leser sehr attraktiv. Ich hatte sehr viel Freude beim Lesen!
Mein Fazit: Absolute Leseempfehlung. Lustig, spannend, mysteriös und actionreich – die perfekte Mischung für alle Altersklassen. Ich vergebe sehr gerne 5 von 5 Lieblingslesesessel und freue mich auf die weiteren Teile von Alro Finch! Band 2 erscheint im Herbst 2019.
Arlo Finch ist gern auf alles vorbereitet – eigentlich wie geschaffen für die Rangersin seinem neuen Wohnort Pine Mountain. Schnell findet er dort Anschluß und das gruselige Haus mit seinem seltsamen Onkel darin scheint plötzlich nicht nicht mehr ganz so mies. Doch darauf, was Arlo in den Long Woods erwartet, konnte er sich nicht vorbereiten, trotz Ranger Handbuch:
„Am liebsten hätte er die ganze Nacht in dem Buch gelesen, andererseits wollte er sich Zeit lassen, um jede Seite genießen zu können.“
Die Long Woods sind magisch. Wer sich in ihnen verirrt, der bleibt meist verschwunden oder kommt am anderen Ende der Welt wieder heraus. Doch da, wo die Long Woods auf unsere Welt treffen, vermögen die, die noch aufnahmefähig für die Magie um uns herum sind, tolle Tricks damit vorzuführen wie den Donnerknall oder Schnipslichter. Arlo erlebt nach zahlreichen Umzügen endlich sowas wie Heimat – auch wenn er von dunklen Mächten verfolgt wird…
„Während seiner kurzen Zeit in Pine Mountain war er wunderlichen Wesen und geheimnisvollen Kräften begegnet. Beinahe wäre er sogar getötet worden. Aber ohne es auch nur richtig mitzubekommen, hatte er zwei beste Freunde gefunden. Das war die größte Überraschung.2
Das Cover und die wunderschönen Illustrationen stammen aus der Feder von Helge Vogt. Absolute Meisterwerke. Auch wenn ich sonst nicht so sehr Fan davon bin, dem Leser eine bestimmte Vorstellung der Protagonisten vorzugeben – hier ergänzen die stimmungsvollen Bilder meine Phantasie perfekt.
John August ist eigentlich ein Drehbuchautor und Journalist. Die Phantastik ist aber schon immer sein Genre gewesen. Filme wie Big Fish, Charlie und die Schokoladenfabrik und Frankenweenie sind nach seinen Drehbüchern entstanden. Kein wunder also, dass es ihm in seinem Romandebut Arlo Finch gelingt Spannung und Humor so toll zu vereinen. Die Sprache ist immer klar und sehr gut auf die Zielgruppe abgestimmt. Die Spannung nud der Humor macht das Buch aber auch für Erwachsene Leser sehr attraktiv. Ich hatte sehr viel Freude beim Lesen!
Mein Fazit: Absolute Leseempfehlung. Lustig, spannend, mysteriös und actionreich – die perfekte Mischung für alle Altersklassen. Ich vergebe sehr gerne 5 von 5 Lieblingslesesessel und freue mich auf die weiteren Teile von Alro Finch! Band 2 erscheint im Herbst 2019.
December 5, 2020
ארלו פינץ' ומשפחתו נאלצים לנדוד ממקום למקום בשל העובדה שאביו נחשד בעבירה שאילצה אותו לברוח מארה"ב לסין.
לאחר שאימו שברה חלון במשרד רו"ח שהועסקה בו בשיקגו, הם מגיעים לתחנה האחרונה שלהם, עיירת הולדתה של אימו, פיין מאונטן לביתו של דודו.
פיין מאונטן היא לא עיירה רגילה. מתרחשים בה דברים מוזרים: ילדים נעלמים ביער וחוזרים בקנדה. גם יש ילדים שנעלמים ולא חוזרים. רוח של כלב שמת מלווה את ארלו, גלחליליות מפתות ילדים ללכת אחרי האור המתעתע שלהן למלכודות וסדנת האומנות של דודו מוקפת בקסם הגנה חזק
גם ארלו פינץ' הוא לא ילד רגיל. הוא עדין לא יודע את זה.
ארלו מצטרף לשומרי היער ומגלה את היכולות האישיות שנמצאות בו.
ספר נוער קיצבי, מותח ומעניין. עולם הקסם והאופל לא מפותח עד הסוף, והספר רק מציג רק התחלה של בניית עולם כזה, אבל אני מניחה שזה יקרה בספרים הבאים.
חבל שטרם תירגמו את יתר הספרים בסידרה. יש למה לצפות.
לאחר שאימו שברה חלון במשרד רו"ח שהועסקה בו בשיקגו, הם מגיעים לתחנה האחרונה שלהם, עיירת הולדתה של אימו, פיין מאונטן לביתו של דודו.
פיין מאונטן היא לא עיירה רגילה. מתרחשים בה דברים מוזרים: ילדים נעלמים ביער וחוזרים בקנדה. גם יש ילדים שנעלמים ולא חוזרים. רוח של כלב שמת מלווה את ארלו, גלחליליות מפתות ילדים ללכת אחרי האור המתעתע שלהן למלכודות וסדנת האומנות של דודו מוקפת בקסם הגנה חזק
גם ארלו פינץ' הוא לא ילד רגיל. הוא עדין לא יודע את זה.
ארלו מצטרף לשומרי היער ומגלה את היכולות האישיות שנמצאות בו.
ספר נוער קיצבי, מותח ומעניין. עולם הקסם והאופל לא מפותח עד הסוף, והספר רק מציג רק התחלה של בניית עולם כזה, אבל אני מניחה שזה יקרה בספרים הבאים.
חבל שטרם תירגמו את יתר הספרים בסידרה. יש למה לצפות.
March 20, 2019
Toen dit boek uitkwam was ik er al direct enthousiast over. Het verhaal klonk stoer en spannend, en het is geschreven door een succesvol scriptschrijver, dan moet het wel goed geschreven zijn.
Dit boek heeft al mijn verwachtingen meer dan overtroffen. Het is echt heel gaaf en stoer! Bomvol avontuur, en de grote rol die scouting erin speelt vind ik ook heel erg gaaf.
Het hoofdpersonage in dit boek is een jongen, en daar ben ik ook heel blij mee. Er zijn minder kinderboeken die jongens echt leuk vinden dan dat er boeken voor meiden zijn - hoewel dit boek natuurlijk ook heel goed door stoere meiden gelezen kan worden!
Dit boek vond ik echt heel spannend en avontuurlijk en ik ging helemaal op in dit verhaal.
Een uitgebreidere recensie is te vinden op het blog My Perfect Booklife van Monica Haak!
Dit boek heeft al mijn verwachtingen meer dan overtroffen. Het is echt heel gaaf en stoer! Bomvol avontuur, en de grote rol die scouting erin speelt vind ik ook heel erg gaaf.
Het hoofdpersonage in dit boek is een jongen, en daar ben ik ook heel blij mee. Er zijn minder kinderboeken die jongens echt leuk vinden dan dat er boeken voor meiden zijn - hoewel dit boek natuurlijk ook heel goed door stoere meiden gelezen kan worden!
Dit boek vond ik echt heel spannend en avontuurlijk en ik ging helemaal op in dit verhaal.
Een uitgebreidere recensie is te vinden op het blog My Perfect Booklife van Monica Haak!
August 9, 2020
Arlo moves back to the small town in the Colorado mountains where his mother was raised. His father has fled the U.S. to China, as he is being chased by the FBI over technology, and his mother lost her job after losing her temper. Arlo is a bit of a worrier and a loner, but eventually decides to join the Rangers, a local outdoors club, where the adventures go beyond the natural into the supernatural. It is nice that the Rangers are open enrollment: boys and girls, and his two closest friends are Indra (female Indian-American) and Wu (male Chinese-American); however, I found Arlo to be often indecisive, requiring his friends to lead. I liked the soapbox race, and Wu's grandfather's role in building their rig. A bit too reminiscent of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley...
March 5, 2018
It only took me like 4 hours to read this book!
This book was so adorable! The team-ness and kids-seeing-monsters-ness and the Rangers and the family...was just so sweet! I'll definitely read the next one!
This book was so adorable! The team-ness and kids-seeing-monsters-ness and the Rangers and the family...was just so sweet! I'll definitely read the next one!
January 10, 2019
This is going to be a tough review to write. I should state, right up front, that Arlo Finch is a fine book and I enjoyed it. That said, I should also say that I came to this book after listening to John August’s podcast about it (Launch) and so have had to try and unravel my feeling for the book from everything I brought to it with me. Baggage can be heavy.
The baggage is as follows: John August had never written a novel before this one. He is a screenwriter, and a good one. He started writing Arlo on a whim after a conversation in which the other participant had to explain what Middle Grade fiction is. With one draft of the first 6 chapters under his belt, he was able to sell this series. This is because of his connectedness to the publishing world via his screen writing. To his credit, August acknowledges that he has advantages.
So how did he do? Fine. Arlo Finch is a pretty good book. August is very, very good at plot and pacing. He has a command of structure. Drawing on his own experiences with scouting was a really great idea. On the flip side, his prose writing chops could use some work. His adjectives are often flat, cliched phrases abound, he often over describes by giving every single step in a process (like opening a door). Some parts, like how adults perceive and interact with the magical world, are under explained and confusing. As John August is undoubtedly talented, I presume he’ll improve quickly. This book would have been better if the author had spent the effort to write through 2 or 3 more revisions.
My main trouble is that John August isn’t a guy who reads Middle Grade. Or, more accurately, I get the strong impression that the only MG books he’s read are the ones everyone has read - Harry Potter. He spends a lot of time on his podcast talking about how Arlo Finch is totally not Harry Potter. But it is. It is because its author doesn’t have any other points of reference. I’m going to include a list of similarities between Arlo Finch and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They may be a bit spoiler filled. If you don’t want to know then now would be a good time to stop reading.
**********
The main character is a boy with a mild obsession with his missing father
He has a distinct facial characteristic
He goes to a new school which is strange and magical
At the school he meets his first real friends, a boy and a girl.
The new male friend is often used for comic relief
The new female friend is the super smart and organized daughter of medical professionals
A minor character friend is a girl who is oddly behaved and believes in strange theories (I do love Luna Lovegood)
Another boy at the school, from a rival group, unaccountably bullies the MC who reacts pugnaciously
A mysterious older man acts as a guide or guru
The MC can speak a strange language which others often can’t hear, but doesn’t understand why
The MC has strange visions through a glass
Mysterious forces are trying to kill the MC and only the intervention of the new friends and the mysterious guru stop it
The MC is accepted into a group that is a division of a larger social group, and must work to bring glory to his group. (Only 3 groups of rangers instead of 4 houses, but you get the idea)
The rival groups are engaged in a competition in which they must score points
There is a mysterious and dangerous forest into which the children must travel
Only by solving puzzles and being brave can the MC and his friends defeat the unknown enemy
The MC and his friends gain unexpected points which allow them to beat the hated rivals (although they don’t come in first in the contest)
There is a banquet scene at the end where the MC and his friends receive special recognition
There are probably more parallels that don’t spring to mind at the moment. You get the idea.
The baggage is as follows: John August had never written a novel before this one. He is a screenwriter, and a good one. He started writing Arlo on a whim after a conversation in which the other participant had to explain what Middle Grade fiction is. With one draft of the first 6 chapters under his belt, he was able to sell this series. This is because of his connectedness to the publishing world via his screen writing. To his credit, August acknowledges that he has advantages.
So how did he do? Fine. Arlo Finch is a pretty good book. August is very, very good at plot and pacing. He has a command of structure. Drawing on his own experiences with scouting was a really great idea. On the flip side, his prose writing chops could use some work. His adjectives are often flat, cliched phrases abound, he often over describes by giving every single step in a process (like opening a door). Some parts, like how adults perceive and interact with the magical world, are under explained and confusing. As John August is undoubtedly talented, I presume he’ll improve quickly. This book would have been better if the author had spent the effort to write through 2 or 3 more revisions.
My main trouble is that John August isn’t a guy who reads Middle Grade. Or, more accurately, I get the strong impression that the only MG books he’s read are the ones everyone has read - Harry Potter. He spends a lot of time on his podcast talking about how Arlo Finch is totally not Harry Potter. But it is. It is because its author doesn’t have any other points of reference. I’m going to include a list of similarities between Arlo Finch and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. They may be a bit spoiler filled. If you don’t want to know then now would be a good time to stop reading.
**********
The main character is a boy with a mild obsession with his missing father
He has a distinct facial characteristic
He goes to a new school which is strange and magical
At the school he meets his first real friends, a boy and a girl.
The new male friend is often used for comic relief
The new female friend is the super smart and organized daughter of medical professionals
A minor character friend is a girl who is oddly behaved and believes in strange theories (I do love Luna Lovegood)
Another boy at the school, from a rival group, unaccountably bullies the MC who reacts pugnaciously
A mysterious older man acts as a guide or guru
The MC can speak a strange language which others often can’t hear, but doesn’t understand why
The MC has strange visions through a glass
Mysterious forces are trying to kill the MC and only the intervention of the new friends and the mysterious guru stop it
The MC is accepted into a group that is a division of a larger social group, and must work to bring glory to his group. (Only 3 groups of rangers instead of 4 houses, but you get the idea)
The rival groups are engaged in a competition in which they must score points
There is a mysterious and dangerous forest into which the children must travel
Only by solving puzzles and being brave can the MC and his friends defeat the unknown enemy
The MC and his friends gain unexpected points which allow them to beat the hated rivals (although they don’t come in first in the contest)
There is a banquet scene at the end where the MC and his friends receive special recognition
There are probably more parallels that don’t spring to mind at the moment. You get the idea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2019
Fantastisk roman. En del lånte ting fra andre store fantasy værker, men den er stadigvæk sin egen, og den er spækket med action og bare en virkelig fed historie. Nu venter jeg bare på næste bind.
August 14, 2021
JEG. ER. FAN.
March 27, 2019
Meet Arlo Finch, his world is about to go topsy-turvy when he finds out that magic is real... and that someone is after him.
I have been trying to write a review for 6 days, but it just isn't working. May also have to do that I am sick as hell, and just want to sleep all day. I still want to give my thoughts on this book so I will write a good/not so good review.
Good:
-The scout stuff. Man, I wish my scout days were this awesome, I would have been way more enthusiastic about it. Magic, learning all sorts of epic unknown knots, sled racing, learning all about the woods and what is in it. Sign me up! And then there are all sorts of levels and with each one you get more epicness. *dreams*
-The town and the surrounding area. It sounds like a wonderful spot, I am not sure if I can hold it out there long, I didn't read about any bookstores or libraries, but if it had both those with a good stock, sure, sign me up to live there. Though, I would also like some internet. For my blog. To keep up with my friends and family. The woods are a slightly bit creepy, but I can live with that. It is a shame I am an adult and apparently adults seem to forget about the epic stuff happening in the area, but I just hope that I can still see things.
-The mystery. There is a ton of mystery, because someone is after Arlo. He is also seeing his patrol leader's missing (or is she) cousin and she talks to him and warns him. It makes me very curious as to what is up with Arlo. Why is he so special? What kind of powers does he have?
-I just love the new kids in town trope. Seeing the kids adapt to a life in the midst of nothing with weird things happening nearby is great fun. At first you see them struggle and they are angry for having moved so far away (especially Arlo's sister had that), but then you see them make friends, discover something special in this new space.
-The scary/exciting/OMG things that happen. You won't be bored as soon as the story takes off. It will keep you on your toes the whole way in, you will be right next to Arlo, as eager as he is with finding out what is going on.
-Arlo's new friends. They were just so sweet and I loved how they and Arlo clicked together. They quickly formed an amazing bond and I was smiling that Arlo found new friendship so fast.
-The fact that these kids in the town think that it is like this everywhere. While in fact Arlo has no clue on what they are talking about for about 99% of the time. :P
-Arlo. He will also make an appearance in the next part. I quite loved seeing him grow. From a new kid who is unsure about how things work and how to deal with this new situation to someone is getting stronger and more sure about things. He was brave, he never quit, and he made sure his friends and family were safe and OK.
-The cover is just amazeballs.
-The whole deal with Arlo's dad. I was saddened that he wasn't able to be with his family, but I am happy that they had a chance to at least talk to him each week. It made me feel very happy and warm inside each time they opened that laptop and had a good chat. Talking about anything and everything. I do hope that Arlo's dad is able to come back one day.
Not so good:
-A very slow start. It took me quite a bit to get into the book, but once I did I was totally immersed in the story.
-Arlo. Arlo was also fun, as you can see in the good part of the review. But at times he was just so dumb. He is 12 years old, but at times he acts more like an 8 year old. He didn't know some very basic and common things, he thought his sister was possessed when she started dating, and some other things. I was just shaking my head and wondering if Arlo was missing something in his head.
I still have questions, what connects Arlo with Rielle (their eyes at least, but there is more)? What happened to the yellow team on the scouts? What is hiding in the woods? Will Arlo be able to do more magic? Learn more magic? Will his dad come home? What is up with his uncle? I will be getting book 2 soon, I need it in my life.
This was a really fun, magical, amazing story and I would recommend it to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I have been trying to write a review for 6 days, but it just isn't working. May also have to do that I am sick as hell, and just want to sleep all day. I still want to give my thoughts on this book so I will write a good/not so good review.
Good:
-The scout stuff. Man, I wish my scout days were this awesome, I would have been way more enthusiastic about it. Magic, learning all sorts of epic unknown knots, sled racing, learning all about the woods and what is in it. Sign me up! And then there are all sorts of levels and with each one you get more epicness. *dreams*
-The town and the surrounding area. It sounds like a wonderful spot, I am not sure if I can hold it out there long, I didn't read about any bookstores or libraries, but if it had both those with a good stock, sure, sign me up to live there. Though, I would also like some internet. For my blog. To keep up with my friends and family. The woods are a slightly bit creepy, but I can live with that. It is a shame I am an adult and apparently adults seem to forget about the epic stuff happening in the area, but I just hope that I can still see things.
-The mystery. There is a ton of mystery, because someone is after Arlo. He is also seeing his patrol leader's missing (or is she) cousin and she talks to him and warns him. It makes me very curious as to what is up with Arlo. Why is he so special? What kind of powers does he have?
-I just love the new kids in town trope. Seeing the kids adapt to a life in the midst of nothing with weird things happening nearby is great fun. At first you see them struggle and they are angry for having moved so far away (especially Arlo's sister had that), but then you see them make friends, discover something special in this new space.
-The scary/exciting/OMG things that happen. You won't be bored as soon as the story takes off. It will keep you on your toes the whole way in, you will be right next to Arlo, as eager as he is with finding out what is going on.
-Arlo's new friends. They were just so sweet and I loved how they and Arlo clicked together. They quickly formed an amazing bond and I was smiling that Arlo found new friendship so fast.
-The fact that these kids in the town think that it is like this everywhere. While in fact Arlo has no clue on what they are talking about for about 99% of the time. :P
-Arlo. He will also make an appearance in the next part. I quite loved seeing him grow. From a new kid who is unsure about how things work and how to deal with this new situation to someone is getting stronger and more sure about things. He was brave, he never quit, and he made sure his friends and family were safe and OK.
-The cover is just amazeballs.
-The whole deal with Arlo's dad. I was saddened that he wasn't able to be with his family, but I am happy that they had a chance to at least talk to him each week. It made me feel very happy and warm inside each time they opened that laptop and had a good chat. Talking about anything and everything. I do hope that Arlo's dad is able to come back one day.
Not so good:
-A very slow start. It took me quite a bit to get into the book, but once I did I was totally immersed in the story.
-Arlo. Arlo was also fun, as you can see in the good part of the review. But at times he was just so dumb. He is 12 years old, but at times he acts more like an 8 year old. He didn't know some very basic and common things, he thought his sister was possessed when she started dating, and some other things. I was just shaking my head and wondering if Arlo was missing something in his head.
I still have questions, what connects Arlo with Rielle (their eyes at least, but there is more)? What happened to the yellow team on the scouts? What is hiding in the woods? Will Arlo be able to do more magic? Learn more magic? Will his dad come home? What is up with his uncle? I will be getting book 2 soon, I need it in my life.
This was a really fun, magical, amazing story and I would recommend it to all.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
June 25, 2019
Inkvotary
Arlo is finally there, where his mom grew up. A tiny town in the mountains, with a weird uncle and a lot of things he doesn´t know. His sister has started to act strange, no internet at his new home and a father far away, he becomes friends with some kids at school. And with them, he starts to discover that there is more to his new life than he could have ever imagined.
In a bit sarcastically tone, the author brings you close to the life and adventures, Arlo is experiencing after moving to Pine Mountain. A town that is like no other he´s ever seen or lived in. The mountains are filled with magic, ghosts, and a world, he can sometimes feel.
John August describes with only a few words all the magic things, Arlo experiences. There is the mood of a young boy who has to cope with everything new and try to fight the unexpected.
I had the most fun reading this book during one scene when Arlo and his uncle have to fight a creature that brought some anger, hate, and humor to the story at the same time. Holy heck, that was great!
Arlo is not like other 12-year-old boys. He is special. Not in a weird way, but yes, special. His elder sister is changing from one mood to the next, the house he lives in looks like a broken shell and his mother has a new job.
With some irony and the obvious thoughts about girls and everything else, the author has created a figure with Arlo who asks questions all the time and who thinks a lot about the “what if” and “how can it be”, etc.
I like Arlo very much.
This was a wonderful reading pleasure. I think boys will have a great time reading this. The mixture of magic, ghosts, adventure, and danger are very well done and with that end, the reader will definitely want to know how things with Arlo continue.
Arlo is finally there, where his mom grew up. A tiny town in the mountains, with a weird uncle and a lot of things he doesn´t know. His sister has started to act strange, no internet at his new home and a father far away, he becomes friends with some kids at school. And with them, he starts to discover that there is more to his new life than he could have ever imagined.
In a bit sarcastically tone, the author brings you close to the life and adventures, Arlo is experiencing after moving to Pine Mountain. A town that is like no other he´s ever seen or lived in. The mountains are filled with magic, ghosts, and a world, he can sometimes feel.
John August describes with only a few words all the magic things, Arlo experiences. There is the mood of a young boy who has to cope with everything new and try to fight the unexpected.
I had the most fun reading this book during one scene when Arlo and his uncle have to fight a creature that brought some anger, hate, and humor to the story at the same time. Holy heck, that was great!
Arlo is not like other 12-year-old boys. He is special. Not in a weird way, but yes, special. His elder sister is changing from one mood to the next, the house he lives in looks like a broken shell and his mother has a new job.
With some irony and the obvious thoughts about girls and everything else, the author has created a figure with Arlo who asks questions all the time and who thinks a lot about the “what if” and “how can it be”, etc.
I like Arlo very much.
This was a wonderful reading pleasure. I think boys will have a great time reading this. The mixture of magic, ghosts, adventure, and danger are very well done and with that end, the reader will definitely want to know how things with Arlo continue.
December 11, 2021
Wenn ich "Arlo Finch - Im Tal des Feuers" in einem Satz beschreiben müsste, wäre es vermutlich dieser: Jugendliche Pfadfinder erlernen die Überlebensfähigkeiten in den Wälder dieser und einer magischen Parallelwelt.
Für mich war der erste Band der "Arlo Finch"-Reihe ein typisches Abenteuer-Buch. Euer Kind ist gerne draußen in den Wäldern unterwegs zum Entdecken von Flora und Fauna oder zum Campen? Es glaubt an Magie? Dann ist dieses Buch genau richtig für es.
Arlo Finch, der 12-jährige Protagonist, zieht mit seiner Mutter und seiner 15-jährigen Schwester zurück ins abgelegene Heimatdorf seiner Mutter in der Bergen, Pine Mountains. Bereits die Ankunft erinnert an ein Abenteuer, denn das Elternhaus seiner Mutter, in dem nur noch ihr Bruder Wade - ein echter Sonderling, dessen Beruf es ist, Tiere auszustopfen - wirkt unheimlich und einsturzgefährdet und kurz darauf sieht Arlo zudem noch den Geist des früheren Familienhundes.
Dass Arlo anders ist als andere Kinder, wird auch deutlich, als er sich den Rangern anschließt, zu denen auch seinen neuen Klassenkameraden und Freunde Indra und Wu gehören. Denn schon bald endet eine Begegnung mit verwunschenen Geistwesen, die ein wenig an Irrlichter erinnern, fast mit seinem tödliche Sturz. Wollten ihn die Wische womöglich umbringen? Doch warum? Und weshalb gerade ihn?
Eine spannende Geschichte für junge Abenteurer über Freundschaft, das Entdecken der Natur und Magie!
Für mich war der erste Band der "Arlo Finch"-Reihe ein typisches Abenteuer-Buch. Euer Kind ist gerne draußen in den Wäldern unterwegs zum Entdecken von Flora und Fauna oder zum Campen? Es glaubt an Magie? Dann ist dieses Buch genau richtig für es.
Arlo Finch, der 12-jährige Protagonist, zieht mit seiner Mutter und seiner 15-jährigen Schwester zurück ins abgelegene Heimatdorf seiner Mutter in der Bergen, Pine Mountains. Bereits die Ankunft erinnert an ein Abenteuer, denn das Elternhaus seiner Mutter, in dem nur noch ihr Bruder Wade - ein echter Sonderling, dessen Beruf es ist, Tiere auszustopfen - wirkt unheimlich und einsturzgefährdet und kurz darauf sieht Arlo zudem noch den Geist des früheren Familienhundes.
Dass Arlo anders ist als andere Kinder, wird auch deutlich, als er sich den Rangern anschließt, zu denen auch seinen neuen Klassenkameraden und Freunde Indra und Wu gehören. Denn schon bald endet eine Begegnung mit verwunschenen Geistwesen, die ein wenig an Irrlichter erinnern, fast mit seinem tödliche Sturz. Wollten ihn die Wische womöglich umbringen? Doch warum? Und weshalb gerade ihn?
Eine spannende Geschichte für junge Abenteurer über Freundschaft, das Entdecken der Natur und Magie!
January 23, 2018
Loved Arlo, his friends, his tenacity, and his skepticism. The things he was doing hint at AWESOMENESS to come, or, as Wu said, “No one can do what Arlo can do. I believe him. I don’t need to know why or how.” I can’t wait to see where Arlo’s journey takes him and the Blue Patrol.
February 5, 2018
Loved Arlo and his friends! Great new middle grade fantasy about friendship and loyalty that’s packed full of adventure. Can’t wait to learn more of the Rangers secrets (what does that yellow neckerchief mean?) and about the Long Woods. Looking forward to a sequel!
March 10, 2019
Ce roman jeunesse est assez sympathique, avec un univers bien détaillé et merveilleux, malgré des schémas récurrents dans ce type de livres, rappelant Harry Potter.
https://auxpetitsbonheursweb.wordpres...
https://auxpetitsbonheursweb.wordpres...
July 13, 2018
I love middle-grade fiction. Who knew? I've long loved children's lit and YA, but I didn't realize how much I loved middle-grade fiction until I became a school librarian. I am finding more and more to love about books written for fourth through sixth graders. This book is DEFINITELY a book to love.
I discovered Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire thanks to John August's podcast Launch. If you haven't listened to it yet, you really should. It's a perfect podcast for books lovers. August walked us through the entire process of writing his first book. The podcast takes the listener along as he develops the story, finds an agent, thinks about offered movie deals (He's a screenwriter by trade.), etc. We even got to tag along as he watched his first book roll off the presses. After following along from idea to book tour, how could I not feel invested in Arlo's story?
Just because I was invested, don't think I was extra easy to please. It means I wanted it to be great, but I was also going to be very disappointed if it wasn't.
I'm not disappointed.
Before I had even finished Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire, I ordered it for my home library and my school's library. I can hardly wait to get this book into my fourth graders' hands. I love the action, the adventure, the teamwork, the values lessons inherent in the Ranger code. I love the magic and mystery and the way the Long Woods overlaps with our world. I love the Night Mare and the magical tree of fire. I am dying to make a thunderclap of my own and learn to tie knaughts. This was a fantastic book!
Want to know another thing to love about this book? It's an adventure story for boys and girls. This book will appeal to all but the most easily frightened of middle-grade readers. If I were still in the classroom, I would definitely use this one as a read aloud.
Read it. Read it soon.
I discovered Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire thanks to John August's podcast Launch. If you haven't listened to it yet, you really should. It's a perfect podcast for books lovers. August walked us through the entire process of writing his first book. The podcast takes the listener along as he develops the story, finds an agent, thinks about offered movie deals (He's a screenwriter by trade.), etc. We even got to tag along as he watched his first book roll off the presses. After following along from idea to book tour, how could I not feel invested in Arlo's story?
Just because I was invested, don't think I was extra easy to please. It means I wanted it to be great, but I was also going to be very disappointed if it wasn't.
I'm not disappointed.
Before I had even finished Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire, I ordered it for my home library and my school's library. I can hardly wait to get this book into my fourth graders' hands. I love the action, the adventure, the teamwork, the values lessons inherent in the Ranger code. I love the magic and mystery and the way the Long Woods overlaps with our world. I love the Night Mare and the magical tree of fire. I am dying to make a thunderclap of my own and learn to tie knaughts. This was a fantastic book!
Want to know another thing to love about this book? It's an adventure story for boys and girls. This book will appeal to all but the most easily frightened of middle-grade readers. If I were still in the classroom, I would definitely use this one as a read aloud.
Read it. Read it soon.
March 1, 2018
Loyal, Brave, Kind and True -
Keeper of the Old and New -
I Guard the Wild,
Defend the Weak,
Mark the Path
And Virtue Seek.
Forrest Spirits Hear Me Now
As I Speak My Ranger's Vow.
With such notable movies under John August's belt like Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Frankenweenie, I was a little excited about this book. The main character is your average 12 year old boy. Except he is smaller than his classmates, is worried about everything and he has heterochromia iridum. One of his eyes is brown and the other is emerald green. He moves to Colorado with his mom and sister to live with his uncle. His father is a fugitive from the FBI and is living in China. He joins the Rangers and becomes very good friends with the others in his group. When things get a little out of hand it is friendship, teamwork and the spirit of the Rangers that help save the day.
This is a good book for 4th graders through middle school. There are some fun parts that made me giggle and some exciting parts that made me read faster. Except for that fact that I had to sleep and go to work, I would have read it in a (long) day but is best if savored over a few days. It is obvious at the end of the book that the story goes on but the book left off at a good point. I can't wait to see what becomes of Arlo and his Ranger friends in 2019.
This is definitely a book that I will keep in stock and enjoy hand selling.
Keeper of the Old and New -
I Guard the Wild,
Defend the Weak,
Mark the Path
And Virtue Seek.
Forrest Spirits Hear Me Now
As I Speak My Ranger's Vow.
With such notable movies under John August's belt like Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Frankenweenie, I was a little excited about this book. The main character is your average 12 year old boy. Except he is smaller than his classmates, is worried about everything and he has heterochromia iridum. One of his eyes is brown and the other is emerald green. He moves to Colorado with his mom and sister to live with his uncle. His father is a fugitive from the FBI and is living in China. He joins the Rangers and becomes very good friends with the others in his group. When things get a little out of hand it is friendship, teamwork and the spirit of the Rangers that help save the day.
This is a good book for 4th graders through middle school. There are some fun parts that made me giggle and some exciting parts that made me read faster. Except for that fact that I had to sleep and go to work, I would have read it in a (long) day but is best if savored over a few days. It is obvious at the end of the book that the story goes on but the book left off at a good point. I can't wait to see what becomes of Arlo and his Ranger friends in 2019.
This is definitely a book that I will keep in stock and enjoy hand selling.
April 25, 2020
Arlo Finch lag nun gut 1 1/2 Jahre auf meinem SuB (Stapel ungelesener Bücher) was wirklich eine Schande ist. Ich bin ohne Erwartungen an die Geschichte gegangen, den Klappentext, den ich damals gelesen hatte, war mir nicht mehr präsent und so wurde ich dann sehr überrascht von der Geschichte.
Ich hätte nämlich nicht gedacht, dass sie mir s o gut gefällt. Gleich zu Beginn konnte mich das Buch packen und ich wurde in die Seiten gezogen und habe die Abenteuer mit Arlo und seinen Freunden erlebt. Ich mochte die Atmosphäre, die immer ein bisschen dunkel und gruselig war sehr gerne. Der Wald, die Wesen im Wald und die Frage, was ist da überhaupt los?
Arlo habe ich gleich in mein Herz geschlossen, ich mochte ihn sehr. Mit seiner Art zu denken, ist er mir ähnlich und so konnte ich mich gut mit ihm identifizieren und hatte dadurch gleich nochmal einen anderen bzw. besseren Bezug zu ihm. Aber auch seine Freunde mochte ich, sie sind ein schöner Haufen und man merkt, wie stark ihre Freundschaft schon nach so kurzer Zeit ist.
Da dies erst der Auftakt der Reihe ist, bleibt noch einiges ungewiss und ich freue mich schon sehr auf Band 2 und wie sich manche Dinge entwickeln werden. Dieser Band war schon sehr rasant und es gab einige spannende Szenen. Untermalt wurde dies noch durch die Illustrationen die es immer mal wieder gab, welche richtig schön waren.
Ich hätte nämlich nicht gedacht, dass sie mir s o gut gefällt. Gleich zu Beginn konnte mich das Buch packen und ich wurde in die Seiten gezogen und habe die Abenteuer mit Arlo und seinen Freunden erlebt. Ich mochte die Atmosphäre, die immer ein bisschen dunkel und gruselig war sehr gerne. Der Wald, die Wesen im Wald und die Frage, was ist da überhaupt los?
Arlo habe ich gleich in mein Herz geschlossen, ich mochte ihn sehr. Mit seiner Art zu denken, ist er mir ähnlich und so konnte ich mich gut mit ihm identifizieren und hatte dadurch gleich nochmal einen anderen bzw. besseren Bezug zu ihm. Aber auch seine Freunde mochte ich, sie sind ein schöner Haufen und man merkt, wie stark ihre Freundschaft schon nach so kurzer Zeit ist.
Da dies erst der Auftakt der Reihe ist, bleibt noch einiges ungewiss und ich freue mich schon sehr auf Band 2 und wie sich manche Dinge entwickeln werden. Dieser Band war schon sehr rasant und es gab einige spannende Szenen. Untermalt wurde dies noch durch die Illustrationen die es immer mal wieder gab, welche richtig schön waren.
May 27, 2018
This book! I just loved it. Middle grade that doesn’t talk down to the reader is always a winner in my book, but then on top of all of that, this book has a great adventure story. I found myself wanting to just keep reading this book until I could finish it. It killed me that it took several days because of other things in my life. I cannot wait to read this book with my son, and I kept telling Jim that he needed to read it. I think we’ll buy it on audio right before the second book comes out next year.
This book is rather like The Spiderwick Chronicles if it was a troop of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts instead of siblings. They’re ordinary kids in a rather unusual outdoors club where they also manipulate the magical properties of the world around them. There’s almost parallel dimensions where dangerous beings live out in the worlds. It hard to explain, but it’s more magical realism than true fantasy, and I loved it!
http://opinionatedbooklover.com/recen...
This book is rather like The Spiderwick Chronicles if it was a troop of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts instead of siblings. They’re ordinary kids in a rather unusual outdoors club where they also manipulate the magical properties of the world around them. There’s almost parallel dimensions where dangerous beings live out in the worlds. It hard to explain, but it’s more magical realism than true fantasy, and I loved it!
http://opinionatedbooklover.com/recen...
September 22, 2018
I read this to my 7 yr old daughter after we finished the Narnia series and were looking for something of similar quality. Not disappointed!! This is a fantastic tale, with great characters and themes. It is compelling and spooky, kind of like C.S. Lewis meets David Lynch, but also unapologetically 2018. The writing is excellent (I can't stand to read patronising, dull prose and find most children's books utterly tiresome to read). I enjoyed it as much as my daughter and would heartily recommend to any parent who wants to read good books to their child. Can't wait for the next one.
March 10, 2019
Middle school teachers, take note! This book reminded me how much I enjoy middle grade! I think if you love Percy Jackson, you should give Arlo a shot. Or, if you know anyone who is in scouts, rangers, beavers, girl guides or the like, buy them this book! It made me want to go out and tie knots. Or, alternatively, design a novel unit for a grade 6 class.
January 31, 2019
This is a great middle schooler book. It has quirky characters who each have their strengths, fantasy in creatures and another dimension, and suspense that keeps anyone turning the pages. Recommend for middle schoolers but really for anyone that wants a fun read.
March 4, 2018
Gravity Falls meets Harry Potter.
May 28, 2019
Such a fantastic story about friendship, loyalty, bravery, and a young kid finding his place in the world.
May 7, 2018
Imagine scouts but with magic and dark forces lurking in the woods where you camp. Lots of mystery and adventure here, sure to be a summer reading hit!
October 6, 2018
A fun, fantasy-laden mountain adventure story for young readers that doesn't speak down to them. I picked up this book to read with my ten year old and couldn't put it down myself.
December 12, 2018
3,5 ster, was een vermakelijk easy to read boek, ben benieuwd naar deel 2
September 24, 2018
Ich bin kein wirklicher Leser von Fantasy-Büchern, und habe daher auch gezögert, ob ich dieses Buch mit meinem Sohn lesen soll, vor allem da er erst 8 Jahre alt ist und die Hauptperson in diesem Buch schon 12. Aber er wollte so gern, und ich hab mich von ihm und den tollen Reviews für die englische Ausgabe überreden lassen.
Und es nicht bereut, denn die Geschichte hat mich wirklich begeistert! Der Fantasy-Aspekt um die Wesen aus der Welt hinter den Long Woods war zwar der Dreh- und Angelpunkt des Buches, und taucht kontinuierlich auf, aber trotzdem schilderte der überwiegende Teil das 'normale' Leben von Arlo Finch. Oder zumindest so normal wie es sein kann, wenn der Vater sich vor der Regierung in China versteckt und man nun mit Mutter und Schwester beim kauzigen Onkel in einem Bergdorf unterkommen muss, wo es noch nichtmal Internetempfang im Haus gibt. Dafür gibt es tolle Freunde und die örtliche Ranger-Truppe, der sich Arlo begeistert anschließt.
Für mich war das mal ein ganz neues aber auch spannendes Thema, das ich aus eigener Erfahrung gar nicht kenne und selbst aus Filmen kenne ich Pfadfinder nur ein bißchen. Am stärksten in Erinnerung blieb mir da der kleine Junge aus dem Disney-Hit "Oben", oder ein paar Folgen der "Paw Patrol", die meine Kinder begeistert schauen.
Ranger sind wohl eine spezielle Art von Pfadfindern, die es in bergigen Gegenden gibt. Die aber genauso gewisse Fertigkeiten zum 'Überleben in der Wildnis' erlangen müssen und nach abgeschlossener Prüfung ein Abzeichen bekommen. Doch sie lernen vor allem Teamgeist dort, und das war in diesem Buch nicht nur so ein Klischee und idealisiert dargestellt, sondern richtig differenziert und realistisch ausgearbeitet. Dass man sich in einem Team nämlich durchaus mal uneins sein kann, sei es eine Abstimmung zum Neubau eines Schlittens oder sei es welche Richtung im Wald die Truppe beim Wettkampf einschlagen soll. Es gibt auch Streits, oder Ängste, aber am Ende halten sie zusammen, was sich als sehr wichtig erweisen soll. Diese Darstellung des Zusammenhalts hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
Ebenso gut fand ich den Aufbau des Spannungsbogens. Es gibt schon im ersten Kapitel einen Ausblick auf die mystische Welt, als Arlo zum ersten Mal Cooper begegnet. Das steigert sich kontinuierlich, es tauchen immer mal wieder Gestalten auf, die die Sache spannend machen - bis es zum Finale kommt.
Ich konnte das Buch dann auch gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen, und habe nach den ersten Kapiteln zusammen mit meinem Sohn den Rest dann in einem Rutsch alleine weitergelesen.
Ich war anfangs ja unsicher, ob das überhaupt schon was für ihn wäre, oder er lieber noch 2 Jahre warten soll. Ich glaube aber schon, dass er es jetzt schon lesen kann. Es wird zwar auch mal dramatisch, aber nicht mehr als bei Harry Potter in den ersten beiden Büchern. Und vor allem ist der Schreibstil sehr angenehm und gut verständlich.
Zudem gibt es immer mal wieder ein paar Illustrationen, die die wichtigsten Dinge/Gestalten veranschaulichen. Und trotzdem sie nur schwarz/weiß sind, kann man das Feuer im "Tal des Feuers" regelrecht spüren, das ist richtig gut gezeichnet worden! Das Cover ist übrigens einsame Klasse (und viel besser als das vom englischen Original). Man kriegt ein Bild von den 3 Haupt-Charakteren; und der Titel, die Schnipslichter (oder sind es gar Wische?) und auch das blonde Geistermädchen sind erhaben und zu erfühlen. Fühlt sich toll an, das Buch in der Hand zu haben.
Am Ende gibt es einen kleinen Ausblick auf den 2. Teil, der fix auf unserer Leseliste steht!
Und es nicht bereut, denn die Geschichte hat mich wirklich begeistert! Der Fantasy-Aspekt um die Wesen aus der Welt hinter den Long Woods war zwar der Dreh- und Angelpunkt des Buches, und taucht kontinuierlich auf, aber trotzdem schilderte der überwiegende Teil das 'normale' Leben von Arlo Finch. Oder zumindest so normal wie es sein kann, wenn der Vater sich vor der Regierung in China versteckt und man nun mit Mutter und Schwester beim kauzigen Onkel in einem Bergdorf unterkommen muss, wo es noch nichtmal Internetempfang im Haus gibt. Dafür gibt es tolle Freunde und die örtliche Ranger-Truppe, der sich Arlo begeistert anschließt.
Für mich war das mal ein ganz neues aber auch spannendes Thema, das ich aus eigener Erfahrung gar nicht kenne und selbst aus Filmen kenne ich Pfadfinder nur ein bißchen. Am stärksten in Erinnerung blieb mir da der kleine Junge aus dem Disney-Hit "Oben", oder ein paar Folgen der "Paw Patrol", die meine Kinder begeistert schauen.
Ranger sind wohl eine spezielle Art von Pfadfindern, die es in bergigen Gegenden gibt. Die aber genauso gewisse Fertigkeiten zum 'Überleben in der Wildnis' erlangen müssen und nach abgeschlossener Prüfung ein Abzeichen bekommen. Doch sie lernen vor allem Teamgeist dort, und das war in diesem Buch nicht nur so ein Klischee und idealisiert dargestellt, sondern richtig differenziert und realistisch ausgearbeitet. Dass man sich in einem Team nämlich durchaus mal uneins sein kann, sei es eine Abstimmung zum Neubau eines Schlittens oder sei es welche Richtung im Wald die Truppe beim Wettkampf einschlagen soll. Es gibt auch Streits, oder Ängste, aber am Ende halten sie zusammen, was sich als sehr wichtig erweisen soll. Diese Darstellung des Zusammenhalts hat mir sehr gut gefallen.
Ebenso gut fand ich den Aufbau des Spannungsbogens. Es gibt schon im ersten Kapitel einen Ausblick auf die mystische Welt, als Arlo zum ersten Mal Cooper begegnet. Das steigert sich kontinuierlich, es tauchen immer mal wieder Gestalten auf, die die Sache spannend machen - bis es zum Finale kommt.
Ich konnte das Buch dann auch gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen, und habe nach den ersten Kapiteln zusammen mit meinem Sohn den Rest dann in einem Rutsch alleine weitergelesen.
Ich war anfangs ja unsicher, ob das überhaupt schon was für ihn wäre, oder er lieber noch 2 Jahre warten soll. Ich glaube aber schon, dass er es jetzt schon lesen kann. Es wird zwar auch mal dramatisch, aber nicht mehr als bei Harry Potter in den ersten beiden Büchern. Und vor allem ist der Schreibstil sehr angenehm und gut verständlich.
Zudem gibt es immer mal wieder ein paar Illustrationen, die die wichtigsten Dinge/Gestalten veranschaulichen. Und trotzdem sie nur schwarz/weiß sind, kann man das Feuer im "Tal des Feuers" regelrecht spüren, das ist richtig gut gezeichnet worden! Das Cover ist übrigens einsame Klasse (und viel besser als das vom englischen Original). Man kriegt ein Bild von den 3 Haupt-Charakteren; und der Titel, die Schnipslichter (oder sind es gar Wische?) und auch das blonde Geistermädchen sind erhaben und zu erfühlen. Fühlt sich toll an, das Buch in der Hand zu haben.
Am Ende gibt es einen kleinen Ausblick auf den 2. Teil, der fix auf unserer Leseliste steht!
August 3, 2023
✨10/10✨
Mükemmeldi! Serinin kitabını heyecanla bekliyorum 🥳😍
Mükemmeldi! Serinin kitabını heyecanla bekliyorum 🥳😍
July 30, 2020
SCHREIBSTIL & LESEFLUSS
Als ich die erste Seite begonnen habe war ich sofort Feuer und Flamme vom Schreibstil des Autors. John August hat einen so faszinierenden, packenden und fesselnden Schreibstil, dass ich immer wie an die Seite geklebt gelesen habe, da der Stil echt genial und super spannend gehalten war, was mir echt sehr gut gefallen hat. Ich war stets an den Stil gefesselt, da er mich so begeistert hat durch seine spannende und trotzdem locker-leichte Art, dass ich das Buch sehr schnell beendet hatte. Durch John August’s echt genialem Stil war auch mein Lesefluss einfach perfekt und ich war stets dabei und kam sehr gut voran.
CHARAKTERE
Mit Arlo lernen wir den Star oder auch Protagonisten kennen. Arlo Finch ist ein Jugendlicher, der mir unheimlich sympathisch und vollkommen authentisch war. John August verlieh diesem Protagonistin einfach so viel leben, dass er sehr greifbar für mich war. Arolo war dazu ein sehr erfrischender und bezaubernder Charakter der mich sehr gut unterhalten konnte. Auch seine Freunde waren einfach nur hervorragend gezeichnet und haben mir ebenfalls sehr viel Spaß und Freude bereitet. Jeder von ihnen war greifbar und lebendig, was mir sehr gut gefallen hat. John August zeichnete hier Figuren, die einen einfach von ihrer facettenreichen Art und ihrer erstaunlich tollen Entwicklung überzeugen.
STORY & HANDLUNG
Die Story in diesem Band war einfach perfekt für mich. Locker-leicht und trotzdem vor Spannung triefend glitt ich förmlich durch die Geschichte und entdeckte immer wieder Seiten an der Story, die mich fesselten und gebannt an den Seiten kleben lassen haben. John August erschuf hier eine perfekte Kinderbuchgeschichte die mich in meinen älteren Jahren ebenfalls abholen und für sich gewinnen konnte, da sie einfach nur die perfekte Mischung aus Spannung, Verständlichkeit und hervorragend anschaulichen Weltenbau in sich trägt. Die Handlung wurde spannend, fesselnd und total mitreißend erbaut und überzeugte mich ebenfalls sehr von dieser Reihe.
MEIN FAZIT:
Arlo Finch 1: Im Tal des Feuers ist ein Auftakt, der mich von seiner facettenreichen und spannenden Geschichte voll und ganz überzeugen konnte. John August hat hier einen Auftakt erschaffen, der mich voll und ganz mitreißen und fesseln konnte. Meiner Meinung nach ist dies nicht nur ein Kinderbuch für Kinder, nein, auch Erwachsene können dieses Buch sehr gut lesen und in eine magische und wunderbare Welt eintauchen. John August überzeugt einfach in allen Punkten und bekommt daher eine mega klare Leseempfehlung und volle Punktzahl!
Als ich die erste Seite begonnen habe war ich sofort Feuer und Flamme vom Schreibstil des Autors. John August hat einen so faszinierenden, packenden und fesselnden Schreibstil, dass ich immer wie an die Seite geklebt gelesen habe, da der Stil echt genial und super spannend gehalten war, was mir echt sehr gut gefallen hat. Ich war stets an den Stil gefesselt, da er mich so begeistert hat durch seine spannende und trotzdem locker-leichte Art, dass ich das Buch sehr schnell beendet hatte. Durch John August’s echt genialem Stil war auch mein Lesefluss einfach perfekt und ich war stets dabei und kam sehr gut voran.
CHARAKTERE
Mit Arlo lernen wir den Star oder auch Protagonisten kennen. Arlo Finch ist ein Jugendlicher, der mir unheimlich sympathisch und vollkommen authentisch war. John August verlieh diesem Protagonistin einfach so viel leben, dass er sehr greifbar für mich war. Arolo war dazu ein sehr erfrischender und bezaubernder Charakter der mich sehr gut unterhalten konnte. Auch seine Freunde waren einfach nur hervorragend gezeichnet und haben mir ebenfalls sehr viel Spaß und Freude bereitet. Jeder von ihnen war greifbar und lebendig, was mir sehr gut gefallen hat. John August zeichnete hier Figuren, die einen einfach von ihrer facettenreichen Art und ihrer erstaunlich tollen Entwicklung überzeugen.
STORY & HANDLUNG
Die Story in diesem Band war einfach perfekt für mich. Locker-leicht und trotzdem vor Spannung triefend glitt ich förmlich durch die Geschichte und entdeckte immer wieder Seiten an der Story, die mich fesselten und gebannt an den Seiten kleben lassen haben. John August erschuf hier eine perfekte Kinderbuchgeschichte die mich in meinen älteren Jahren ebenfalls abholen und für sich gewinnen konnte, da sie einfach nur die perfekte Mischung aus Spannung, Verständlichkeit und hervorragend anschaulichen Weltenbau in sich trägt. Die Handlung wurde spannend, fesselnd und total mitreißend erbaut und überzeugte mich ebenfalls sehr von dieser Reihe.
MEIN FAZIT:
Arlo Finch 1: Im Tal des Feuers ist ein Auftakt, der mich von seiner facettenreichen und spannenden Geschichte voll und ganz überzeugen konnte. John August hat hier einen Auftakt erschaffen, der mich voll und ganz mitreißen und fesseln konnte. Meiner Meinung nach ist dies nicht nur ein Kinderbuch für Kinder, nein, auch Erwachsene können dieses Buch sehr gut lesen und in eine magische und wunderbare Welt eintauchen. John August überzeugt einfach in allen Punkten und bekommt daher eine mega klare Leseempfehlung und volle Punktzahl!
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