Customer Reviews

The Hound of Rowan: Book One of The Tapestry

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

This is the start of a series (not unlike Harry Potter - but thankfully different) that follows a group of children who are recruited (by mysterious means) to attend a spooky, wonderful, unique school in New England. The characters are well defined - you really get a feel for each different person - and the non-human characters are inventive and interesting. The author manages to weave in some celtic mythology, fairy tale creatures and beasts totally from his imagination (which are pretty scary). This may be a book published for teens but it's a great read. It keeps you guessing with twists and turns, goodies, baddies and strange mystic happenings. I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a well told tale of adventure and magic. Plus the illustrations are beautiful. I wish the author all luck for this series - I think he's filling J.K. Rowlings shoes admirably.

Reading The Hound of Rowan was an utter treat. I kept finding myself transported to Rowan; it truly lives on these pages. The characters are created to be believable, and, with one exception, the character names are well-chosen and not silly or gimmicky. I also really appreciate that this book is literally well written - the grammar is gorgeous without being stuffy or dull (this is a true gift for an English teacher - I will enjoy using Hound as a tool for inspiring student writers). The comparisons to HP are inevitable, but I believe this series stands on its own, and I am so excited to read book 2!

This is an incredible read. The story of Max's journey blends mythology and art history into a wild ride that explores the relationships of father and son, teacher and student, compatriots, and ultimately heroes. The writing style instantly sweeps both you and Max into a world that is as believable as it is fantastical.
This is not for the faint of heart, as darkness is barely held at arms length and the struggle to overcome has just begun. It is, however, for both the young and old.
The stage for the second book in the series is set masterfully and one can't help but imagine the trilogy on the big screen.

I picked up this book earlier today and was completely captivated by the end of the first chapter. A rich, vivid and adventurous tale that keeps you turning page after page in anticipation of what is coming next. A few twists and turns, memorable, real characters that you root for, and a fast pace will keep you reading and wanting more. While, there are some similarities to the Harry Potter seriers, this book and (I'm sure the forthcoming books in the series) clearly stands on its own two feet with the ease and polish of a well told tale.

a masterful story that will insight a reader to journey beyond the realms of imagination. The Hound of Rowan has some wonderfully engaging characters that will keep the reader wondering the characters true intentions. The story is a bit like Harry Potter, but with a more absorbing plot lines and twists that will keep you guessing until the end. This book is definitely a must read, it is not just for children, but will also engage adults too. I encourage everyone to read this book, as you will not regret it!

I normally read non-fiction or realistic fiction. Accordingly, a young adult fantasy is certainly not the type of book I would normally read. Nevertheless, it was so engaging and well written that I read it in only two sittings.

The author weaves a story of fantasy, folklore, mythology and history. The comparisons to Harry Potter will be inevitable and it will likely appeal to that audience. However, the book was even more engaging than that series largely because of its setting in modern times. The author's observations on young boys' relationships with their fathers, friends, girls, and teachers are seamlessly interwoven with a larger fantasy story.

It is well worth reading.

From the moment that Max McDaniels entered the Art Institute, I couldn't put this book down. It's a great one, and I highly recommend it for kids of all ages (including bigger "kids" like me). It manages to be a fully satisfying meal in itself, but it also made me hungry for more, which I hope will be coming soon with another book in the series! The whole range of characters are great, and the story is engaging to say the least. I'm planning to buy this book as a holiday gift for my nieces and nephews.

Wow what a pleasant surprise this book was! I am an adult who loves to read young adult books and didn't know what to expect out of this new series. I stayed up until 2am with my little book light...I couldn't put it down. There were wonderful characters, suspense, magic and a little hint at romance. I can't wait for year two. I highly recommend!

This book is phenominal! The writer is actually one of my teachers at my school (he's such a nice guy). The next book will be out in septemeber of 08. A little about the book: Its a great fantasy story to fill the void of Harry Potter (there aren't many similarities, dont worry). But it is truly well written and I really think you should give it a chance.

Neff's novel captures the imagination from the get go. As I first delved in I thought, "oh no, this is a Harry Potter, clone". This notion was quickly dispelled. As I learned of Max McDaniels and his adventures I was enthralled. Early on Max realizes that he is a "Potential" and faces both exciting and scary adventures while dealing with the day to day of being a teen; such as the first crush and leaving home.

One instantly becomes caught up in Max's world. I found myself unable to put the book down until I knew both the fate of Max and his classmates. I am looking forward to the next installment. This is an excellent fanciful adventure. I highly recommend for anyone up for some magical adventures.