My interest in ancient history, mystery, legends, and my love of travel led to The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, the first in my exciting children’s adventure series—Chronicles of the Stone. Book 2: The Search for the Stone of Excalibur continues the adventure. Book 3: The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper is now available. I hope you enjoy my book reviews and news! Visit www.chroniclesofthestone.com for more about my MG book series!
When
the King’s Ransom, a wondrous jewelled medallion, is stolen from Pembroke
Castle in Wales, it is up to three young heroes to band together to solve this
mystery and save a life. Prince Gavin (12), the youngest son of King Wallace
and Queen Katherine, and his two friends, Philip (13), an orphan, and Bryan
(15), a blacksmith’s apprentice, are an unlikely trio, uneven in terms of
social status, but firm and loyal companions. Their friend, the Wild Man, is
accused of murdering the king’s advisor and stealing the marvellous medallion,
a symbol of absolute power and justice, but only in the right hands. Kings have
enemies, and it soon becomes apparent that someone was after the medallion for
the prestige it would bestow. Gavin, Bryan, and Philip race against time to
find the medallion, reveal the true killer, and save the Wild Man’s life. They
have only a few days before the arrival of King Arthur. If the medallion is not
found, the Wild Man will be executed in front of Arthur. Can they overcome
their fears and fulfil this momentous quest? Is it possible the Wild Man has
tricked them all and simply used their friendship to get closer to the
medallion?
What a
delightful five-star story for young readers in The King’s Ransom. I am
familiar with Cheryl Carpinello’s writing from reading and reviewing her first
Arthurian book, Guinevere: On
the Eve of a Legend. Then I was entranced by the author’s spellbinding
descriptions of life in Arthurian times and her meticulous attention to detail.
Cheryl’s skills have remained as bright as ever with the unfolding of this
fast-paced tale, threaded with mystery, adventure, a bit of magic, danger,
darkness, and lovely twists in the end. I so enjoyed the factual information
about weapons, clothing, daily life, and places, cleverly interspersed in the
text and dialogue to inform without overwhelming young readers. The author has
a gift for delving into the depths of each young hero’s psyche. The way each
one of the trio faces their fears, learns to believe in themselves, and finds
their true meaning and path in life is moving. This is a superb coming-of-age
story, set in a time of chivalry and pageantry, and harking back to an age when
a hero was truly a hero. Fans
will love that there is a FREE Study Guide to help expand their knowledge
of King Arthur and his era. You can find out more about Cheryl’s books here.
Dragons Are Real, written by Valarie Budayr and illustrated by Michael Welply, is a
must-have for dragon aficionados the world over. Inside this amazing book is a
grand revelation: dragons ARE real. Much maligned over the centuries through
myth and legend (and made up stories!), the dragon is not the tyrannical,
fire-breathing monster who kidnaps damsels in distress and gobbles them up with
mustard and ketchup. No, the true dragon is a humble, gentle friend to all,
with amazing qualities that would make anyone want to be his comrade for life.
They love to
laugh, so you can always give them a good tickle, and they particularly enjoy riddles.
The author offers a unique riddle inside the book, one that is guaranteed to
secure your lifelong friendship with a dragon. They love reading and (contrary
to popular opinion held usually by banks and kings in their counting houses)
the dragon prefers to hoard books, rather than gold treasure. You see? A very
different picture of the dragon begins to emerge. They love to dance and have
fun. Masters of disguise, they can become anything you want, for example if you
feel like rolling down a lush green hillside, just for fun. The dragon is an
amazing and incredible creature and this book reveals the true nature and excellent
qualities of dragons.
This is an absolutely
beautiful book. I received a pdf copy and would have loved a print copy because
the design and illustrations are just outstanding. This is a book for children
to keep, to linger over and treasure, not only for the amazing images, but
because the detail within each page keeps the reader there. The dragons’
expressions, the fine detail, the very ‘aliveness’ of each illustration had me
spellbound. I loved the dragon being a master of disguise, and particularly
appreciated the intricacies of the dragon’s study, filled with books, and with
a tiny resident mouse also engrossed in a miniature volume. I cannot praise
this book more highly and I feel really privileged to have read it. I wish it
could be animated, so as to enjoy these amazing dragons and the beautiful details
even more. Congratulations to the author and illustrator for a work of art. I
spent time on each page and I’d encourage parents to do the same when reading this
with their kids. An excellent message, besides all the lovely ones about the
good and noble qualities of dragons, is that reading is something to bring enjoyment;
it’s a doorway to a magical world, as this stunning book amply proves.
Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Book Blast for the middle grade books, based on Arthurian Legend, "Young Knights of the Round Table" and "Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend" by Cheryl Carpinello.
About the Books
Title: Young Knights of the Round Table: The King's Ransom | Author: Cheryl Carpinello | Cover Art: Kaytalin Platt | Publication Date: May, 2012 | Publisher: MuseItUp Publishing | Pages: 120 | Recommended Ages: 7 to 12
Book Description:
Answer the hero's call to Adventure with the Young Knights of the Round Table on their Quest. Three friends. Three quests. Three mysterious predictions.
In medieval Wales, eleven-year-old Prince Gavin, thirteen-year-old orphan Philip, and fifteen-year-old blacksmith's apprentice Bryan are brought together in friendship by one they call the Wild Man. When an advisor to the king is killed and a jewelled medallion is stolen from the king's treasury, the Wild Man is accused of the theft and murder. Filled with disbelief at the arrest of the Wild Man, the three friends embark upon a knight's quest to save their friend's life. To succeed, the three must confront their fears and insecurities, and one of them will have to disclose the biggest secret of all. Join Gavin, Philip, and Bryan on their quest and share the adventures that await them in the land of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.
2014 Gold Award Winner for Juvenile Fiction from Global eBook Awards.
2013 EVVY Finalist & EVVY Merit Award for Juvenile/Young Adult, Colorado Independent Publishers Assoc.
2013 Ariana Cover Finalist
2012 Silver Award Recipient for YA Fiction, Children's Literary Classics & CLC's 2012 Seal of Approval
2012 Finalist E-Book Children from USA 2012 Best Book Awards
Title: Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend | Author: Cheryl Carpinello | Cover Art: Kaytalin Platt; Rita Toews | Publication Date: March, 2009 | Publisher: Beyond Today Educator | Pages: 122 | Recommended Age: 7 to 12
Book Description:
Finalist Pre-Teen Literature: Dan Poynter's 2011 Global Ebook Awards
At the dawn of Camelot, one young girl is about to take her place beside the greatest king in England's history.
She is a mere child of twelve. But in these medieval days, this is the age when childish things must be put away and greater responsibilities accepted--all in preparation for a betrothal of marriage. For young Lady Guinevere, on the advent of her thirteenth Birth Day, the whole idea is quite unbearable. After all, what could be better than spending her youth playing with her best friend Cedwyn, roaming the grounds around the castle looking for mythical creatures or hunting rabbits? However, the wizard Merlyn--her teacher and friend--knows that destiny has a way of catching up with a person. His arrival sets in motion a series of events that will lead Guinevere to her destiny whether she is ready for it or not.
"Cheryl Carpinello's middle grade adventure novel, featuring a visit from King Arthur and a few of his knights, is a wonderful introduction ~ to King Arthur, and to the lives of knights and others in a castle."
"I do wish the story had been a little longer, but as this book is aimed at a younger reader with a shorter attention span, I can understand why it was not."
"It's a great story about loyalty, friendship and overcoming obstacles."
"This was a delightful rollercoaster of a read, taking us on a journey with each of the characters. There were moments of great sadness, where I felt so wholeheartedly for the characters and their situations."
Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend:
“I read this book to my son and daughter and they both loved it. It was a fast-paced book with a lot of excitement.”
“Will appeal to middle school aged readers, especially girls but boys too, who can relate to the idea of wanting independence yet struggling with the obligations that come with it.”
“Wizards, unicorns, and dragons are a few of the mythical creatures you will encounter in this enchanting book.”
“It is interesting and filled with enough Arthurian legend to keep young readers entertained. The questions at the end are great for comprehension and give the readers a chance to discuss their own take on the story.”
About the Author: Cheryl Carpinello
I am a retired high school English teacher. A devourer of books growing up, my profession introduced me to writings and authors from times long past. Through my studies and teaching, I fell in love with the Ancient and Medieval Worlds. Now, I hope to inspire young readers and those Young-at-Heart to read more through my Quest Books set in these worlds.
Also please visit my other sites: Carpinello's Writing Pages where I interview children's/MG/Tween/YA authors; my home website Beyond Today Educator, and The Quest Books where I've teamed up with Fiona Ingram from South Africa and Wendy Leighton-Porter of Abu Dhabi to enable readers to find our Ancient and Medieval quest books in one place.
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice
Giveaway ends: December 24, 11:59 pm, 2015
Open to: Internationally
How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Cheryl Carpinello and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send an email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Who doesn’t love dragons? When I was writing The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, I was determined to find a place for dragons, or at
the very least, a book about dragons. I managed to fit one in, actually a book
not just about dragons, but a bestiary, which is a book about various animals
and mythical creatures, and something that was very popular in the Middle Ages.
Artist's impression of Excalibur
Stories of
dragons appear all throughout history and almost every culture has their own
idea about dragons. Some reasons for this could be the finding of dinosaur
fossils. Dragons could be used to describe the bones of gigantic unknown
creatures. Adam is disappointed at first when he hears a description of the ‘serpents’
on Excalibur, Arthur’s sword, because they don’t seem to resemble the creatures
he saw on the hilt of the ancient sword in the Ashmolean Museum. However, he
then finds out that in fact…“Then Archie said, ‘Of
course, the serpent and the dragon were intertwined in Celtic mythology, the
dragon being in essence a large serpent with legs and wings.’”
In Celtic
mythology, the dragon was believed to inhabit a world that was parallel to the
physical world. Druids believed that the dragon’s power affected the ‘ley’ or
energy of the land. They believed that the path the dragons took, called a
‘vein,’ was important to the flow of energy through the physical world. Where dragons trod, magical power flowed,
and where they laired were invariably places of great sanctity and mystical
harmony. Areas where a dragon passed often, where dragon paths crossed, or places a
dragon stopped to rest became more powerful than the areas surrounding it. Druids hunted for these lines and made
ley lines maps for their people, instructing them to build their temples and
homes along the lines in order to harvest the energies. Stonehenge is
thought to be one of those places. In addition, some believe that the Celtic
cross surrounded by a circle is a symbol of the crossing ley lines and the
circle of life is centered on that power.
King Arthur himself was burdened by dreams of dragons; although
it is unclear which color he saw. He saw them specifically at the time of
Mordred’s conception and before his death. He is eaten by dragons in his final
dream and it is at his next battle that Mordred kills him. It is said that when
a king sees dragons then ruin will come to his kingdom and himself.
There are two types of dragons in Celtic lore. There is
the standard winged version with four legs that most people are familiar with
and there is a sea serpent that is depicted as either a giant wingless serpent
or a huge serpent with wings, but no legs. The dragon was a gatekeeper to other
worlds and guardian to the secrets and treasures of the universe. They were
often depicted side by side with the Celtic gods. As creatures that protect the
Earth and all living things, Celtic dragons are considered the most powerful of
all the Celtic symbols.
Dragons are used as a symbol of power and wisdom among
leaders. Dragons are seen on many coats of arms. The Welsh flag proudly
displays the Red Dragon and their motto reads: Y Ddraig Goch Ddyry Cychwyn, meaning ‘The Red Dragon Leads the
Way.’ Y Ddraig Goch, the red dragon,
was derived from the Great Red Serpent that had represented the Welsh god Dewi.
As a heraldic symbol, the dragon varies greatly,
especially the ears. The wings are always that of a bat, and its tongue and
tail can be barbed or smooth. King Arthur was one of the first leaders to use
the red dragon. It was prominently shown on his helmet. Dragons are often
depicted in Celtic artwork, many times drawn with their tails in their mouths.
This symbolizes the cycle of nature in the world and immortality. The dragon is
usually twisted upon itself, with tail, ears, and body parts weaving in and out
of other parts, much like a regular knot work piece.
If you’re looking for more adventures, then please
visit The Quest Books, where Middle Grade authors Cheryl Carpinello, Wendy
Leighton-Porter and I have teamed up to offer readers an array of exciting
quests. Sign up for our monthly newsletter with exciting exclusive material and
get your choice of any e-book on the site FREE!
When I
began researching King Arthur and the Dark Ages for Book 2: The Search for the Stone of Excalibur, I had a pretty hazy view of Arthur based on popular fiction
and movies. I was astounded to find so much material, some more fiction than
fact, on this enigmatic figure. As the facts around Arthur solidified and
merged with real history, I then began wondering who came after Arthur. We know
he died at the Battle of Camlann, but history and Britain did not disappear
into a black hole after that. Even though Arthur was no more, someone else must
have continued in his role of leader. Someone did.
There
has been much speculation as to who took Arthur’s place after the battle of
Camlann. Geoffrey of Monmouth (circa 1100-1155) says: ‘He handed the crown of Britain
over to his cousin Constantine, the son of Cador Duke of Cornwall.’
Modern historians are not convinced of Geoffrey’s
reliability as an historian. Sadly Geoffrey did not let the facts stand in the
way of a good story. He could almost be called one of the earliest novelists. William of
Newburgh, who wrote around 1190, said: “...it is quite clear that
everything this man wrote about Arthur and his successors, or indeed about his
predecessors from Vortigern onwards, was made up, partly by himself and partly
by others." Ouch! Harsh words indeed! Given Geoffrey’s tendency to
elaborate on the Arthurian legends, one might wonder if this anecdote of
handing over the crown to Constantine was another literary invention.
Cador (Latin: Cadorius) was a legendary Duke of
Cornwall, known chiefly through Geoffrey of Monmouth's pseudo-historical History
of the Kings of Britain, but
he is mentioned in a manuscript called Vita
Sanctus Carantoci written circa 1100 (‘The Life of St Carantoc’). Cador is
said to be King Arthur's relative (a cousin?), though the details of their
kinship is usually left unspecified.Cador was the historical son of
a Dumnonian king named Gerren Llyngesoc, and succeeded him
as monarch. Traditionally Cador was a good friend of Arthur; they even ruled
together says the Vita Sanctus. According
to literary tradition, the two fought together many times against the Saxons
and other enemies. At the famous Siege of Mount Badon, Cador commanded the British contingent that chased
the invaders back to their boats at Thanet.
Cador appears in The Dream of Rhonabwy, a medieval
romance. In it, Cador hands Arthur's sword Caledfwlch (Excalibur) to the king,
and when the story's protagonist Rhonabwy asks who he is, his guide Iddawg
replies that he is ‘Cadwr Earl of Cornwall,
the man whose task it is to arm the king on the day of battle and conflict.’Cador
probably died at the beginning of the 6th century. Traditionally this was at
the Battle of Camlann (AD 537),
after which he was buried in the Condolden (or Cadon) Barrow near Camelford in
Cerniw, Wales.
Constantine
III (c.AD 520—576), the son of Cador, was a legendary king of the Britons, as
recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth. Constantine also fought in the Battle of Camlann
and was apparently one of the few survivors. Arthur, about to be taken to
Avalon, passed the crown to him. Constantine continued to have trouble from the
Saxons and from the two sons of Mordred, who were Melehan and Melou. He
eventually subdued his enemies, however, and chased Mordred's sons into
churches where he murdered them. Constantine reigned only four years before being struck
down, apparently by God’s vengeance. He was buried at Stonehenge beside the
body of Uther Pendragon.
Constantine’s brother ought to have reigned next, but
Constantine’s nephew Aurelius Conan attacked him, imprisoned him, and slew his
two sons. Though mostly forgotten in later continental romances, the
British retained some knowledge of Constantine. He appears, for example, in the Alliterative Morte Arthure and Malory's Morte d'Arthur as Arthur's cousin and
successor.
Facts
are unclear after that, and for me this indicates that no one had the
leadership and charisma of Arthur to unite people, to repel the enemy, and to
create the kingdom that perhaps Arthur envisaged.
The Search for the Stone
of Excalibur is Book Two in The Chronicles of the Stone. If you’re looking for more adventures, then please
visit The Quest Books, where Cheryl Carpinello, Wendy Leighton-Porter and I
have teamed up to offer readers an array of exciting quests. Sign up for our
monthly newsletter with exciting exclusive material and get your choice of any
e-book on the site FREE!
Title: Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse (Zoe & Zak Series, Book #2)
Author: Lars Guignard
Publishers: Fantastic Press
Publication Date: September 9, 2013
Pages: 340
Recommended Age: 8+
Summary
Zoe and Zak are back in India. Again. And this time they're attending Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school itself is a little strange. Students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and angry parrots monitor the halls. And even when they manage to get used to the wildlife, the food is absolutely terrible. But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun, too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe's roommate goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly through the clouds on their magic carpet to learn that the two of them have been chosen yet again. This time they've been asked to lift the Yogi's Curse. It's not going to be easy. Zoe and Zak don't even know what the Yogi's Curse is let alone how to lift it, but like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them. Now, if they're going to save the day, Zoe and Zak are going to have to fool the monkey guards, avoid the nasty parrots, and maybe even develop a supernatural ability or two. Because lurking beneath Moonstock is a powerful new enemy. And if Zoe and Zak can't stop him, nobody can.
My review:
Moonstock Himalayan Academy for Boys and Girls might sound fun except for the fact that this is no Hogwarts in the Himalayas, where with the wave of a wand one can conjure up delicious feasts and fun stuff. For one thing, the food is terrible, toilet paper must be purchased, the hot water is erratic, there’s no technology (like Internet) and the teachers are eccentric bordering on weird. Anyone who ever attended boarding school will remember how often reality diverged from the brochure. But attending the school might just be more important than the kids think; after all, Moonstock has the reputation for turning out achievers and those who go on to change the world in some way. The crazy part of Moonstock becomes apparent when, adding to the weirdness, Zoe’s roommate Anita goes missing on the first day. Zoe and Zak learn that they have been chosen yet again for an important mission. This time they’ve been asked to lift the Yogi’s Curse and a whole lot of people are depending on them. To make matters worse and just when they need all the extra help they can get, Zak’s whip Stryker (which turns into a two-headed cobra) and the magic carpet (masquerading as a humble Doormat to escape detection) are confiscated by the school owners as ‘prohibited items.’ The tension mounts as the kids are pursued by giant fire-winged birds with malicious intentions, a talking elephant informs them that elephants are on the brink of death unless the curse is lifted, and they have a formidable demon enemy to defeat. Can Zoe and Zak save the day?
I really enjoyed this read. For me, the second book has cemented the series and made a lovely springboard for Book 3. Zak and Zoe’s success in the first book created a domino effect of events that take them into this adventure. Back story keeps new readers attuned so both plots link up nicely. Zak really comes into his own here and takes the word ‘intrepid’ to new heights. He stares down Amanda Mean, the school bully; goes into partnership with another student running an informal tuck-shop (that stocks lots of decent toilet paper); starts a vlog; and has some really inventive ideas using whatever comes to hand (including a flying feather!). He may not have Zoe’s powers, but he makes some surprising decisions that work out just fine. Zoe stops being so self-pitying and starts to think about just why her mother chose Moonstock as a boarding school. The action is non-stop and plot twists and turns keep readers hanging onto their magic carpets as they fly along with our heroes. The magicality is wonderful, using legends and fantasy elements from Indian culture and mythology. There are no instant spells ‘imported’ into the story: all the enchantment belongs firmly in India, using cultural and folkloric aspects that will no doubt get young readers interested in reading up more about the background. I thought the constant reference to ghastly food making the students sick, and the chemistry teacher’s unfortunate tendency to flatulence a bit repetitive, but no doubt kids will just crack up laughing each time they read it, so this is a minor issue. Zoe narrates, as in Book 1, and the lovely dry humor in her comments will appeal to adults as well as kids. The ending wraps up nicely with both Zoe and Zak having grown and matured, and learned some important life lessons. I really am looking forward to reading Book 3.
Five Stars
"I have a 10 year old son who is an avid reader!! He loves books, (but he's picky too) he loved Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. He was so excited to read the 2nd book in this series! When I presented him the first book he was not sure he would like it but changed his mind quickly, then when I heard about the 2nd book being released he almost jumped out of his chair! (no exaggeration) He is anxiously awaiting the 3rd book! I would say that any child who enjoys fantasy/adventure books should read this series! It is a well written page turner! It's a fun story that adults can even enjoy the storyline without getting bored! According to my son, 'every kid should read this series'. " ~ 5-Star review from SavyGreenSaver, Amazon
"I loved this book, even as an adult reading it. I was completely sucked into the plot and was constantly finding myself staying up "just a little longer" to read one more chapter. Different twists and turns in the book have you constantly guessing who is behind what and who Zak and Zoe can trust. I could definitely see myself being involved in this series as a middle schooler considering how much I enjoyed it even now. Another thing I liked about it is if you missed the first book, you could still follow along with this one and not be lost." ~ 5-Star review from Staci, Amazon
"Lars Guignard has done a fabulous job with this series. I loved the `Ghost Leopard' & love this one even more. For late-elementary to middle school age readers, you can't beat this series. It's fun and fast-paced. Even my picky fifth grader enjoyed every page. There are bits of magic thrown in keep the action exciting. Mr. Guignard has a brilliant imagination & readers are blessed that he's chosen to use it for YA fiction. If you've yet to read the first installment in this series, do yourself a favor and read these books back to back. Don't limit it just to kids! Adults will have a blast reading these too!" ~ 5-Star review from Liz Terek, Amazon
About The Author: Lars Guignard
Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the Zoe and Zak series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard, Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse, and Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple.
He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he dodges bears and cougars while hiking & skiing the magnificent Coast Mountain Range.
For news about new releases, please join his email list here: Zoe&ZakAdventures@gmail.com
Title: Ghost Leopard (Zoe and Zak Series, Book #1)
Authors: Lars Guignard
Publication Date: July 21, 2012
Publisher: Fantastic Press
Pages: 338
Recommended Age: 8+
Summary (Amazon):
Zoe and Zak are lost in exotic India, where gods and magic still exist. Before they can find their way home, they just have to do one little thing… …Save a mythical creature from an ancient evil that wants to rule the world. When Zoe Guire goes along on her mom’s business trip to India, things get very weird, very quickly. An elephant god speaks to her from the bottom of a swimming pool… She and her classmate Zak get locked in a trunk and shipped off to a strange city near the foothills of the Himalayas… and a crazy snake charmer tells them they’ve been chosen to protect a mythical creature called the Ghost Leopard from an ancient evil that wants to take over the world. As they travel deeper into the majestic mountains known as the Realm of the Gods, things get even weirder. If she and Zak want to make it back to their parents, they’re going to have to tap into powers they never knew existed. Because if they don’t, things will never be the same for any of us ever again.
My review: When 11-year-old Zoe Guire arrives in
India on a brief sojourn with her mom, she has no idea what is in store for
her. She also has no idea that she possesses hidden powers. Upon their arrival,
Zoe discovers (to her mild annoyance) that Zak Merril, a boy she knows from
school, is also there with his dad, who is Zoe’s mom’s colleague. Events take a
strange turn and both Zoe’s mom and Zak’s dad have to leave to sort out a few
things. Ostensibly, Zak and Zoe will remain at the Delhi Grand Palace hotel
under the supervision of a babysitter. But that’s not the way things happen at
all. Within a short space of time, Zoe and Zak have encountered a definitely
no-good character called Frank Berger, found an antique map, sneaked into Berger’s
hotel room, hidden away in an old trunk, and then been transported to a strange
place, miles from their nice, safe
hotel. Plunged into an adventure involving a talking elephant, unusual local characters,
and lots of danger, thrills, and spills, Zoe and Zak must stay alive and
protect a mythical creature called the Ghost Leopard. It doesn’t help that Zoe
keeps having really scary dreams as well.
This is adventure with a capital ‘A’ and
the kind that middle grade readers will love. Although the book does have a
slow start, soon Zoe and Zak are neck-deep in sinister people, events, and
possible Very Bad Outcomes. The author does a fine job of painting the picture
of India, from the ambiance, to the people, to the various cultural references.
This places the young reader slap bang in the new and sometimes fantastical
environment. India is full of amazing legends and fantasy elements and the author
has used these to great advantage. Zoe and Zak see the ‘real’ India that
tourists don’t encounter, and this is absolutely one of the high points of the
story. While there is sometimes too much information, and it can slow down the
pace, I think young readers will breathe in the ambiance with relish. Fantasy merges
with reality in the author’s capable hands with descriptions to take young
readers as high as the magic carpet they encounter. Zak is as ‘supermega majorly’
annoying as any sixth-grade boy can be and he provides many chuckles with his
clumsy efforts to manage things. Zoe is intense, thoughtful, and takes things
more seriously. I enjoyed the balance between the two characters and kids will certainly
relate to them. This is an action-packed, magical adventure with enough excitement
and peril to keep young readers glued to the pages. This is the first of Zoe
and Zak’s adventures so young fans can look forward to more fantastical events.
"Awesome! ~ I am 11 and I liked the book because I love adventures. It was a different kind of adventure from what I usually read and it was funny too. " ~ 5-Star Review from J. Olsen, Amazon
"This was a fun read. This book was like a kid's version of Indiana Jones. It's also very educational as Zoe tells you real facts about what she sees and the history. I enjoyed it immensely. If you have a 10-12 year old child that loves adventure books, this is definitely a must read. " ~ 5-Star review from Simone Lilly-Egerter, Amazon
"I'm sure this book was written for children who are around the age of the two children in the book, 11 or so. But, this 35 year old loved this book! It had action, adventure and imagination galore! It was exactly the kind of adventure that a lot of kids that age dream of." ~ 5-Star review from The Novice Christian, Amazon
About The Author: Lars Guignard
Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the Zoe and Zak series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard, Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse, and Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple.
He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he dodges bears and cougars while hiking & skiing the magnificent Coast Mountain Range.
For news about new releases, please join his email list here: http://www.larsguignard.com/contact/
Fantastic Press is pleased to announce that Lars Guignard will be answering questions about Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopardthroughout the day on Monday, December 16th, 2013 on Goodreads. If you have any questions for Lars or just want to introduce yourself, you can head on over to Goodreads and say hello now. Also, everyone who joins the Forum will earn an entry into the Ghost Leopard Blog Tour giveaway (see below for more details).
Click on the Goodreads Button below to go to the Mon, Dec 16 - "Ask Lars Guignard about Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard" event and leave a question for the author anytime from now until December 16th, 2013.
** Be sure to look for the upcoming Blog Tour for Book 2 in the Zoe and Zak Series, "Yogi's Curse" coming December 15, 2013. **
* Ghost Leopard Blog Tour Giveaway *
Prize: Three winners will receive a print (U.S. & Canada) or electronic (international winners) copy of Ghost Leopardby Lars Guignard.
Contest runs: November 15 to December 17, 11:59 pm, 2013
Open: Worldwide
How to enter: Enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.
Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. The winners will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winners will then have 72 hours to respond. If a winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author Lars Guignard and Fantastic Press and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions - feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
As part of the Young Knights of the Round Table Blog Tour, I get to ask author Cheryl Carpinello all the questions one usually likes to ask and author: the how/what/when/where. Cheryl has very kindly agreed to spill the beans. So glad to have you visit my blog today, Cheryl and here come the questions.
1. When
did your fascination with all things Arthurian begin?
My
real interest began in college in my English Lit classes. I fell in love with Beowulf and the early English tales and
ballads. We read Sir Gawain and the Green
Knight, which I liked, but when we read Morte
d’Arthur by Malory, I was thoroughly hooked. I love Malory’s description of
the pageantry and tournaments, the knights and the court. By the time I read
Tennyson’s The Idylls of the King, there was no
stopping me. I started reading whatever I could find, fiction and non-fiction.
This carried over into my high school classroom where I taught the King Arthur
Legend for over 20 years.
2. What
was your favourite Arthurian book as a child?
I’m a
bit embarrassed to say that it wasn’t a book; it was Disney’s animated movie The Sword in the Stone! The movie was my
first introduction to the King Arthur Legend. It presented an innocent look at
a harsh time.
3. What
is your favourite Arthurian book as an adult?
That
would easily be T. H. White’s The Once
and Future King. I’m a romantic, and I love the philosophy of Hope that
White displays throughout the book. It’s heartfelt, humorous,
thought-provoking, and brutally honest in places, and leaves me energized each
time I read it. I’ve read it over ten times in the last 25 years.
4. I love
the research and many wonderful details you put into your books: where do you
find these?
Boy,
that’s hard to say. I’ve always had an incredible memory for details. Over the
hundreds of books I read relating to Arthur, coupled with my years of teaching a
variety of Arthurian literature, some pieces just stick in my brain. The
descriptions of feasts and standards in both of my books probably comes from
Malory’s influence. Somewhere in my reading I remember coming across a passage
that described Camelot as sitting in a high pass, so I used that in Guinevere. I did extensive research on
Pembroke Castle, Cardigan Bay, and that part of Wales for Young Knights. In fact, I used The
Lonely Planet’s Guide to Wales. Guide books contain lots of gems that
textbooks leave out.
5. Young Knights is a
truly wonderful tale. At the end of the book, I wished it had been longer
because I could see where things could have been developed. Was it always your
intention to write a novella?
Yes,
it was. I write my Arthurian Tales for a specific audience: reluctant readers.
That doesn’t mean I don’t want others to read them because I do. But those
readers who can read, but choose to do other things are who I am trying to
reach. Their attention span is shorter. Printed page after printed page turns
them away, hence in my printed books (and in Guinevere’s eBook) each chapter starts with a picture related to
the chapter. I’m a
believer in encouraging kids to develop their imagination in a world where
every detail is vividly laid out especially in the movies and video games that
kids love. I want them to think about what might have happened, or if something
else could have happened.
6. And
will you be taking the adventures of Bryan, Gavin, and Philip further?
Definitely.
Future installments will probably focus on just one of the three characters at
a time. That is kind of set up in the end of Young Knights. It’s also possible that readers may see some new
young knights at some point.
7. How
has the reception been towards Young
Knights? Are many of your readers actually adults reliving the Arthurian
adventures of their youth?
Young Knights has
done well since its debut in May 2012. The Children’s Literary Classics gave it
their Seal of Approval as a Recommended Read and awarded it a 2012 Silver Medal
for YA Fiction. Also in 2012, Young
Knights was a finalist in USA’s Best Book Awards for e-Book Children. In
2013, Young Knights received an EVVY
Merit Award for Juvenile/YA Fiction from the Colorado
Independent Publishers
Association. The cover was also a 2013 Ariana Finalist. From
the reviews I’ve read, many adult readers are enjoying the story of the Young Knights. I’ve found in this genre,
that people who love Arthurian Legend eagerly devour all books that come their
way. It’s nice to see that a Legend so old, still draws people to its stories.
8. What
is the best Arthurian movie ever made, in your opinion?
I
haven’t seen many of the movies out there, and my tastes are a bit eclectic.
I’ve always liked First Knight. Most
people don’t, but I’m a huge fan of Sean Connery. I also like the courage of
Guinevere in that movie. Probably
my favorite is one called The Last Legion.
It tells the story of Ambrosius/Merlin leading the boy Romulus Augustus out of
a defeated Rome and to the isle of Britain. Romulus carries his father’s sword
Excalibur. It’s a different look at the legend.
9. Why do
kids love stories of knights, quests, adventures, etc. so much? It’s amazing
that in Young Knights, the young heroes
are immersed (as are readers) in another world. There are no
dystopian/apocalyptic scenes, and no whizz-bang SFX - just an historical
adventure. What is this enduring appeal?
Do you
have a couple of days?! I can give you my ideas based on what I’ve observed in
my classroom and in my workshops with kids.
Heroes:
The Legend is full of heroes not just King Arthur. Every kid wants to be a hero
if only to them. Heroes live by certain standards and are not always strong,
but they don’t give up or lose hope. Arthurian Legend teaches the boundaries of
right and wrong, the limits placed on people’s actions, and the consequences
for crossing those boundaries or exceeding those limits. Young people hunger
for those examples. Kids also see how the ideals of Arthurian Legend are
present in the world today and that leaves an impression on them.
Adventure:
The Legend is packed with adventure, and every kid loves adventure, even the
most introverted. And what could be more adventurous that riding into battle to
save the castle or the princess and going on quests for fabulous historical
objects?
Magic
and Mystery: The Legend holds infinite magic and tons of mysteries. In fact,
the greatest magician of all time lives in Arthurian Legend: Merlyn!
I’m
not sure if this answers your question, Fiona, but when all of the above are
packed into a book, it is one heck of a story that kids devour.
10. I just
adored Guinevere when I first read
it. Straying off the Young Knights
briefly, will we
see more of Guinevere when she actually marries King Arthur?
No,
but you will see more of Guinevere before her marriage to Arthur. While she
grew up quite a bit in On the Eve of
Legend, Guinevere still has more growing to do. I’m planning on another
book which focuses on her growth and also has young Cedwyn taking a bigger role
in the action.
11. If you
had a time machine and could go back to King Arthur’s time and be someone at
his court for a week -- who would you be?
I’d
choose either to be a squire to one of Arthur’s knights or a Lady-in-Waiting to
Guinevere. Those positions would allow me to get a better view of life in
Arthur’s court. As a squire, I would be able to experience what a knight’s job
consisted of and how the knights actually trained. As a Lady-in-Waiting to
Guinevere, I would be privy to her thoughts and would come away with a better
understanding of her.
12. Is
there anything you’d like readers to know that I haven’t asked?
Yes.
Readers may not know that The Young
Knights of the Round Table comes with a free 18-page Teacher’s Guide with
additional information on items in the story, activities, and a study guide. It
is available at the time of purchase from my publisher MuseItUp Publishing, or
readers may send me a message through FB, Twitter, or my website Beyond Today
Educator.
Also,
the Wise Owl Factory developed a free Teaching Supplement with Student Pages
courtesy of the talented Carolyn Wilhelm for the book. For the time being, that
can be downloaded from the site. As soon as I can take up the battle with my
website, I’ll upload the Supplement there for readers.
13. You
are offered a choice between Merlin’s wand and Arthur’s sword Excalibur: which
one would you use in battle?
Both are
appealing. Excalibur would severely test my physical strength, and if the
stories are true, I’m not sure I would be able to wield it! Merlin’s
wand, on the other hand, is an instrument of the mind. One does not use it
recklessly! I
would choose Merlin’s wand. What a feat it would be to not only learn the
spells, but also to understand when to use each one.
For readers who (understandably) want more, take
a peek at what went into making the award-winning MG novella Young Knights
of the Round Table: The King’s Ransom. Behind the Scenes of The King’s Ransom (Book 1 of The Young Knights of the Round Table) will add to your Arthurian experience. Meet the Young Knights and then take
a virtual tour of Wales with them. Get up close and personal with author Cheryl
Carpinello. Read Dunham’s Story, an exclusive not found anywhere else!
Read excerpts from The King’s Ransom and Guinevere: On the Eve of
Legend.
