Search for the Flaming Chalice [Paperback]

Robert Slentz-Kesler (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Humor, magic, and adventure combine in this children's novel that traces the long journey of three martens (similar to ferrets) through the fictional land of Toveria. Carmen, Alger, and Gilbert travel for months, trying to decode messages being transmitted through a purple stone found in Alger's garden. In their quest to find the Flaming Chalice, the oracle they seek for answers, they overcome obstacles and differences of opinion, ultimately coming face to face with Attila, an evil sorcerer who stops at nothing to try to exterminate them. This novel is written for children ages 8 and up and includes major literary allusions to Shelley's Frankenstein, Rossetti's "Goblin Market," Shakespeare's The Tempest, Dante's Inferno, and Beowulf. Young readers will appreciate the character interaction and Marx Brothers-style humor. Themes include book knowledge vs. direct experience and fate vs. free will.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A book that engages readers of all ages. It tells the story of a world in which sorcerers vie for power and gemstones 'speak.' It is filled with clever martens and fantastic monsters. The fantasy, however, is strongly underlined with very real lessons in friendship, courage, and teamwork. --Leslie Leite, Emazing.com

Engaging, humorous reading that will appeal to young fans of fantasy. --James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review

Engaging, humorous reading that will appeal to young fans of fantasy. --James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review

Engaging, humorous reading that will appeal to young fans of fantasy. --James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review

From the Publisher

A fantastic blend of Tolkien, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Phantom Tollbooth.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 153 pages
• Publisher: Thatcher Forest; 2nd edition (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967050448
• ISBN-13: 978-0967050447
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,596,763 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For ages 8 to 88; smart, funny, refreshing journey for all., March 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Search for the Flaming Chalice (Paperback)

From the perspective of a high school English teacher, this book can be read on many different levels - different levels of ability, intellect, and age. The journey of the three martens is filled with classic, thoughtful situations of power, conflict, and belonging. Situations are painted with crisp, vivid images where the three different and distinct personalities of the martens can play themselves out. Every reader will be able to relate to some element of this brilliant book. This text can be used as a fantastic teaching too; allusions (Shelly, Shakespeare, Dante, Beowulf), teamwork, respect, responsibility, and decision-making. This book will be fully recommended by all who read it

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Search for the Flaming Chalice -- Fresh Magic, February 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Search for the Flaming Chalice (Paperback)

"Search for the Flaming Chalice" by Robert Shaw Kesler is adelightful adventure story. I read it aloud to my nine-year old whodescribed it as "suspenseful and funny." This book features three clever, courageous martens in an ever-surprising plot. The evocative descriptions, punchy dialogue, and tension-relieving humor make for a wonderful chapter book. This fresh take on adventure and magic is highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kesler shows flare for fantasy with Flaming Chalice, December 7, 1999

By 

Gregg (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Search for the Flaming Chalice (Paperback)

"Search for the Flaming Chalice" transports its readers into the magical, marten-filled world of Toveria where sorcerers battle for power and enchanted gems, murderous sewn-together monsters, and angry spirits dominate everyday encounters. I thought the book was a charming story with enough mystery, action, and silliness to captivate younger readers. As an older reader, I enjoyed the humor and the many camouflaged literary references. In today's environment where children are besieged with frenetic, cross-marketed trash such as Pokemon and Power Rangers, parents can take heart that "Search for the Flaming Chalice" gently teaches children the importance of friendship, family, courage, persistence, and teamwork while entertaining them.