Customer Reviews

The Second Siege: Book Two of The Tapestry

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

 

 

Wow. What a great story. For those of you who read Neff's first installment, "The Hound of Rowan", you will really enjoy this book. Right from the beginning, the story line grabs you as we find a more mature Max McDaniels using his newfound powers to get out of a tight situation. Max now has more control of his formidable physical gifts and immediately demonstrates why he is such a threat to "The Enemy". And the book doesn't slow down from there. The battle of good versus evil pitched in Neff's first book intensifies as Max, David Menlo and the rest start a quest around the world to gather critical resources to aid their fight. As the enemy closes in and starts to reshape the world around them, Max and crew must travel to Europe, relying on a network of allies to stay hidden, all while Max continues to learn more about himself, his family, and his responsibilities for the future. After a variety of toe-to-toe interactions with the enemy, a visit to Rassmussen's Workshop, the Second Siege culminates in an epic standoff in the fight for who will control earth as we know it.

This story has the epic feel of "Lord of the Rings", the youthfulness of "Harry Potter", and the sophistication and modernity of "Mission Impossible." I highly recommend this to readers of the first book and encourage new readers to pick up the Hound of Rowan to get started with this great new series.

I cannot wait for the next book to see what happens...

As compellingly exciting and funny as The Hound of Rowan is, book two of The Tapestry takes the series to a thrilling and sophisticated new level. The story expands exponentially--geographically across the globe, with significant consequences for the world, and an indication of the tremendous challenges to be faced by the chosen young heroes Max and David. To meet these demands, they must grow up strong and fast, and their personal development is as fascinating as the circumstances in which they find themselves. The Second Siege is filled with exciting action, mythological grandeur, and much to think about in terms of both the formation of personal character and the larger stage of history.

"The Second Siege" is book two of The Tapestry that takes the series to a thrilling and sophisticated new level. You become deeply involved with the two main characters Max and David as they grow and develop. You can't help but personally feel their highs and lows throughout. I am a serious Harry Potter fan but may have found its rival. This is a great book! I can't wait for the next one in the series.

The Hound of Rowan set the tone for this exciting series--introducing us to the intriguing characters and world of Rowan Academy with warmth, humor and a fantastical dose of magic. The Second Siege turns that world upside down, starting with the arrival of a mysterious visitor who sets events into motion that will change Max's life---and the world at large--forever.

Max and his roommate David embark on an epic journey that takes them away from the safety of Rowan into the chaos around them--from the burning streets of Spain to a wildly technocentric underworld in Frankfurt, Germany and an alternate, time-bending universe.

All of this is vividly laid out by Neff, who deftly balances the action with strong character development, emotional weight and moments of laughter to break the tension (hot diggity!). It's clear that while weaponry, physical strength and mysticism will help in the battle against the coldly cunning villain, Astaroth, the ultimate keys to survival are the bonds of friendship and love.

The Second Siege kicks The Tapestry into high gear. It's a darker, more thrilling tale that will draw kids deeper into this exciting and imaginative series.

Can't wait to see what happens next!

The Second Siege is the perfect book to curl up and read. It's funny, descriptive and exciting, running at a fast clip from where Book 1: Hound of Rowan ended. You learn more about mysterious Cooper and David and the complex personality of Astaroth and meet new characters that make you wonder if you should trust them. The illustrations really pop at you and draw you in - the fact that Neff is both the author and illustrator makes this creative fiction even more enticing. A must-read for any lover of magic, myth and adventure.

This book was incredible! I am so happy to see the story take off the way it did. I know a lot of people felt that the first book was a bit of a Harry Potter clone. I can tell you that the author definitely has taken this story on it's own path. I really liked Hound of Rowan, but this book takes things to a whole new level. I love the characters, and the story is incredible. I can't wait for the next book.

Okay, so I read the first book, The Hound of Rowan, and thought - yes, it's pretty good,... at least good enough to convince me to buy the second book, The Second Siege. So, when I got around to it, I read the Second Siege - we definitely went from "pretty good" to absolutely AWESOME!!!! The Second Siege is ten steps up. A great read that kept me turning page after page to find out what happens next. Now, I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.

Book two is even better then book one.
Plz quite comparing to H.Potter, all books have similarities.
Very creative. Style of writing makes you feal a part of the book...excellant adventure

This epic adventure is truly one of the most treasured books in my library. Truly a self infliction story about following your heart. Alough this is an amazing book it should be read by ages ten to fourteen to be apprprete and exciting.

Last year, when Max McDaniels was 12 years old, he was invited to attend Rowan Academy, a special school to develop extraordinary abilities and learn strategy and tactics to assist in the battle with the ancient evil threatening the world. The life Max knew before has disappeared, and his future promises adventure, excitement and danger.

Now 13, Max and his best friend/roommate, David Menlo, join the rest of the gifted students returning for the new school year. Max looks forward to seeing all of his friends again and learning more about himself, his special talents and defending the world against the evil demon, Astaroth, who has escaped from captivity. Both Max and David already have far surpassed even the oldest students at Rowan, but they still have much to learn. Unfortunately, their classes get interrupted by some more pressing matters.

Dame Mala, a spokesperson for the witch's association, shows up demanding the custody of David. According to the witches, a 400-year-old promise made by Elias Bram included handing over up to three students who have been touched by the Old Magic in exchange for the powerful Book of Thoth, which Bram then hid to keep safe. The Book contains information that could lead to complete control of the world. The witches are eager for David and Max, both touched by Old Magic, but relent and agree to take only David. However, a few people don't agree, including David himself.

David, Max, the Lymrill named Nick, Special Agent Cooper, Mystics teacher Miss Boon, the cook, Hag, Mum and Max's dad all sneak away undercover and escape, but their quest has only just begun. By decoding a letter left by Bram, they set off in search of a key that will lead them to the hidden Book of Thoth. The Rowan crew must claim the Book before Astaroth does, or all will be lost. He already is busy taking over cities all over the world. Along the way, Max is invited to become a special agent of Rowan, a member of the Red Branch, and David is moved into the classification of Sorcerer. They encounter both new and old acquaintances, some of whom shouldn't be trusted, and Max learns some well-kept secrets regarding his family, and especially about his missing mom. There is no way to prepare for the adventure awaiting them, but Max and David give it their all just to survive.

Fans waiting for this sequel to THE HOUND OF ROWAN will not be disappointed. It bursts into action on page one and never quits. Author and illustrator Henry H. Neff brings back the much-loved and spirited characters of Max and David for round two, and his bottomless pit of an imagination supplies the sustenance for even greater adventures and thrills. Neff has a solid and energetic writing style with a talent for vibrant storytelling: "A cargo ship was lolling on its side in the pale sea, spewing a bright torrent of flame and black smoke into the pale morning. It looked like the old whaling images Max had seen in books: a harpooned giant that had rolled onto its side, expelling the essence of its life in one final gasp. Floating blobs of burning oil dotted the sea like lily pads, eerie and beautiful as they bobbed and flickered on the swells." He also cleverly places some surprising twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they anticipate the third book in the series, THE REIGN OF ASTAROTH, in the fall of 2009.

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman