As book two opens, Aidan is living in the court of King Darrow. He has become best friends with Darrow's son Steren, and he enjoys great favor among the courtiers. But King Darrow's suspicion is growing and his insecurity causes him to hate the young man who saved his kingdom. Concerned about his king's spiral into ever-darker moods, Aidan asks what he can do to help. Darrow sends him on an imposible adventure to the recesses of Feechiefen Swamp, thinking he is sending Aidan to his death. Afterall, no Corenwalder has ever returned from Feechiefen alive. But Aidan's fate is not sealed yet for Aidan has allies among the feechiefolk who know him as the hero Pantherbane.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6–In this fantasy based very loosely on the biblical story of King David, teenaged Aidan has become the triumphant, giant-slaying hero of the court of King Darrow of Corenwald. He is also the best friend of the king's son, Prince Steren. The lords of the court praise Aidan–a little too much–in the king's presence. Darrow, increasingly paranoid and depressed, sends Aidan on an impossible quest to retrieve the mysterious frog orchid, whose essence is the cure for melancholia. He must travel to the depths of the Feechiefen Swamp–a journey from which no Corenwalder has ever returned. He is hopeful that his friendship with the secretive, elflike feechiefolk will aid in the search, but his optimism is shattered when a tribe of renegade feechies, led by the mysterious Wilderking, takes him prisoner and threatens to kill him. This sequel to The Bark of the Bog Owl (Broadman & Holman, 2004) is obviously a Christian fantasy, with talk of the power of One God, but the religious message is subtle. With its fast-moving story and humorous and passionate dialogue, it is an engaging read for young fantasy fans.–Walter Minkel, New York Public Library
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
About the Author
Jonathan Rogers holds a Ph.D. in seventeenth-century British literature from Vanderbilt University where he also taught English for five years. He lives with his wife and their six children in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Sal
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Once again Jonathan Rogers has given us a lively romp--a "please-one-more-chapter-even-though-it's-two-o'clock-in-the-morning" romp. My husband even had to turn off the TV and come listen to the story when he heard the feechiefolk talking. We all love those he-feechies, she-feechies, and wee-feechies. (They can't help it that they stink. You'd stink, too, if'n you lived in a swamp.)
I can't agree with those who have posted ahead of me, saying the second book is better than the first. The joy of our first meeting with good and loyal Aidan and the . . . um . . . surprising and endearing Dobro would be pretty hard to top. The second book is surely no let down, though. It is simply the continuing story of two kids we came to adore in the last book. They are still as loveable as ever. Still loyal and good and true. Still getting into and out of scrapes in hilarious ways, and all the while reminding us, by how they live, that God is merciful and serving him is a reward unto itself.
This book had the same laugh-out-loud moments as the first but this one, I think, had more sad moments than The Bark of the Bog Owl. Aidan is growing up and facing the world as it is and not as he hoped it would be. It is heartbreaking at times and yet there is beauty in Aidan's strength and in his resolve to do the right thing . . . for the feechies, for his father, and for his king. He is truly a hero.
Masterful work, Mr. Rogers, hurry with the next one.
I can't agree with those who have posted ahead of me, saying the second book is better than the first. The joy of our first meeting with good and loyal Aidan and the . . . um . . . surprising and endearing Dobro would be pretty hard to top. The second book is surely no let down, though. It is simply the continuing story of two kids we came to adore in the last book. They are still as loveable as ever. Still loyal and good and true. Still getting into and out of scrapes in hilarious ways, and all the while reminding us, by how they live, that God is merciful and serving him is a reward unto itself.
This book had the same laugh-out-loud moments as the first but this one, I think, had more sad moments than The Bark of the Bog Owl. Aidan is growing up and facing the world as it is and not as he hoped it would be. It is heartbreaking at times and yet there is beauty in Aidan's strength and in his resolve to do the right thing . . . for the feechies, for his father, and for his king. He is truly a hero.
Masterful work, Mr. Rogers, hurry with the next one.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Book two of the Wilderking Trilogy opens with Aiden Errolson serving in the court of King Darrow of Corenwald. Actually, it opens with Aiden and Darrow's son Steren hunting a wild boar, but Aiden is, in fact, at court. Aiden is loved by everyone at court -- everyone except Darrow.
Darrow is tired of hearing about how heroic Aiden is. About how he defeated the giant Golia -- I mean Greidawl, and helped drive the Pyrthan invaders out of Corenwald. He's threatened -- he thinks Aiden is after the throne.
So he sends Aiden on a quest, to prove his loyalty. Aiden is sent to retrieve a legendary flower that is said to have the ability to cure the King's depression. But the flower is located in the heart of the Feechiefen Swamp -- and nobody who has ever entered the swamp has come out again.
Aiden isn't worried -- he has the friendship of the feechies, and the mark to prove it. But as he progresses, he grows more and more worried. There's something wrong in the Feechiefen Swamp -- there are feechies who pay no attention to the feechie laws, and who use metal weapons. And there's a new king in the swamps.
The Wilderking.
I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. For one thing, it's less derivative than the first book, even though the close friendship between Aiden and Steren was predictable, as was Darrow's depression and hatred of Aiden. But the focus of this book is on the feechies -- which should please Rogers' fans.
The feechies really make this series. Their simplicity, their sense of honor, and their commitment to their values illustrate everything that is wrong with civilizer society. And they're really funny to read -- especially out loud.
This series is high on my must-read list.... Read more ›
Darrow is tired of hearing about how heroic Aiden is. About how he defeated the giant Golia -- I mean Greidawl, and helped drive the Pyrthan invaders out of Corenwald. He's threatened -- he thinks Aiden is after the throne.
So he sends Aiden on a quest, to prove his loyalty. Aiden is sent to retrieve a legendary flower that is said to have the ability to cure the King's depression. But the flower is located in the heart of the Feechiefen Swamp -- and nobody who has ever entered the swamp has come out again.
Aiden isn't worried -- he has the friendship of the feechies, and the mark to prove it. But as he progresses, he grows more and more worried. There's something wrong in the Feechiefen Swamp -- there are feechies who pay no attention to the feechie laws, and who use metal weapons. And there's a new king in the swamps.
The Wilderking.
I enjoyed this book even more than the first one. For one thing, it's less derivative than the first book, even though the close friendship between Aiden and Steren was predictable, as was Darrow's depression and hatred of Aiden. But the focus of this book is on the feechies -- which should please Rogers' fans.
The feechies really make this series. Their simplicity, their sense of honor, and their commitment to their values illustrate everything that is wrong with civilizer society. And they're really funny to read -- especially out loud.
This series is high on my must-read list.... Read more ›
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
"The Secret of the Swamp King," Jonathan Rogers' second installment in his Wilderking Trilogy, is definitely a landmark in Christian children's fiction. Captivating, easy to read, and written in a style that is neither choppy nor lame, this book is a must read for the young fantasy reader...and anyone who wants an exciting read.
While the story follows the basic life of the biblical character David, the world and many of the characters are, without a doubt, Rogers' own. Corenwald is bound to sound like home to the native Georgian and pour memories into the minds of those of us who've visited that beautiful state--whispers of the author's native state flood the story, making Corenwald wild yet not forbidding, unknown yet familiar, and undoubtedly American. Rogers has spun a beautiful tapestry of many colorful threads.
While the first book in this series, "The Bark of the Bog Owl," was also a good read, this was even better. Fans of the first book will be more than satisfied--they'll be delighted!
While the story follows the basic life of the biblical character David, the world and many of the characters are, without a doubt, Rogers' own. Corenwald is bound to sound like home to the native Georgian and pour memories into the minds of those of us who've visited that beautiful state--whispers of the author's native state flood the story, making Corenwald wild yet not forbidding, unknown yet familiar, and undoubtedly American. Rogers has spun a beautiful tapestry of many colorful threads.
While the first book in this series, "The Bark of the Bog Owl," was also a good read, this was even better. Fans of the first book will be more than satisfied--they'll be delighted!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Jessica McD
Format:Hardcover
This book is SOOOO good! I actually like it better than the first in the series. Aiden and Dobro are such awesome friends, that it makes you wish you could be one of them. I like it how they stick together and stand up for one another! I especially like the part where Aiden's in the cage and Dobro tells him "I'm gonna get you out of there!", but of course he can't cause it has a metal lock. Later on, in battle, Dobro gets thrown against the cage by an enemy and it breaks the cage. Dobro looks at Aiden and says, "I told you I'd get you out." It's so adorable. I posotively LOVE this book! I HIGHLY reccomend it!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The epic of the Wilderking continues with book two of Rogers' fantasy adventure trilogy. A growing flame of jealousy ignites in the heart of Corenwald's King Darrow against the secret boy-king, Aidan Errolson. Since Darrow is raising Aidan in his own Tambluff palace, he's watched the thick-as-kin friendship develop between blood-prince Steren and our hero -- whose destiny is foretold in the ancient legends.
Scene after scene, the novel reads like watching a fast-paced action film. Aidan's deepest desire is to please his majesty, yet Darrow's jealousy turns to rage when Aidan captures a wild boar and impresses the court with his hunting skills. The king schemes to send the brave teen hero on an impossible quest, one that will lead him to the heart of the Feechiefen Swamp. Ah...he thinks. Aidan will never survive.
Keep turning the pages. Away from the civilized world, Aidan returns to the swampy environment readers loved in book one, THE BARK OF THE BOG OWL. The plot spirals around a mind-boggling mystery. Why have the swamps become so dangerous? A new band of unfriendly feechies terrorizes the landscape. Where did they get their cold-shiny weapons of steel?
The peril of Aidan's quest increases. Rattlesnakes! Man-eating `gators! And kidnappers haunt the swamps. Will Aidan discover the source of the new evil and return alive from his journey?
One of the most delightful aspects of the book is the laugh-out-loud hilarity of the feechie dialogue and backwater culture. Kids will love the ick factor of feechie hospitality - (Ever been offered a bowl of wiggling grubs?) Parents will love the strong character that drives Aidan to go beyond his own strength...in a book that reveals the hidden source of our hero's devotion to uncovering truth.... Read more ›
Scene after scene, the novel reads like watching a fast-paced action film. Aidan's deepest desire is to please his majesty, yet Darrow's jealousy turns to rage when Aidan captures a wild boar and impresses the court with his hunting skills. The king schemes to send the brave teen hero on an impossible quest, one that will lead him to the heart of the Feechiefen Swamp. Ah...he thinks. Aidan will never survive.
Keep turning the pages. Away from the civilized world, Aidan returns to the swampy environment readers loved in book one, THE BARK OF THE BOG OWL. The plot spirals around a mind-boggling mystery. Why have the swamps become so dangerous? A new band of unfriendly feechies terrorizes the landscape. Where did they get their cold-shiny weapons of steel?
The peril of Aidan's quest increases. Rattlesnakes! Man-eating `gators! And kidnappers haunt the swamps. Will Aidan discover the source of the new evil and return alive from his journey?
One of the most delightful aspects of the book is the laugh-out-loud hilarity of the feechie dialogue and backwater culture. Kids will love the ick factor of feechie hospitality - (Ever been offered a bowl of wiggling grubs?) Parents will love the strong character that drives Aidan to go beyond his own strength...in a book that reveals the hidden source of our hero's devotion to uncovering truth.... Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Aidan returns
Like the first book, The Secret of the Swamp King was awesome, but I think I still like the first book a little better.
Published 4 months ago by Mark Pentland
5.0 out of 5 stars
Imagination.. This book will bring it out..
This is such a great book, written with a great adventure for the mind, My grandson loved it. Bought the series and read them too.
Published 5 months ago by D. Oller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!
We love this series! The books are a well written and engaging allegory of King David as a boy and up through his coronation as King. Read more
Published on June 20, 2010 by Alicia Wood
5.0 out of 5 stars
great sequel to a wonderful story
Like its predecessor, The Bark of the Bog Owl, this book is loosely based on the life of David (of The Bible), but set in the mythical land of Corenwald, which is very much like... Read more
Published on March 5, 2010 by Wayne S. Walker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tom Sawyer/ King David
This is a great series of stories. The main character is a hybrid of King David, as a youth, and Tom Sawyer. The language is vivid and written in a most enjoyable fashion. Read more
Published on October 28, 2009 by Cindy K.
4.0 out of 5 stars
A book for readers of fantasy!
Secret of the Swamp King was another great book in the Wilderking Trilogy. Anyone who likes fantasy should read it.
Published on October 11, 2008 by Sir Nagek
5.0 out of 5 stars
great series
This series is enthralling for my 10 year old daughter (who reads at a 8th grade level). It has adventure, danger, excitement and folklore to capture and maintain interest.
Published on October 2, 2008 by Cathy Gamas
4.0 out of 5 stars
Christian Fantasy/Adventure
Young Aidan now serves at the court of King Darrrow. But his popularity also makes him dangerous enemies. Read more
Published on September 21, 2008 by JD
4.0 out of 5 stars
New Narnia...same Truth
Jonathan Rogers obviously loves C.S. Lewis' world of Narnia (see "The World According to Narnia"), and decided to create another fantasy world where kids and adults alike can see... Read more
Published on January 17, 2008 by K. L. Schambach
5.0 out of 5 stars
Even Better Than the First Book!
I've got to hand it to MR. Rogers, he's done a wonderful job of following up on young Aidan Errolson. He's now a few years older and a member of King DArrow's court. Read more
Published on September 14, 2007 by James Somers
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 2
books:
1
book
cites this book:
- Big Bend: The Story Behind the Scenery by Carol E. Sperling on 5 pages
- The Bark Of The Bog Owl (The Wilderking Trilogy) by Jonathan Rogers in Back Matter
- The Way of the Wilderking (Wilderking Trilogy) by Jonathan Rogers in Back Matter
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