Curse of the Spider King

Our rating: ****

Older Readers

Curse of the Spider King: The Berinfell Prophecies Series – Book One (Hardcover)
by Wayne Thomas Batson, Christopher Hopper
ISBN: 1400315050

Price: USD 10.19
37 used & new available from USD 5.94

Seven teens discover that they are the lost Elven lords from Allyra. They all have a special gift or ability. Now, with dangerous minions of the Spider King pursuing them at every turn, and mysterious Elf Sentinels trying to protect them, the teens must decide if they will stay on Earth or go home to Allyra.

Okay, right out of the gate, let me say that this is a good fantasy novel. Lots of exciting action, creepy bad guys, mysterious good guys and a parallel universe to boot. Unfortunately, Curse of the Spider King has no fewer than seven storylines running at a time, which makes for a very confusing time trying to keep track of everybody. Also, six of the storylines retread most of the same basic material six times. Now, I’m not saying you shouldn’t read this one. It’s really quite worthwhile. However, based on the ending of this one, I’m looking forward to book two, where the seven storylines will hopefully merge into a more manageable number.

Why did I read it?Could have been betterAverageFantastic!Incredibook! (1 votes, average: 3.00 out of 5)
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Isle of Fire

Our rating: ****

Older Readers

Isle of Fire (Pirate Adventures) (Hardcover)
by Wayne Thomas Batson
ISBN: 1400312167

Price: USD 2.76
26 used & new available from USD 1.97

Declan Ross and his daughter Anne have left piracy behind and now work for the Royal Navy as pirate hunters. Their former, amnesic crew mate, Cat, has stayed behind in a monastery of treasure-guarding monks. All seems somewhat peaceful, now that Bartholomew Thorne is dead—or is he? A devious scheme to attack England takes shape, drawing Cat, Anne, and Ross into a battle that could change the course of history.

There’s no doubt about it. Wayne Thomas Batson was born to write pirate books. Most of the characters are quite deep, especially Cat, who was very well done. In the style of Brian Jacques, Batson writes a powerful story that zips along faster than a merchant clipper. My only real problem is with the possible historical inaccuracy of an attack on England, but this is fiction, after all. Although I preferred Isle of Swords, this is definitely a worthy successor.

Why did I read it?Could have been betterAverageFantastic!Incredibook! (4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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Interview with Wayne Thomas Batson

(First in a series of interviews with the Motiv8 Fantasy Fiction Tour authors.)

 

Wayne Thomas Batson (enterthedoorwithin.blogspot.com) is a middle school teacher and author. He has written five novels, three in the fantasy genre and two about pirates. Recently, Mr. Batson took time out of his busy schedule to do an e-mail interview with Incredibooks.

Read the rest of this entry »

Isle of Fire Released

Wayne Thomas Batson’s new book Isle of Fire has been released! Here’s the official announcement.

Isle of Fire (Pirate Adventures) (Hardcover)
by Wayne Thomas Batson
ISBN: 1400312167

Price: USD 2.76
26 used & new available from USD 1.97

The Final Storm

Our rating: ****

Older Readers

The Final Storm: The Door Within Trilogy – Book Three (Paperback)
by Wayne Thomas Batson
ISBN: 140031013X

Price: USD 9.99
59 used & new available from USD 3.18

 The Realm is in grave danger as Paragor marches ever nearer with an immense army. Only the legendary three witnesses can save our friends from the previous books. Meanwhile, Aidan is still trying to get through to his friend Robby about the Realm and King Eliam. And Antoinette is still in the Realm, captured by Robby’s evil Glimpse. As Paragor’s army reaches Alleble, the three witnesses must be discovered, and everybody must choose whose side they are on.

This is an epic fantasy tale that moves quickly from page one all the way to the end. So quickly, in fact, that I almost feel like Wayne Thomas Batson could have split The Final Storm into two books and slowed down a little bit. However, that is my only major complaint with this one. The characters really come to life, there’s great humor, excitement, and a very satisfying ending.

Why did I read it?Could have been betterAverageFantastic!Incredibook! (4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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