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Magickeepers #2
The Pyramid of Souls
Thirteen-year-old Nick Rostov and his large, extended family of Russian Magickeepers continue to battle the evil Shadowkeepers, who now seek a miniature pyramid of souls that once belonged to Edgar Allan Poe.
163 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 19, 2010
Review pertains to the uncorrected advanced copy in paperback. Much smaller than the first book this sophomore effort is more a novella than a full on book. I'm not complaining. I believe the novella is a very underrated word length, but I can't imagine that was what the publisher asked for. That said, on to the review...
Cousins Nick and Isabella are at it again, learning their craft as magickeepers while trying to prevent yet another crisis amongst the community. Damien, the family leader and head magician, refuses to listen to any logic save his own, which comes off a purposefully obtuse but drives the cousins into disobedience and gives the book its meat. Borrowing heavily from Russian folklore, interjected with actual historical characters, and replete with mini history lessons this book is educational but the quantity of such components minus any strong interconnecting narrative has a detrimental effect on pace, even in such an undersized volume (163 p). Top it off with an overabundance of magical system explaining, given that the system itself is unoriginal, and any long time reader of fantasy is left wondering what happened to the story.
Cousins Nick and Isabella are at it again, learning their craft as magickeepers while trying to prevent yet another crisis amongst the community. Damien, the family leader and head magician, refuses to listen to any logic save his own, which comes off a purposefully obtuse but drives the cousins into disobedience and gives the book its meat. Borrowing heavily from Russian folklore, interjected with actual historical characters, and replete with mini history lessons this book is educational but the quantity of such components minus any strong interconnecting narrative has a detrimental effect on pace, even in such an undersized volume (163 p). Top it off with an overabundance of magical system explaining, given that the system itself is unoriginal, and any long time reader of fantasy is left wondering what happened to the story.
August 3, 2018
A grand convention of magicians from around the world is spoiled by the theft of the Pyramid of Souls, and Nick will have to make some big sacrifices in order to retrieve it before Shadowkeepers can get their claws on it and hand it over to an even greater evil! Kirov continues this enjoyable series by continuing the same charm and energy as the previous installment. What terrible price will Nick have to pay to keep his family safe?
July 6, 2010
Very consistent with the first book - not entirely sure why I like it except that I like the magical ideas. Its sort of Harry Potter in Vegas - different approach to the magical world that lives alongside the non-magical world.
August 4, 2018
My name is Isabella, and my worst nightmare has reappeared. Maria, daughter of Rasputin, has returned and wants to steal my essence. Nick and I saw her in the stables with a jackal and ravens, and we later saw an evil-looking woman enter our hotel wearing black and a headdress of black feathers. Magicians from all over the world have come to our Las Vegas home for an annual conference, but something terrible just happened. Shadowkeepers stole the Pyramid of Souls, and it's clear Rasputin is behind it. He’ll become even more powerful if he can capture the magical essences, but Nick's destiny is to stop him.
You should probably read the first book, but you can still enjoy The Pyramid of Souls without it. Nick is the main character, and he is learning to master his new-found magical powers. He also has a habit of concealing the truth from Damian and Theo, the powerful leaders of the family, and then getting himself into bigger trouble. Isabella is his cousin and best friend, and he always pulls her into the danger he creates. Theo and Nick have an ability to use crystal balls, and Theo uses his ball to see past events that are relevant to the plot. This book includes flashbacks to Edgar Allan Poe and Alexander the Great to emphasize the danger of the Shadowkeepers, the importance of a special elephant, and the mystery of the raven woman. The book is a quick-read, as the plot moves quickly through the 146 pages. The conflict between Nick and Rasputin carries over from the previous book, and the resolution was similar to book one. Rasputin hints that he will eventually be defeated by Nick, but it turns out not in this book. It looks like this series is a trilogy, so The Chalice of Immortality should wrap everything up. Overall, it's not a fantastic series, but it's entertaining.
You should probably read the first book, but you can still enjoy The Pyramid of Souls without it. Nick is the main character, and he is learning to master his new-found magical powers. He also has a habit of concealing the truth from Damian and Theo, the powerful leaders of the family, and then getting himself into bigger trouble. Isabella is his cousin and best friend, and he always pulls her into the danger he creates. Theo and Nick have an ability to use crystal balls, and Theo uses his ball to see past events that are relevant to the plot. This book includes flashbacks to Edgar Allan Poe and Alexander the Great to emphasize the danger of the Shadowkeepers, the importance of a special elephant, and the mystery of the raven woman. The book is a quick-read, as the plot moves quickly through the 146 pages. The conflict between Nick and Rasputin carries over from the previous book, and the resolution was similar to book one. Rasputin hints that he will eventually be defeated by Nick, but it turns out not in this book. It looks like this series is a trilogy, so The Chalice of Immortality should wrap everything up. Overall, it's not a fantastic series, but it's entertaining.
August 26, 2024
Great for children!
May 25, 2010
Magickeepers: The Pyramid of Souls is an incredibly unique, entertaining and addicting blend of history, magic and slight adolescent angst. When I discovered the release of this second in the Magickeepers series (The first is titled Magickeepers: The Eternal Hourglass) I was ecstatic. Yes, technically this is a Juvenile Fiction/Middle Grade level book, and I am far beyond that age range, however the way that the author, Erica Kirov, writes, she is able to easily engulf a vast audience of greatly varying ages. Not to mention the fact that her Magickeeper series will appeal to both girls and boys equally, which oftentimes can be a feat within itself.
With summer upon us and children glorifying in summer vacation (at least for a couple of weeks, until the "I'm boooored" becomes a daily phrase, lol) why not give your child, as well as yourself, for that matter, the gift of losing themselves within a vivid world of magic, family, suspense and bravery? Not only does the Magickeepers series guarantee to entrance and absorb, it also blends bits and pieces of history within their stories.
The Pyramid of Souls begins with a raven visiting a little known writer, by the name of Edgar Allen Poe. In exchange for a poem (The Raven, anyone?!) that is guaranteed to make him a world renowned author, all Poe has to do is agree to guard a precious item, when the time comes. But what exactly will the final cost be?
Transported into present time, we are once again met with Nick Rostov, a young boy who recently discovered that he is part of an amazingly magical Russian family, called the Magickeepers. Their sole enemy are the Shadowkeepers, whose leader is none other than the infamous Rasputin, himself. In The Pyramid of Souls, there is a magical competition taking place at a convention in the Winter Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, where Nick and the Magickeepers reside. This competition includes magical clans from all over the world, including Japan, England, Egypt, Nigeria and Sweden, just to name a few. It is during this convention that Nick and his cousin, Isabella, meet twin brother and sister, Siti and Atsu, who are the keepers of The Pyramid of Souls. This possession is of such importance, that the lives of those pure of magic depend upon it. When it disappears, havoc breaks lose and Nick takes it upon himself to find the relic before it is too late. Will he be able to save those he loves and himself or will it end up costing him his own life?
Other historical figures we meet within The Pyramid of Souls are P.T. Barnum, Sir Isaac Newton and General Tom Thumb. This is one of my favorite aspects of the Magickeeper series - the way in which Erica Kirov joins real life historical figures with fictional figures and tales bringing these forces together to create mesmerizing and magical stories, that are sure to endure themselves to even the pickiest of readers. I eagerly await the next adventure for Nick, in the third Magickeepers series - and hopefully that wait won't be too painfully long (hint hint, Ms. Kirov, lol!!).
*Please be sure to visit my blog for the complete post:
http://www.cafeofdreamsbookreviews.co...
With summer upon us and children glorifying in summer vacation (at least for a couple of weeks, until the "I'm boooored" becomes a daily phrase, lol) why not give your child, as well as yourself, for that matter, the gift of losing themselves within a vivid world of magic, family, suspense and bravery? Not only does the Magickeepers series guarantee to entrance and absorb, it also blends bits and pieces of history within their stories.
The Pyramid of Souls begins with a raven visiting a little known writer, by the name of Edgar Allen Poe. In exchange for a poem (The Raven, anyone?!) that is guaranteed to make him a world renowned author, all Poe has to do is agree to guard a precious item, when the time comes. But what exactly will the final cost be?
Transported into present time, we are once again met with Nick Rostov, a young boy who recently discovered that he is part of an amazingly magical Russian family, called the Magickeepers. Their sole enemy are the Shadowkeepers, whose leader is none other than the infamous Rasputin, himself. In The Pyramid of Souls, there is a magical competition taking place at a convention in the Winter Palace Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, where Nick and the Magickeepers reside. This competition includes magical clans from all over the world, including Japan, England, Egypt, Nigeria and Sweden, just to name a few. It is during this convention that Nick and his cousin, Isabella, meet twin brother and sister, Siti and Atsu, who are the keepers of The Pyramid of Souls. This possession is of such importance, that the lives of those pure of magic depend upon it. When it disappears, havoc breaks lose and Nick takes it upon himself to find the relic before it is too late. Will he be able to save those he loves and himself or will it end up costing him his own life?
Other historical figures we meet within The Pyramid of Souls are P.T. Barnum, Sir Isaac Newton and General Tom Thumb. This is one of my favorite aspects of the Magickeeper series - the way in which Erica Kirov joins real life historical figures with fictional figures and tales bringing these forces together to create mesmerizing and magical stories, that are sure to endure themselves to even the pickiest of readers. I eagerly await the next adventure for Nick, in the third Magickeepers series - and hopefully that wait won't be too painfully long (hint hint, Ms. Kirov, lol!!).
*Please be sure to visit my blog for the complete post:
http://www.cafeofdreamsbookreviews.co...
June 13, 2010
Series Review:
I really enjoyed the Magickeeper series! It's written for ages 8-14, but even I got really into it and enjoyed it a lot.
The stories were both woven well, with plenty of mystery and suspense to keep you reading. Once I started to read, it was hard to put it down. I never knew what to expect and was always surprised. It was like walking through a fun-house: you never knew what was going to be around the corner.
My favorite characters had to be Nick and Isabella, followed closely by Isabella's pet tiger, Sascha. Sascha was just a really cool tiger. Vladimir, the hedgehog, was pretty cool, too. It was fun to watch Nick and Isabella together: they balanced each other well and would be fun people to be around. I wish they were real so we could hang out. Haley why would you want to hang out with thirteen-year-olds? Because they're magician thirteen-year-olds who can disappear and fly and look into crystal balls, and have more adventure in a day that I have in a month.
The writing was good and easy to read and easy to follow, but some of the structure was a little confusing at times. It didn't take away form the action and adventure, though.
I really liked the Russian culture incorporated into the stories. It wasn't overdone, but it was really fun to read the descriptions of the foods and the clothes and the decorations, and learn about some of the traditions. In the second book, The Pyramid of Souls, there was a lot of other cultures incorporated into it as well, because there were Magickeepers from Egypt and Nigeria and a Parisian clan, and Australians… so there were a lot of cool things that went on that we wouldn't normally think about—even in the world of magic.
I look forward to the next book in the Magickeeper series! The Eternal Hourglass came out in paperback on March 31, 2010 and The Pyramid of Souls was just published in hardback on May 1st, 2010.
Content/Recommendation: clean, and suitable for ages 8-16(-ish). I'm 18 and I enjoyed it, and parents would enjoy reading the books out loud to their kids as well!
I really enjoyed the Magickeeper series! It's written for ages 8-14, but even I got really into it and enjoyed it a lot.
The stories were both woven well, with plenty of mystery and suspense to keep you reading. Once I started to read, it was hard to put it down. I never knew what to expect and was always surprised. It was like walking through a fun-house: you never knew what was going to be around the corner.
My favorite characters had to be Nick and Isabella, followed closely by Isabella's pet tiger, Sascha. Sascha was just a really cool tiger. Vladimir, the hedgehog, was pretty cool, too. It was fun to watch Nick and Isabella together: they balanced each other well and would be fun people to be around. I wish they were real so we could hang out. Haley why would you want to hang out with thirteen-year-olds? Because they're magician thirteen-year-olds who can disappear and fly and look into crystal balls, and have more adventure in a day that I have in a month.
The writing was good and easy to read and easy to follow, but some of the structure was a little confusing at times. It didn't take away form the action and adventure, though.
I really liked the Russian culture incorporated into the stories. It wasn't overdone, but it was really fun to read the descriptions of the foods and the clothes and the decorations, and learn about some of the traditions. In the second book, The Pyramid of Souls, there was a lot of other cultures incorporated into it as well, because there were Magickeepers from Egypt and Nigeria and a Parisian clan, and Australians… so there were a lot of cool things that went on that we wouldn't normally think about—even in the world of magic.
I look forward to the next book in the Magickeeper series! The Eternal Hourglass came out in paperback on March 31, 2010 and The Pyramid of Souls was just published in hardback on May 1st, 2010.
Content/Recommendation: clean, and suitable for ages 8-16(-ish). I'm 18 and I enjoyed it, and parents would enjoy reading the books out loud to their kids as well!
May 14, 2010
I hadn't read the first book in the series when I received The Pyramid of Souls, and was still able to get into the story. I think Erica did a great job by giving enough back story from what happened in the first book to follow Nick's journey in this great sequel.
Nick is still struggling with learning his Russian heritage. He's having a hard time with learning what his tutor Theo is teaching, and most importantly, he feels he's not living up to being a great Magician like his cousin Damian is training him to be. Damian, after all is the greatest Magician in the world. His cousin Isabella is even a great Magician in her own right.
Nick lives on the top three floors of The Winter Palace Hotel in Las Vegas, NV with the rest of his Magician family, who's very proud of their Russian Heritage. They perform real Magic shows and the greatest show of all is about to take place as Magicians from around the world are getting ready to descend on The Winter Palace for the chance to gain, The Greatest Magician in The World bragging rights.
When someone steals the Pyramid of Souls, Nick must help to get it back. It's been sot after all through out history as, Alexander The Great had it stolen from him. Edgar Allen Poe pledged his sanity to keep it safe. P.T. Barnum lost it in a bet against a Magician and now the most guarded, most sacred secret in the Magician world has been stolen. It wasn't stolen by anyone. The Shadowkeepers are back, and this time they won't stop until they have Nick. Nick is the Magician's only hope is getting it back, but at what cost?
Swept away in a wonderful world full of Russian-lore, magic and family ties, I think this is a wonderful sequel in The Magic Keepers series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Nick is still struggling with learning his Russian heritage. He's having a hard time with learning what his tutor Theo is teaching, and most importantly, he feels he's not living up to being a great Magician like his cousin Damian is training him to be. Damian, after all is the greatest Magician in the world. His cousin Isabella is even a great Magician in her own right.
Nick lives on the top three floors of The Winter Palace Hotel in Las Vegas, NV with the rest of his Magician family, who's very proud of their Russian Heritage. They perform real Magic shows and the greatest show of all is about to take place as Magicians from around the world are getting ready to descend on The Winter Palace for the chance to gain, The Greatest Magician in The World bragging rights.
When someone steals the Pyramid of Souls, Nick must help to get it back. It's been sot after all through out history as, Alexander The Great had it stolen from him. Edgar Allen Poe pledged his sanity to keep it safe. P.T. Barnum lost it in a bet against a Magician and now the most guarded, most sacred secret in the Magician world has been stolen. It wasn't stolen by anyone. The Shadowkeepers are back, and this time they won't stop until they have Nick. Nick is the Magician's only hope is getting it back, but at what cost?
Swept away in a wonderful world full of Russian-lore, magic and family ties, I think this is a wonderful sequel in The Magic Keepers series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
December 1, 2010
I hadn't read the first book in the series when I received The Pyramid of Souls, and was still able to get into the story. I think Erica did a great job by giving enough back story from what happened in the first book to follow Nick's journey in this great sequel.
Nick is still struggling with learning his Russian heritage. He's having a hard time with learning what his tutor Theo is teaching, and most importantly, he feels he's not living up to being a great Magician like his cousin Damian is training him to be. Damian, after all is the greatest Magician in the world. His cousin Isabella is even a great Magician in her own right.
Nick lives on the top three floors of The Winter Palace Hotel in Las Vegas, NV with the rest of his Magician family, who's very proud of their Russian Heritage. They perform real Magic shows and the greatest show of all is about to take place as Magicians from around the world are getting ready to descend on The Winter Palace for the chance to gain, The Greatest Magician in The World bragging rights.
When someone steals the Pyramid of Souls, Nick must help to get it back. It's been sot after all through out history as, Alexander The Great had it stolen from him. Edgar Allen Poe pledged his sanity to keep it safe. P.T. Barnum lost it in a bet against a Magician and now the most guarded, most sacred secret in the Magician world has been stolen. It wasn't stolen by anyone. The Shadowkeepers are back, and this time they won't stop until they have Nick. Nick is the Magician's only hope is getting it back, but at what cost?
Swept away in a wonderful world full of Russian-lore, magic and family ties, I think this is a wonderful sequel in The Magic Keepers series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Nick is still struggling with learning his Russian heritage. He's having a hard time with learning what his tutor Theo is teaching, and most importantly, he feels he's not living up to being a great Magician like his cousin Damian is training him to be. Damian, after all is the greatest Magician in the world. His cousin Isabella is even a great Magician in her own right.
Nick lives on the top three floors of The Winter Palace Hotel in Las Vegas, NV with the rest of his Magician family, who's very proud of their Russian Heritage. They perform real Magic shows and the greatest show of all is about to take place as Magicians from around the world are getting ready to descend on The Winter Palace for the chance to gain, The Greatest Magician in The World bragging rights.
When someone steals the Pyramid of Souls, Nick must help to get it back. It's been sot after all through out history as, Alexander The Great had it stolen from him. Edgar Allen Poe pledged his sanity to keep it safe. P.T. Barnum lost it in a bet against a Magician and now the most guarded, most sacred secret in the Magician world has been stolen. It wasn't stolen by anyone. The Shadowkeepers are back, and this time they won't stop until they have Nick. Nick is the Magician's only hope is getting it back, but at what cost?
Swept away in a wonderful world full of Russian-lore, magic and family ties, I think this is a wonderful sequel in The Magic Keepers series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 11, 2010
After reading the first novel in the series, I was excited and hesitant to begin the second. I went into the novel hoping that this time I would be able to have a better connection with the novel and its characters. And I am happy to say that I did connect more with The Pyramid of Souls than I had expected.
Nick is struggling. You name it and he is probably having a hard time with it. He cannot get his magic just right, he thinks he is disappointing his cousin, the magnificent Damien, and he is a little bit envious that his other cousin Isabella is tad bit better in the magical department. What is a boy to do?
Kirov, like most writers, interweaves portions of the first novel into the second novels tale. At first, I was a little put off by this since I has just read the first novel. But for those who have not read the first novel in a while, it is a wonderful refresher. Plus, I really enjoyed how Kirov interwove the details. It flows nicely within the new plot developments and does not weigh the reader down. It is just enough without being too much.
The Pyramid of Souls was a wonderful addition to the series. I got to know a lot more about Nick's world and had a really fun time doing so. The characters were a lot more complex and fleshed out this time around. So I felt like I got to know them better, which helps me care about them and their adventures. From the ending of the novel, I can tell that readers have not yet seen the last of Nick or the Shadowkeepers, so I will be keeping a look out for the next novel. If you like novels with Russian lore or just those involving magic, then this is a series you should definitely check out.
Nick is struggling. You name it and he is probably having a hard time with it. He cannot get his magic just right, he thinks he is disappointing his cousin, the magnificent Damien, and he is a little bit envious that his other cousin Isabella is tad bit better in the magical department. What is a boy to do?
Kirov, like most writers, interweaves portions of the first novel into the second novels tale. At first, I was a little put off by this since I has just read the first novel. But for those who have not read the first novel in a while, it is a wonderful refresher. Plus, I really enjoyed how Kirov interwove the details. It flows nicely within the new plot developments and does not weigh the reader down. It is just enough without being too much.
The Pyramid of Souls was a wonderful addition to the series. I got to know a lot more about Nick's world and had a really fun time doing so. The characters were a lot more complex and fleshed out this time around. So I felt like I got to know them better, which helps me care about them and their adventures. From the ending of the novel, I can tell that readers have not yet seen the last of Nick or the Shadowkeepers, so I will be keeping a look out for the next novel. If you like novels with Russian lore or just those involving magic, then this is a series you should definitely check out.
June 10, 2010
Nick is tired of living in the Las Vegas hotel/casino that acts as the cover for his magical family. All he gets to eat is Russian food, all he does is practice magic, and his older cousins keep access to the outside world at a minimum for him. So he’s excited to think of a whole convention of Magickeepers, the guardians of magic in the world, coming to his hotel. But then he discovers that Shadowkeepers plan to target the convention, and Nick and his cousin Isabella are in danger of having their souls stolen. Will his training be enough to help him fight them off?
Magickeepers: The Pyramid of Souls by Erica Kirov is the second book in this new series where magic has to be protected from evil in the world. Crystal balls, magical swords, Egyptian pyramids, and even Edgar Allen Poe writing his famous poem “The Raven” all add to the adventure. Historical facts get a makeover from a magical standpoint and historical Russian culture also is featured. The Magickeepers series is lots of fun for readers aged 9 to 12, who will also enjoy the preview of the next book, which starts out with famous illusionist Harry Houdini.
Magickeepers: The Pyramid of Souls by Erica Kirov is the second book in this new series where magic has to be protected from evil in the world. Crystal balls, magical swords, Egyptian pyramids, and even Edgar Allen Poe writing his famous poem “The Raven” all add to the adventure. Historical facts get a makeover from a magical standpoint and historical Russian culture also is featured. The Magickeepers series is lots of fun for readers aged 9 to 12, who will also enjoy the preview of the next book, which starts out with famous illusionist Harry Houdini.
May 17, 2010
Magickeepers: Pyramid of Souls by Erica Kirov
This is a captivating little book about a magical family. Nick Rostov’s place in the family and is ability to survive the families enemies provides the focus of the book. His new cousin, Isabella is his major sidekick.
The theft of the Pyramid of Souls is the quest in this story. There is magic, elephants, tigers, pyramids and more magic. The defining of the world’s magic users into good and evil provides the friction that moves the story. I enjoyed Nick and Isabella’s relationship and Isabella’s relationship with animals. My abiding love of anthropomorphism colored my affection for this book. This book is part of a series and I intend to get the whole series for my grandchildren.
I recommend the book.
This is a captivating little book about a magical family. Nick Rostov’s place in the family and is ability to survive the families enemies provides the focus of the book. His new cousin, Isabella is his major sidekick.
The theft of the Pyramid of Souls is the quest in this story. There is magic, elephants, tigers, pyramids and more magic. The defining of the world’s magic users into good and evil provides the friction that moves the story. I enjoyed Nick and Isabella’s relationship and Isabella’s relationship with animals. My abiding love of anthropomorphism colored my affection for this book. This book is part of a series and I intend to get the whole series for my grandchildren.
I recommend the book.
September 30, 2016
This is the second installment in the magickeepers. I thoroughly enjoyed the first so I decided to continue the series.
The battle between good and evil continues when not only does a powerful relic is stolen but its guardian disappears. But when the guardian vanishes so does Nick's cousin, Isabella! All is not what it seems and Nick needs to follow his heart to save Isabella. In the end Nick barters with his life to try to save her. On an adventure with new found friends will good over come again? Can all that is lost be found?
I believe that this series is a must read. Anyone who loves magic well love this. Magic with a splash of history and legend abounds! I give this book a resounding big thumbs up!
The battle between good and evil continues when not only does a powerful relic is stolen but its guardian disappears. But when the guardian vanishes so does Nick's cousin, Isabella! All is not what it seems and Nick needs to follow his heart to save Isabella. In the end Nick barters with his life to try to save her. On an adventure with new found friends will good over come again? Can all that is lost be found?
I believe that this series is a must read. Anyone who loves magic well love this. Magic with a splash of history and legend abounds! I give this book a resounding big thumbs up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2012
Book two doesn't disappoint! It seems that each entry in the series will center on a magical artifact. The Pyramid of Souls is very dangerous in the wrong hands and once again the cousins have to battle the evil sorcerer Rasputin and his daughter to save the artifact and the family (possibly the world!). These are quick inventive reads with lots of action and cool characters. There are family secrets hinted at in the first and second book but the biggest reveal (I can guess what it is) hasn't come yet. I've already picked up the next book!
February 18, 2011
2.5 stars
I liked it, just not as well as the first. It seemed short and rather ineffective in terms of really moving the plot along. I still enjoy the family and the wonderful atmosphere that Kirov has infused into the books, her obvious love for her Russian heritage and I hope some of the references interest young readers in doing some of their own research on them. Recommended for fans of the first book.
I just hope that the series is not dragged out too long.
I liked it, just not as well as the first. It seemed short and rather ineffective in terms of really moving the plot along. I still enjoy the family and the wonderful atmosphere that Kirov has infused into the books, her obvious love for her Russian heritage and I hope some of the references interest young readers in doing some of their own research on them. Recommended for fans of the first book.
I just hope that the series is not dragged out too long.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2012
Similar to the first book in the series, Pyramid of Souls was easy and fast to read. I would've liked a little more details about Maria, Miranda and the Pyramid of Souls and how it works. The story felt a little hurried or rather, not as much details were added. The history of the Pyramid of Souls and its keeper was interesting. Not as good as the first book but I liked it well enough. Looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
September 4, 2016
www.2thepointbooks.blogspot.com
I was quite a bit disappointed in this book. For such a short book (less than 100 pages), you'd think that the action/plot would be roaring from the start, but alas, with "The Pyramid of Souls," it does not. In fact, it take half the book for any semblance of plot to kick in. And the problem/solution was exactly the same as in the first book. I hate cookie-cutter books, and this one was definitely one.
Will not be reading any more in the series.
I was quite a bit disappointed in this book. For such a short book (less than 100 pages), you'd think that the action/plot would be roaring from the start, but alas, with "The Pyramid of Souls," it does not. In fact, it take half the book for any semblance of plot to kick in. And the problem/solution was exactly the same as in the first book. I hate cookie-cutter books, and this one was definitely one.
Will not be reading any more in the series.
January 21, 2014
Loved this just as much as the first; can't wait for more in the series! This one definitely flew by faster than the first book. Love how the author weaves history into the storyline.
***Update: January 2014: needed to re-read this so that I could be current for reading the 3rd book for the 1st time. Loved it just as much the 2nd time.
***Update: January 2014: needed to re-read this so that I could be current for reading the 3rd book for the 1st time. Loved it just as much the 2nd time.
January 5, 2016
Not quite as good as the first one. Even more than halfway through the book the story is still trying to explain some of what happened in the first book for those who didn't read it, and it feels like the real story doesn't start until the last quarter. Still, it's quite readable and I appreciate the reference to a local mystery, D. B. Cooper.
June 1, 2010
This was better then the first book. Erica Kirov really grows as a writer with this novel. It was a bit less draggy and the characters acted a bit more mature. Still a novel for children but a lot more enjoyable then the first :)
March 4, 2015
Book 2!
Again, Nick disobeys his smarter and more powerful uncles in order to run off and fight the bad guys on his own. Weirdly, he wins again. But the book was very fun, and there was an elderly elephant (think, Alexander the Great) who was my favorite character.
Again, Nick disobeys his smarter and more powerful uncles in order to run off and fight the bad guys on his own. Weirdly, he wins again. But the book was very fun, and there was an elderly elephant (think, Alexander the Great) who was my favorite character.
October 18, 2014
I read this with my 10 year old. He loved it, I enjoyed it as well. I the story wasn't very long, which made it a quick read, but I wanted it to last longer, I kind of felt like it was cut a little short. I am excited to read the next in the series.
December 17, 2016
The book, for me, satisfied my thirst for the adventure. Though I am still quite annoyed with how Kolya usually handles things (which is so troublesome), it is good that he manages to survive. I love Theo by the way.
February 23, 2011
Just as good as the first, though I wish they would have included two guest characters a little more. I enjoy the references back to historical figures it's fun.
July 23, 2011
It was good book. It truly thought it showed how much Nick cared for his family. Isabell shined in this book as well as giving some past about her.
September 1, 2012
2.5 stars. It was all right. Nothing special.
December 26, 2013
Intriguing tale that leaves you wanting more!
March 7, 2015
*3.75 stars
April 5, 2015
More troubles for Nick and his family as they battle Rasputin and try to keep their family and magic safe. What is the importance of their new elephant? Find out in book two of the series.
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