Customer Reviews

The Basilisk's Lair (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 2)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the second book in the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series. Overall I enjoyed it, although it is a pretty short book meant for younger readers.

Right on the heels of his first adventure with the Phoenix, Nathaniel is spirited away by his Aunt to help capture a Basilisk that has gone astray.

This book is very short, would probably take an adult 20-30 minutes to read, but is very readable and enjoyable. There are nice pictures throughout so children just starting chapter books would be a good fit.

The pace is fast and the action non-stop. The mythology behind all the different beasties is interesting. I love reading about mythical creatures so this book was right up my alley. Children who like reading about adventure, travel, or magical creatures should get into this book. It is an easy read and entertaining. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Young Nathaniel Fludd is still trying to deal with the disappearance of his parents as well as his recent encounter with the legendary phoenix when he is caught up in yet another adventure. A basilisk is on the loose and is a threat to a nearby village. It is up to Nate's Aunt Phil to save the day and as beastologist-in-training Nate is expected to accompany her. Nate is not too keen on the idea but he is beginning to realize that being a beastologist is in his blood.

"The Basilisk's Lair (Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist Book Two)" is a nicely written and illustrated chapter book for ages 6 to 9. The short chapters and plenty of illustrations make this book a delightful, easy book to read (although author R.L. LaFevers could tone down the vocabulary a bit - at one point she uses the word "sundered", a word which I doubt the majority of 6 to 9-year-olds would know the meaning of). The book is set in the year 1928 and young readers will be introduced to a world pre-cell phones, TVs, computers, and other modern day conveniences. Nathaniel is a delightful character, not particularly brave, but smarter and more resourceful than he realizes. His adventures are fun, a bit dangerous (you do have to wonder at times what his Aunt Phil is thinking) and a bit scary, but not too scary for young readers. LaFevers does a wonderful job of intermingling the real world wiith fantasy elements - I especially love Greasle, Nate's gremlin friend - she adds quite a bit of humor to the book with her never ending quest to find some oil to eat. Adding to the humor in the book is "Nathaniel Fludd's Guide to People, Places and Things", which is a fun mix of real and fictional information. Kelly Murphy's illustrations add a great deal to the book. Some pictures are supposed to be done by Nathaniel and Murphy does a good job of making them look like they were done by a young boy. One illustration she did in particular stands out - an illustration of Nate crossing a ladder stretched across a chasm - looking at the illustration gave me vertigo. The one "problem" I found with this book is that it is the second book in the series, taking place right after the one first one ended and there is no back explanation of how Nathaniel ended up with his Aunt Phil and what happened to his parents (in fact, there is little mention of his parents until the end). Those who didn't read the first book may be a little confused about what is going on. Still, that's a minor point in an otherwise excellent book.

"The Basilisk's Lair" is a nicely done fantasy for young readers.

I love the idea behind this book! The story was well written, although too short in my estimation, and the characters very well developed. I really liked that the main character, the young boy Nate, is flawed in a realistic way, showing insecurities that any child his age would have, and being able to overcome them in creative ways. I have not read the first book and while I was able to follow along and understand the story there are references to the first one throughout the book and I think it would be easier to comprehend reading them in order. There is also a little section in the back, called Nathanial Flood's Guide to People, Places and Things, that I was impressed with; really it is a little glossary with some of the words that would probably be unfamiliar to many young readers. What a great idea! I would definitely recommend this book for families to read together or for young readers looking for a little adventure, though it would be a very quick read for an advanced middle reader.

This is such a fun series. I read the first two books back to back, and thoroughly enjoyed them (I will definitely be reading the third when it comes out). The characters are fun, the dialog is sharp, and there is non-stop action. Nathaniel has just the right balance of courage and trepidation, which I think most younger kids will be able to instantly relate to. Very well done. I enjoyed this series so much that I'm going to check out the author's other books.

This series is good for boys and girls alike, at an age where they are ready to transition to chapter books. The short chapters and interspersed illustrations will hold their interest, and keep them coming back for more.

This second installment in the Nathaniel Fludd Beastologist series, The Basilisk's Lair, like the classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: 100th Anniversary Edition (Books of Wonder) features a child protagonist and short chapters so parents can read their children to sleep.

I have one minor quibble with the Advance Reading copy I'm reviewing. Certain events which had to have taken place in the first installment are suddenly referenced 2/3 of the way into this one. I was taken aback by what appeared to be a jump the shark moment. On going continuity between books is a good thing but each one should make sense on it's own merits. I hope the final book includes a more prominent recap of the previous one somewhere in the text rather than on the back cover. Either way, it's recommended to read Book One: Flight of the Phoenix first.

The adventures of the boy beastologist-in-training is a fantastic series for the younger reader crowd. "The Basilisk's Lair" is a quick read, 130-something pages, with snappy dialogue and a winningly quick pace with shorter chapters. Yes, an easy read, but LaFevers does not shy away from making this still a worthy adventure.

For that's what these books are: quick-yet-awesome adventures.

And this one is, I dare say, better than the original book. Just after the phoenix incident, reluctant hero Nathaniel and his delightful Aunt Phil are dragged into another adventure by a group of protectors who have lost the thing they protect: a basilisk. Quite a problem.

LaFevers not only delves into monster mythology for this, but makes the setting perfectly plausible for a classic adventure tale, complete with foreign lands and planes and shady folk. Though the writing is simple, it's great, and is a delight to read.

Nathaniel is a fantastic character, and his stories are great. Highly recommended.

My daughter loves this series. Its a quick read but entertaining. She is looking forward to the next book in the series.

"The Basilisk's Lair" was ridiculously short. I read the first chapter, and then could not force myself to pick up the book again--due to the big font and annoying protag.--for at least a month after. And even then, it took time for me to realize that the book is not suited to me. I got this from the Vine program, and only read it because I had too. It was short. It was annoying. It got thrown out into the trash.
Some of you may find it a worthwhile read, but I'm telling you that there are other, better things you could be doing with your life than reading this.
If you're a voracious, fast reader, like me, you may find it to be a twenty minute read at most, and you may also find yourself wanting to burn it. It's clearly aimed for the grade-school level, and, you SHOULD NOT read this book if you are over the age of eight, for you may never be able to get the characters' voices out of your head again. You have been warned.

This book was greatly enjoyed by my students who read on the 3rd-4th grade level. There were actually some issues who would get the book first and how long that person should take to read the book. I like when my students get hooked by series books as the motivation to read goes on and on. I think the length of the novel is just right for this age group. A good pick for the 8-11 year-old child.

Book two in the Nathaniel Fludd Beastologist series reminds me of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Sort of. At least the parts about the basilisk and in the Chamber with the basilisk. This could however be a draw for young readers. Nate and Aunt Phil need to capture and return an escaped basilisk to it's lair or if need be kill it. As a student of beastology Nate is along for the ride and observation but his knowledge and bravery helps their mission succeed. Nate is an intelligent boy who uses his resources wisely. The book is exciting and full of adventure in foreign countries. Book three is set up in the ending to two. There is a very helpful glossary in the back of the book. Recommended for fans of fantasy and adventure in grades for grades 3-5 (or high second graders and low 6th graders).