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Jennifer Scales #2
Jennifer Scales and the Messenger of Light
Jennifer Scales is trapped in the middle of tensions between weredragons, beaststalkers, and werachnids. If peace isn't found soon, whole races can be lost and her family-and newfound brother-destroyed.
336 pages, ebook
First published May 26, 2006
10 people are currently reading
742 people want to read
About the author
MaryJanice Davidson
145 books5,402 followersMaryJanice Davidson is an American author and motivational speaker who writes mostly paranormal romance, but also young adult and non-fiction. She is the creator of the popular UNDEAD series and the time-traveling historical fiction A CONTEMPORARY ASSHAT AT THE COURT OF HENRY VIII. MaryJanice is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author who writes a bi-weekly column for USA Today and lives in St. Paul with her family. You can reach her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
December 31, 2014
Life as a were-dragon has become almost normal, but Jennifer still has a lot to learn. And breaking the rules turns out to have more of a consequence than Jennifer was expecting. When her beaststalker heritage is exposed to the rest of the dragons, even they don't trust her anymore. A new arrival complicates matters even more. A sibling Jennifer didn't know she had is intent on wrecking her father's life. If Jennifer can't figure something out, everyone she loves may be killed.
This is in many ways a solid follow up to the first book. Rather than discover new powers, for the most part Jennifer is settling into the ones she already has and expanding her knowledge of the secret new world she's entered. The tangle of relationships with Eddie, Skip, and Susan muddle along in all sorts of complicated ways. The drama of friendships and family relationships is the backdrop to a murder mystery where the stakes keep getting higher.
It's a fast read, but I found myself a lot less engaged this time around. This is light pop fiction in a fantasy dressing, with soap-opera relationships and drama. Jennifer, amazingly, actually gets mad at someone for not forgiving her when she's held a grudge against Eddie for his single moment of weakness over a year past and does not hesitate to unceasingly remind him of that fact even though he's been trying to mend fences. It's that kind of hypocrisy and self-centeredness that makes it so hard for me to like her. Jennifer knows the dangers of Crescent Valley, decides to break the rules, and is shocked when other people are offended by her misbehavior and want to impose serious consequences on her. In the end, she gets off with no more than a token protest (making it her mission to take care of Evangelos is rather beside the point, as she was going to have to deal with him anyway given his choice of targets).
For people with a taste for light pop fiction, this does have some interesting elements. For myself, I'm not going to follow the series any further because I suspect Jennifer will simply aggravate me too much. I rate this book Neutral.
This is in many ways a solid follow up to the first book. Rather than discover new powers, for the most part Jennifer is settling into the ones she already has and expanding her knowledge of the secret new world she's entered. The tangle of relationships with Eddie, Skip, and Susan muddle along in all sorts of complicated ways. The drama of friendships and family relationships is the backdrop to a murder mystery where the stakes keep getting higher.
It's a fast read, but I found myself a lot less engaged this time around. This is light pop fiction in a fantasy dressing, with soap-opera relationships and drama. Jennifer, amazingly, actually gets mad at someone for not forgiving her when she's held a grudge against Eddie for his single moment of weakness over a year past and does not hesitate to unceasingly remind him of that fact even though he's been trying to mend fences. It's that kind of hypocrisy and self-centeredness that makes it so hard for me to like her. Jennifer knows the dangers of Crescent Valley, decides to break the rules, and is shocked when other people are offended by her misbehavior and want to impose serious consequences on her. In the end, she gets off with no more than a token protest (making it her mission to take care of Evangelos is rather beside the point, as she was going to have to deal with him anyway given his choice of targets).
For people with a taste for light pop fiction, this does have some interesting elements. For myself, I'm not going to follow the series any further because I suspect Jennifer will simply aggravate me too much. I rate this book Neutral.
September 9, 2023
Das Buch ist theoretisch ganz interessant, aber die erste Hälfte passiert einfach zu langsam.
Außerdem verhält sich Jennifer eher wie eine 13-Jährige und macht andauernd alles wovon man ihr sagt das sie es nicht tun soll. Zudem hätten sich 90% der Probleme einfach gelöst wenn die Personen miteinander sprechen würden.
Ihre Eltern hätten ihr auch einfach gewisse Regeln und vor allem die Geschichte hinter dem Streit der verschiedenen Arten erzählen müssen. Haben sie nicht gemacht und sind dann sauer wenn sie etwas nicht weiß oder nachfragt.
Ich könnte mir vorstellen, dass das Buch bei 13-16-Jährigen gut ankommt, aber darüber empfindet man es doch als zu kindisch.
Außerdem verhält sich Jennifer eher wie eine 13-Jährige und macht andauernd alles wovon man ihr sagt das sie es nicht tun soll. Zudem hätten sich 90% der Probleme einfach gelöst wenn die Personen miteinander sprechen würden.
Ihre Eltern hätten ihr auch einfach gewisse Regeln und vor allem die Geschichte hinter dem Streit der verschiedenen Arten erzählen müssen. Haben sie nicht gemacht und sind dann sauer wenn sie etwas nicht weiß oder nachfragt.
Ich könnte mir vorstellen, dass das Buch bei 13-16-Jährigen gut ankommt, aber darüber empfindet man es doch als zu kindisch.
July 15, 2020
This one was not as good as the first. A few things were unclear. I was surprised by a few revelations in the book, but other parts were far too predictable. I am interested in trying the next one to see if it was a fluke. This one took me a long time to read because I kept getting bored.
September 30, 2019
Meiner Meinung nach wurde die Spannung viel besser aufrecht erhalten, als in Band 1 und auch die Kapitel waren nicht mehr so abgehackt wie im Vorgänger.
February 5, 2022
I’m really enjoying this series. It’s got humor but suspense too and of course the dragons are pretty cool!
June 4, 2022
Love all the scales books
January 25, 2020
Witty. Too sad. Too scary. Very surprise mystery: who is Ev? Friend is enemy is friend?.
4 Typos:
c10 p15 inhuge is in huge
c11 p8 hole is whole
Inter 12.5 p4 Evangelosstruggled
EPIL c17.5 p2 recognizedthe
4 Typos:
c10 p15 inhuge is in huge
c11 p8 hole is whole
Inter 12.5 p4 Evangelosstruggled
EPIL c17.5 p2 recognizedthe
November 8, 2012
Reviewed by Randstostipher "tallnlankyrn" Nguyen for TeensReadToo.com
It's not always easy to find out that you are half-beaststalker, half-weredragon, especially when life is just beginning to get better. Jennifer Scales knows exactly how it feels. If only her parents would have told her sooner, it may have been easier. For one thing, though, her strength is perfect for playing soccer.
With some quick adjustments, Jennifer began to get used to the whole morphing-into-a-dragon thing, especially since she can easily change back into her teenage self.
Quickly getting used to flying around and always wanting to go back to Crescent Valley, a weredragon refuge that most do not know about, Jennifer continues to strengthen her weredragon side. But, of course, since she is half-beaststalker (her mother is one), she also has to take lessons from her mom, even though it isn't easy.
Then Jennifer gets another shock of her life: her father was married once before her mother, to Diana, a werachnid. They had a baby together, although Jennifer's father thought at first the baby was dead. But he soon finds out that the baby, Evangelos, wasn't dead after all. He was just in another dimension, abandoned, and not very happy about it. All Evangelos wants now is revenge, and Jennifer's dad is his target.
Ironically enough, weredragons are beginning to be found dead, and the victims are those close to Jennifer's dad. Could it be Evangelos? Jennifer knows that she has to protect the ones she loves and put an end to all of the murders, before the murderer attacks her parents.
An enjoyable follow up to the first and very unique novel in the series featuring Jennifer Scales (JENNIFER SCALES AND THE ANCIENT FURNACE), JENNIFER SCALES AND THE MESSENGER OF LIGHT has action, mystery, and secrets that will shock and amaze those who have fallen in love with the series. Jennifer's life will not be going back to normal anytime soon, and her adventure is just getting started. MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi create a world different from what most have read about and then go on to satisfy their biggest fans.
It's not always easy to find out that you are half-beaststalker, half-weredragon, especially when life is just beginning to get better. Jennifer Scales knows exactly how it feels. If only her parents would have told her sooner, it may have been easier. For one thing, though, her strength is perfect for playing soccer.
With some quick adjustments, Jennifer began to get used to the whole morphing-into-a-dragon thing, especially since she can easily change back into her teenage self.
Quickly getting used to flying around and always wanting to go back to Crescent Valley, a weredragon refuge that most do not know about, Jennifer continues to strengthen her weredragon side. But, of course, since she is half-beaststalker (her mother is one), she also has to take lessons from her mom, even though it isn't easy.
Then Jennifer gets another shock of her life: her father was married once before her mother, to Diana, a werachnid. They had a baby together, although Jennifer's father thought at first the baby was dead. But he soon finds out that the baby, Evangelos, wasn't dead after all. He was just in another dimension, abandoned, and not very happy about it. All Evangelos wants now is revenge, and Jennifer's dad is his target.
Ironically enough, weredragons are beginning to be found dead, and the victims are those close to Jennifer's dad. Could it be Evangelos? Jennifer knows that she has to protect the ones she loves and put an end to all of the murders, before the murderer attacks her parents.
An enjoyable follow up to the first and very unique novel in the series featuring Jennifer Scales (JENNIFER SCALES AND THE ANCIENT FURNACE), JENNIFER SCALES AND THE MESSENGER OF LIGHT has action, mystery, and secrets that will shock and amaze those who have fallen in love with the series. Jennifer's life will not be going back to normal anytime soon, and her adventure is just getting started. MaryJanice Davidson and Anthony Alongi create a world different from what most have read about and then go on to satisfy their biggest fans.
November 24, 2023
I remember picking this up at Barnes and Noble when I was a teen and reading the first chapter. Unfortunately, I didn't purchase it at the time, but I have finally read it in its entirety after several years!
What drew me to the book in the first place was the sort of clash of genres: typical teen drama with dragons and fantasy. If it weren't for the dragons, Jennifer's teen angst would've gotten grating and annoying quite quickly. But adding dragons on top of that and her tired parents dealing with a moody teen AND a blood feud between their races wound up creating some unexpectedly humorous moments and dialogue! The dialogue by itself wouldn't be out of place in something like "Grease" or "High School Musical," but the dragons and magic made it more endearing and fun to read.
One thing I appreciated about Jennifer (especially when compared to other YA heroines) was that despite her crushes on guys (or their crushes on her), she knows when to cut romantic ties. There's definitely still some longing, but she avoids making a lot of stupid choices typical of YA teen protagonists because of her devotion to her parents and her magical lineage. I expect some more romantic angst in later books, but it was a breath of fresh air to see a teen heroine know when to stop crushing on the typical hot dude!
A fun read, and I'll definitely be picking up the rest of the series! I'm so glad that after years and years of wishing I bought this book as a kid, I finally got the chance to read it!
What drew me to the book in the first place was the sort of clash of genres: typical teen drama with dragons and fantasy. If it weren't for the dragons, Jennifer's teen angst would've gotten grating and annoying quite quickly. But adding dragons on top of that and her tired parents dealing with a moody teen AND a blood feud between their races wound up creating some unexpectedly humorous moments and dialogue! The dialogue by itself wouldn't be out of place in something like "Grease" or "High School Musical," but the dragons and magic made it more endearing and fun to read.
One thing I appreciated about Jennifer (especially when compared to other YA heroines) was that despite her crushes on guys (or their crushes on her), she knows when to cut romantic ties. There's definitely still some longing, but she avoids making a lot of stupid choices typical of YA teen protagonists because of her devotion to her parents and her magical lineage. I expect some more romantic angst in later books, but it was a breath of fresh air to see a teen heroine know when to stop crushing on the typical hot dude!
A fun read, and I'll definitely be picking up the rest of the series! I'm so glad that after years and years of wishing I bought this book as a kid, I finally got the chance to read it!
April 23, 2008
Summary: Where can you find weredragons, beaststalkers, and werachnids all in one room? Jennifer Scales's family reunion.
Getting through high school is hard enough. Jennifer Scales has the added pressure of her weredragon life, taking trips to Crescent Lake to morph into a dragon under the constant threat of enemy attack. What's worse, she's also half beaststalker from her Mom's side. Beaststalkers and weredragons are mortal enemies, and tension is growing over some suspicious deaths lately. She must prove to both sides that they can live in harmony, just like her family. Well, most of the time. That is until Jennifer finds out that she has a half-brother with a few too many legs.
Unfortunately he's bent on some payback for a lifetime of abandonment and Jennifer's dad is his number-one target. Her life's starting to look like a daytime talk show. Somehow she will have to convince everyone to get along, before they take matters in their own claws.
My Review:
This book threw me out of my clothes! It was SO COOL! I loved it! It has magic (Which you probably think i am weird liking so many "Magic" books) And many, MANY animals! So, Animal lovers ( And of course Dragon lovers!) Will enjoy this book!
I would vote a million 100ed if i could!
Getting through high school is hard enough. Jennifer Scales has the added pressure of her weredragon life, taking trips to Crescent Lake to morph into a dragon under the constant threat of enemy attack. What's worse, she's also half beaststalker from her Mom's side. Beaststalkers and weredragons are mortal enemies, and tension is growing over some suspicious deaths lately. She must prove to both sides that they can live in harmony, just like her family. Well, most of the time. That is until Jennifer finds out that she has a half-brother with a few too many legs.
Unfortunately he's bent on some payback for a lifetime of abandonment and Jennifer's dad is his number-one target. Her life's starting to look like a daytime talk show. Somehow she will have to convince everyone to get along, before they take matters in their own claws.
My Review:
This book threw me out of my clothes! It was SO COOL! I loved it! It has magic (Which you probably think i am weird liking so many "Magic" books) And many, MANY animals! So, Animal lovers ( And of course Dragon lovers!) Will enjoy this book!
I would vote a million 100ed if i could!
July 21, 2008
After learning she is the Ancient Furnace and also half-beaststalker, Jennifer Scales is adjusting to her new life and learning both sides of her heritage. Danger soon comes again with the discovery that Jennifer has a half-brother bent on revenge for his abandonment, and will stop at nothing to get it.
While I was happier about the characterization of Jennifer, I still have some issues with her parents, as Jennifer herself says in frustration. God forbid she be told anything important. This story went a little crazier than the first one, with a surprise twist about her brother that still doesn't make complete sense. Also, this was much darker than the first book, with deaths and comas and other tragedies.
While I was happier about the characterization of Jennifer, I still have some issues with her parents, as Jennifer herself says in frustration. God forbid she be told anything important. This story went a little crazier than the first one, with a surprise twist about her brother that still doesn't make complete sense. Also, this was much darker than the first book, with deaths and comas and other tragedies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2009
Jennifer ternyata punya sodara tiri yang berusaha memusnahkan keluarganya karena dendam merasa diabaikan oleh ayahnya [yang juga ayahnya Jennifer:] dan ibunya [yang juga ibunya Seth:].
Masalahnya wujud Angelos sebagai manusia ga jelas, jadi memburunya pun susah.
Identitas Jennifer sebagai separuh beaststalker membuatnya harus berlatih kemampuan sebagai beaststalker, yang ga semudah membiasakan diri sebagai naga haha.
Jennifer juga mengetahui asal usul kota Winoka, kenapa disana banyak banget keluarga beaststalker bermukim.
Belum lagi Eddie ditugaskan ayahnya membantai seorang weredragon sebagai ritual menjadi seorang beaststalker dewasa, dan dragon sasarannya sepertinya Jennifer..
March 19, 2012
Really great second story in the series! Jennifer is figuring out what it is to be a half were-dragon and a beaststalker, she is training with her mom and learning new skills. Things seem to be finally getting back to "normal", until a friend of her father's dies mysteriously...
Jennifer finds that her parents are keeping more secrets, one of which is that her Dad was married before and had a child, and now it seems that the child is out to kill her family!
I love all the interesting characters, and the descriptive scenery. Jennifer struggles this time with protecting her family and friends. Can she bring together all the different creatures that have been fighting for centuries, she is going to try. Truely and enjoyable series.
Jennifer finds that her parents are keeping more secrets, one of which is that her Dad was married before and had a child, and now it seems that the child is out to kill her family!
I love all the interesting characters, and the descriptive scenery. Jennifer struggles this time with protecting her family and friends. Can she bring together all the different creatures that have been fighting for centuries, she is going to try. Truely and enjoyable series.
January 31, 2015
This book is great. I thought it was better than "The Ancient" Furnace. Jennifer has come to terms with her identity as a dragon and is now facing some of her beaststalker identity. Soon everything is twisted around, when her half-brother searches her family out for revenge. People actually die, and the action doesn't stop. There are times where you don't really know who is on Jennifer's side and who is against her. Jennifer is definitely growing up and she faces quite a bit more than most girls her age. She does it with wit, but she never loses the fact that she is just a teenager. As far a YA lit, this is truly as good as anything out there (better, much, than the all acclaimed Twilight) and it keeps its place in adult paranormal as well.
April 26, 2016
Certainly it was better than the last book, but still the protagonist is a moody teenager who doesn't seem to madurate, much less learn from her mistakes and God forbid she takes a moment to thank before she acts.
The most impressive moments were rushed, I never got the time to really feel . There was this shocking moment and the next thing we know, there is a meeting, a mission, more meetings, fights, talks, meetings, fight, talk, and a great end.
I just want the protagonist to stand still a moment, take a deep breath and think. So I could absorb everything that is happening, and maybe, just maybe, Jennifer won't make so many mistakes, be so easily fooled or fall into every trap.
The most impressive moments were rushed, I never got the time to really feel . There was this shocking moment and the next thing we know, there is a meeting, a mission, more meetings, fights, talks, meetings, fight, talk, and a great end.
I just want the protagonist to stand still a moment, take a deep breath and think. So I could absorb everything that is happening, and maybe, just maybe, Jennifer won't make so many mistakes, be so easily fooled or fall into every trap.
June 20, 2012
This one was more fun to start reading, since I knew the story of Jennifer and her family already. There were sad parts to this book, and some characters that were being really wishy-washy and getting on my nerves, too. I'm glad that Jennifer finally got to meet the "real" Catherine, but still think she needs to be wary of Skip. The whole Evangelos thing was surprising, but at least I was partly right on who he was. The whole fight scene got to be a bit tiresome, though.
I look forward to more stories about Jennifer Scales.
I look forward to more stories about Jennifer Scales.
May 16, 2016
I though this series would be cool due the weredragon thing but it’s just stupid.
Even for a teenager, Jennifer shouldn't be so rude to her mom. It’s overkill. But then her mom isn't much better. Probably where Jennifer learned it. Not sure I’m liking the way these characters are headed. The characters ruin and drag down the story. Best part is Geddy the gecko.
I’ll try one more book.
Quick thought: 1) didn’t know that the Mall of the America’s parking lot was sectioned by states. That’s cool.
ave Scenes: geography logic, oream hunt and the flat-top plateau ceremony
Even for a teenager, Jennifer shouldn't be so rude to her mom. It’s overkill. But then her mom isn't much better. Probably where Jennifer learned it. Not sure I’m liking the way these characters are headed. The characters ruin and drag down the story. Best part is Geddy the gecko.
I’ll try one more book.
Quick thought: 1) didn’t know that the Mall of the America’s parking lot was sectioned by states. That’s cool.
ave Scenes: geography logic, oream hunt and the flat-top plateau ceremony
September 20, 2008
This book was more complicated, and not in a good way. Jennifer finds out that she has a half-brother floating around in another dimensio, and he is killing people close to the family.
Then there are the relationships Jennifer has with Skip and other kids at school. Rocky would be a good word to describe those.
I liked the first one much better, but this was a nice follow-up.
Then there are the relationships Jennifer has with Skip and other kids at school. Rocky would be a good word to describe those.
I liked the first one much better, but this was a nice follow-up.
September 19, 2008
Better than the first, but Jennifer is still a whinny brat who, yes, there are things she hasn't been told, some because she does not need to know them at this point and others because she doesn't give anybody a chance to tell her. She is hot-headed, stubborn, and whinny. I am still trying to have sympathy for her, but it is hard.
Still too many descriptions of creepy crawlies!
Still too many descriptions of creepy crawlies!
June 24, 2011
Jennifer is back with her family and adapting to her life as a weredragon and beastalker. But a new enemy is killing those near her father and her world is about to be shaken up again. I really enjoyed this book. Jennifer is a strong protag and the created world is fascinating with its prejudices that need to be bridged.
May 11, 2011
This has a more complex plot than the 1st book. We have Jennifer's half brother out for revenge and some complex relationships between weredragan, werarachnid and beaststalker. There were also some relationship problems between Jennifer and her friends.
I did not enjoy Jennifer the self-focused whiner and her relationships with her friends.
I did not enjoy Jennifer the self-focused whiner and her relationships with her friends.
November 24, 2014
Not quite as good as the first book. The author tacks on additional elements and characters. There is a nice twist as the main characters struggle to find out their enemy's secret identity only to learn... (no I won't spoil it.) Still, good characterization and a nice lesson in the danger of keeping secrets.
November 18, 2008
I liked this one even better than the first - relationships are all mixed up as Jennifer and her family and friends all try to figure out who is who and who thinks what about the others. There were a lot of intense moments and some sad ones.
March 28, 2009
This book is okay. I am still having a hard time getting into them. I think there is too much science fiction in these books and not enough humor to really interest me. But I have the next book in the series to read, and I'm going to dive into it now.
November 12, 2009
I love how she can write characters that are so epic but so human at the same time. This series lives up every bit to the Betsy series. Despite all the supernatural storyline, you feel like you're getting to know a real person with a real life throughout the book.
April 21, 2010
Jennifer is getting better as a main character overall. I like that the story line is increasing in scope and that more characters are being added that you know will be major contributors as the series continues.
April 12, 2010
I read this one right after the first in the series. It explains many things and I really enjoyed it. You do have to get past the whole turning into a dragon thing. Once you are there it is a fun ride.
January 1, 2012
Probably should be more like 3.5 stars. I liked it better than the first one. I thought I had it all figured out and was going to be very disappointed if I did - and thankfully, I was wrong! It's no fun when a book is obvious. I'm glad this one wasn't.
April 11, 2015
Dragons in Minnesota!
This was much better than the first book. I like that she's working with the relationships Jennifer has with her friends and family. And developing the politics of the dragons and beaststalkers...which no doubt Jennifer will totally screw with as the series continues.
This was much better than the first book. I like that she's working with the relationships Jennifer has with her friends and family. And developing the politics of the dragons and beaststalkers...which no doubt Jennifer will totally screw with as the series continues.
March 23, 2008
I read the first book in this series and it was SOOOOOOOOOOO good! This one is also equally good! But, it's really really sad in one part! YOU HAVE TO READ THIS SERIES! I love this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews