Category: Young Adult/Teen Publisher: Self
ISBN-10: 1546840982
Type: Fiction
Pages: 224
Copyright: October 6, 2017
ISBN-13: 9781546840985
Price: $9.99 (eBook)
They're back! Julian and Rome are taking their show on the road. This time to lovely, old England in search of Camelot. While there, the Knight and Dragon will be trying to solve the mystery of the Talismans, the mystery of their shadowy stalker, and the mystery of sibling rivalry. Prepare to meet some new faces and, of course, some new Darkbrands as the two further their adventures across the pond.
Yes, your favorite Synergist Knight and Master Dragon are back for some fun and frivolity in this second volume of The Talisman Series, “Riders of Fire and Ice”. This time, the boys (?) are traveling to England to visit the remnants of Camelot where a historical battle took place hundreds of years ago. While traveling in England, the boys will try to unravel the mystery of the Talismans, the mystery of their shadowy stalker, and the mystery of sibling rivalry. The search is on for allies and portals; this time without the assistance of their mentor Mr. Jones. Prepare to meet some new faces and, of course, some new Darkbrands as Rome and Julian further their adventures across the pond.
Excerpt
Rome hadn’t even set foot on the plane and Julian was already making plenty of complaining comments. “We don’t need to fly in a plane, dude,” he said. “We have our own mode of transportation with you! We don’t need a runway, or a pilot, or even an in-flight movie! I mean, with you being a dragon, there is no possible situation where we will ever even need a car! Ever! You hear me? Ever!”
“Yeah,” said Rome. “But where would you put your luggage? I am not hauling a semester’s worth of clothes on my back across the Atlantic Ocean for you. And how would we explain how we got all the way to England when NONE of our classmates saw us on the plane. Or you know who?”
“Oh, yeah,” soured Julian. “I forgot about her.” Julian glared across the terminal at the “who” that Rome was referring to.
Mrs. Case was the boys’ principal at Dampier Middle School where they went to get their public education in Canton, Georgia. She was a very friendly educator who got along well with her students and faculty. She was young and full of fresh ideas that made her popular among her peers as well. It was said that she had a hypnotic way about her. Everyone felt compelled to tell her whatever she wanted to know. For reasons only known to them, Rome and Julian did not trust her. The fact that she said she would be watching them really agitated Rome. It was as if she knew something about their secret, but did not want them to know that she knew. And Julian just did not really like authority figures or any kind of administrative presence.
Professional Reviews
It's a Novel Life
Opinions: As avid readers, we're all too familiar with "sequel syndrome" - an affliction that describes the successory books in a series as inferior to the first. If you're worried about Salter's sequels succumbing to this illness, I have good news for you: Riders of Fire and Ice was an exceptional continuation of the series and can doubtlessly be described as the perfect bridge between The Search for Synergy's plot and the exploits Rome and Julian now face. Speaking of, I cannot overstate how terrific the inclusion of Camelot, a classic setting we all know well and love, was in moving along character and plot development. Young readers will see Julian and Rome grow up in a modern twist of their parents' childhood fantasy. In my opinion, the Darkfiends and their shadowy portals were the highlight of this book and unique to the series. There's not a single book out there like Riders of Fire and Ice, so take the opportunity to pick it up now!
My Favourite Thing: Something has to be said for Salter's writing style. Despite the intensity and desperation Rome and Julian face throughout the series, Salter maintains the family-friendly style that allows readers to engage without being intimidated. Complimenting this, the text always matches the plot. When there is a battle, the vernacular is dense and upbeat. When there is a journey, the phrasing is curious and leaves readers asking questions. Likewise, when Rome is attempting to be romantic, the text is lighthearted and witty. Salter is an expert when it comes to engaging readers and helping them relate to the plot, not just the characters!
My Least Favourite Thing: What is there to say? Everybody has different tastes in books, so Riders of Fire and Ice might not be your cup of tea. But I adored it and I encourage you to pick it up! In my eyes, there were no faults.
Recommended For and Similar Reads: The Search For Synergy and Talisman Series are adventurous fantasy stories for older children and teenagers. However, the plot and themes are so universal that readers of all ages will enjoy the series! Similar reads are The Devil's Apprentice by Kenneth B Andersen, Summoned by Mckayla Eaton, Power and Fury by James Erith, and The Last Airbender by Gene Luen Yang.
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Read With Me Review
I was pretty psyched to read Riders of Fire and Ice. I had enjoyed The Search for Synergy a lot and couldn’t wait to see what would occur with Rome and Julian in this book. Plus, the author introduced Julian’s younger sister, and I couldn’t wait to see how she was. I wasn’t disappointed at all by anything in this book!!
Riders of Fire and Ice is the second book in The Talisman series. Readers cannot read this book as a standalone. You need to read The Search for Synergy to understand everything that is going on. But, if you are a rebel and decide not to do it, the author did include a short recap of book one at the beginning of this book. But still, read book 1. It is worth it!!
Riders of Fire and Ice was a fast-paced book with a well-written storyline. There was zero lag, which I was surprised by and delighted in.
Rome is one of my favorite characters. He delights in hackeysack and is starting to get interested in girls (the whole I love you line to his crush had me in tears laughing). But, he is also brave and was willing to put his life on the line when he and Julian fought the Minotaur. And his view on Julian’s younger sister, Camela, was spot on.
Julian was my other favorite character in this book. He was focused on looking for portals and battling the Darkfiends that came out of them. He was also brave and delighted in each piece of armor that was revealed to him. I loved his relationship with Camela, though. I have two teenagers, close in age, and they fight similarly to how Camela and Julian did. Talk about true to life.
Again, the fight scenes were terrific. That whole battle with the Minotaur was incredible. I loved how allies were revealed, and I loved who they were. I wasn’t surprised at how came to Julian and Rome’s defense. Some hints were leading up to it that I caught onto. There was a lesser battle with Mr. Jones that was also fantastic. Mainly because it wasn’t about brawn. Instead, Mr. Jones got to show off his abilities.
The end of Riders of Fire and Ice was interesting. I am curious how things will be in book 3 with everything the author revealed about the talismans.
I would recommend Riders of Fire and Ice for anyone over the age of 10 (in the Tween range). There is mild violence.
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