As the name implies, the book, "FILMS FAMOUS, FANCIFUL, FROLICSOME & FANTASTIC: Classic Movies from Cinema's Golden Age" hosted by John Howard Reid, covers a wide range o..
Wendell is a young man who learns what his potential is while on a strange, enchanted world with a funny old wizard and ugly troll to mentor and guide him. Prelude to a Hero, the debut book about how Wendell came to be the one expected to save an entire world. . . by accident.
Excerpt
We knew we were the center of the universe.
We knew the Earth was flat.
We knew nothing existed smaller than the naked eye could see.
We knew only birds and bugs could fly upon the wind.
Yes, we knew so many things…even if it was only for a moment.
There is so much more to see than our little world; a vast universe of conflicts and miracles to which we are blind. Limiting our imaginations by our perceptions, we would never believe the actual truth.
What if both science and religion were right? If theology was mathematical perfection and science was the perfect religion? What if battles between good and evil were real…and so were gods and devils? And what if magic wasn’t an invention of fantasy, but a word used to describe principles not yet understood by the average mind?
What if I told you we were unknowing benefactors of sacrifices made by valiant men, women and children who defied the gaping jaws of Hell—while the blood of friends, neighbors and family stained the ground at their feet.
This story begins with a stranger. A self-proclaimed coward. A mere boy from a different world—who united the hearts of nations by accident.
Some will say this is nothing but a tale of fiction. Let them think as they will.
After all…I can’t fix stupid.
Books That Spark, UK
Prelude to a Hero is the debut novel from author Jaime Buckley and the first of the Wanted:Hero chronicles. After reading the synopsis, I was eager to get started. Although I'm already a HUGE fan of fantasy fiction, this book appealed to me as I felt it would be something new and unique... I wasn't left disappointed!
The book follows the adventures of Wendell and from the minute I was introduced to him, I knew I was going to love him. He lives in the shadow of his longest and best friend Evan, and while Evan seems to have it all, Wendall lacks to confidence and/or luck to have the same. Wendall's chance arises when he is thrust upon another planet and learns it's HIM who has to save an entire world.
As an avid reader of a lot of different types of books, it takes a lot for me to relate and like a main character. Wendell captured my attention right from the beginning and in my opinion has all the essential characteristics in order to make a book both readable and enjoyable. I could relate to him as, in parts, he seemed a bit vulnerable. He strives for a better life yet fails to realise that as a person he's good-hearted enough to be proud of who he is. I loved his sense of humour. “Welcome to Earth.” Wendall squeaked with a tight toothy grin. “Live long and prosper.” By the end of the book, I felt such a connection with Wendall that I almost feel protective of him. Perhaps a strange feeling, but I'm definitely looking forward to reading the further development of his character in the upcoming books.
Other characters captured my heart too. In particular, although he featured towards the end of the book, I'm eager for more from Chuck. Chuck's an old man who's also a great wizard. He's a bit senile and his outbursts had me laughing out loud. He's another character I can't wait to read more about.
The plot was interesting and included plenty of unique, exciting developments. It successfully grasped my attention from the offset and there were twists and turns along the way. The writing has to commended for it was exceptional. Buckley delivers his tale in such a straight-forward yet detailed manner which allows this book to be a page-turner. I particularly liked the thought provoking quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
I honestly can't fault this book. It left me eager to learn more and provided me with excellent entertainment. It's a great introduction to what I know will be an even greater book series. I'd recommend to fans of fantasy fiction, no matter what gender.
Book-Mark Reviews, Canada
Humans know so many things yet are oblivious to so many other facts. Those facts will change Wendell's life forever when he is kidnapped and teleported to another whole new galaxy. Upon arrival he is told that he is the last bloodline of the royal family and the only hope to defeat evil, which is growing ever stronger. Wendell doesn't want to have anything to do with these strange martians and so, he decides to bid his time until he can come back to Earth. Soon he meets an ecstatic girl named Kyliene and he believes he may have to stay a little while longer after all!
The novel gripped me from the first few sentences. I had no doubt that the book would be an interesting one. The method used by the author to bring in his audience before every chapter started was by using an unfamiliar technique. He would create a quote that would relate to the characters or the situation in the chapter. I loved this technique because as a reader it made me think and also it made me relate and think back to the quote while reading. Example of the first quote: We knew we were the center of the universe. We knew the Earth was flat. We knew nothing existed smaller than the naked eye could see. We knew only birds and bugs could fly upon the wind. Yes, we knew so many things…even if it was only for a moment.
My second love for Prelude was one character in specific. Wendell was oh so very stubborn. He had a lot of wit and could come up with very sarcastic remarks. I loved his exchanges with the High Elder. Wendell was also very awkward with his own body. Being tall and skinny his arms would dangle and his feet wouldn't be where they were supposed to be. Tripping and falling was second nature to him, and he made me laugh with him, or even cheer for him a few times.
As for the setting, what's not to like? At first I thought it was like a deserted planet with rocks, but I was soon proven wrong. I enjoyed how Jaime included a fantasy-like feel into his sci-fi novel. The setting was gorgeous and had a lot of description when needing to be. I liked the places they described such as the market place and the sanctuary. Here's a small example of the description: Thousands of white buildings and domed cathedrals stretched out before him. His eyes followed the intricate waterways, saturated with flowers, trees, vines, and grass, between, around and even through the buildings constructed on a grid. At the center was a small, football-shaped park completely surrounded by a lake of crystal blue water. Five small bridges joined the park to the city and a much larger, white bridge arched over the buildings and waterways extending to the terrace, just to Wendell’s left.
Sadly every masterpiece can have its own flaws. As for Prelude, I thought that it took a while for the story to start rolling. By the time Wendell was accustomed to this whole new world and that reality hit him it was far too late. Which brings me too point number two. In my opinion there wasn't any climax where I was jumping off my seat. It seemed that the author deliberately ended the novel short.
While I did enjoy Prelude, I believe that book two will be much better with actual battle scenes and the discovery of magic as well as some training. I recommend Prelude to Sci-Fi lovers!
A Book Vacation, USA
I really liked this novel. The writing, the characterization, the plot… it was all very well done, and it was funny too! Wendell is a really likable character and I loved his wit throughout the novel. I found myself snorting in laughter as I read, especially as Wendell interjects his thoughts and feelings about being the long lost hero that an “alien” world has been waiting for. I see a little of myself in Wendell, and so I can’t help but like him—and I think he will appeal to readers of all ages, especially MG and YA, as he tells it like he sees it.
Buckley is a fantastic writer, keeping the reader entertained throughout the book. I must say that I was very impressed with the writing style of the novel and, as Prelude to a Hero sets the background for the rest of the series, I believe the series is going to be exceptionally good. The story is packed with lots of action and there was never a dull moment, keeping me glued to the pages until the conclusion, which I must say left me hanging. I usually can’t stand to be left in the dark, but Buckley has been diligently working on the series and the next novel should be releasing soon, so hopefully I won’t have to wait long to find out what happens next for Wendell. I highly recommend reading this novel! Four stars!
Honor book in 2005 for the Texas State Reading Association's Golden Spur Award.
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