Customer Reviews

The Legend of Witch Bane

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am not a huge fan of epic fantasy, nor am I a huge fan of middle-grade fiction. So the three-star rating isn't really a bad thing. In this case, it simply means that "The Legend of Witch Bane" wasn't my cup of tea.

I still enjoyed it.

Hendrickson does an excellent job of channeling Tolkien and Lewis without seeming like he's trying too hard. "The Legend of Witch Bane" has the right old-fashioned classic fantasy feel to it. I also felt that the three main characters of Laris, Kobodos, and Anyr were believable and well-developed. I rarely thought, "Um...would a seven-year-old really think like this?" The other characters entered in and out of the story rather quickly, but because the children are on a quest and rarely stayed in one place for long, it never bothered me. I did find it hard to suspend my disbelief that children could accomplish such things, but I have little doubt that if I were ten, I'd be questioning the children's abilities to defeat evil the way I am now at seventeen. Instead, I'd have been cheering them on and plotting my own adventure (can't let fictional characters have all the fun, right?).

Best of all, "The Legend of Witch Bane" would make a great read-aloud, probably for ages six to twelve. It's got its share of darkness and violence, but it's also filled with kids succeeding at various tasks and plenty of funny scenes. It also moves quickly and never has a slow moment. Since the story usually keeps moving forward, there's never any confusion between finishing one chapter and starting the next. Hendrickson keeps readers pretty well-informed, which definitely strengthened the feeling that "The Legend of Witch Bane" screams to be read aloud.

If you're looking for a great new children's fantasy, "The Legend of Witch Bane" would definitely be a wonderful choice.

Well Kevis I for one absolutely loved the art work; I think it is perfect for the book.
I found this book to be wonderfully refreshing, enchanting, and completely captivating to the end. I'm now reading it through the internet to my grandchildren in Virginia every night before they go to bed.
This book is about sibling rivalry, love, and a special bonding that children need more of. The way he has written it with himself as the narrator, makes the book feel more personal to me.
This story has everything that a fantasy reader could ask for: Trolls (or could that be giants)? Enchantment, Evil sorcerers', Dragons, Goblins, Fairies, etc.
This is a wonderful book for people of all ages, the way it pulls you in and you find yourself wanting to help the children.
My physical ability doesn't allow for me to write a lengthy review, if I could Kevis I would write you a twenty pager for I am very pleased with the way you wrote this( in that it is a book everyone can read). Now a day's with so much violence going on in the world, (a lot of the fantasy novels do get very violent and they do it in such detail that I would never read them even to my neighbor. We share fantasy novels together) that it is very refreshing to suggest this book to everyone.
I have been captivated by your story and I can't wait till the next one comes out.
To everyone who reads this review: THIS IS A MUST READ. It was defiantly worth the wait. I did not say a lot of what the book is about because I want you to read it and be surprised as I was. Thank you again Kevis and am faithfully waiting for the next one.

Sincerly,
Toni Gillmore

"The Legend of Witch Bane," by Kevis Hendrickson, is a great story for both children and adults alike. I have recently grown more interested in fantasy stories and "faerie" stories (as Tolkien would have called them), and this one is well worth the read.

As others have mentioned, it does seem reminiscent of Lewis, Tolkien, and other fantasy stories and fairy tales, but that is in no way a negative thing. Certain elements of fantasy can be retold in many ways without subtracting from any of them.

The story follows three children on a quest through many dangers and trials, both external and internal, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time.

I think that the idea of using an unknown narrator who tells the story directly to the reader (speaking directly to the reader at times) is wonderful. It almost makes the reader feel as if he or she is sitting around a campfire listening to the tale rather than simply reading it.

The best part of the story to me is that there is no cussing in the entire story. I point this out simply because it is very unusual in many modern books to find a story with no cussing in it. I think this is a big plus for the story (and the author), and far outweighs any minor stylistic issues that may have presented themselves. This is one book I could have my child read, eventually, without having to worry about the content.

Anyone who loves fantasy and "faerie" needs to read this book.

The battle begins with the typical power struggle between an evil Queen, Rhiannon Eldess, and a kingdom which refuses to surrender its love of right! King Kruge Falinn and his wife are forced to surrender one of their female children to Rhiannon. Kodobos, Anyr and Laris are horrified and want to rebel but are powerless to avoid this evil fate. But the transfer of a magic gem from Anyr to Laris's pocket seals the latter's fate - that is until Kodobos vows to free her. Although he succeeds, the victory is costly with Rhiannon casting a spell of deep sleep upon King Kruge and his entire kingdom.

How will the three siblings reach Rhiannon's domain and seek the power to release their homeland from this awful destiny? Their quest will be daunting as they meet both helpful and destructive characters in their journey, such as Elyndia the powerful elf, a dwarf and ogre giant, goblins, werewolves, ancient water spirits, dragons and more amazing, exciting beings!

Laris, it turns out, has a deep dark secret but it's not the shameful one she acknowledges about her birth which she believes caused her mother's death. She possesses powers she has no idea are just lurking and waiting to explode in a powerful manner enough to sway the riveting conflict between Rhiannon and Laris's siblings. For Laris is related to the most powerful people in the world, a nation that even Rhiannon fears her own dark spells cannot defeat.

A sword which Kodobos eventually takes carries magic as well which displays awesome results in the final pivotal battle, a scene waged wildly and furiously, beyond any previously described war ever told

The Legend of Witch Bane is a finely tuned, explosive page-turning fantasy story that will hold any reader's interest to the last page. It ends most appropriately with an open suggestion of more to come in a series sure to engage any reader who loves a fantastic, tense, adventurous story.

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on October 13, 2008

Kevis Hendrickson has created a gentle tale full of humor and morals in The Legend of Witch Bane. The novel opens with young Princess Anyr being taken away by the evil High Queen. Some years ago, the kingdom agreed to sacrifice ten girls a season in exchange for peace.

This time, though, things are different, both because the High Queen is determined to have one of the royal girls and because Anyr's brother refuses to accept the loss of his sister.

Thus begins an adventure that is as much about growing up and taking responsibility as it is about magical beings.

Hendrickson's tale is fairly easy to follow. As in many quest-driven stories, the young adventurers travel from one place to another, facing obstacles and danger. They often attempt to get out of danger by fighting, but ultimately learn that the power of love and confidence trumps brute force.

Each adventure is entertaining in its own right. Hendrickson slips in allusions from classic mythology, fairy tales, and even nursery rhymes. In one humorous escapade, Anyr even comes to face with a mean old lady who lives in a shoe.

This is not to say that the story does not have its moments of pathos. The story's heart is that of three brave children struggling against a cold, evil world, and the emotional arc of the relationship between the children is never far from the surface. All in all though, this story is hopeful, optimistic, and entertaining.

I was put off by the length of this novel at first; at 300+ pages, it seemed too long for a children's story. I am happy to say, though, that I sailed through it in less than three hours, so engrossed that I didn't realize time was passing.

Hendrickson's only downfall is his stylistic choice. He uses an unseen narrator, a grandfatherly type who one can imagine telling the story to a child before bed. At times, this narrator can be somewhat intrusive, interrupting the narrative to say that he feels it is best to change scenes. This is a minor point, however, and easily overlooked because the story itself is interesting.

Legend of Witch's Bane is suitable for preteen children. It includes some violence and a death scene that may be upsetting to younger readers. It is sure to evoke interest in those children who enjoy battles of good vs. evil, complete with magical creatures, places where you can see into the future, and the like.

The Legend of Witch Bane is an incredible fantasy read. It will capture your attention from the first page to the last. This is brilliant creative writing at its best. With Mr. Hendrickson's descriptive writing, you can clearly envision every page.

This story is about three siblings that must go on a quest to save their kingdom. On this quest, they encounter trolls, dragons, wizards, werewolves, giants, and more. The story is about sibling rivalry, love, power, commitment, perseverance, betrayal, courage, strength, and magic, just to name a few. What these children must endure along the way, is truly an amazing story.

I thought the drawings of the characters were a flawless depiction, as to how they were described. I, for one, would love to see these characters come to life on the big screen one day. I am looking forward to a sequel.

While this book is promoted as a children's book I (70 + second childhood perhaps) ]enjoyed the read immensely. It is a delightful fantasy tale with so many cliff hanging moments that my fingernails suffered a beating. Warning however is that Legend of Witch Bane does severely interfere with household chores and other meaningful endeavors, as you just must get back to see what happens to these 3 children next. I was sad to see it end and look forward to the next book by this author.

I teach seventh grade reading to readers who struggle. They loved this book. It is one of the few books that both the boys and the girls loved. The storyline can get complicated but the reading level was not so far above the students' heads that they were overwhelmed. We as a class hope that Kevis continues to write so we can continue to read. GREAT BOOK. We just can't say enough.

First, I must confess that my taste in fantasy is limited. This has resulted in my getting through perhaps the first three or four chapters of a book before placing it back on the shelf to be forgotten. There are many, many books on that shelf. Once in a while, though, I find one that I can truly enjoy. Those books are placed on a different shelf; the one that holds my Tolkien collection, my copies of `Watership Down,' `Wind in the Willows,' and `The Complete Calvin and Hobbes' (my book collection is not very well organized).

`The Legend of Witch Bane' is presently sitting on my chair-side table, and I have just completed it. As a lover of the Classics, I must say that I haven't enjoyed a YA book so much since `The Hobbit.' The author, Kevis Hendrickson, has not only mastered the narrative style of writing (which I most enjoy), he has recalled the gems of the `Age of Story-telling.' At times, `Legend' reads like a favorite fairy tale, at times it feels more like classic mythology, but it is always told TO the reader. I believe that's what I like the most about it. I can hear Mr. Hendrickson's `voice' throughout.

This is a wonderful book for older children. It is also a wonderful book for adults who enjoy a gentle, yet intriguing tale. Now...lest you be thinking that `Legend' concerns bunnies and warm, fuzzy things, I will correct you on that point. There are definite dark elements, beginning with the very first chapter, and they are well developed. There is heart-wrenching conflict, betrayal, and despair. There is not, however, the jolting, screaming violence characteristic of many works of modern fantasy. The world of the Northern Realm is beautiful and well-imagined, peopled with entertaining and believable fantasy creatures (some of which you may `recognize' from your favorite childhood tales). The illustrations are a delight. There is whimsy and gentle humor to temper the treachery and self-serving nature of Evil Queen Rhiannon, who is a very frightening presence. Ultimately, this is a story about the power of love.

There is a definite art to story-telling. One must hold the reader's interest, but if a story is too fast-paced, it cannot be savored. Characters must be real, believable, and identifiable...and, it helps if at least some of them are loveable, especially in a YA book. Descriptions must be effective; not too lengthy, but sufficient to place the reader in the scene. `Legend' is a thumbs-up on all points. It is not a difficult read, an asset in a book aimed at younger readers. I plan to read it to my six-year-old godchild.

If you prefer a book that reads like a screenplay with punchy, `modern' dialogue, you might not like this one. If you can open your mind and recall your favorite tales, the ones you loved of old, then you'll have a very pleasant experience curling up with this book. If you're like me, and love the Classics, you'll be enthralled. `Legend' is well written, and that is crucial to its effectiveness, but what makes it a true stand-out is that it's a tale well told.

Mr. Hendrickson, you are a bard!

HIGHLY Recommended.

The writing style of Kevin Hendrickson is reminiscent of Mark Twain for a younger generation. Comfortable and friendly, this reader felt as if she was sitting on the couch in her pajamas, being told a story before bedtime. Being completely caught up in the tale I did not put it down from the first page until the last.

The message of the book for me, for it does contain many, could be summed up in words of the future image of Kodobos self in the cave of dreams: " When put to it, most people would rather die than sacrifice the thing they love most. But what if the thing they love most is the thing they must sacrifice?" In order to save the kingdom many choices were placed before them. If they did not make the right ones their quest would fail and every
hardship faced for naught.

It is refreshing to find a writer that does not talk down to the reader and appreciates the beauty of English language. Although some of the words used in his books are not commonly used by the youth of today, they will not be learned if they never are. I did not find them to be so excessive that they would cause a stumbling block to anyone.

The characters continued to unfold from beginning to end. Introduced in an interesting fashion, I was eager to know more. As Kevis fleshed them out, I was obliged. Through their many adventures I continued to get close to them until as I turned the final page I was disappointed to say good-bye to my friends.