Customer Reviews

Landon Snow and the Shadows of Malus Quidam (Landon Snow, Book 2)

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

 

 

LANDON SNOW AND THE SHADOWS OF MALUS QUIDAM continues the story that began with LANDON SNOW AND THE AUCTOR'S RIDDLE, and far surpasses the first book in adventure and excitement. The second book in the series by first time author R. K. Mortenson brings Landon AND his sister Holly into the land of Wonderwood, where Odds watch the coin flip, and Vates, the prophet and poet, posts mysterious messages about the wood. But this time, something is wrong. It's a lot colder and darker than Landon last remembers, and soon it's an all out war between Landon and the shadows of Malus Quidam, who seeks to cover all of Wonderwood with his darkness.

Mortenson is definitely improving. His second book is a little less random than the first, giving it more of an Oz book feel than Alice in Wonderland. The adventure and pace run much more quickly, and there is definitely a major enemy to be dealt with this time around. Adding Holly, Landon's sister, into the mix as a main character is perfect, creating a lot of fun moments between them, and at the same time giving Landon something to fight for.

This book is great for those who loved the Spiderwick Chronicles, or the old Oz books, but all with a Christian twist, which isn't preachy, but subtle and succinct. Kids (and adults!) will love this second adventure, and I know I am eagerly looking forward to the third installment, LANDON SNOW AND THE ISLAND OF ARCANUM coming out Fall 2006.

Book Two of Mortenson's imaginative series starts out with the same rich description and fun word play that made the first book (Landon Snow and the Auctor's Riddle) such a pleasure to read.

Main character Landon Snow is joined by his sister Holly in this visit to Wonderwood. What starts out as an adventure quickly becomes a search and rescue mission when Holly is taken captive by the Wolf-Shadows of Malus Quidam. Landon rejoins his friends Melech, Ditty, Hardy and Vates. Together they follow the vision given them from the Auctor which they believe will rescue Holly. With Landon as the leader, each friend has a part to play as the plan begins to unfold before them. They put their faith into action and trust the Auctor for the outcome. "To do the Auctor's will!" becomes the war-cry, and a more potent force there never was. The Shadows are defeated; Holly is set free, and (bonus) Ludo and the Odds are released from their long enchantment.

The book ends sweetly, with the door left open (so to speak) for a return visit to Wonderwood. Landon gets to share his adventure with Holly, and it is hinted that perhaps Bridget, the youngest sister, might get in on the action in the next book in the series (Landon Snow and the Island of Arcanum). This series has an across-the-board appeal, and not just for the younger crowd. Another well-written work by R.K. Mortenson.

Landon Snow's return to Wonderwood isn't at all like he envisioned. Instead of a fun reunion with friends, it has turned into a rescue mission, on two fronts.

The first front is his sister Holly. Lured below the Button Up Library, the (BUL), she's become a prisoner of Ludo, Chief Odd and in charge of the Great Coin. Without Holly, Landon can't return home to his parents, granparents, and youngest sister.

His second front is the worm-like shadows that cover Wonderwood. Dubbed Bookwyrmn by the books in the BUL, they are really the henchmen for Malus Quidam, an evil figure bent on defeating Wonderwood and ruling the Odds. In order to defeat The Shadows of Malus Quidam, Landon needs to remember where his True Strength lies. But defeat them he must, for failure means he and Holly will never leave Wonderwood.

Landon Snow And The Shadows Of Malus Quidam by R.K. Mortenson is an engaging tale depicting the Landon's battle with the dark Malus Quidam in a magical kingdom. Presenting children with an engagingly vivid and thoroughly entertaining style of authorship, Landon Snow And The Shadows Of Malus Quidam is an intriguing page-turner for young readers as they discover a greater portion of the deceptive intent of Malus Quidam in the evils which he so lovingly projects unto the struggling world of Landon Snow's friends and family. Landon Snow And The Shadows Of Malus Quidam is very highly recommended reading for all young readers with an interest in a magical realm, especially to those already following the "Landon Snow" series.

Landon Snow And The Shadows Of Malus Quidam is about Landon going back into the mysterious world of Wonderwood and the Echoing Green; but this time it is a little different from last time. Landon takes his sister in the mystery world; then Landon is told that Shadows have come and invaded their world with darkness. Only Landon and his friends and the Odds can stop the shadows and the empty darkness and set Ludo free from his spell. It is a great book and I recommend that you read it.

Sinister shadows are sneaking around Wonderwood, but that's not the only problem Landon Snow has to face. His sister, Holly, joins him on this adventure, but she is quickly mesmerized by the crafty Ludo, leader of the Odds. When Landon realizes she has been kidnapped, he wonders if he will be able to rescue her from the elusive shadows of darkness

This series continues with the same quality writing and sense of excitement as the first book. The author perfectly balances Christian principles with fantasy elements to create a story that bursts with imagination and insights. Returning to the magical kingdom of Wonderwood is a delight, as the familiar characters get ready for another adventure. Since this mysterious realm was introduced and explained in the previous novel, this book was able to spend more time on the interaction between the key players, thereby creating a stronger and more comfortable bond with readers.

Yet, it's the relevancy of the Christian lessons that give substance to this world of imagination. There is a war raging in Wonderwood, pitting the powers of light against the shadows of the evil Malus Quidam. Appropriate Bible verses steer the story in paths of truth, while the author's creative use of fantasy elements imprints wonderful images in the reader's mind. This combination is highly effective and just plain fun!

Landon Snow is modern-day hero relying on time-tested truths to succeed. His innocence and humility are endearing, but it's his courage that sets him apart. As he faces each challenge, he sets his eyes firmly on the right choice and then follows that course. In a world full of shadows, Landon relies on the Light to make everything right again. This series is destined to be classic! - Joyce Handzo, Christian Book Previews.com

How can I put this? I do like Landon Snow, both the series and the character. The first book was entertaining, as was this sequel, but that is simply not enough. I'm afraid I'm going to have to list the positives and negatives to get my point across.

POSITIVES
+ Landon and Holly are quirky, likable characters
+ Ditty, Hardy, Melech, and Vates are very... comfortable. They are nice, warm characters in a nice, warm setting. They save the story.
+ Interesting idea of a story

NEGATIVES
+ Too many unanswered/unanswerable questions. Why did Malus Quidam attack with his shadows right then, when he could have any old time, especially since the land of Odds has been vulnerable to his force for years? How did Epops the bird avoid the 'destruction of animals' when Malus Quidam first attacked, and what exactly makes him different then the animals who perished? If some of the shadows 'came from' when Landon first went into the land of the Odds, why didn't he see them constantly since he left?
+ The climax is all over the place. The Auctor has a plan to get rid of the shadows: it doesn't make SENSE though. It all comes together nicely, but half of the things that happened just don't seem to fit. I understand the symbolism, but the story is just unsupported by the climax's confusing conclusion. This could have been done a lot better.
+ What was it all for? Vates/Landon/the Auctor's plan was to trap Malus Quidam and expose him and his shadows to light... Why? To prevent the shadows taking over the Odds? They already DID in the "first coming." Was it to DESTROY Malus Quidam, to kill the Devil? No, because it seems too easy. There seems to be no reason, except to save Landon's sister, but if that was the purpose, they would have stopped at "Phase One" of the plan. Come on now, Mortenson.

I liked the story, but it could have been a LOT better.

6/10