Vodník
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"An American teen encounters monsters both fantastical and human in the land of his birth. A compelling fantasy adventure. . . . A shy boy blossoms in this surprisingly witty debut." --Kirkus Reviews
"Vodník is compelling, interesting, and darkly humorous. I think you'll love it." --Brandon Sanderson, #1 New York Times best-selling author
"This supernatural novel sets itself apart from the bulk of the genre that is so preoccupied with fangs, shape-shifters, and love triangles. . . . Moore's first published book is crammed with action and humor, and likely to hook many reluctant readers." --VOYA
"Well-written, unique, and clever. It's a breath of fresh air in a very popular genre, and I can't wait to see what Moore gives us next." --Dan Wells, author of Partials
"Recommend this equally to those interested in Eastern European culture and those who will appreciate a good jab at vampires' literary ubiquity." --Bulletin of the Center of Children's Books
"Vodník is compelling, interesting, and darkly humorous. I think you'll love it." --Brandon Sanderson, #1 New York Times best-selling author
"This supernatural novel sets itself apart from the bulk of the genre that is so preoccupied with fangs, shape-shifters, and love triangles. . . . Moore's first published book is crammed with action and humor, and likely to hook many reluctant readers." --VOYA
"Well-written, unique, and clever. It's a breath of fresh air in a very popular genre, and I can't wait to see what Moore gives us next." --Dan Wells, author of Partials
"Recommend this equally to those interested in Eastern European culture and those who will appreciate a good jab at vampires' literary ubiquity." --Bulletin of the Center of Children's Books
From the Inside Flap
Teacups: great for tea. Really sucky as places-to-live-out-the-rest-of-your-eternal-existence. Very little elbow room, and the internet connection is notoriously slow. Plus, they're a real pain in the butt to get out of, especially when you've gone non-corporeal.
When Tomas was six, someone--something--tried to drown him. And burn him to a crisp. Tomas survived, but whatever was trying to kill him freaked out his parents enough to convince them to move from Slovakia to the United States.
Now sixteen-year-old Tomas and his family are back in Slovakia, and that something still lurks somewhere. Nearby. Ready to drown him again and imprison his soul in a teacup.
Then there's the fire víla, the water ghost, the pitchfork-happy city folk, and Death herself who are all after him.
All this sounds a bit comical, unless the one haunted by water ghosts and fire vílas or doing time in a cramped, internet-deprived teacup is you.
If Tomas wants to survive, he'll have to embrace the meaning behind the Slovak proverb, So smrťou ešte nik zmluvu neurobil. With Death, nobody makes a pact.
When Tomas was six, someone--something--tried to drown him. And burn him to a crisp. Tomas survived, but whatever was trying to kill him freaked out his parents enough to convince them to move from Slovakia to the United States.
Now sixteen-year-old Tomas and his family are back in Slovakia, and that something still lurks somewhere. Nearby. Ready to drown him again and imprison his soul in a teacup.
Then there's the fire víla, the water ghost, the pitchfork-happy city folk, and Death herself who are all after him.
All this sounds a bit comical, unless the one haunted by water ghosts and fire vílas or doing time in a cramped, internet-deprived teacup is you.
If Tomas wants to survive, he'll have to embrace the meaning behind the Slovak proverb, So smrťou ešte nik zmluvu neurobil. With Death, nobody makes a pact.
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More About the Author
Bryce Moore is a young adult fantasy author whose first book, Vodnik, will be published by Tu Books in March 2012. He currently is a librarian in Western Maine, where he uses his spare time to fix up his old 1841 farmhouse and shovel snow. He received a Masters in English from BYU, where he studied American literature, creative writing, and film adaptation. He also has a Masters of Library Science from Florida State. Check out his blog on writing, libraries and dentists at brycesramblings.blogspot.com
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By Dan Wells
Format:Hardcover
I honestly didn't know what to expect from VODNIK; it's a YA urban fantasy based on Slovakian folk tales, yes, but what does that even mean? I don't know anything about Slovakian folk tales. Well, let me tell you what it means:
1) VODNIK has a unique and quirky group of monsters, and a "magic system" you haven't seen anywhere else. In a market horribly oversaturated with the same old vampires and werewolves and fairies and whatnot, VODNIK shows us elemental spirits, a sea monster, an agent of Death, and of course the vodnik himself--a cheerful, friendly little killer who drowns people and stores their souls in teacups, not because he's evil but because that's how he is. He's goofy, neurotic, helpful, deceptive, and deadly, and the most interesting urban fantasy villain I've read in ages.
2) VODNIK is about a clash of cultures. I've never lived in Slovakia, but I have lived outside of the US, and VODNIK captures perfectly the stages of culture shock, fascination, acceptance, and love that comes from discovering a new country. There's a scene partway through where the main character sees a group of Americans after already becoming accustomed to Slovakia, and his unsettled reaction feels very real. This book made me want to visit the country.
3) VODNIK takes this culture clash, and the classic YA search for identity, and ramps them up with a full-on exploration of racism. The main character has some Roma (gypsy) heritage, which never mattered in the US, but becomes a very big deal in Slovakia, and this out-of-nowhere plunge into racism really opens his (and the readers') eyes. More importantly, the author handles the topic expertly, explaining how the characters' lives change because of it, and how they learn from it. I was honestly very surprised by this facet of the novel, expecting little more than the simple surface story about the magic creatures, but the Roma plot gave it a depth and power that really brought it all together.
4) VODNIK is actually funny. I've read so much YA that thinks it's funny but isn't, and even worse, YA that tries to use pop culture references and fails horribly. Nothing's worse than an author trying way to hard to seem clever and cool. The author of VODNIK pulls it off almost effortlessly.
I loved VODNIK, honestly much more than I expected to. It's well-written, unique, and clever. It's a breath of fresh air in a very popular genre, andI can't wait to see what Moore gives us next.
1) VODNIK has a unique and quirky group of monsters, and a "magic system" you haven't seen anywhere else. In a market horribly oversaturated with the same old vampires and werewolves and fairies and whatnot, VODNIK shows us elemental spirits, a sea monster, an agent of Death, and of course the vodnik himself--a cheerful, friendly little killer who drowns people and stores their souls in teacups, not because he's evil but because that's how he is. He's goofy, neurotic, helpful, deceptive, and deadly, and the most interesting urban fantasy villain I've read in ages.
2) VODNIK is about a clash of cultures. I've never lived in Slovakia, but I have lived outside of the US, and VODNIK captures perfectly the stages of culture shock, fascination, acceptance, and love that comes from discovering a new country. There's a scene partway through where the main character sees a group of Americans after already becoming accustomed to Slovakia, and his unsettled reaction feels very real. This book made me want to visit the country.
3) VODNIK takes this culture clash, and the classic YA search for identity, and ramps them up with a full-on exploration of racism. The main character has some Roma (gypsy) heritage, which never mattered in the US, but becomes a very big deal in Slovakia, and this out-of-nowhere plunge into racism really opens his (and the readers') eyes. More importantly, the author handles the topic expertly, explaining how the characters' lives change because of it, and how they learn from it. I was honestly very surprised by this facet of the novel, expecting little more than the simple surface story about the magic creatures, but the Roma plot gave it a depth and power that really brought it all together.
4) VODNIK is actually funny. I've read so much YA that thinks it's funny but isn't, and even worse, YA that tries to use pop culture references and fails horribly. Nothing's worse than an author trying way to hard to seem clever and cool. The author of VODNIK pulls it off almost effortlessly.
I loved VODNIK, honestly much more than I expected to. It's well-written, unique, and clever. It's a breath of fresh air in a very popular genre, andI can't wait to see what Moore gives us next.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Trevor
Format:Hardcover
Every once in a while, I read a book that ends up being the equivalent to a tall, icy glass of water. Or better yet, Sprite. Just refreshing. I can think of several in my own reading experience (just to name a few): Harry Potter, Fablehaven, and most recently, Vodnik by Bryce Moore. Now don't mistake me, I'm not comparing these books to each other, or even grouping them up under some category, I'm simply saying they all gave me the same sense of excitement; the feeling that I was reading something new. With Harry Potter I was blown away in part because it was one of the first true Urban Fantasies I had read (not to mention a million other things, love that series). Fablehaven was bursting with simple imagination and adventure, something I really needed at the time I read it. Vodnik smacked me in my face and showed me that true wit, sarcasm, earnest story-telling, multi-layered plotting, grit, and fairy tales can all inhabit the same book.
I was truly impressed with Vodnik. If I were to explain it to someone (which I suppose I am, right at this moment), I would say it's a mix of middle-grade teen lit, crossed with Urban Fantasy, crossed with some kind of Societal Awareness piece. While magic is prominent in the book (and quite cool by the way), the story stands on its own as a really interesting tale of a kid who gets plopped down in a far off country, with strange people, weird food, and unfamiliar fairy tales. To me, Urban Fantasy is all about learning to deal with sudden displacement or change, usually because of finding some magic world, getting cursed, or discovering a goblin living under your basement stairs, etc. Vodnik could do all of this without once bringing magic into play, so when it does, it's just icing on the already delicious cake.
One of the things that I most enjoyed was the fact that the book never shies from tough subjects. One of the main themes through the book is the racism aimed at a group of people in Slovakia known as Roma (what we here might know as "Gypsies") While written for a younger audience, it's best to be prepared for some relatively hardcore racism and hate focused at the protagonist, a young kid named Tomas, dished out in a way that most readers will find impactful without crossing the line to cringe-worthy. The way he deals with such a huge change from his (relatively bigotry free) experience as an American is pretty interesting.
Where Vodnik truly shines, however, is in its characters. If I were to bring up one bad thing about, say Fablehaven, it would be that the characters lack depth and interesting development. Not so with Vodnik. Because it's written in first person past-tense, its very important that the reader identify and recognize the narrator. From page one, I could hear Tomas loud and clear. The secondary characters of Katka, her father Lubos, and all the magical creatures are also well defined, realistic, and likable.
Unlike many Fantasy novels for younger readers, Bryce did a lot to keep everything moving at a good pace, infusing the story with a lot of details. He doesn't just rely on a simple premise to carry the book through, but places myriad obstacles, pieces of information, and riddles in front of his protagonist. An adult reader can very easily pick up this book and find themselves interested, the same as any 15 year old. The world needs more books like Vodnik, and I for one am glad that people like Bryce keep popping up.
I highly recommend this book, and pray to the book gods that there are more to come. Here's to a great entry in Urban Fantasy!
I was truly impressed with Vodnik. If I were to explain it to someone (which I suppose I am, right at this moment), I would say it's a mix of middle-grade teen lit, crossed with Urban Fantasy, crossed with some kind of Societal Awareness piece. While magic is prominent in the book (and quite cool by the way), the story stands on its own as a really interesting tale of a kid who gets plopped down in a far off country, with strange people, weird food, and unfamiliar fairy tales. To me, Urban Fantasy is all about learning to deal with sudden displacement or change, usually because of finding some magic world, getting cursed, or discovering a goblin living under your basement stairs, etc. Vodnik could do all of this without once bringing magic into play, so when it does, it's just icing on the already delicious cake.
One of the things that I most enjoyed was the fact that the book never shies from tough subjects. One of the main themes through the book is the racism aimed at a group of people in Slovakia known as Roma (what we here might know as "Gypsies") While written for a younger audience, it's best to be prepared for some relatively hardcore racism and hate focused at the protagonist, a young kid named Tomas, dished out in a way that most readers will find impactful without crossing the line to cringe-worthy. The way he deals with such a huge change from his (relatively bigotry free) experience as an American is pretty interesting.
Where Vodnik truly shines, however, is in its characters. If I were to bring up one bad thing about, say Fablehaven, it would be that the characters lack depth and interesting development. Not so with Vodnik. Because it's written in first person past-tense, its very important that the reader identify and recognize the narrator. From page one, I could hear Tomas loud and clear. The secondary characters of Katka, her father Lubos, and all the magical creatures are also well defined, realistic, and likable.
Unlike many Fantasy novels for younger readers, Bryce did a lot to keep everything moving at a good pace, infusing the story with a lot of details. He doesn't just rely on a simple premise to carry the book through, but places myriad obstacles, pieces of information, and riddles in front of his protagonist. An adult reader can very easily pick up this book and find themselves interested, the same as any 15 year old. The world needs more books like Vodnik, and I for one am glad that people like Bryce keep popping up.
I highly recommend this book, and pray to the book gods that there are more to come. Here's to a great entry in Urban Fantasy!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Just finished reading this book...and was very entertained! I got the book on a Thursday and finished it two days later on Saturday (356-page-turner), for someone who listens to books on tape that's saying something. It's a 'young adult fantasy' that does not talk down to the reader (or become dumbed down for the reader). Magic, myths, and castles in current day setting. Well written, entertaining, and engaging, the writing is pointed and well suited for the teen-aged main character. Bryce Moore's got a winner here.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mystery, Adventure, and Teacups!
Unctuous elemental spirits, magical powers, and souls of bygone eras. Mash that together with teen angst, social issues, and as many pop culture references as you can fit in a... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Daniel Nosheny
4.0 out of 5 stars
cultural experience mixed with imaginative adventure
Vodnik, by Bryce Moore, is a fast, entertaining read located in the U.S. briefly and Slovakia for most of the adventure. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Annt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Who knew I'd enjoy YA Fantasy...Great book!
I'm not sure that I would have picked Vodník on my own, but when my nine year-old daughter wanted to read it, I figured I better know what it was all about before I gave her... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Jodie C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
I recommend it!
Vodnik is an incredibly entertaining from the beginning to the end. It was fun, original, and had characters that were easy to get excited about. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Jodi J
5.0 out of 5 stars
An awesome book filled with Slovakian lore mixed with magic and...
So I recently picked up a copy of Vodnik, and I can honestly say that it was well worth every penny. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Bryan Jackman
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent mix of a good story, history and folklore
This book is a good read for young teens and adults who are interested in the history and folk lore of Slovakia and other Eruopean countries who were subjected to communisim. Read more
Published 10 months ago by dawn reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great read
If you're looking for a fun trip to a new and fantastic world, this is the book for you. You'll visit a place where the magic and myth are different than what you're used to but... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Ted C.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Even great for old guys!
Given I'm over 60, I think it's safe to recommend Vodnik as a great read for ages youth on up. Both its fictional (folk creatures), and real life (Slovakia) worlds were completely... Read more
Published 11 months ago by R. Cundick
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Unique YA Fantasy
Bryce Moore's Vodnik is a young adult fantasy that avoids the tired cliches of vampires and werewolves, exploring instead the rich world of vodniks, vilas, and other creatures from... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Ben Christensen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great fresh new voice
Vodnik was a fabulous read, a rollicking fun adventure into the world of Slovak folklore. Having personally been to Slovakia, I felt that Moore did a great job in conveying the... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Amazon Shopper
