Customer Reviews

Firegold (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If Dia Calhoun continues writing such works as this and "Aria of the Sea," she may become the next Robin McKinley! This book is wonderful, emotional, deep, but all wrapped in simple prose and style.

It centers around Jonathon, a teenage boy who has something that no one else in his native Valley has: blue eyes. Rumors flit about his mother, by the people who live in the valley and suspecy that the young boy is a Dalriada. The Dalriada are viewed as barbarians by the Valley folk, with their horses and astounding powers. They have blue eyes -- and, according to others, they also have horns from their foreheads. The Valley inhabitants fear that, as Jonathon reaches adulthood, he will go insane -- and mysterious welts are rising on his forehead, where horns would be...

These rumors reach their peak when Jonathon's mother dies, and he is accused of bringing a blight down. He must leave his home for his future, among the Dalriada. He will go to the ends of the world and back again, with the Firegold apples that will help him -- and those he loves -- to their destiny.

This book is elevated from a usual coming-of-age novel via Calhoun's beautiful prose and style. Her fantasy world is very similar to ours (a reference is made to a grandfather clock) yet the mythos and mystical experiences are different. It also brings to the forefront the disgusting bigotry and prejudice, without being heavy-handed in the execution.

Jonathon is a wonderful character, growing in strength and complexity as the book progresses. Some of the people who oppose him are a bit too narrow-minded for outright believability, but that is a very small flaw in a very good book.

I advise all admirers of good fiction -- fantasy or otherwise -- to check into this book. (I also advise you to read her second novel, "Aria of the Sea," which I am half done with)

Firegold is a very emotional book. As Jonathan, the main character, struggles through his mysterious life, he faces threats from many people. Jonathan's traits, which are different than the rest of his countries, send him on this emotional ride. Soon he must leave his home and join his own "race" of people---the Dalriadas. They are mystical, magical, and mysterious Indians.
The plot is not predictable. Why, when, and how events and people are doing what they do and happening are not told to you right away, and that is what keeps you reading the book. Because of the way it is written, Firegold could be classified in several different genres. They include the following: Adventure, Fiction, Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Historical Fiction.
Firegold has a few violent but necessary scenes. When Jonathan joins the tribe of Dalriada, he must follow their ways, which is inappropriate for immature teens and children under 11.
I'd rate it for mature audiences.

Firegold is a very adventurous and exciting book. Most of the events are very surprising, but some can be predictable. I can't think of one particular climax, the book seemed to have many. The book started out a little slow, but well before half way it grew very riveting. The most important part of the book was when the main character figures out that his father didn't like him, so he doesn't belong anywhere. The book had plenty of character development. In the beginning, the main character is very unsure of himself, but he goes through some major changes and becomes strong minded at the end. I think the supporting characters were good, and very different than each other, making the book more interesting and thickening the plot. The setting of the book, in a valley and in mountains, doesn't seem too exciting. When you actually read about the setting, it is more complex and interesting than meets the eye. The book in all has a good lesson about belonging and trust, which not many others have. I suggest you go out and read Firegold; its worth your time!

I loved this book. I first read it in 4th grade, when I was searching through my dad's bookshelves. I have read it about forty times and it just keeps getting better. I didn't like how the end left off, so I even wrote another chapter to the book. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I absoloutley loved this book! It is about a boy named Jonothan who lives in The Valley. When strange things start to happen, the people blame him because of his blue eyes and his Mothers red hair. They think he is part Dalriada. He goes to teh Red Mountains, (Where the Dalriadas live,) to find answers. He ends up on a journey for his life. I was annoyed at the end, but it was still a wonderful book.I hope you like it.

This book was awsome! A mix of legends, Indians, ancient ways, and reality! The characters were very very real, set in a fantasy setting which gave the book a surreal feeling. I can't wait for a sequel!

This book made such a strong impression on me as a child that I spent three years searching for it. The story is moving, and very accessible to young readers, but also long-lasting. It's rich mix of symbolism and reality is smooth with no transition necessary to change styles. It will appeal to both the avid reader and the new. Highly recommended.

This is probably my favorite book. I loved it the first time I read it and I think I've read it probably 3 or 4 times now.

I was probably 15 when I first read it. I'm 26 now and still read it from time to time. In fact I think it's time I read it again.

I always wished their had been a sequel to this book. There is a prequel, but I don't find it as interesting. Maybe because Jonathan is such an interesting character. It would make a good movie if they had the right director and actors.

I can't believe there is a person that would rate this book only 1 star! They probably don't like reading in the first place.

I read this when I was in the 8th grade and I found that I couldn't stop thinking about it. I truly admire books that branch out passed the last pages. For anyone looking for a wonderful coming-of-age story, I recommend Firegold a thousand times over!

This is an wasome book about a boy named Jonathon and his life living in the apple orchard and him finding out his past and his journey into the red mountains in search for the Dalriadas, an amazing race of people. This book is excelent and i would highly recomend it to others!