"There is another world, but it is in this one."
~ William Butler Yeats
Tom is an orphan and somewhat of a devious student at the Lost Preparatory Academy for Boys. Unfortunately, he is also quite well known to the strict headmaster, Mortimer Lost. Headmaster Lost runs a tight ship, using the school bells to signify the day's long drudgery. There are only three rules at the academy; no fighting or rough play of any kind, no climbing buildings or trees, and lastly, no leaving the dormitory after lights out. So, when Tom finds himself at an untimely hour scaling the bell tower, it seems like a perfectly natural mischievous act. After all, he had been climbing up there quite a bit lately- searching for something that he can't seem to find. He slips into the belfry and continues on his quest to silence the dinging bells. A whirlwind of bats take flight just as two large, hooded men emerge from the shadows and attack. Tom has no time to think. He jumps into the rafters, fleeing from what he knows is certain danger. As the two men gain measure, Tom is sure that it's going to be lights out for him. Just in the nick of time, help comes in the form of a pirate, who tells him a tale about a magical map that leads into the Beyond. Hidden there is a sword that has the power to destroy the five kingdoms. Tom is the legend to the map by birth right, and only he can point them in the right direction. Once transported, Tom discovers that he is one of the mapmaker's sons, and that the fate of the world lies within his hands. Will Tom be able to find the sword? Will the world survive the cruel grip of Keegan? Could the prophecy about the Hero Twins be true? What lies in the Beyond? You will be on the edge of your seat with this swashbuckling story!
I have to say, I loved this book!
The Mapmaker's Sons by V.L. Burgess is as exciting as a fun adventure should be. The writing is excellent and the pacing is perfect. This story would definitely be great for boys, as there is a lot of action and adventure. I can relate to Tom and particularly enjoyed the back story about his childhood. I would recommend this book for ages 10 and up. For all of you thrill seekers out there- this book is for you!
This book will hit the shelves October of 2012!
You can preview it here- Be sure to check it out!
Happy reading! ~ F
All that I need to hear is academy...and I am in!
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds deliciously good!
Patty- I think you will love it! ~F
DeleteThis one starts out at the run! I enjoyed reading the opening scenes of the book and from your description it sounds like a perfect read for a kid.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Patty.
Lee- It does start out at a run and kids will really love it! Happy reading. :) ~F
DeleteWhat a fabulous review! This sounds amazing and it's one we definitely don't want to miss! Thank you so much for bringing it to our attention :D
ReplyDelete~Cheles and Katertot~
Cheles Bells- Thanks! So glad you enjoyed the review. You definitely don't want to miss this one. :) ~F
DeleteGreat review! Kids do love thrilling fantasy and this book sounds like one young boys and a lot of young girls would like also. I don't read that much fantasy adventure anymore but I sure loved it early on.
ReplyDeleteAnna- Thanks! It is certainly a book for the fantasy and adventure lovers out there. I am sure it will be a hit with all kinds of kids! Thanks for stopping by! ~F
DeleteThis does sound like a great book. I'll have to start a collection for the grandboys. :)
ReplyDeleteLove that Yeats quote too.
Cate- It is! I think starting a collection for your grandboys is a fabulous idea. ~F
DeleteThis sounds so exciting, you find the best books!
ReplyDeleteBarbara- Thanks! :) So glad you enjoy hearing about them. ~F
Delete*GASP* I REALLY WANT THIS BOOK NOW! Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteAdriana- I really think you will enjoy it! Happy reading. :) ~F
DeleteMortimer Lost ... LOVE the name!! :D
ReplyDeleteAnd, I'm with Patty above, all I need to hear is *academy* and I'm hooked lol
Thanks for the fun review, Jess <3
M.A.D- I agree with you that the name is awesome! This is a great read. So glad you enjoyed the review. : ~F
DeleteThis sounds like something I'll need to read. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteKelly- Definitely! :) ~F
DeleteI like the cover. It sounds like something I might enjoy. I'll have to remember to add it to my TBR pile when it comes out in October.
ReplyDeleteCiara- The cover is interesting. It will be a good addition to your TBR list in October. :)
Delete~F
Heidi- It does have a lot going for it. I think boys will eat it up (girls, too). Thanks for stopping by! ~F
ReplyDeleteSounds really good, ladies. Actually, the cover and title caught my eye and half of me was already willing to read it. (I'm a partly-judge-a-book-by-its-cover-and-title kind of person!)
ReplyDeleteClaudine- Thanks! I tend to judge books by their covers, too. This one is definitely worth the read! ~F
DeleteThank you so much for your wonderful review! I'm delighted to hear you enjoyed Tom's adventure--can't wait to get the book in the hands of all those young readers out there. Happy reading to all!
ReplyDeleteV.L.- Thanks for stopping by! We love when authors stop by to chat with our readers. We found this to be a fabulous book and were happy to share it with others! Have a wonderful day and we are wishing you much success. ~Jess and Stephanie
Deleteomg, what a great read! It is one of those book I know I'll love. Thanks for the review, and a great review it was, too!
ReplyDeleteDonna- This is a book that should not be missed! You will definitely love it. :) Glad you liked the review. ~F
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