Customer Reviews

Through the Eyes of a Raptor

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had the opportunity to read Through the Eyes of a Raptor forward, backward, in and out of sequence as it was being written. I must admit that I nagged Julie at the end of each chapter to send me the next one - even if I had already read it in a previous review. Chuckling humor and the three dimensional characters abound. Julie weaves some fascinating scientific facts about birds, orchids, and music into a rapidly moving plot that keeps the reader glued to the page. Her characters and especially their feelings are realistic as they struggle with grief, fear, disappointment, doubt, disillusionment in a world that they discover is neither black nor white. This book is artfully written and well researched with an authentic mythical base. It made me laugh and cry, wonder and believe. Like any good book, when I read the final page, I wanted the book and Kelly to continue. I wasn't ready to let the characters end for a time until the next book.

I was thrilled when Julie asked me to illustrate the book, What fun it was to create the dormouse, the owl, the secret doorway (I especially liked drawing the bat and the squirrel) and make what I saw in my mind come to life.

Marcia Atkinson Christensen

Be transported to foggy Scotland - to a land of Celtic puzzles, a land of mysterious people - a land of bagpipers and shape-shifters. In this fabulous book, surprises abound. The characters and scenery truly make you feel that you are there sharing the adventures. This book often had me laughing out loud at the clever word play. I can't remember when I read a fictional book that was as well-researched as this one is. As a Children's Librarian, I have recommended this book to many customers and will continue to do so.

For ages 9 to 12 the description says. Well, I'm sure they will enjoy it, but the tale's appeal goes well beyond those ages. I have been an adult for some time now, and when I got my copy I could hardly put it down. The action just keeps pulling you on to the next page.

The book is a satisfying blend of interesting characters in an interesting place doing VERY interesting things. Hahnke's story is richly embroidered with a sense of the Scottish countryside and of the ancient roots of the culture which has developed there. Magic is always near the surface and nothing is as it first seems.

Yes, I'm sure that today's sophisticated young people will appreciate this book which never attempts to speak down to them. But adults who relish a good story will enjoy their time in Julie Hahnke's world of Celtic magic, too.

A fast paced tale, with lots of very well researched details about Scotland, it's past, it's myths and it's music. Fun to read with lots of hysterically funny moments as well as excitement, mystery and a keen look into Celtic lore. And she has woven in wonderful sidelines about orchids, raptors, bagpiping and Scottish games. The author creates great word pictures of the settings and the characters. I also read her authors blog and it too has wonderful information that makes learning about these areas fun. I highly recommend this for kids 10 - 100. I look forward to seeing the author's next book.

I bought this book for my grandson and decided to look through it first. I couldn't put it down. Not only was it a great story but I learned so much through the authors well researched information. I wanted to hop on the next plane to Scotland, even though I'd already been there three times. I'll see it in a whole new light. Thank you author Hahnke I hope you'll give us more.

I had the chance to meet the author in Massachusetts last fall and I confess - I bought the book simply because I could have the author sign it. I was in no great hurry to read it. I had hoped my kids would... but the simple truth is that my 13 tear old won't read anything unless you can give her a good reason. Without reading it, I had none, but I was desperate to turn her onto new books instead of seeing her read the same ones over and over...

It took only a few pages until I was captivated by the author's "chocolate writing" - You know how some words are vanilla plain and others fill your mind with rich textures and images - That's how the heroine Kelly describes it and put that way - even my 15 year old son could relate.

The book is a quick read with several plot twists and plenty of historical folk lore! I promise you - if you can just get your children to the "manor house" they will fly threw the rest of this well written fantasy!

I hope Ms. Hahnke will write a sequel!

This book was amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and it inspired many thoughts and ideas for me. This is one of the books that is good for almost anyone: it has suspense, mystery, fantasy, myth and lore, adventure, discovery, and an outstanding plot. Even though it is fantastical, it was realistic in a way that it almost felt that everything in the book really could happen, and I could easily relate to the main character. I strongly suggest that everyone at least try reading this book, for there is so much in it that you will love!

Julie Hahnke has begun a new series of fun, imaginative books. My grand daughter and I finished this book and are begging for a sequel. Julie's descriptive text has the reader, young or old, wrapped up in the story and becoming the characters themselves.

The author has done her research for this book's setting and characters, encouraging learning and making it fun.

I am well over 13 *won't say how much over :-)* and enjoyed this tremendously, as well did my 21 year old daughter and 15 year old son.

You've got magic, mystery, drama and so much more in one book.

I've been an avid fan of Harry Potter and have been looking for a new series to sink my teeth into.

This is it!!!

Well written, great Scottish folklore *something I love, being a scot* with a very readable and enjoyable plot.

I met this author at the Highland Games in Brunswick, ME and purchased this book there from her, which she signed, and got a chance to talk with her. She was tremendous, as is her book.

Can't wait for the second part, hope it isn't too long in coming.

Only three in the series??? Definately need more!

It has been a long time since I last read a book from beginning to end without putting it down. I enjoyed Kelly, a real girl that is thrust into a new life with many surprises to come from unexpected places. It's fast paced, has great imagery, and intelligent mystery. Being of Celtic heritage it does bring you back and makes you believe there is more to come. When is the next book coming out? Thank you Julie Hahnke for adding this gem. Disney or someone should look at this as one of their next movies.