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The Sword of Darrow
In a magical realm filled with creatures of every possible shape and size, war is brought upon the peaceful kingdom of Sonnencrest by evil goblin King Malmut. Princess Babette, the only surviving member of the royal family, manages to escape and seeks refuge with Asterux, a powerful wizard who agrees to teach Babette magic, and who disguises her as an ugly gypsy girl to protect her from King Malmut’s thugs.
Ten years later, Babette must use the magic she has learned to help aid the kingdom’s only hope at defeating the goblins’ horrible reign: Darrow, a lame boy who can barely pick up a sword but has a great gift for inspiring others. With Babette’s unseen help, Darrow begins a journey to free his country once and for all and bring peace back to Sonnencrest.
Written by a father and his then eight- year-old son who struggled with a learning disability at the time, "The Sword of Darrow" is an enjoyable adventure that shows how even the unlikeliest of heroes can rise up against injustice.
Ten years later, Babette must use the magic she has learned to help aid the kingdom’s only hope at defeating the goblins’ horrible reign: Darrow, a lame boy who can barely pick up a sword but has a great gift for inspiring others. With Babette’s unseen help, Darrow begins a journey to free his country once and for all and bring peace back to Sonnencrest.
Written by a father and his then eight- year-old son who struggled with a learning disability at the time, "The Sword of Darrow" is an enjoyable adventure that shows how even the unlikeliest of heroes can rise up against injustice.
259 pages, Paperback
First published April 5, 2011
10 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
About the author
Hal Malchow
13 books10 followersHal Malchow is chairman of MSHC Partners, one of America’s leading voter contact firms. He has won numerous creative awards for his work on behalf of clients and helped pioneer the use of statistical modeling in politics. In 2005, the Direct Marketing Association of Washington named him the Sisk Vision Award winner for pioneering vision that has shaped the American direct marketing industry. The two previous winners were the National Geographic Society and the marketing director of NIKE.
Malchow grew up in Gulfport, Miss., and holds a law degree from the University of the Pacific, where he was named one of two outstanding graduates of his class. Prior to moving to the Washington area, he served as campaign manager for Al Gore’s first campaign for the U.S. Senate.
Malchow grew up in Gulfport, Miss., and holds a law degree from the University of the Pacific, where he was named one of two outstanding graduates of his class. Prior to moving to the Washington area, he served as campaign manager for Al Gore’s first campaign for the U.S. Senate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 5, 2011
My son received an advanced copy of this book for review from the publisher. As a part of this early reader group, he also received a signed copy of the published version which lists his name in the back with all the other reviewers. This was a great honor for both of us!
When we first began reading the book, it was extremely slow-going because it was a bit above his reading level (he was five and in Kindergarten). I had to hurry and read through the book myself to help him be able to review it on time. I told him about the story, and we talked about some things that we liked and didn’t like.
Overall, there really wasn’t much to complain about. The main thing for us was that we wanted more visual stimulation. Clayton was still very much into picture books, so as we read along, he was interested in what the characters looked like. It was even hard for me to imagine some things because the characters were all so different and unique! We mentioned in our review that we would love to see lots of illustrations in the published version. In a personal email from Alex to Clayton, we were assured that there would be pictures to help us visualize the characters and events, and, having received our signed copy last week, they certainly fulfilled their promise! The illustrator, JP Targete, is amazing!
The story is extremely well written, flowing perfectly and always holding the reader’s attention. With so many amazing and creative characters, The Sword of Darrow aspires toward the ranks of The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. It was refreshing to be able to relate Clayton’s attention deficit to Babette’s learning differences and Darrow’s physical challenges. Each of them was able to overcome their struggles and accomplish amazing things—they literally were able to change their world. Anyone who has a child with any kind of difficulty knows how painful it is to see them disheartened and how very important it is to encourage and lift them up in any way we can. The Sword of Darrow is a wonderful way to convey the message that no matter what challenges we face, we all have the strength to rise above and make a difference in our world.
Clayton and I are rereading the book together and enjoying it very much so far! I am considering purchasing one of the special edition hardcovers for him. He has a hard time following along; I often catch him skipping words or lines. I think he might really benefit from the special format designed for those with learning differences such as dislexia.
If the book itself is not inspirational enough, the story of how the book came about certainly is. To learn more about this amazing father-son creation, be sure to drop by www.gatheringleavesreviews.blogspot.com and check out my Q&A with Hal and Alex!!
You can learn more about the book here: www.swordofdarrow.com and http://www.facebook.com/TheSwordofDarrow
You can purchase any of the three formats here: http://www.amazon.com/Sword-Darrow-Ha...
All authors' proceeds plus one half of the publisher's profits will be donated to learning disabilities charities.
When we first began reading the book, it was extremely slow-going because it was a bit above his reading level (he was five and in Kindergarten). I had to hurry and read through the book myself to help him be able to review it on time. I told him about the story, and we talked about some things that we liked and didn’t like.
Overall, there really wasn’t much to complain about. The main thing for us was that we wanted more visual stimulation. Clayton was still very much into picture books, so as we read along, he was interested in what the characters looked like. It was even hard for me to imagine some things because the characters were all so different and unique! We mentioned in our review that we would love to see lots of illustrations in the published version. In a personal email from Alex to Clayton, we were assured that there would be pictures to help us visualize the characters and events, and, having received our signed copy last week, they certainly fulfilled their promise! The illustrator, JP Targete, is amazing!
The story is extremely well written, flowing perfectly and always holding the reader’s attention. With so many amazing and creative characters, The Sword of Darrow aspires toward the ranks of The Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. It was refreshing to be able to relate Clayton’s attention deficit to Babette’s learning differences and Darrow’s physical challenges. Each of them was able to overcome their struggles and accomplish amazing things—they literally were able to change their world. Anyone who has a child with any kind of difficulty knows how painful it is to see them disheartened and how very important it is to encourage and lift them up in any way we can. The Sword of Darrow is a wonderful way to convey the message that no matter what challenges we face, we all have the strength to rise above and make a difference in our world.
Clayton and I are rereading the book together and enjoying it very much so far! I am considering purchasing one of the special edition hardcovers for him. He has a hard time following along; I often catch him skipping words or lines. I think he might really benefit from the special format designed for those with learning differences such as dislexia.
If the book itself is not inspirational enough, the story of how the book came about certainly is. To learn more about this amazing father-son creation, be sure to drop by www.gatheringleavesreviews.blogspot.com and check out my Q&A with Hal and Alex!!
You can learn more about the book here: www.swordofdarrow.com and http://www.facebook.com/TheSwordofDarrow
You can purchase any of the three formats here: http://www.amazon.com/Sword-Darrow-Ha...
All authors' proceeds plus one half of the publisher's profits will be donated to learning disabilities charities.
April 15, 2012
Goblins have taken over the kingdom of Sonnencrest. The king has been killed and the once great army defeated. A hero is needed, someone who is strong, brave, and true.
Indeed, three heroes do step forward. At first glance, they may not look like heroes but if you look deeper, into their hearts, I think you’ll be surprised. Princess Babette never seemed like a potential Queen, after all she couldn’t read and never seemed to take her royal obligations seriously. Scoda, a great and noble warrior with a gentle soul, hideously transformed into the Scorpion man and shunned by the people he would protect. Finally, Darrow, a small boy with a limp who could hardly lift a sword is now charged with bringing together an army. These three unlikely heroes are the last hope of Sonnencrest. Can they bring together an army, defeat the goblins, and recreate a kingdom?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Sword of Darrow for so very many reasons. If you’ve ever had the privilege of listening to a real storyteller weave a story, you know that there is something magical and alive about oral tradition. In some special way, the listener feels like he or she becomes part of the action. Having begun as an oral tradition, The Sword of Darrow retains this engaging quality.
Then, there’s the choice of characters. When we think of heroes, we tend to believe that the biggest and strongest are the best choice. Yet, perhaps, we all have that potential. We might even surprise ourselves.
Indeed, three heroes do step forward. At first glance, they may not look like heroes but if you look deeper, into their hearts, I think you’ll be surprised. Princess Babette never seemed like a potential Queen, after all she couldn’t read and never seemed to take her royal obligations seriously. Scoda, a great and noble warrior with a gentle soul, hideously transformed into the Scorpion man and shunned by the people he would protect. Finally, Darrow, a small boy with a limp who could hardly lift a sword is now charged with bringing together an army. These three unlikely heroes are the last hope of Sonnencrest. Can they bring together an army, defeat the goblins, and recreate a kingdom?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Sword of Darrow for so very many reasons. If you’ve ever had the privilege of listening to a real storyteller weave a story, you know that there is something magical and alive about oral tradition. In some special way, the listener feels like he or she becomes part of the action. Having begun as an oral tradition, The Sword of Darrow retains this engaging quality.
Then, there’s the choice of characters. When we think of heroes, we tend to believe that the biggest and strongest are the best choice. Yet, perhaps, we all have that potential. We might even surprise ourselves.
January 9, 2011
Honestly I didn't think that I would enjoy this book at first because I don't normally like fantasy books. But once I got into it I really enjoyed this book. I think my favorite part was how in order to get the magic you had to go through your memories and forgive everyone who had done you wrong. I love that and feel like it's a major theme in the novel because it applies to real life and how in order to overcome obstacles and be happy in your life you need to forgive and forget. It really was a great read and I'm glad that I gave this book a chance. :)
June 22, 2012
I read an advanced copy of this as part of a reviewing program, and it was mehhh. This may have something to do with the fact that I read mostly very dark books. Dystopia, post-apocalyptic, death, despair type of thing in the young-adult range. But for what it was, it was okay. I got a signed copy and that's always a plus!! :) But my name was not printed with the other reviewers'. :( Overall an okay read for children no older than 6th grade, no younger than 2nd.
December 9, 2015
Probably better to read if you are between 6 and 10 years old.
June 6, 2021
A generic story but a fun read all the same. The plot moves quickly, but at the expense of character development.
Appropriate for older elementary students who need a higher level book or beginning middle schoolers.
Appropriate for older elementary students who need a higher level book or beginning middle schoolers.
June 9, 2022
Such a cool story! The book was written by a man and his dyslexic son, about a dyslexic princess. The text is even specially formulated for people with dyslexia. I found the story was a bit slow to start but after a few chapters, I really fell into it.
October 5, 2023
I did in fact read a children’s book lol. Needed a break from stuff that requires annotation and I read this years ago as a child. My grandmother was friends with the author and we got a very early, signed copy. Very cute, very good for kids
February 26, 2018
Narrates princess Babette's trouble ridden ascension to the throne of
Sonnencrest after the murder of her father king Henry X .
And Darrow Ael's fight against goblin invaders .
Sonnencrest after the murder of her father king Henry X .
And Darrow Ael's fight against goblin invaders .
August 7, 2019
This book is absolutely amazing!! It’s full of magic, adventure, and has lots of heart. I would highly recommend it.
August 23, 2014
Beginning with Telsinore the pirate's plans to start a war that would leave the palace treasures unprotected, many evil acts of others follow. Telsinore eventually succeeded to steal the treasures for himself. However, once the war began, the evil, greedy King Malmut- ruler of the Goblins- robbed all the establishments in the surrounding lands of all food and valuables. Weapons were all confiscated for his army alone. The weapon makers were killed or driven away without the materials to make any more. Those people who were not brutally killed were put in prison to die of starvation or disease. The people who were left had little food and no means to create more by planting crops or selling wares. A few worked hard in outlying mines where most died young. This was the situation of Darrow's family. Darrow had one leg shorter than the other so walked with a limp. He was also very small for his age. However, he refused to work in the mines and was determined to do the impossible... fight against the Goblins and take back the Kingdom. All thought him very foolish.
Meanwhile , in the land of Sonnencrest, the palace was put on alert for their army was ambushed and killed. Now the Goblins were on their way to overtake the castle. Before the palace residents could flee, the Goblins arrived and all were killed...al except for the shy young princess. Site was bidden to flee by one of the townspeople, yet nobody would offer her shelter. Frightened, dirty and alone, she fled to the only place she could... to the dreaded dark Forrest.
In another surrounding land, a young couple was determined to do the right thing, making the evil wizard, Zindown, angry. He therefore placed a curse on their unborn child causing him to be a hideous looking monster, a monster whom the parents loved anyway -Skodo.
These key characters - plus many more -, a lot of action/adventure, excellent poetry scattered throughout the pages of this novel, create a captivating fantasy with many lessons that can easily be utilized by parents and teachers to teach important concepts.
This s a novel of fantasy, violence of war, cruelty, hardship, adventures, action, goodness, adversity, undaunted courage, and perseverance.
l, at first, determined this story would merit a four stars review. After discovering not only the action but valuable lessons presented with the tale, it deserved a full Five Stars rating of which my review of this book has given.
*I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given.
Meanwhile , in the land of Sonnencrest, the palace was put on alert for their army was ambushed and killed. Now the Goblins were on their way to overtake the castle. Before the palace residents could flee, the Goblins arrived and all were killed...al except for the shy young princess. Site was bidden to flee by one of the townspeople, yet nobody would offer her shelter. Frightened, dirty and alone, she fled to the only place she could... to the dreaded dark Forrest.
In another surrounding land, a young couple was determined to do the right thing, making the evil wizard, Zindown, angry. He therefore placed a curse on their unborn child causing him to be a hideous looking monster, a monster whom the parents loved anyway -Skodo.
These key characters - plus many more -, a lot of action/adventure, excellent poetry scattered throughout the pages of this novel, create a captivating fantasy with many lessons that can easily be utilized by parents and teachers to teach important concepts.
This s a novel of fantasy, violence of war, cruelty, hardship, adventures, action, goodness, adversity, undaunted courage, and perseverance.
l, at first, determined this story would merit a four stars review. After discovering not only the action but valuable lessons presented with the tale, it deserved a full Five Stars rating of which my review of this book has given.
*I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review, of which I have given.
September 7, 2011
Just finished re-reading my favorite parts. Again, I HIGHLY recommend this book for kids (and their parents) and, you can now get this book for 50% off and free shipping (making it $5.99) if you go through http://www.youngreviewers.com/ - Ryan and Jenna were chosen to review the book before it was published and friends of theirs can receive this special offer. So, go buy this book for your kids - you won't be sorry!!
This was a great, quick and easy read. Ryan read this before me and he LOVED it. I highly recommend this book for all ages!
This was a great, quick and easy read. Ryan read this before me and he LOVED it. I highly recommend this book for all ages!
June 24, 2011
My daughter and I had the privilage to pre review this book before it was finished. she wrote a review on it and got her name in the book. It is a great kids book 3-6th grade and up. The meaning in it is great it is about inner beauty and magic.Overcoming great sorrow and trials in your life. Not what you would think. Great for boys and girls alike.
We had a privilage to meet Hal Malchow Alex's dad and get a tshirt and her book signed. They also sent a book to her school. There will be another one coming out and Ill be excited to read it with my daughter when we get it.
We had a privilage to meet Hal Malchow Alex's dad and get a tshirt and her book signed. They also sent a book to her school. There will be another one coming out and Ill be excited to read it with my daughter when we get it.
January 19, 2011
My son got to read an advanced reader's copy of this book and send in a review to them. It took him a while to get into it. He's not usually interested in goblins and fighting type books. Once I pushed him through the first 50 or so pages, he really enjoyed it. He was also excited to learn that it was written by Alex Malchow AND his 8 year old son. A really good book for kids interested in this genre.
July 4, 2014
An enjoyable story with plenty of fantastical elements. I think the only thing that could of made it better was a little bit more description in some parts, and I would have liked to read some of Darrow's more moving speeches because most of the time it went something like "Darrow once again gave a rousing speech full of hope in the possibilty of a free Sonnecrest". Nevertheless this is a great read with some good lessons to learn that fill its pages.
August 30, 2011
This book was a fun find. Written by a dad and his son, it was a project to help the some overcome his learning disabilities. Recommend it for any young (or old) fantasy lover!
Note if you're reading the digital version, the book is only half the length it appears to be. The second have of the book is a listing, by state, of the 2000+ child-reviewers of the book.
Note if you're reading the digital version, the book is only half the length it appears to be. The second have of the book is a listing, by state, of the 2000+ child-reviewers of the book.
May 23, 2014
I was really great! I have to admit I was really surprised when I learned it was written by a son and father. I thought from the names on the cover two brothers had worked together or something like that. It was a great experience for me to read it even though I took a little longer than some books, but that must mean I enjoyed it to much to move ahead! I LOVED IT!!
July 16, 2011
Hi I am Nolan Anthony Cramer a reviewer for the book before it was released. and i would like to update some of information the cover picture on this website is not the current picture and the release date is wrong. For all the current information go to the book's website at www.swordofdarrow.com.
August 1, 2011
I liked it because the characters were very interesting. It was set in a magical far away kingdom called Sonnencrest. It goes from deserts to forests. It was very confusing at times because each chapter was about a different character.
Want to read
October 29, 2010Heard about it through BzzzAgent.
December 21, 2011
My daughter is finishing this read as part of an advanced reader program.
Read
May 11, 2011Written by a Lab School student. Interesting to check out.
May 28, 2011
I am one of the reviewers in the back of the book. The first draft was great, but I just read the new revised copy and it is AWSOME!!!!! This is a great book for any fantacy lover.
Read
January 14, 2013Did not finish. Read first 60 pages and I found I was already skimming it, so I decided not to bother.
August 8, 2011
I liked this book a lot. It is a good book. I like the part where the black tornado shows up and takes the swords to Darrow. I like it when Scodo bargains with Telsinore.
November 5, 2014
Received this book from BenBella to help them edit it into a final copy. Really enjoyed it.
December 3, 2014
An interesting and detailed fantasy.
April 13, 2017
one of the best books that u have read in a long time. waiting for the next one
Read
February 2, 2011This book was really, super, fantastic!
December 28, 2017
I remember receiving a copy of this book and reviewing it years ago. I don’t remember much about the plot or story now, but I do remember loving it. Plus I love telling people my name is printed in a book. I still have both my original copy and the new copy, signed by the dad and son, on my bookshelf in my room. Every time I look at the book I smile. If I was always so busy with school and things, now that I’m a junior in high school, I would so pick this book up again. Definitely recommend to anyone who like fantasy. Plus it can be for younger or older readers. Great to have as a book for a parent to read with their child. I remember my dad reading it the same time I did, and loving it just the same.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews