Magic is dying. And without magic, the sleepy town of Ashville is conquered with ease by a tyrannical king who is swiftly amassing an ungodly fortune. He is on a mission to enslave mankind, raise the devil, and destroy the world. And he hopes to do all that before the end of the week. There is only one problem with this an orphan boy with no name, a child of the woods who has learned to survive among man-eating plants and giant spiders, but whose greatest obstacle yet remains. The king with everything will be challenged by the boy with nothing-and on the path where courage and selflessness meet, the boy with no name will inspire magic to return once more. Ash Forest (and the King's Gold) will lead readers on a perilous quest full of adventure, epic battles, and legendary feats of heroism.
This book is perfect for middle grade readers—it’s hits all the important notes: good protagonist (orphan boy), bad bad guys (plants that people and giant spiders to name a few) with great themes that even someone with no name and seemingly no worldly worth can make a huge difference for good.
A fantastical and thoroughly engaging tale that leaves the reader wanting more. The characters are well-developed and the prose is fascinating. The author launches into engrossing narrative telling, leaving readers hanging on every word. This is a truly motivational read, with bravery and generosity ultimately triumphing. Recommended for young and old alike.
Very imaginative world filled with interesting creatures and magical elements. The characters are engaging and the plot continually leaves you wanting more. It was a proper page turner
The author really outdid themselves. I loved the fantasy and adventure aspects of this book. The characters are well developed and I enjoyed the role that family played in this book.
Ash Forest and the King’s Gold by Stephen R. Pratt is a fun, spirited adventure with great story-telling and plenty of action. The “Feral Boy”, an outcast and wild loner, finds himself forced to leave the confines of his sanctuary—the Ash Forest—to embark on a journey of prophesy. Most importantly, the Feral Boy quests to find his place in life, search his heart, and obtain the goal of family, something he has never experienced. The author does a terrific job of building this small but mighty setting in a corner of the world. Politics, magic, and history are woven together in a tangible setting that sets a welcoming tone. The Feral Boy is a very unique character, not just physically but emotionally as well due to his upbringing, and that’s what I liked most about the story. I also enjoyed how the Feral Boy’s skills obtained in the dangerous forest apply to his adventure; the talents he honed out of survival become second nature to aid him in battle. Sprinkled with humor and wit, the author provides light moments and a pleasant narrative, even when the story takes a somber tone. Overall, a great read and page-turning adventure.
In a tale brimming with bravery, family bonds, and the power of friendship, "Ash Forest: and the King's Gold" weaves a spellbinding narrative of epic battles, heartwarming camaraderie, and heroic deeds that will capture the imagination of readers young and old.
Join the boy with no name on his quest to restore magic to Ash Forest, where courage and selflessness reign supreme, and where even the smallest among us can ignite the flames of hope. After all, in a world threatened by darkness, perhaps the greatest heroes emerge from the most unexpected places—even if it's just to save the puppies.