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Talespinners #2
Escaping Ordinary
Indira finds herself thrown into a quest full of dragons, unlikely allies, and high stakes.
It's been a year since Indira rescued the city of Fable and landed a starring role in a story of her own. Now Indira's ready for a well-earned vacation.
Too bad her advisors have other plans. In preparation for her story's sequel, Indira has been enrolled in the Hero's Journey tutorial, a quest designed to teach her how to be a team player. Indira's assigned crew is a mix of familiar faces and new friends, each hoping to follow in her footsteps into a story.
Indira is ready for this new challenge--until someone crashes their quest. The intruder is more powerful than anyone she's faced before and begins transforming Ordinary into a giant video game. Indira's team will have to level up and outplay their opponent, or else the world's most beloved stories might be lost forever.
It's been a year since Indira rescued the city of Fable and landed a starring role in a story of her own. Now Indira's ready for a well-earned vacation.
Too bad her advisors have other plans. In preparation for her story's sequel, Indira has been enrolled in the Hero's Journey tutorial, a quest designed to teach her how to be a team player. Indira's assigned crew is a mix of familiar faces and new friends, each hoping to follow in her footsteps into a story.
Indira is ready for this new challenge--until someone crashes their quest. The intruder is more powerful than anyone she's faced before and begins transforming Ordinary into a giant video game. Indira's team will have to level up and outplay their opponent, or else the world's most beloved stories might be lost forever.
336 pages, Library Binding
First published February 16, 2021
15 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Scott Reintgen
19 books1,610 followersScott Reintgen grew up in North Carolina, and took full advantage of the fact that he lived on the same street as fourteen of his cousins. It could be a little crowded, but he threw a few elbows and carved out a space for himself as the family storyteller. He enjoyed the role so much that he decided to spend most of college and graduate school investing in the world of literature. This led to a career teaching English and Creative Writing in the great state of North Carolina, where he currently lives with his wife and family. To his great delight, the demand for stories and storytellers is alive and well. As such, he can often be found at local coffee shops laboring over stories that he hopes his family, and fans, will love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 22, 2021
I could go on and on about how much I loved this book...so I will. I was a little nervous to read Escaping Ordinary, I had loved Saving Fable SO much and I was slightly worried it would fall short of my sky-high expectations. But I really never should have doubted talented Scott Reintgen as he did not only meet my expectations, he exceeded them with flying colors.
Indira is by far one of my favorite middle-grade protagonists, she is very endearing yet all the same she is relatable. And the side-characters do not fall short of incredible. (Phoenix is *chefs kiss* so well done and Maxi is an absolute icon) There is a graceful air about the way the story is told that continually amazed me throughout the story. I would sometimes have to put the book down and relish in the imaginative genius; those are the only proper words to describe this series. The take on characters and the idea of an author imagining a story is so creative, but beyond that it makes sense. It makes me picture my own favorite characters from other novels having separate adventures in Fable.
This book honestly brought me so much joy. Whether it was from laughing a comedic line, or my inability to contain a smile while watching the heartwarming story unfold. The way characters engaged with one another and the witty way Reintgen explored the world was absolutely masterful. His writing style is dreamy and engaging (my favorite is when he addressed the reader), and guides the reader through the story with masterful charm.
I truly am obsessed with the way these books make me feel. I love going on adventures with Indira Story and her friends. I am counting down all 212 days until Breaking Badlands is released because I cannot get enough of this whimsical tale.
If I were to summarize my thoughts I would say, Scott Reintgen is a genius and a magical storyteller and this story is enchanting and inspiring. I highly recommend people pick these delightful stories up!!
Indira is by far one of my favorite middle-grade protagonists, she is very endearing yet all the same she is relatable. And the side-characters do not fall short of incredible. (Phoenix is *chefs kiss* so well done and Maxi is an absolute icon) There is a graceful air about the way the story is told that continually amazed me throughout the story. I would sometimes have to put the book down and relish in the imaginative genius; those are the only proper words to describe this series. The take on characters and the idea of an author imagining a story is so creative, but beyond that it makes sense. It makes me picture my own favorite characters from other novels having separate adventures in Fable.
This book honestly brought me so much joy. Whether it was from laughing a comedic line, or my inability to contain a smile while watching the heartwarming story unfold. The way characters engaged with one another and the witty way Reintgen explored the world was absolutely masterful. His writing style is dreamy and engaging (my favorite is when he addressed the reader), and guides the reader through the story with masterful charm.
I truly am obsessed with the way these books make me feel. I love going on adventures with Indira Story and her friends. I am counting down all 212 days until Breaking Badlands is released because I cannot get enough of this whimsical tale.
If I were to summarize my thoughts I would say, Scott Reintgen is a genius and a magical storyteller and this story is enchanting and inspiring. I highly recommend people pick these delightful stories up!!
February 17, 2021
"Indira stood. 'Any final words of wisdom?'
Penelope's eyes shone. 'Aim true.'
'It sounds like an awfully big adventure,' Wendy said. 'Do not forget to have some fun.'
Juliet smiled. 'Defy the stars.'"
"Is anyone the same person they were at the start of the story? So much can happen! So much can change! I am the same as them, and at the same time I am who I am now."
Sequels are tricky things, aren't they?
Sometimes, they're just as good as, if not better than, the first installment. (See: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers or, so I'm told, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.)
And, sometimes, they're the least favorite of a series. (See: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.) This isn't to say, of course, that the book is bad; after all, CoS is still an excellent book. It's just not *as* good as the others.
But I have to say: Escaping Ordinary fell into the former category for me.
Goodreads reminded me of what I loved so much about Saving Fable:
To be fair, it has several elements which are automatic pluses for me:
--Meta-commentary in the form of characters who *know* they're characters in a book (I'm looking at you, Thursday Next): ✔︎
--Authors who break the Fourth Wall and directly address the reader: ✔︎
--Strong Female Character: ✔︎
--NO LOVE TRIANGLE 🎉: ✔︎
All four* of those traits hold true for this second book, and yet it's not a rehash of Saving Fable -- thank goodness. Whereas Saving Fable was "a love letter to books -- to characters, authors, readers, librarians", Escaping Ordinary feels like more of a love letter to authors, to teachers -- and to young writers.
Perhaps that's because I know that one of the courses (which I think Scott may have taught...?) at Duke Young Writer's Camp is the "Hero's Journey," and I can vividly recall the campers sharing their Fictional Quests at Reader's Forum.
There are fewer literary character allusions -- with the notable exceptions of (1) the reference to Aragorn running the Boot Camp and (2) the council of Penelope (The Odyssey), Wendy (Peter Pan) and Juliet (Romeo & Juliet -- and much more likable than her counterpart!) advising Indira before The Ordeal (and which gave me total Avengers vibes, where all the strong female characters show up to support each other) -- which was, I think, a smart choice. While I missed them, this book went in a different direction: it was less about Book World and more about the Writing Process.
The theory of the Hero's Journey underpins the whole book -- both explicitly, in the tutorial that Indira & company set off on, and implicitly, in that even when the tutorial is derailed, the book still follows the steps of the quest.
(I don't think it's a coincidence that while Indira & Co. don't make it to the "Approach to the Inmost Cave" step of the tutorial, they do, however, meet Cavern and also literally venture underground, all while Indira comes to terms with what she needs to do...)
I also got strong Rick Riordan vibes, in that the book subtly teaches you while entertaining you. (To use a Disney term, it's "edutainment.") In much the same way that you can't read the Percy Jackson books without retaining at least a bare minimum of information on Greek mythology, young readers will likely retain the info about the Hero's Journey in a similar manner.
I did miss a few of my favorite characters -- Maxi, Deus -- but just when I really got to missing their role in the story, they popped up, and all was well.
The same cannot be said for Peeve, though...and I feel like that was left open-ended, so hopefully she'll make a return in a later installment. *fingers crossed*
Random Thoughts...
--*I did say there was no love triangle -- and that's not entirely true for this book...? We're introduced to the possibility of one, although it doesn't actually manifest. I actually thought (but just for a moment!) that we wouldn't address that third character, only to circle back to it in the end. (I never doubted, truly.) I'm curious as to who this third character could be, even though I don't love triangles (pun intended!), and can't wait to see how this is handled.
--With all this talk of conflict between kingswolves and dragons, I got major Game of Thrones vibes.
--And I know he was a lacrosse player, but.......a navy athletic shirt with the number 23? The ceiling is the roof, man. The ceiling is the roof. #tarheelborntarheelbred
--And finally, I don't know how many people read the Acknowledgements, but I loved the nods to Bland Simpson and Alan Shapiro, pillars of the UNC Writing department, and which made me recall all my time spent in Greenlaw...
I can't wait to read what's next.
Penelope's eyes shone. 'Aim true.'
'It sounds like an awfully big adventure,' Wendy said. 'Do not forget to have some fun.'
Juliet smiled. 'Defy the stars.'"
"Is anyone the same person they were at the start of the story? So much can happen! So much can change! I am the same as them, and at the same time I am who I am now."
Sequels are tricky things, aren't they?
Sometimes, they're just as good as, if not better than, the first installment. (See: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers or, so I'm told, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.)
And, sometimes, they're the least favorite of a series. (See: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.) This isn't to say, of course, that the book is bad; after all, CoS is still an excellent book. It's just not *as* good as the others.
But I have to say: Escaping Ordinary fell into the former category for me.
Goodreads reminded me of what I loved so much about Saving Fable:
To be fair, it has several elements which are automatic pluses for me:
--Meta-commentary in the form of characters who *know* they're characters in a book (I'm looking at you, Thursday Next): ✔︎
--Authors who break the Fourth Wall and directly address the reader: ✔︎
--Strong Female Character: ✔︎
--NO LOVE TRIANGLE 🎉: ✔︎
All four* of those traits hold true for this second book, and yet it's not a rehash of Saving Fable -- thank goodness. Whereas Saving Fable was "a love letter to books -- to characters, authors, readers, librarians", Escaping Ordinary feels like more of a love letter to authors, to teachers -- and to young writers.
Perhaps that's because I know that one of the courses (which I think Scott may have taught...?) at Duke Young Writer's Camp is the "Hero's Journey," and I can vividly recall the campers sharing their Fictional Quests at Reader's Forum.
There are fewer literary character allusions -- with the notable exceptions of (1) the reference to Aragorn running the Boot Camp and (2) the council of Penelope (The Odyssey), Wendy (Peter Pan) and Juliet (Romeo & Juliet -- and much more likable than her counterpart!) advising Indira before The Ordeal (and which gave me total Avengers vibes, where all the strong female characters show up to support each other) -- which was, I think, a smart choice. While I missed them, this book went in a different direction: it was less about Book World and more about the Writing Process.
The theory of the Hero's Journey underpins the whole book -- both explicitly, in the tutorial that Indira & company set off on, and implicitly, in that even when the tutorial is derailed, the book still follows the steps of the quest.
(I don't think it's a coincidence that while Indira & Co. don't make it to the "Approach to the Inmost Cave" step of the tutorial, they do, however, meet Cavern and also literally venture underground, all while Indira comes to terms with what she needs to do...)
I also got strong Rick Riordan vibes, in that the book subtly teaches you while entertaining you. (To use a Disney term, it's "edutainment.") In much the same way that you can't read the Percy Jackson books without retaining at least a bare minimum of information on Greek mythology, young readers will likely retain the info about the Hero's Journey in a similar manner.
I did miss a few of my favorite characters -- Maxi, Deus -- but just when I really got to missing their role in the story, they popped up, and all was well.
The same cannot be said for Peeve, though...and I feel like that was left open-ended, so hopefully she'll make a return in a later installment. *fingers crossed*
Random Thoughts...
--*I did say there was no love triangle -- and that's not entirely true for this book...? We're introduced to the possibility of one, although it doesn't actually manifest. I actually thought (but just for a moment!) that we wouldn't address that third character, only to circle back to it in the end. (I never doubted, truly.) I'm curious as to who this third character could be, even though I don't love triangles (pun intended!), and can't wait to see how this is handled.
--With all this talk of conflict between kingswolves and dragons, I got major Game of Thrones vibes.
--And I know he was a lacrosse player, but.......a navy athletic shirt with the number 23? The ceiling is the roof, man. The ceiling is the roof. #tarheelborntarheelbred
--And finally, I don't know how many people read the Acknowledgements, but I loved the nods to Bland Simpson and Alan Shapiro, pillars of the UNC Writing department, and which made me recall all my time spent in Greenlaw...
I can't wait to read what's next.
January 10, 2022
Such a great book. But why must you torture me with books that exist only within the fictional land of fable?!? I want to read Indira Story and the Infernal Suns! Please write that book too!
June 4, 2021
Escaping Ordinary, 3rd book in the Talespinners Series by Scott Reintgen, is no ordinary book. If you want a masterclass on how to write a plot through mystery, adventure, and building good friendships with antagonists that may or may not be able to change after they meet the heroin Indira Story this entertaining, darling book is for you! I truly believe that author, Scott Reintgen's Talespinners series should not only be encouraged by Librarians, school teachers, and parents for middle-grade readers who want a great adventure but be used in writing classes on the building of a novel and the elements of writing that novel.
Escaping Ordinary never leaves a gap between it and its older sibling book like other books I have read, Saving Fable. Indira Story has saved Fable and is now being sent on a vacation which includes Tutorial Training on the next level of her journey as book heroin to make her even more relatable to the reader of her next adventure. This becomes no vacation!!! The book is filled with twisting and turning danger, adventure, learning to make decisions in a blink of an eye, and deeper meaning to getting to know strangers and those who are already your friends.
I would not pass on this book! Read it, and you won't have to wait long for the next Talespinners book coming in September 2021!
Scott Reintgen has got to be my favorite author for Middle-Grade and Young Adult books.
Thank you, NetGalley, Crown Children's Books, and especially Scott Reintgen for the honor of reading another fabulous Talespinners book in lieu of my honest review.
Escaping Ordinary never leaves a gap between it and its older sibling book like other books I have read, Saving Fable. Indira Story has saved Fable and is now being sent on a vacation which includes Tutorial Training on the next level of her journey as book heroin to make her even more relatable to the reader of her next adventure. This becomes no vacation!!! The book is filled with twisting and turning danger, adventure, learning to make decisions in a blink of an eye, and deeper meaning to getting to know strangers and those who are already your friends.
I would not pass on this book! Read it, and you won't have to wait long for the next Talespinners book coming in September 2021!
Scott Reintgen has got to be my favorite author for Middle-Grade and Young Adult books.
Thank you, NetGalley, Crown Children's Books, and especially Scott Reintgen for the honor of reading another fabulous Talespinners book in lieu of my honest review.
June 22, 2024
This book was not as good as the first one, but I still enjoyed it very much. I think what made me love the first one so much was because it was new and exciting and original. This one felt like there really wasn't as much to it. Even the main plot starts and resolves fairly quickly, and wasn't as interesting, I think. However, I still enjoyed the story. Indira is a strong character and I liked all the new characters this book introduced.
June 7, 2021
Indira has successfully completed her first story, and it has proven popular enough her author is preparing to write a sequel. Even though Indira was very good in her first story, feedback has shown she needs to work on teamwork so she's been assigned to do a Hero's Journey tutorial. Phoenix will be joining her as he is being tested for potential love interest material to join her story (he isn't being told this, so Indira has to keep the secret). They'll also be joined by Gadget a somewhat reclusive girl who is very good with inventions and tech as her name implies, but has been waiting around for a story for ages. This is kind of her last shot to show she's story-worthy. And the last member of their questing group is Allen Squalls who was the victim of Brainstorm Ketty and has to show he has the ability to recover and thrive or he may never get another chance at a story. The group is sent to Ordinary where they will start their Hero's Journey quest. They will each have roles to play and will get prompts via a special lens that will tell them if actions earned them points or lost them points. Indira must remember that part of her role as a leader is helping the others shine and not just solving everything herself all the time. This is going to take some hard work. Allen needs a serious dose of courage and confidence. Gadget has a tendency to get lost in her work and forget everything else. And Phoenix has a secret that makes things more challenging for all of them. But soon they all have even bigger problems when a very powerful antagonist not part of the training program shows up and they and all the actors supporting their training have to figure out how to stop him from taking over all of Ordinary and beyond.
Reintgen really has fun with this world he's built, classic story characters and elements, and what would happen if a rogue agent took over the origins of story plots. I like the cameo appearances of characters from classic stories and how this looks at common plot points in the making of a hero. There's a nice little mystery for the group to solve about who this invader is and how to get rid of him. I like the lessons on teamwork and how to build each other up in a team. There's some really great advice in here. Reintgen does a fantastic job of building both the world and the characters. And I like the great diversity of personalities he's dreamed up for the cast. This is a lot of fun and highly recommended to fantasy fans and fractured fairytales/book character mashups.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond a little hand holding. There are perilous moments but the way the world works even fatal injuries aren't really fatal as the characters are just regenerated.
Reintgen really has fun with this world he's built, classic story characters and elements, and what would happen if a rogue agent took over the origins of story plots. I like the cameo appearances of characters from classic stories and how this looks at common plot points in the making of a hero. There's a nice little mystery for the group to solve about who this invader is and how to get rid of him. I like the lessons on teamwork and how to build each other up in a team. There's some really great advice in here. Reintgen does a fantastic job of building both the world and the characters. And I like the great diversity of personalities he's dreamed up for the cast. This is a lot of fun and highly recommended to fantasy fans and fractured fairytales/book character mashups.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content beyond a little hand holding. There are perilous moments but the way the world works even fatal injuries aren't really fatal as the characters are just regenerated.
August 14, 2021
The thing with series is now I have to wait, impatiently, for the third book to release next month... All that to say, highly recommend this sequel to a cute, fun, clever, and original series about the world of Imagination where the characters of stories that Authors (of the Real World) use/create are from. It's such a fascinating premise and I just want to be there more, but of course I read it so fast because I just need to know what will happen and then, the dreaded feeling of oh, it's already over.
This time the story follows Indira and she learns to be a hero includes working together as a team, which includes helping others out, or moving aside so others can share or have the spotlight too. It's remarkably well done, especially with new threats, which were just so clever - both the Hero's Journey story tutorial and the "villain" that turns the world into a video-game and how the team approaches taking down this villain (the second time around). Even how the "true" villain and how he enters into play because of some "innocent" tinkering in the beginning (which, by the way, Beginning, Middle, and End were SO cool as this Trinity-esque ruler over Plot, 3 separate entities and yet one). Phoenix's reveal, was quite awesome - although, I will admit I was confused between the tutorial and the reality of the story plot until the end when I was like, oh this wasn't just part of the tutorial, but the real deal for his character. I felt like the author (as in Scott Reintgen, just to clarify) did a fantastic job of giving the characters more depth. Old ones from the first book and new ones. I could go on, but I'd basically be revealing the entire book, so just read it!
Based on a scene in the beginning, I did hope and think that there would be more of David, Indira's brother, involved in the plot, but maybe next time. This is being described at the "next Land of Stories", which I only hope will mean LOTS AND LOTS more stories. Yes, please, and thank you. For now, looking forward to the release of the third one next month (and for my local library to acquire it haha).
This time the story follows Indira and she learns to be a hero includes working together as a team, which includes helping others out, or moving aside so others can share or have the spotlight too. It's remarkably well done, especially with new threats, which were just so clever - both the Hero's Journey story tutorial and the "villain" that turns the world into a video-game and how the team approaches taking down this villain (the second time around). Even how the "true" villain and how he enters into play because of some "innocent" tinkering in the beginning (which, by the way, Beginning, Middle, and End were SO cool as this Trinity-esque ruler over Plot, 3 separate entities and yet one). Phoenix's reveal, was quite awesome - although, I will admit I was confused between the tutorial and the reality of the story plot until the end when I was like, oh this wasn't just part of the tutorial, but the real deal for his character. I felt like the author (as in Scott Reintgen, just to clarify) did a fantastic job of giving the characters more depth. Old ones from the first book and new ones. I could go on, but I'd basically be revealing the entire book, so just read it!
Based on a scene in the beginning, I did hope and think that there would be more of David, Indira's brother, involved in the plot, but maybe next time. This is being described at the "next Land of Stories", which I only hope will mean LOTS AND LOTS more stories. Yes, please, and thank you. For now, looking forward to the release of the third one next month (and for my local library to acquire it haha).
February 16, 2021
Just as awesome as Saving Fable which I also loved! This series is so fun. While this is the second book in the series, and reading the first book would be helpful in getting to know Indira's backstory and the magic system and the workings of the world, I feel like you could probably read this as a standalone. The storyline is not really connected to Saving Fable, and while there is some overlap of characters they are on a completely different adventure. You should still read Saving Fable because it is excellent.
If you like middle grade, have a young reader, or are in need of a whimsical adventure story pick this up. As a mom of a young reader I love that this has such great messages about teamwork and friendship, and encourages such a love of reading. I love how vividly Reintgen describes the reader's connection to the story, and gives life to his characters. As you read want all of the characters to get selected for their own story because you come to like them so much. I recommend this series to everyone who is looking for a good fantasy story because it makes me remember why I love reading and it is so much fun.
Much like in Saving Fable, Indira and her friends are on another journey that goes haywire and they have to save the land before everything is destroyed forever. This time they are up against a powerful foe, and Indira and her team have to learn to work together and use their strengths to complement one another or they will fail and some of our most beloved stories will be lost forever. Again I loved that this is a nod to not only book lovers, but books in general. It has references to other great books and some of the other heroes that Indira and her team encounter on "The Hero's Journey" tutorial are characters everyone will recognize. I was glad to see that some of my favorite characters were back to help Indira on this quest and that they will hopefully be back in the next book.
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
If you like middle grade, have a young reader, or are in need of a whimsical adventure story pick this up. As a mom of a young reader I love that this has such great messages about teamwork and friendship, and encourages such a love of reading. I love how vividly Reintgen describes the reader's connection to the story, and gives life to his characters. As you read want all of the characters to get selected for their own story because you come to like them so much. I recommend this series to everyone who is looking for a good fantasy story because it makes me remember why I love reading and it is so much fun.
Much like in Saving Fable, Indira and her friends are on another journey that goes haywire and they have to save the land before everything is destroyed forever. This time they are up against a powerful foe, and Indira and her team have to learn to work together and use their strengths to complement one another or they will fail and some of our most beloved stories will be lost forever. Again I loved that this is a nod to not only book lovers, but books in general. It has references to other great books and some of the other heroes that Indira and her team encounter on "The Hero's Journey" tutorial are characters everyone will recognize. I was glad to see that some of my favorite characters were back to help Indira on this quest and that they will hopefully be back in the next book.
I received an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2021
eARC kindly provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Escaping Ordinary is the fast paced and exciting sequel to Saving Fable. We again follow Indira as she works to improve herself as a character. We start out just as she has finished her first novel and is hoping to be chosen for a sequel. She is sent on to the Hero's Tutorial in order to gain the skills and experience needed to star in a successful follow up novel. Of course, things go awry almost immediately and Indira has to learn to trust and empower her team to become the hero's of their own story.
To start, I really enjoy Indira as a character. She's a great role model and a very strong female lead. We get a lot more of Phoenix also, which made me very happy. There are also a group of new characters who I really really enjoyed. The author does a great job of including diverse characters with unique abilities that may not always be overtly obvious, which is especially great for young readers to see.
I really loved this sequel. It's so creative and whimsical and it embodies everything great about the middle grade fantasy genre. This has a little bit for everyone; strong female lead, action and adventure (a dragon!!), pop culture references and humor. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys middle grade books but mostly to young readers. The concept of this series is so interesting and I think this is a series that could get non readers excited about reading. Highly recommend.
Escaping Ordinary is the fast paced and exciting sequel to Saving Fable. We again follow Indira as she works to improve herself as a character. We start out just as she has finished her first novel and is hoping to be chosen for a sequel. She is sent on to the Hero's Tutorial in order to gain the skills and experience needed to star in a successful follow up novel. Of course, things go awry almost immediately and Indira has to learn to trust and empower her team to become the hero's of their own story.
To start, I really enjoy Indira as a character. She's a great role model and a very strong female lead. We get a lot more of Phoenix also, which made me very happy. There are also a group of new characters who I really really enjoyed. The author does a great job of including diverse characters with unique abilities that may not always be overtly obvious, which is especially great for young readers to see.
I really loved this sequel. It's so creative and whimsical and it embodies everything great about the middle grade fantasy genre. This has a little bit for everyone; strong female lead, action and adventure (a dragon!!), pop culture references and humor. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys middle grade books but mostly to young readers. The concept of this series is so interesting and I think this is a series that could get non readers excited about reading. Highly recommend.
April 20, 2021
Escaping Ordinary by Scott Reintgen (Talespinner #2) 4.5 stars
A sequel to last years "Saving Fable", we find Indira Story looking forward to well earned break after being the protagonist of "Indira Story and the Thunder Brothers". However, she is assigned to a tutorial called "The Hero's Journey" with other students from Protagonist Prep. The tutorial is to teach her the value of teamwork and maybe see if she has some chemistry with her friend and fellow student, Phoenix. What follows is an action packed adventure, filled with scary scenes, teachable moments and witty dialogue.
I really enjoyed this book, it fulfilled my expectations and then some. Not only an adventure book for middle graders, but the plot illustrates the creation of the "story". From the need for a beginning, middle and end, to the elements of the "Hero's Journey" - Star Wars anyone... Indira has to rein in her impulses to rush in and save the day and accept that other characters can contribute to the desirable outcome. I can't wait for the next Talespinners book - Breaking Badlands (September 2021)
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children"s for this ARC.
A sequel to last years "Saving Fable", we find Indira Story looking forward to well earned break after being the protagonist of "Indira Story and the Thunder Brothers". However, she is assigned to a tutorial called "The Hero's Journey" with other students from Protagonist Prep. The tutorial is to teach her the value of teamwork and maybe see if she has some chemistry with her friend and fellow student, Phoenix. What follows is an action packed adventure, filled with scary scenes, teachable moments and witty dialogue.
I really enjoyed this book, it fulfilled my expectations and then some. Not only an adventure book for middle graders, but the plot illustrates the creation of the "story". From the need for a beginning, middle and end, to the elements of the "Hero's Journey" - Star Wars anyone... Indira has to rein in her impulses to rush in and save the day and accept that other characters can contribute to the desirable outcome. I can't wait for the next Talespinners book - Breaking Badlands (September 2021)
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Children"s for this ARC.
February 14, 2021
As a huge fan of Saving Fable, the first in the TaleSpinners series, I have been eagerly anticipating this sequel - and it did not disappoint! I loved getting to know Indira and her friends in the first book, but I loved seeing the connections go deeper in this book. The story opens just as Indira's first book is finished. Looking forward to a vacation, she is surprised to be given an assignment: the Brainstorms want her to lead a group of hopeful characters on a Hero's Journey tutorial, which will hopefully help her learn to work with a team. I really loved the dynamics of the team as they encountered the phases of their journey, and then faced a very unexpected threat. Touching on first crushes, the balance between head and heart, and how to be a good leader, the story is still full of humor, adventure, and endless wordplay, as well as some amazingly cool video game tech!
Scott Reintgen has created a fantastically creative and clever world that readers will love exploring once again.
Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for the eARC. Opinions are all my own.
Scott Reintgen has created a fantastically creative and clever world that readers will love exploring once again.
Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher for the eARC. Opinions are all my own.
February 8, 2021
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's Publishing through NetGalley.
Sequel to Saving Fable.
After her first story wraps, Indira is back for a vacation in Fable. However, she learns it won't simply be a relaxing visit. She is being sent for training to improve her skills and work on her weakness - solving it all herself rather than working with her team. She, Phoenix, Gadget and Squalls are sent to Ordinary to begin an adventure and develop their individual skills. When an author gets in and takes over their world, they must band together to save Ordinary. Together with some new characters, they set forth on this quest. Each character grows and learns more about themselves and working together. Readers will love the new adventures and the continued revelations about the characters. Reintgen has created further lands in his story world and offers enough danger and humor to draw readers in to be part of the action.
Looking forward to the next in this series.
Sequel to Saving Fable.
After her first story wraps, Indira is back for a vacation in Fable. However, she learns it won't simply be a relaxing visit. She is being sent for training to improve her skills and work on her weakness - solving it all herself rather than working with her team. She, Phoenix, Gadget and Squalls are sent to Ordinary to begin an adventure and develop their individual skills. When an author gets in and takes over their world, they must band together to save Ordinary. Together with some new characters, they set forth on this quest. Each character grows and learns more about themselves and working together. Readers will love the new adventures and the continued revelations about the characters. Reintgen has created further lands in his story world and offers enough danger and humor to draw readers in to be part of the action.
Looking forward to the next in this series.
April 23, 2021
A very good book!
I haven't read the first book in the series (Saving Fable) but that was not a problem for building interest in the story. I could follow the story and learn and like the characters easily. As a librarian, I look for series where readers can bounce around based on what's available on the shelves. Finding one for escapist fantasy fans can be difficult because of world-building, but Reintgen's way of developing settings as different story towns works really well.
The story explains the elements of plot structure as it goes. Brilliant!
Escaping Ordinary would be an excellent classroom read-aloud to talk about common story structures.
It's very much a middle-grade novel for escapist readers, not a crossover novel I'm going to recommend to adult readers and friends. But that's okay! I'm happy to have a book I can comfortably recommend to most third-fifth graders.
I haven't read the first book in the series (Saving Fable) but that was not a problem for building interest in the story. I could follow the story and learn and like the characters easily. As a librarian, I look for series where readers can bounce around based on what's available on the shelves. Finding one for escapist fantasy fans can be difficult because of world-building, but Reintgen's way of developing settings as different story towns works really well.
The story explains the elements of plot structure as it goes. Brilliant!
Escaping Ordinary would be an excellent classroom read-aloud to talk about common story structures.
It's very much a middle-grade novel for escapist readers, not a crossover novel I'm going to recommend to adult readers and friends. But that's okay! I'm happy to have a book I can comfortably recommend to most third-fifth graders.
May 27, 2020
Thank you, NetGalley, for the eARC of this book!
The title of this book is Escaping Ordinary, but this story is anything but ordinary. Middle grade readers are going to LOVE this story. There are so many elements of this story that are completely out of the normal middle grade story. I absolutely adored the characters. Indira is back, and even though she seemed perfect in saving Fable in the first book in the series, her Brainstorm still has some suggestions for how she can improve on her second story. So many of our perfectionists will relate to Indira's quest to constantly be perfect. Phoenix also plays a role again and is just as endearing as the first book.
Filled with quips also about the writing process and adventure, excitement, and video games, this book will be a sure-fire bet for any reader who claims "I do not like to read. It's boring!"
The title of this book is Escaping Ordinary, but this story is anything but ordinary. Middle grade readers are going to LOVE this story. There are so many elements of this story that are completely out of the normal middle grade story. I absolutely adored the characters. Indira is back, and even though she seemed perfect in saving Fable in the first book in the series, her Brainstorm still has some suggestions for how she can improve on her second story. So many of our perfectionists will relate to Indira's quest to constantly be perfect. Phoenix also plays a role again and is just as endearing as the first book.
Filled with quips also about the writing process and adventure, excitement, and video games, this book will be a sure-fire bet for any reader who claims "I do not like to read. It's boring!"
August 30, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy for review.
Ok so this was adorable! I didn't read the first book but it was easy to follow. I really liked the concept of this book it was super unique. We follow Indira Story who is the main character in her own book. After saving the town of Fable she returns to Protagonist Prep with her fellow characters. There they get assigned trials to develop further as characters. She is introduced to more characters who are waiting for their own stories to get written. They travel to Ordinary and along the way a rogue Author ends up in Imagination and starts destroying the Hero's Journey. I really liked how this was a story within a story. The characters were good, and some of them were funny. It had a nice adventure, and shows how a story gets created at the same time.
Ok so this was adorable! I didn't read the first book but it was easy to follow. I really liked the concept of this book it was super unique. We follow Indira Story who is the main character in her own book. After saving the town of Fable she returns to Protagonist Prep with her fellow characters. There they get assigned trials to develop further as characters. She is introduced to more characters who are waiting for their own stories to get written. They travel to Ordinary and along the way a rogue Author ends up in Imagination and starts destroying the Hero's Journey. I really liked how this was a story within a story. The characters were good, and some of them were funny. It had a nice adventure, and shows how a story gets created at the same time.
March 25, 2020
Indira returns to Fable to learn that she must take the Hero's Journey tutorial to learn how to work better with a team. Her newly assigned teammates include Phoenix and Squalls, and someone she has not yet met, Gadget. Together they transport to Ordinary, where they meet a new cast of characters. Some time after Beginning, Middle, and End introduce them to the tutorial, it becomes clear that something is wrong with the tutorial as their adventures seem to make no sense. It becomes urgent to save all of Plot (encompassing Fable and Ordinary) from a rogue author. Indira and her team are reunited with Maxi - now an editor - in this effort. I like this story, but found this episode less engaging than Saving Fable. Maybe it was a little too long.
January 24, 2022
3 stars
I didn't love this one as much as the first one. I am not a fan of introducing a love interest (with the future promise of there being two) and the random constraints that prevented everyone from coming to the rescue of the team.
Still going to read the third one, as these books are really quick, easy, and rather inventive. I liked the new characters that got more page time and also seeing our old favorites. I also liked seeing the team join a mission and have it go terribly wrong. Interested in seeing how the third book goes.
This was also a nice break from the hard science of Hail Mary.
I didn't love this one as much as the first one. I am not a fan of introducing a love interest (with the future promise of there being two) and the random constraints that prevented everyone from coming to the rescue of the team.
Still going to read the third one, as these books are really quick, easy, and rather inventive. I liked the new characters that got more page time and also seeing our old favorites. I also liked seeing the team join a mission and have it go terribly wrong. Interested in seeing how the third book goes.
This was also a nice break from the hard science of Hail Mary.
January 22, 2022
This story was exciting and I liked the characters fairly well.
I know it's weird, but as with the first in this series, I kind of worry that this series will shape how kids think about the characters in their books. You see if they incorporate this story into their headcanon then all of their favorite characters did not live out their stories but were instead merely actors playing the parts of those stories. For some reason that really bothers me. I know, I'm weird...but I am an avid reader who really gets attached to stories and the characters therein. :)
I know it's weird, but as with the first in this series, I kind of worry that this series will shape how kids think about the characters in their books. You see if they incorporate this story into their headcanon then all of their favorite characters did not live out their stories but were instead merely actors playing the parts of those stories. For some reason that really bothers me. I know, I'm weird...but I am an avid reader who really gets attached to stories and the characters therein. :)
February 17, 2021
4/5 Stars
** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**
I am enjoying my time with these books. It's creative, Imaginative, adventurous, and perfect for book lovers. I don't want to say too much as this is a sequel. I just had the best time reading this. I read this all in one sitting, I didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend giving this series a read.
** I received this as an E-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, Thank you!**
I am enjoying my time with these books. It's creative, Imaginative, adventurous, and perfect for book lovers. I don't want to say too much as this is a sequel. I just had the best time reading this. I read this all in one sitting, I didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend giving this series a read.
April 19, 2021
"The way forward will not be easy. You will find a Road of Trials awaiting you. Strange conflicts. Difficult quests. But the truth-for every brave character-is that your journey cannot begin without crossing out of what you know and into what you do not. It is our greatest calling. Whether it means entering the land of Oz or claiming our rightful title as king, this is the moment that marks your first step into something more...Cross this line...Begin your journey. Become the heroes you were born to be" -Scott Reintgen page 110
At the time I read this book, I was trying to make a decision. When I encountered this section, I was like "Okay, God, I think I get it." This quote is very inspirational, because it has real world applications. We are all characters on a journey and sometimes we have to cross the point that maybe scary, but we become better people.
Verdict: I cannot wait for the next book!
At the time I read this book, I was trying to make a decision. When I encountered this section, I was like "Okay, God, I think I get it." This quote is very inspirational, because it has real world applications. We are all characters on a journey and sometimes we have to cross the point that maybe scary, but we become better people.
Verdict: I cannot wait for the next book!
October 20, 2022
Another treat! This one is a fun romp through the hero’s journey, complete with learning to be a team player and making friends out of enemies. Really fun and I think the allusions are more comprehensible and to the point for young readers in this one. Very fun that in this world all that is required to be considered an Author is to write, not to be published.
September 25, 2023
Another great adventure for Indira and her friends! I think I liked Saving Fable a little better, but that's probably because of the novelty of the idea. This one still had a cast of great characters, a fun and funny storyline, lots of action, and a great message about teamwork. I read with my 11-year-old, and she loved it too. We can't wait to see what awaits Indira next!
June 2, 2020
The book Escaping the Ordinary is a funfilled adventure book. It has lots of action and full and characters that are memorable. Indira by far is a character that seeks to be perfect and is on a quest to achieve this in her life, Phoenix helps in this adventure to make it memorable and exciting.
April 10, 2021
So much fun following Indira and her fellow characters in another adventure. Love the references to other books and characters, knowing our well-read students will get the references, wondering if less read others will.
January 30, 2021
This book was fabulous! Well done. Grabbed my attention yet again and left me wanting more just like book one!
March 12, 2021
This is such a great book! Add a golden thread to it, because this book series just became one of my favorites!!
April 11, 2021
Reading this book is like hanging out with my best friend! I love all of the characters and the hero’s journey is my favorite thing to teach! I can’t wait to share this one with my students!
April 23, 2021
“Remember that every end is just a new beginning.” P294
For video game loving students, this is an exciting escape into their worlds, with lots of techie talk and adventure.
For video game loving students, this is an exciting escape into their worlds, with lots of techie talk and adventure.
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