Friday, June 9, 2017

Riddles and Ravens Galore!

Gabriel Finley loves riddles because of his father. Ever since his dad went missing, Gabriel has lived with his aunt, but wishes for his dad to return. For his twelfth birthday, he receives his father's childhood journal. In it, Gabriel learns about the connection some humans have with ravens. He's amazed by what he reads, and discovers this relationship runs in his family. A baby raven, named Paladin, becomes Gabriel's amicus (like a familiar). Together they must embark on a journey to rescue Gabriel's father from the evil Corax and the valravens (cruel birds) that have him locked away. In order to save his father, an old and dangerous treasure called a torc must be located. This leads them to meet some interesting companions, who windup joining the quest. They'll have to find an entrance to an underground city and answer riddles to pass a gatekeeper. Will the group be able to answer the riddles or will their words fail? Is Gabriel's father still alive? Can the Corax be defeated on his turf? You'll have to read the book to find out!

I read Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle by George Hagen because I love trying to solve riddles, so the title pulled me in. The book includes a lot of riddles, so make sure you put on your thinking cap. Gabriel is a kind character who treats others fairly. I really liked his friend, Abby, and his Amicus, Paladin. I thought it was interesting to read a book with characters that had such a strong connection to ravens. I worried throughout the book, because Gabriel seemed to be very trusting of others, even when they hadn't proven themselves worthy. This story will appeal to people who enjoy fantasy, plus a little danger. A great read for those in fourth grade and up! The book ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, so thank goodness the second book is out. I look forward to reading it (I just hope it doesn't end on a cliffhanger too). 


Has anyone else read Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle? Or have you read another book by George Hagen? We'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Reading!
~L

61 comments:

  1. I haven't read it - and will have to track it down. Thank you so much for yet again broadening my reading horizons.

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  2. The riddles will make young people think - good for their brains.
    If you're going to have a familiar, a bird is a handy one.

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    1. Alex- Riddles are a fun way to expand our brains and you are right- birds are great familiars. :) ~L

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  3. I think my thinking cap has a hole in it!

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  4. Ending on a cliffhanger can be annoying, but good there is book 2. Keeping those brains a working is a win.

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    1. Pat- I prefer books to be wrapped up, but I know lots of books end on cliffhangers. As long as book two is out then I am okay. :) ~L

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  5. This sounds like a really cool story that can be turned into a movie. Hugs....RO

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  6. I haven't read it but it sounds really good. Have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie

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    1. Valerie- I enjoyed it. Hope you had a good weekend! Hugs back! :) ~L

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  7. Very interesting plot. Seems like a good summer read.

    Betty

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  8. Somes was my favorite character, his home life was pretty sad, but I liked the resolution. I also like this cover better than the one that I read. The riddles were really good as well, defiantly make you think. I was bothered a bit by Gabriel's trusting behavior too.

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    1. Brenda- I really liked Somes- though I was worried about him toward the end- but I liked the way that all turned out. I think this cover is much better than the hardcover version! :) ~L

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  9. This sounds like a 'holds my interest' read.

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    1. Heidi- Lol- definitely appropriate for us! :) ~L

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  11. I haven't read it, but sounds like a good one!

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  12. Haven't read it (hadn't heard of it).

    However, I believe the question is: How is a raven like a writing desk?

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    1. Robert- It was a book that was new to me too. You bring up a good point- I will have to check. :) ~L

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  13. I've not read the book, but it sounds intriguing. Hope you enjoy your weekend in the Cape May area! :)

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    1. Karen- Thanks! Cape May was beautiful! Lots of fun! :) ~L

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  14. I hadn't heard of it before but it is something I know a few of my friends would enjoy.

    #getsociai17

    For What It's Worth

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  15. A fascinating idea for a story. It's a new book to me, but since I like birds I should read it.

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    1. Beverly- If you like bird then I think you will really enjoy this one! :) ~L

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  16. Ohh, lovely review sweetie :D This book sounds pretty exciting and awesome. So glad you liked it :) Thank you for sharing about it. <3 MG fantasy books are the best. Eee.

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    1. Carina- Aren't MG fantasy books tons of fun! :) ~L

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  17. You know you girls are the one bloggers that have introduced to me some of the most unique books out there.
    I like the Amicus idea, a familiar. It reminds me of Magnificent because of the raven thing. I've been wanting to read something with animals in the book. I hardly find/read books like those lately.
    Gabriel's trusting nature... I would worry about him too. Never trust people! In books and sometimes in life you get the bad end of the deal.

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    1. Adriana- I just read another book with a trusting main character and it made me so stressed. Never trust characters in books! I think this was a unique and interesting book. If you read it- I hope you enjoy it. Glad to introduce you to books you might not have otherwise found. :) ~L

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  18. Have to admit that I've never been very good at riddles, but it does sound like a fun read! #getsocial17

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    1. Alexia- Riddles definitely take practice! :) ~L

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  19. Hmm, I do enjoy riddles but I'm terrible at solving them. This sounds like fun to be honest, thanks for sharing I've actually never heard of this book before. #GetSocial17

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    1. Adria- Thanks for stopping in. I bet you would be able to solve some of the riddles in this book. There are so many that you get better and better as you turn the page. :) ~L

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  20. Well, many thanks for introducing me to these books.
    So many do enjoy this type of read.

    All the best Jan

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  21. I like riddles too. Happy #GetSocial17!

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  22. Oh neat! Riddles and fantasy and danger would definitely grab my attention. Thanks for sharing about this one.

    #GetSocial17

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    1. Sophia Rose- Thanks for stopping by! Definitely a book with lots of appeal for different readers. :) ~L

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  23. Not a fan of cliffies but I get why they are around

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  24. I have found riddles to be a wonderful way to bond with kids, both my daughter and my students.

    The book sounds fun.

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    1. The Armchair Squid- Then you would totally love this book. :) ~L

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  25. This looks super cute and sounds so fun. Thanks for sharing it! #GetSocial17

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    1. Barb- You are welcome! Thanks for stopping by! :) ~L

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    1. Magic Love Crow- I think you would love it! :) ~L

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  27. I'd never heard of this book before, thanks for sharing! #getsocial17

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  28. Hi Jess and Stephanie, I haven't come across this book either. It sounds exciting and having riddles in a story is always fun. (Though I'm not keen on books ending on cliffhangers ...)

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    1. Claudine- The riddles are fun. The ending wraps up some things- but leaves a lot up in the air. I like to have most of the story line wrapped up at the end, but I am guessing it keeps a lot of people wanting book two! :) ~L

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  29. I am such a huge fan of riddles! I find them to be the most fun -- it was one of the aspects I actually liked about The Hobbit as well. Knowing this novel has quite a few of them makes me happy :)

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    1. Olivia- I thought it was cool that the book had so many riddles too. I always love trying to figure them out! :) ~L

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  30. Sounds so good! I love riddles too ❤️ you have a cute blog here!

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