Jen has settled into a peaceful life when a terrifying event awakens old fears of being homeless and alone, of a danger horrible enough to destroy her family and shatter her world forever. She is certain that Naryfel, a shadowy figure from her past, has returned and is concentrating the full force of her hate on Jen's family. But how will she strike? A knife in the dark? An attack from her legions? Or with the dark arts and twisted creatures she commands with sinister cunning? Wyndano's Cloak may be Jen's only hope. If she can only trust that she has what it takes to use it , , ,
Adler wouldn’t do—I needed the right handle to go where I was going. Silverberry unlocked the magic door. Now I quest through the limitless realms of the imagination, here, official scribe to bold knights and treacherous kings, there, intrepid recorder of the future and the far reaches of space. Wherever I land, I promise to hold nothing back.
FANTASY PROVES FANTASTIC! Okay, who cares what authors I've seen anyway? I'm only fooling myself if I think any of you want to know who was where and what he/she had to say. Because of that:
So, last Saturday I stopped in at Barnes and Noble in the Pruneyard. As I walk in, there is a table right near the entrance and a man standing and waiting for the next vicitim, I mean customer, to walk through the door. I was that customer. He asks me if I have young daughters or nieces (he was a little too nice to ask if I have young granddaughters - I do). I told him that I might be the wrong demographic for him, but, undaunted, he proceeded to tell me about his book and who his target audience was. It turns out that his name is Peter Adler, writing as A.R. Silverberry, and he has written a award-winning fantasy geared for female YA (young adults). Although I am a 62-year old man with very adult daughters and very underage granddaughters, I listened politely, waiting for my chance to escape and get to the mystery section of the bookstore. We got to talking, and I realized that this was an opportunity to engage in one of my very favorite activities - self-promotion. I told him about my blog and even went out to the car to get him one of my Booksage cards (they are way cool). I gave him that and told him I would stop by on my way out and pick up a book. I figured, what the heck. I always love having books signed by the author. Even if it only gets added to my stash of signed books, I thought it was worth it. I told him that I would get to it some day and let him know what I thought. The next day, I finished what I was reading (Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken, an amazing non-fiction) and decided to read Peter's book.
(Drum roll.........) I loved it! Yes, it's geared for young girls, but it works for adults too. I am not a particularly big fan of fantasy (although I did like Terry Brooks' Landover series - thanks for that, Rich and Leslie), but I thought this was really well done. I liked everything about it. The plot (actually more of a dual plot) was solid, the characters were compelling, the writing was A-one, and the ending wrapped up nicely without being too neat. In fact, there were moments that I got a bit teary-eyed (don't get too excited, Peter - I've been caught crying during a Buffy, The Vampire Slayer episode). No, really. There were some very moving scenes. And I loved that he didn't "dumb down" the book. It was written by an adult for young adults. I never felt like I was reading a book that was written for children.
The two main characters are both teenage girls. During the latter stages of the book, each one encounters some difficulty (how shocking is that!). When Peter switches from one girl to the other, I was disappointed because I wanted to know what happened next to the one he was leaving. This happened alternately with each girl, all the way to the end. My favorite mysteries don't do it any better. I would highly recommend this book, especially to teenage girls. But if you like a tight, well-written, exciting, moving, and, ultimately, satisfying book, then this is for you, regardless of your age and gender.
Finally, a shout out to Peter's wife, Sherry, who I also met at B&N last Saturday. Sherry drew the illustration and did, I thought, an excellent job.
Wyndano’s Cloak by A.R. Silverberry is a five time award-winning fantasy novel sure to be enjoyed and cherished by readers 10 and up. Settle in as this talented new author takes you on a grand adventure in the magical, wondrous Kingdom of Aerdem.
A story with one strong, well-developed female protagonist is rare. Here two heroines take center stage: the brave yet vulnerable Jenren, who grew up as an orphan in the dreary, magic-less Plain World before she learned of her royal bloodline, and her shy but determined best friend, Bit.
Princess Jenren, or Jen as she prefers, receives a mysterious message foreshadowing doom. She immediately suspects the return of the evil Queen Naryfel. Jen calls a family meeting, her father and mother, the King and Queen of Aerdem, her brother Dash, and Dash’s fiancée, Bit. The family agrees that Naryfel will soon strike—but strike who and when and how? The King and Queen refuse to live in fear and carry on with royal business such as a masquerade birthday party for Dash. Despite Jen’s best efforts, the castle is soon under siege. Jen and her mother are abducted while Dash and the King are trapped by a supernatural plant with branches that constantly tighten their deadly grip. Any attempt to remove the growths will surely kill both father and son.
Bit embarks on a quest for a doctor who can free Dash and the King from their bonds. Along for the trip to Plain World is the Countess Petunia. Pet is more suited to her lavish lifestyle than a harrowing journey and may have her own agenda. Meanwhile, Jen must learn to trust a strange young man named Blue to escape from the wicked Queen Naryfel.
Through the clever use of back-story, Silverberry allows us to see the magic and power of Wyndano’s Cloak and how Jen’s first attempt to use it almost cost her life. Finding the Cloak and overcoming her fear of using it may be the only way to stop Naryfel once and for all.
A.R. Silverberry’s creativity and imagination are second to none, but it is the character development that really shines in Wyndano’s Cloak. These young ladies are easy to relate to and cheer for. Whether it’s Jen who learns to trust others and herself, or Bit conquering her self-esteem issues, or Pet who learns compassion, they grow and mature as the author puts each through a series of ordeals testing their makeup. Silverberry is no slouch either when it comes to plotting a page turner, as he has infused enough conflict and suspense to keep the most distracted reader intrigued. His knack of closing various chapters with a cliffhanger is a brilliant technique that won’t let you stop reading.
Frightening creatures, a horrible antagonist, friendship, courage, and more in a coming-of-age soon to be classic that is certain to keep kids entertained and away from the TV and video game system for long stretches. Highly recommended and rated a Must Read for fans of Young Adult fantasy.
Young adult novel for 10-12th years old, but when I started to read this book I can’t put it down till I read it (I’m 34).This book is for all ages. It’s a fantasy book with well developed characters. Jen is amazing girl; she is strong, careful and vicarious. She is a princess. Jen living in castle Rose Castle which is in the land of Aerdem. Jen was apart from her family and she go back when evil attack again. She was warned from Medlara that evil come to attack, but they all think that is about a hurricane. All family, her father and mother and Dash –her brother and his fiancee are gone to ball in a Dash honour. There was evil aunt Naryfel , like fake Vieveeka ,but she not attacked there. She waits till they went at home in Castle, then she… Wyndano’s cloak will resolve they problem and just with it they will be win Naryfel, it have a special power and Jen was used it, but she was hurt when she use it in the past. What she going to do? How she escape from Naryfel? How she is saved her family? There its more then fantasy in this book. This is the book for trust, love and support.Family can be happy and together if they support each other.
Medlara appears to Jen with an important message. The kingdom is in great danger. The words are garbled but it could only mean one thing, Naryfel is up to her old tricks.
Jen immediately calls together the family to warn them of the possibilities. At first, nothing seems to happen. Perhaps, Medlara was wrong. Then, just as everyone’s guard is down, Naryfel springs into action. Her plan is devious and extremely well prepared. Jen and her mother are kidnapped. Her father and brother are left dying, in great need of a doctor.
Hope is slim. Jen needs to find a way to escape. Bit and Pet need to come together and overcome their own self doubts, travel to another land, and find a doctor. There’s not much time.
Wyndano’s Cloak is unique in that the majority of the main characters are female. Usually, it is the men who go traipsing off to save the day but instead these three women have to face great peril and their own selves to do what needs to be done. Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of action and a whole lot needed to bring the story to its natural end.
I dreamed of Aerdem and I was happy. A.R. Silverberry (aka Peter Allan Adler)has created a wonderful world filled with magic, strange creatures, danger, intrigue, bravery, evil and goodness. In this fantasy action adventure young Princess Jen (Jenren)and her friends must save the Kingdom of Aerdem from evil forces. To accomplish this they all must overcome their inner fears and find their true selves. Worlds must be crossed, evil vanquished and Jen must master the mysterious power of Wyndano's Cloak or all are doomed. An excellent fantasy recommended for pre-teens and up.
Wyndano's Cloak is a captivating, interesting and fun read. As a mom of a teenage girl I am always searching for upbeat and inspiring stories. Unfortunately they are often hard to find. This book is such a wonderful story filled with colorful characters and lots of action. I highly recommend it -- and, I'm not a teenager but I enjoyed it, too!
Crossing fantasy, fairytale and science fiction, A. R. Silverberry creates a beautiful world in danger, peoples it with delightfully ordinary people, who just happen to be a princess, the girl engaged to the prince, a duchess who’d love to be more, a magical wizard, a pauper, and more... then sends them on a quest to save everything they love. The story is beautifully told, the characters are pleasingly flawed, and wise lessons are gently well-drawn. Wyndano’s Cloak deserves to be a classic children’s novel, with its echoes of Victorian workhouses (and gruel), light hints of science (“I think it’s called a fulcrum...”), beautiful language (“little tears of joy salted her eyes”), and convincing wisdom (“Punishment will not heal... Only forgiveness and compassion...”)
There are scary scenes with powerful evil, haunting scenes where intended good contends with guilt and forgiveness, delightfully memorable scenes (especially when the downtrodden children learn to value themselves for who they are), and gorgeously evocative scenes of wondrous places and a rose castle. A surprisingly warm overarching story ties it all together, with just enough complexity and depth to keep adults and children turning the pages, eager to learn how it will end. Seriously unpredictable, and definitely fun!
Disclosure: I was given a free ecopy and I offer my honest review.
Wyndano’s Cloak by A R Silverberry ISBN 978-0-9841037-6-8 Review by Chris Phillips Silverberry’s debut novel is a surprising fantasy. There are all the classic elements. There is a headstrong and determined young heroine. There are the enemies and friends. As with any good book there are friends that turn dangerous and become enemies or almost. Then there are some that appear to be enemies but are really friends in disguise. Since Jen’s early life she has been apart from her family, living in another world rejected and so different. She returned after the last battle with Naryfel, her evil aunt and queen of another rival kingdom. Now she has settled with her family and they are at peace. Her father the King is in the Rose Castle and the land of Aerdem is at peace. However, Jen has an uneasy feeling that her aunt Naryfel is planning to take over the kingdom yet again. Jen is always on alert and always watching for the surprise attack. Leading the supporting characters is Bit, the young fiancée of Jen’s brother Dash. There is Pet, a Countess the same age as Jen, who is a friend, but there must be something else going on. There is Yalp the dwarf magician whose magic sometimes works and sometimes works too well and, of course, sometimes doesn’t work at all. The attack comes in the night. All seems to be lost when Jen and Bit take off on different quests to save the King and Dash from certain death. Wyndano’s Cloak is magical with very special powers, but Jen was hurt severely when she tried to use it. However she knows that the cloak is the key to saving the kingdom. Will Jen find the cloak in time? Will the cloak be found at all? Will Bit and Dash wed? Will the King and kingdom be saved? Will Naryfel win the day? Will good triumph? Will anyone survive? Give Silverberry and Jen the chance to win the reader’s heart and spend some time learning the secrets of Wyndano’s Cloak. The plot has sufficient twists and turns to keep the reader’s interest. The characters are solid and fully developed. The mysteries and surprises grab the reader’s attention and send the imagination scurrying. This is a delightful book and can be highly recommended. This book is best for young adults and pre-teens. It would be good for their parents and teachers as well. 5 Stars Published by Tree Tunnel Press, PO Cox 733, Capitola, Ca 95010 (www.treetunnelpress.com) SRP $15.80/Amazon $15.80) Reviewer received the book from the publisher.
This book left me contemplating the characters and world long after it was finished!
Wyndano's Cloak is a tale of heroism, in my eyes. It follows two young woman, Bit and Jenny. Each are thrown into a journey of not only adventure but one of self-discovery, and each discover how strong and how far they will go to protect the ones they love.
Jen has to overcome her fears and save her family, while Bit has to break out of her shell and become the heroine no one thought she could be,even her. Each accepts their own destiny, and they become young women worthy of the title of "heroine."
The story is full of adventure that will keep you longing for more, and you find yourself wanting to learn more of each of these characters. There are twists and turns that keep you guessing, and you'll long for another adventure just to stay in the story longer.
Two thumbs up for Wyndano's Cloak and A.R. Silverberry's beautiful writing. Every young female (and adult as well!) should read this book!
“Wyndano’s Cloak” takes the reader on a journey of magic, discovery, and danger!
A.R. Silverberry’s characters are skillfully brought to life with vivid, compelling details that enchant and captivate the reader within the two worlds in which they travel. Your emotions will dance through the pages! It’s difficult to put it down until you must or you have finished. Even then, you will wish for more!
My granddaughter read “Wyndano’s Cloak” before I did and the affect that it had on her was amazing! She has always been shy and what one calls these days, a “Space Case” as she is often off in her own world and only lightly tethered at times it seems, to our own. Wyndano’s Cloak so captivated her that she read it twice! It was then that she began to write of the adventures that she had been creating in her mind and keeping to herself. The more she shared her work, the greater her confidence reflected in all else that she did, having a ripple effect in all areas of her life. She’s found her place and has been working hard to further develop her gift ever since. She has even won a writing competition at school! Her confidence has soared and we’ve watched her bloom into the poised young lady we knew had been hiding there all the time! Wyndano’s Cloak changed her life!
I had to read it myself. I too love tales such as this but more importantly I knew that this book had been the catalyst of her transformation and I wanted to find out why. What I found within these pages is the story of three very special young women, barely beyond their childhood years. They are a bit older than my granddaughter yet still close enough to her age that she could identify with them, and she obviously did! Their quests tested the strength, courage, loyalty,and intelligence of all three. This wonderful adventure and the challenges these young women encountered to stop evil from destroying all that they loved, allows them to find their true selves. I could well see how this wonderful and amazing story had motivated my granddaughter in her own endeavors.
Mr. Silverberry has created strong characters and wondrous descriptions of the human heart and soul in action in this tale. He built a bridge that connected his world of fantasy with the real world of a young girl, my granddaughter. She has crossed this bridge much as did the three who travelled between the worlds he developed here. They found themselves and so did she! I thank you!
Wow! Just wow! I just finished reading a fantasy novel called Wyndano’s Cloak by A.R. Silverberry and let me tell you what: I LOVED IT! I do not think I can type fast enough for all of the excitement I have over this story and I don’t think I have enough words to describe how much I enjoyed it. But let me go ahead and try! :D
A.R. Silverberry is a born story-teller, this much is true. But he is also a fabulous character craftsman, scenery setter, descriptionist, and a master wordsmith! (I know “descriptionist” is not a word, but it is MY word. So deal.)
We start the story with a wayward princess named Jen who lives in Aerdem with her mother and father, the King and Queen, and Wyndano's Cloak Coverher brother, Dash the prince (who is quite Dashing–if I may say so myself.) Jen came from the Plain World where she had lived most of her life with an old woman named Nell before being reunited with her rightful–and very royal–family here in Aerdem. Aerdem is a beautiful world full of colors beyond the imagination, magical wonders, and strange creatures. A.R. Silverberry paints vivid and realistic pictures for the reader that make you actually feel you are there right there alongside the characters. But there is also a dark evil that is penetrating the land. And along with many other lovable and–quite rightly–hate-able characters, Jen makes her journey through different worlds to find the key to saving her family, fighting off the evil, and setting things right in Aerdem. Will she ever be able to overcome her fear and seek the help of Wyndano’s Cloak? Throughout her story, Jen may overcome many obstacles–inner and outer–but can she find her true inner-self? Can she master the mystical Wyndano’s Cloak?
You HAVE to read this book to find out. And trust me, you will not be disappointed. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good long fantasy. I actually would recommend this book to anyone, because it is that good.
I give WYNDANO’S CLOAK by A.R. Silverberry a magical, mystical, and magnificent 5 stars! Please grab yourself a copy today.
I saw a t-shirt once that read "Self-Rescuing Princess," and that description came back to me as I read this book. Jen is a proper princess, she even has a castle that glows with magic light, but when trouble comes she certainly isn't waiting around for anyone to rescue her. In fact, nothing drives her more strongly than the need to protect her loved ones, and there's plenty of danger to go round.
The novel also follows the story of Jen's best friend Bit, who is quieter and makes a much less likely heroine, but who has her own quest to undertake with young Countess Petunia. I really enjoyed the developing relationship between these two as they both grow up and grow into themselves, away from others' influence.
This is a sweet, gentle-hearted adventure which I think would be well-suited for younger readers (there's no sex or swearing, and the violence isn't any worse than your average fairy tale), especially with the strong female characters which could be a good antidote to the traditional "helpless princess" tales.
Wow this was an excellent and meaty book! I felt like I was thirteen years old again and having all kinds of adventures with my storybook friends. This story focuses on two main characters Jen and Bit. Jen is a trained warrior and uses her strength and wit to overcome the challenges she faces in the rescue of her mother. Bit, on the other hand, uses her inner strength of character and purity to succeed in her adventure to rescue her beloved.
I loved the duality of the intermingled storylines. The scenes were painted beautifully and each chapter compelled you to the next. It reminded me of a few young adult books I love. Each character has their own voice and is easily distinguishable. A few times within the story short back-stories were told. I felt they were a distraction for the real story which I was hungry for. The ending felt right, unrushed and genuinely lovely.
I would recommend this book highly for any young adult. It’s sure to become a quick favorite.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The main characters are several girls (a princess, a countess, and a former maid) who take charge as they're thrown into one danger after another, and there's plenty of intrigue and mystery and action. It's the sort of story that's right up my alley, and once I got into the story, I whipped through it.
The only issue I had was getting into the story. The opening especially made me feel like I was coming into a sequel, rather than a standalone novel. Lots of hints of past events are tossed about, and characters are brought in at a pace that I'd expect in a sequel, where the readers might already be familiar with the people involved. Once I got a handle on all the different names and faces, though, I fell into the rhythm of the story pretty easily.
Everything ties up neatly at the end, and though predictable, the story was engaging and definitely a four-star read. I'd love to read more stories set in this world in the future--maybe even a prequel that shows the past events hinted at so often in this book!
Wyndano's Cloak is a truly epic fantasy read. It took me quite some time to read, as it took me a while to get engaged in the storyline. I am so glad I got to read Wyndano's Cloak, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this amazing adventure story. Special thanks to A.R. Silverberry for sending me the review copy.
The storyline follows Jen, a princess of Aerdem, and Bit a common girl who is engaged to Dash, Jen's brother, prince and air to the throne. Jen is a strong and intelligent girl, she was sent to the plain world when she was young, because her mother thought it would be best for her own safety. She only returned to Aerdem and her family a couple of years ago. Bit is a quiet, timid girl, who was found as a child wandering outside Aerdem. She was taken in and worked as a servant, until Dash and her fell in love.
**SOME SPOILERS AHEAD**
Naryfel, a dangerous master of disguises, the queens evil sister, has made a comeback. Jen and her mother are kidnapped and Dash and the king are unconscious, with vines wrapped around their necks, which are continuously tightening.
Jen manages to escape with the help of a boy named blue. Jen is wary of Blue, but goes with him all the same. They follow Naryfel in the hopes of rescuing Jen's mother. They get captured and Blue shows his worth to Jen, she realises she can't do this without him.
Bit and Petunia (Pet is the counts daughter) travel to the plain world (with great difficulty) to try and seek the aid of the doctor they have heard so much about from Jen's stories of the plain world. They hope that the doctor will be able to help get the things wrapped around Dash and the kings neck off, before it's too late.
When they get to the plain world they realise something has gone wrong and they have no way of getting back to their own world. They are captured by the horrible Miss Drath, an evil, money grabbing woman who owns the children's orphanage. The two girls get closer, they learn so much about themselves and they form an amazing friendship. They get the aid from a little old lady, to escape to the doctor, she says she knows how to get them home to Aerdem.
The ending of this book is amazing, what a surprise, everything was thought out wonderfully, it all fits together perfectly. A.R. Silverberry has wrote an enchanting story, with strong, courageous heroines and treacherous dark characters. The thing I liked the most was the trust and new friendships these young people earned, and of course the adventure and danger that lurked around every corner.
My favourite characters were:
Petunia- I think she went on the biggest journey, and learned most about herself, and when the time came she choose friendship. She is also intelligent, fun and has a good heart. She had me laughing throughout.
Blue- I was intrigued by Blue from when he first appeared to rescue Jen. I didn't trust him either at the start, but I loved his sneaky nature. I would love to have Blue as a friend.
The only thing for me was getting engaged in the story at the start, but when I did I devoured the rest of book. The cloak was another, with the title Wyndano's Cloak, I thought it would of made more of an appearance in the story, but sadly the magical cloak wasn't in the book that much.
Overall an amazing read, I will definitely be looking out for more for A.R. Silverberry.
This fairy tale presents the timeless clash of good and evil, but while it recalls the past, it is still a modern story: one of its two heroines is a runner, the spells sometimes don’t work, and it’s the women who take the risks and rescue the king, the prince, a mysterious young man named Blue, and the fragile kingdom of Aerdom. The kingdom is painted in delicate rainbow pastels. The evil places are memorably horrid. There are many lessons of the heart to be learned and a large cast of characters to be enjoyed. The author has included a glossary to keep readers on track.
This book lingered in my thoughts long after I finished it, thanks to its unforgettable characters and world!
Wyndano's Cloak is a captivating tale of heroism that follows two young women, Bit and Jenny, on journeys filled with adventure and self-discovery. Both uncover their inner strength and the lengths they’ll go to protect those they love.
Jenny confronts her fears to save her family, while Bit steps out of her comfort zone to become the heroine no one, not even she, thought she could be. Each one embraces her destiny, transforming into truly admirable heroines.
The story is brimming with thrilling adventures that keep you hooked, eager to explore more of these characters’ lives. Its unpredictable twists keep you guessing, and you’ll find yourself yearning for another journey just to stay in this world.
Two enthusiastic thumbs up for Wyndano's Cloak and A.R. Silverberry’s remarkable storytelling. This is a must-read for young women—and adults alike!
Awesome book. It had thrill, mystery, shocking turns that pop up when you least expect them to, and a load of adventure full of magic. I was kept in my toes the entire time, staying up till 2 am reading because I just couldn't put my book down! Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, the plot took a turn and through me for a loop! I loved how the book ended, even though I thought it could have started a bit soon in the story line.
A sweet story about friendship and family and magic. It is sort of rambling and pauses frequently for long explanations and backstory, but the plot is fun and the characters are distinctive. I think I would have enjoyed it more as a child or young teen. Nothing objectionable here; it's a fun fantasy story with some good themes and magic.
So this is a good book, don't get me wrong, but for some reason I just could not connect with what was happening. The characters and world building were both good, as was the writing. Yet I just couldn't get into the book for some reason. That aside if you want a fun, entertaining ya standalone this is a solid one for sure.
There's not much to say against this story. I enjoyed it very much and there was certainly plenty of adventure and suspense, especially at chapter endings, to make me want to keep reading. I liked that the two heroines of the story were both so different, and yet the same in their determination to win the day. Jen is bold, head on, skin of her teeth determined to extricate herself and her mother from the evil queen's clutches, while Bit's quest to find the doctor to save her fiancé is hampered by her timidity and her self-doubt. But when it comes down to it, it is Bit's gentle soul that wins the day, and Jen learning to rely on others that is her salvation. Each of them grow as their stories progress, and it is gratifying to see that they are not the same flawed characters by the end of the book - indeed, they are better versions of themselves.
I think the only thing that felt a little "less than amazing" for me is this lingering sense of the action happening in a bubble. I didn't understand how the royal family could have been gone for so long, and still come back to rule the city, or was it the country? The dynamics and timeline were confusing to me. It almost felt like there was a whole book I missed - the story of Jenren's quest to reunite her family.
Another small problem I had could be considered a spoiler.
Overall it is a good, family friendly read, and I recommend it to anyone who wants a book about female characters finding the strength to save to day - and their families.
While I haven't been part of the target demographic for YA for decades, I still read a lot of it, because it tends to have such wonderfully written female characters - strong, smart young women that are not found as frequently in contemporary adult fiction. When I find such a story that is also set in a rich fantasy world, I'm usually completely happy. That was the case with A.R. Silverberry's Wyndano's Cloak, which I not only read in a single night, but stayed up reading (by Kindle-light) in the dark into the wee hours - something I rarely get to do anymore.
What I liked about Silverberry's world is that while it's a fantasy setting, he didn't make it too farfetched. Like some of my other favorite fantasy works, the people speak in contemporary (though not slangy) English, they drink coffee (actually he had me at coffee), etc. Yes, it's clear the world in question is based on a Renaissance setting, and that the darker Plain World is a much gritter version of a similar period, but it was completely its own place as well, and in fantasy, that's important because the world is a character in its own right.
Protagonist Jen, and the other young women in the story - Bit and Pet - were all great girls with unique personalities, and their own journeys. I liked that they could be strong, and bright in individual ways, and yet still retain girlhood. Not all active girls are true tomboys, after all, and not all fashionistas are insipid fools.
The male characters were also well-drawn. Jen's father, Jen's brother - both privileged men with distinct personalities - and Blue, the trickster, who reminded me a bit of Gavroche from Les Miserables was a winsome rogue.
Jen's mother was more a presence than a real character in some respects, but her presence was felt, and Naryfel - what a great name! - was a perfect witch/hag character, but with complexity that made her more than a storybook villain.
While the plot of Wyndano's Cloak was a combination of a Hero's Quest and "How do we get back home," Silverberry's treatment of two standard fantasy themes was unique and compelling. I'd happily read more of his work, in this world, or in any others.
Goes well with: a latte and a chocolate croissant.
Wyndano's Cloak is a fantasy adventure with imaginative worlds beautifully described by AR Silverberry. The Kingdom of Aerdem has hues and richness that sets it apart from the world outside, but the people in it are threatened by the machinations and mischief of Naryfel, Queen of Purpura, who has her own special reasons for hating Aerdem and especially its royal house.
It seems that in Aerdem most of the people are heroic and/or nice, with a few callow and vain characters who fall for Naryfel's tricks and deceits. In Purpura most of the people do what the Queen wants unless they can get away from her direct influence in which case they can be pretty much normal. Then there is the Plain World which is a dull place full of dull people, although our heroine, Jen, grew up there. Magic seems to work only for places outside the Plain World.
Jen is our heroine, but she has lost her nerve since an accident learning to use Wyndano's Cloak, a very useful magical object. Bit and Pet could also be grouped in the heroine category, however unlikely that seems given their characters, at least at the start, as Bit is girl whose self-esteem lies somewhere deep in the mud at the bottom of one of Aerdem's lakes and Pet is the daughter of a local Count who could be modelled on your favourite bitchy high-school prom queen. I'm afraid I lost patience with the pair of them soon after they set off on their own quest and skim-read about 30% of the book without missing too much of the tale.
However after also skimming some of the more tortuous parts of Jen's tale I came back into a gripping last 20% of the book, vividly described. In the final wash-up some nuances I'd skipped were clarified, so I didn't feel I'd missed anything. Which begs the question, does it need editing? 400+ pages seems unnecessarily long for this type of tale.
I think the story and the devices used were better than Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials (which I found too derivative), and if you enjoyed that I'm sure you will enjoy this.
This book was really pretty good. I thought the writing was eloquent and thoughtful. The character development was well rounded and really made you feel the characters. I felt them so much that I wanted to slap Bit around, the character was the weakest one, both physically and in a literary sense. With the spirited nature of Jen, the robust tom-foolery of Blue, and the ever wavering devoted nature of Pet (first to her father and then to Bit), you would hope that you could feel the same way about Bit. I know that we were supposed to have a sentimental attachment to her as she did to the kids in the orphanage, but for me it didn't happen.
The overall plot and concept was amazing though. I enjoyed the twists, especially at the end.
All together, the book was well worth the read. I would recommend it to friends.
I was actually one of those who helped iron this book out, sitting around a little table at Borders, critiquing each others' writing. There were places where I still felt like I should whip out my pen and make comments in the margins, but over all this was a pleasant fantasty romp.
Aimed at younger readers, this is a story of growing and reaching, of finding one's self through helping others. This is actually meant to be the second in a series, so there are hints at quite a lot of backstory that the reader is missing, but it is not anything that would inhibit enjoyment of this lovely book.
Nice story but slow at times and then too quick at the end
I liked the characters and the growth they went through but the story seemed to drag at times, particularly Bit and Pet getting to the orphanage and their time there. It also took a really long time to find out about the cloak (the title of the book). I am glad I persisted to finish the story as I did like the final outcome but the wrap-up seemed really quick.