Customer Reviews

Prince of Hazel and Oak (Shadowmagic)

5 star:		(133)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I downloaded this kindle book immediately after reading the first Shadowmagic book, and luckily for me it was in the Summer Sale so going at a knock down price. I do worry that the author must be a bit disappointed to see his work so undervalued. It is an excellent sequel, again well written and draws you in to the characters lives. A little predictable in places, but that just adds to the enjoyment, making you feel a little superior! I am really looking forward to the next one - please let there be a next one!

If you like The Chronicals of Narnia you will like this book. The land is brought to life by the author. Not usually a fan of books written in the 1st person however the pace of the story is just right. Hard to say which age group this is really aimed at as some parts could pass over younger readers. This is book 2 am already looking forward to the next one.

I read the first book and was pleased to see a scond book really looking forward to the third ,
The author really takes you into the fantasy world no gory bits just a well told story ,
will have to wait until march its one of those books you dont want to end hope there are more to come ,
Many thanks for a real good read ,

This series is brilliant! The best fantasy books I've read in a lonng time. I don't usually write reviews but felt I had to encourage others to read this series! John Lenahan has created a wonderful new fantasy world with a great bunch of characters. The stories are clever and never lose momentum. When's the next one coming out? I can't wait!!

This is a brillant follow up and I can't wait for the next! I totally recommend it to all ages.

On his return to the real world Conor finds trouble explaining why his father is missing. The authorities suspect foul play. His mother and Aunt break him out of police custody and they escape back to Tir-na-nog. During the escape the detective investigating him is also transported to Tir-na-nog.
On his return he finds his father is critically ill and only the blood of a red eel can cure him. What follows is a heroic quest in the style of classic myths.

The book is just as fun as the first one. Conor is slightly less flippant in this book as he is starting to grow into his role as heir to the one of the lands. His is still a total jerk at times though. However, the detective helps fill the gap taking the place Conor did in the first book as untrained and novice to Tir-na-nog and part comic foil.

The book is still a very easy and humorous read. The writing is improving from book to book and the storyline is noticeably better woven here. Dialog which appears to be minor or for comic content turns into major story points later on. Theres very little that happens that isnt important later in the book. The secondary characters continue to be diverting in their own rigth and their trials and backstories are diverting and endearing - or in some cases tragic.

The book does follow the dramatic structure of the first book rather closely in some respects , but is much more complexly plotted. It pays homage to many classic myths but keeps the celtic flavor developed in the first book. The world, peoples and backstory of Tir-na-nog are considerably expanded as Conor and his band tour the hinterlands against a backdrop of betrayal, discovery and enchantment. The overall writing style is aimed at an enjoyable adventure yarn for young adults but I was startled to find the issues of fate, predestination and free will tackled in a book I was treating as a relaxing read.

Grows on the foundation of book one. Avoids the clasic pitfalls of the second book in a series. Well worth reading if you liked the first book. A recommended read.

just like the first one :) contemporary fantasy that doesn't take itself too seriouly but conjures a fantastic world.

really good :)

i'm always on the lookout for well told,well written,humourous fantasy.
This is the sequel to Shadowmagic-shadowmagic .
Told at pace it is A cracker of a sword and sourcery story.
buy it and enjoy!

This book is a direct follow on to Shadowmagic and is even better (in my opinion). The style is very much in the vein of David Eddings and Terry Brooks - lots of different peoples and places to be visited, which make The Land come alive on the page. Some things you can see coming a mile away but there are also a lot of moments that really blindside the reader.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and very much looking forward to the next installment.

I loved the first book and have just started this one. I really hope we get more in the series as the magic and myth in these books is something I believe is missing from this highly material world. Fairytales for grownups! Oh well, I suppose for any age group really. Fantastic. I'd love more of them.