Customer Reviews

Forrest Tales: The Secret of the Labyrinth

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I wondered when someone would come up with a fantasy that takes us out of the world of the occult and gives us something to smile about. This story offers lots of adventure and excitement, but also addresses some real-life problems we all face. Highly recommend for kids of all ages! I can hardly wait to read the next in the series!

"The Secret of the Labyrinth" is the first of Forrest Tales, a series of adventures featuring Edward Forrest. Written as a juvenile fantasy, the book is an extremely good read for adults too. I couldn't put the book down except for brief intervals necessitated out of fatigue. I had to finish it in one day. The story is good, the style is mostly good and the characterisation is very good. Most of the time, author C.J.Lewis succeeds in painting a vivid picture in the mind of the reader.

The book is not only about powers of light and darkness, but also the story of courage, withstanding temptation, learning to forgive and ultimately learning to 'be in the light'. The last few chapters of the book are spiritually very uplifting. Whether the present generation children will resonate with the lessons presented by Lewis is a debatable point. But the book is certainly an inspiring addition to every school, library and I would add, every home too, where a child lives.

I found a few editorial glitches but they do not interfere with the enjoyment or understanding.

I compliment the author, C.J.Lewis for an excellent effort and look forward to more offerings from her pen.

July 16, 2004

Edward Forrest is a twelve-year-old boy; lives in a small dark house, has few possessions, barely gets anything to eat, and has holes in the ceiling of his bedroom. His two obnoxious sisters make his life even more miserable. A daily routine for Edwards is cooking, cleaning, turning on the heat, retrieving the newspaper, and going to school.

The boy has generational `Light' in his background, making it very likely that he will have the same abilities when he grows up. Olive knows this, and since she hates the idea that he may possess inherent "special powers", she practically ignores his existence. Olive raises Edward in such a way as to deny him any knowledge of his past or any parental love and compassion.

However, Edward receives supernatural assistance.

Using a map Edward searches for a buried treasure. After finding a uniquely engraved `coin', Edward is taken to a place called Southwyck. A village that appears to each nation in turn once a year, a time when guardians gather those chosen - a dimensional portal of sorts. Here he learns that the coin is his invitation to The Academy of the Oracle. He is totally dumbfounded with the news, but accepts, desperately wanting freedom of the physical clutches of his unhappy life and family.

Galan, his guardian immediately begins preparing Edward for the journey to the large compound called Brynnfeld. Edward boards a brightly painted, horse-drawn wagon quickly making new friends, and eager to see what awaits him in his entirely new, and soon to be, exciting life.

On arrival, The Empress Mother greets them, she introduces staff and the Lord of the Manor gives a welcome speech. Edward soon discovers that First-Year students will learn to unleash the mysterious powers within. That is until Edward joins a club called The Skobi

The Skobi however, have other plans sketched out for The Academy of Oracle and everyone in it. Edward wants out, but how?

The non-magical world is known as `Common World', and depicted as being "self-centered". Those within Brynnfeld, on the other hand, are depicted as being very generous, of being physically normal, and of living in harmony.

If all of this sounds too familiar, it's probably because it is. Readers will quickly find the numerous similarities to the HP series, such as the robes, uniforms, school, headmistress, groundskeeper, spiral staircase, great hall, etc. (There is even a `Malfoy" type). From start to finish I was able to spot 19 similarities that stuck out like a neon sign on a dark deserted highway. Is this coincidence or creativity? You be the judge.

Reviewed by Betsie

Molly's Reviews

The Secret of the Labyrinth is the initial work offered in the Forrest Tales series by talented writer Lewis. Featuring Edward Forrest, a young fellow who is abandoned by his family and must make it on his own, Lewis crafts a keenly focused tale presented as a middle grades/Young Adult fantasy. The first book deals with peer pressure, making both appropriate and inappropriate choices, and coming to realize that mistakes can be rectified and used as a learning experience. As with a labyrinth, Life is filled with dead-ends and open paths. The Secret of the Labyrinth helps the young reader appreciate their own mistakes as opportunities for growth. The easily read, fast paced tale is satisfactory, writing style is commendable and characterization is excellent. Writer Lewis paints an intense portrayal in the mind of the reader. The story is gripping as the characters find mystery and adventure while attending the Academy of the Oracle. Each book in this fantasy series has a value theme designed to help young people as they face struggles in a troubled world.