The first thrilling book in the most exciting children's fantasy series since Harry Potter and His Dark Materials.
John Stephens received his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Virginia in 1998. He then moved to Los Angeles, where he has worked as a writer-producer on Gilmore Girls and The O.C. John Stephens is taking leave from his television career to pursue his passion for writing for children. The Emerald Atlas is his first novel.
This promising first volume in debut author Stephens's Books of Beginning trilogy concerns siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma, who, when very young, were taken from their parents to protect them from unspecified forces of darkness. They have since spent 10 years in a series of unpleasant orphanages; the last of these-which, oddly enough, houses no children but themselves-is run by the eccentric Dr. Pym. While exploring their palatial yet decrepit new home tucked away in the Adirondacks, the children discover a magical green book, which transports them into the recent past. There they do battle with a beautiful witch who has terrorized and enslaved the local people in her unsuccessful search for the very book the children possess. Adventures follow, featuring murderous zombielike Screechers, time travel paradoxes, and multiple revelations about Dr. Pym. If Stephens's characterizations sometimes dip into cliche (grumpy, Scottish-ish dwarves; noble/heroic natives; an effete evil assistant), few will mind. This fast-paced, fully imagined fantasy is by turns frightening and funny, and the siblings are well-crafted and empathetic heroes. Highly enjoyable, it should find many readers. Ages 8-12. (Apr.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
The first installment in the "Books of Beginning" trilogy introduces three children mysteriously plucked from their parents' home 10 years ago. Kate, Michael, and Emma have been shuffled from one miserable living situation to another and now find themselves in a curious orphanage with no other children. They discover a magical book that leads them on an astonishing time-traveling adventure. The incomparable Jim Dale reads this fantasy with great aplomb, creating wonderfully distinct voices for dwarves, witches, children, professors, and more. Heart-stopping exploits get the full treatment of Dale's vigorous narration and will have kids and adults alike clamoring for the next book, The Fire Chronicle. Luckily, it's available from Listening Library. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
"Rich with wonder and personality, "The Emerald Atlas" is a
terrific read. I wholeheartedly recommend it, and look forward to
more." -- Brandon Mull, #1 "New York Times" bestselling author of
Fablehaven and Beyonders
Starred Review, School Library Journal, June 2011:
"Unfolding magic and secrets deepen the story and build excitement
as it reaches its complex and time-bending climax....Echoes of
other popular fantasy series, from "Harry Potter" to the "Narnia"
books, are easily found, but debut author Stephens has created a
new and appealing read that will leave readers looking forward to
the next volumes in this projected trilogy.""
"Publishers Weekly, January 18, 2011:
"This fast-paced, fully imagined fantasy is by turns frightening
and funny, and the siblings are well-crafted and empathetic heroes.
Highly enjoyable, it should find many readers."
The Wall Street Journal, April 2, 2011:
"[A] great story is all in the telling, and in 'The Emerald Atlas'
the telling is superb...First-time novelist John Stephens has
created a vicarious adventure for children ages 9-15--the first in
a trilogy--filled with unexpected twists and marvelously distinct
and vivid characters."
BookPage, April 2, 2011:
"With magic, humor and unforgettable characters, John Stephens'
remarkable debut novel follows Kate, Michael and Emma as they
attempt to outwit the Countess, rescue the children and maybe even
save the world in the process. Unanswered questions and two more
books to locate ensure a sequel and more robust adventures
ahead."
Realms of Fantasy, April 2011:
"Ambitious, entertaining, magical, and whimsical, this marks a
strong beginning to a new trilogy, invoking just a little "Harry
Potter" and "Series of Unfortunate Events" along the way."
Booklist, March 15, 2011:
"Fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of action, humor, and secrets
propelling the plot. . . . Themes of family and responsibility . .
. will easily reson
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