Customer Reviews

Wyndano's Cloak

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WYNDANO'S CLOAK is a fantasical journey for three young women. While the outer goal may have been defeat the return of the evil Naryfel, each of the three girls grows in her own right. Jen learns to trust again, Pet overcomes her snooty self image of spoiled rich girl and Bit find her inner strength. Hats off for A.R. Silverberry's WYNDAND'S CLOAK!

"Wyndano's Cloak" is a story set at the intersection of fantasy and reality. The journey begins in the fantasy kingdom of Aerdem, an imaginary world well-realized by author A.R. Silverberry. Jen, our heroine, is faced with the all too real task of delivering a message of danger that no one else believes. When her worst fears materialize, she has to call on her inner resources of strength and courage, and conquer her fears to save her family and the kingdom she loves. Her quest takes her in and out of the magical kingdom, at times placing her in an almost-Dickensian version of reality. Her family is powerless to help. Her companions may betray her. Danger lurks around every terrifying corner. Yet Jen never loses faith or heart. Nor will the reader, as you pursue this adventure to it's intriguing end.

This book combines adventure and magic with the thoughtful introspection that comes with growing up. When Jen finds herself faced with an evil that could bring about the destruction of Aerdem she bravely steps in to save her world. Along the way she learns much about herself and the meaning of friendship .Readers who enjoy imaginative stories will be delighted with this novel!

Wyndano's Cloak is an intricately-woven tale of good versus evil. A.R. Silverberry's mastery of vivid descriptions blurs the line between fantasy and the here-and-now. His words flow eloquently off the pages at record speed, and I devoured this book from beginning to end.

While the story follows the quests of three young women, each girl is tested and each finds something within herself that wasn't there before-whether it's courage, her place in the world, or simply her voice.

What I Loved: When I hopped into this story, I was almost certain that I was coming in unprepared-like there was a story before this one that I'd overlooked. Soon the pieces of the puzzle fell together beautifully, leaving me in a state of wonder.

What I Didn't Love: I really wanted to see more of the cloak. While the book is named after Wyndano's Cloak, it hardly makes an appearance in the book.

Overall: I loved Wyndano's Cloak. Silverberry expertly lays out each piece of the story, without being cheesy or obvious, and entrances you with his rich imagery and vivid language. I can't wait to read his next book!

I originally review this book on EasilyMused.com

A castle, royalty, betrotheds, servants, a leather account book, and dubious individuals all blend together on the mystical journey through Wyndano's Cloak. Who is to be trusted? The visions and whispers bestowed upon Jen by Medlara haunt Jen. Should she act on them and warn her father? Danger is imminent with the threat of Naryfel.

"How could one person have so much power, to reach over time and distance and make her father quake so?"

Will unsuspecting individuals assist in the downfall of Jen's world as she knows it? People who surround Jen must summon a courage and determination to overcome threatening forces. Who will prevail and who will fail? What will the outcome be for Aerdem?

Author, A.R. Silverberry, skillfully brings to life the kingdom of Aerdem and those who dwell there. Be prepared to be transported into the world of royalty and intrigue. The coolness of the castle floors will settle into the soles of your feet and the chill throughout your body will flow over you as the battle to save Aerdem and all who love it is fought.

Wyndano's Cloak is a well written adventure fantasy tale with colorful characters and creative locales. The story is filled with magic, intrigue, wisdom and humor. It is refreshing to have a strong young female heroine at the heart of this story. Silverberry's creativity and imagination shine throughout this exciting and fun read. Though written for young adults, I found myself unable to put this book down! Bravo Mr. Silverberry!

I just finished "Wyndano's Cloak", and I loved it! It's one of my favorite books of the year, and well deserving of its awards. Silverberry is a master at his craft. I loved it from beginning to end and fell in love with all of the characters. I kept commenting to my better half, "Wow, this guy is a great writer. I love this book!" I was never bored with it, and could hardly wait to see what was going to happen next. This had all of the elements of some of my favorite stories from "The Hobbit" to "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe". I do hope you continue with this story line. There is so much more I would love to hear and learn about this place and these characters.

Wyndano's Cloak by A.R. Silverberry is a five time award-winning fantasy novel sure to be enjoyed and cherished by readers 10 and up. Settle in as this talented new author takes you on a grand adventure in the magical, wondrous Kingdom of Aerdem.

A story with one strong, well-developed female protagonist is rare. Here two heroines take center stage: the brave yet vulnerable Jenren, who grew up as an orphan in the dreary, magic-less Plain World before she learned of her royal bloodline, and her shy but determined best friend, Bit.

Princess Jenren, or Jen as she prefers, receives a mysterious message foreshadowing doom. She immediately suspects the return of the evil Queen Naryfel. Jen calls a family meeting, her father and mother, the King and Queen of Aerdem, her brother Dash, and Dash's fiancé, Bit. The family agrees that Naryfel will soon strike--but strike who and when and how? The King and Queen refuse to live in fear and carry on with royal business such as a masquerade birthday party for Dash. Despite Jen's best efforts, the castle is soon under siege. Jen and her mother are abducted while Dash and the King are trapped by a supernatural plant with branches that constantly tighten their deadly grip. Any attempt to remove the growths will surely kill both father and son.

Bit embarks on a quest for a doctor who can free Dash and the King from their bonds. Along for the trip to Plain World is the Countess Petunia. Pet is more suited to her lavish lifestyle than a harrowing journey and may have her own agenda. Meanwhile, Jen must learn to trust a strange young man named Blue to escape from the wicked Queen Naryfel.

Through the clever use of back-story, Silverberry allows us to see the magic and power of Wyndano's Cloak and how Jen's first attempt to use it almost cost her life. Finding the Cloak and overcoming her fear of using it may be the only way to stop Naryfel once and for all.

A.R. Silverberry's creativity and imagination are second to none, but it is the character development that really shines in Wyndano's Cloak. These young ladies are easy to relate to and cheer for. Whether it's Jen who learns to trust others and herself, or Bit conquering her self-esteem issues, or Pet who learns compassion, they grow and mature as the author puts each through a series of ordeals testing their makeup. Silverberry is no slouch either when it comes to plotting a page turner, as he has infused enough conflict and suspense to keep the most distracted reader intrigued. His knack of closing various chapters with a cliffhanger is a brilliant technique that won't let you stop reading.

Frightening creatures, a horrible antagonist, friendship, courage, and more in a coming-of-age soon to be classic that is certain to keep kids entertained and away from the TV and video game system for long stretches. Highly recommended and rated a Must Read for fans of Young Adult fantasy.

Reviewed by William R. Potter for Reader's Choice Book Reviews.

Wyndano's Cloak is a truly epic fantasy read. It took me quite some time to read, as it took me a while to get engaged in the storyline. I am so glad I got to read Wyndano's Cloak, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this amazing adventure story. Special thanks to A.R. Silverberry for sending me the review copy.

The storyline follows Jen, a princess of Aerdem, and Bit a common girl who is engaged to Dash, Jen's brother, prince and air to the throne. Jen is a strong and intelligent girl, she was sent to the plain world when she was young, because her mother thought it would be best for her own safety. She only returned to Aerdem and her family a couple of years ago. Bit is a quiet, timid girl, who was found as a child wandering outside Aerdem. She was taken in and worked as a servant, until Dash and her fell in love.

**SOME SPOILERS AHEAD**

Naryfel, a dangerous master of disguises, the queens evil sister, has made a comeback. Jen and her mother are kidnapped and Dash and the king are unconscious, with vines wrapped around their necks, which are continuously tightening.

Jen manages to escape with the help of a boy named blue. Jen is wary of Blue, but goes with him all the same. They follow Naryfel in the hopes of rescuing Jen's mother. They get captured and Blue shows his worth to Jen, she realises she can't do this without him.

Bit and Petunia (Pet is the counts daughter) travel to the plain world (with great difficulty) to try and seek the aid of the doctor they have heard so much about from Jen's stories of the plain world. They hope that the doctor will be able to help get the things wrapped around Dash and the kings neck off, before it's too late.

When they get to the plain world they realise something has gone wrong and they have no way of getting back to their own world. They are captured by the horrible Miss Drath, an evil, money grabbing woman who owns the children's orphanage. The two girls get closer, they learn so much about themselves and they form an amazing friendship. They get the aid from a little old lady, to escape to the doctor, she says she knows how to get them home to Aerdem.

The ending of this book is amazing, what a surprise, everything was thought out wonderfully, it all fits together perfectly. A.R. Silverberry has wrote an enchanting story, with strong, courageous heroines and treacherous dark characters. The thing I liked the most was the trust and new friendships these young people earned, and of course the adventure and danger that lurked around every corner.

My favourite characters were:

Petunia- I think she went on the biggest journey, and learned most about herself, and when the time came she choose friendship. She is also intelligent, fun and has a good heart. She had me laughing throughout.

Blue- I was intrigued by Blue from when he first appeared to rescue Jen. I didn't trust him either at the start, but I loved his sneaky nature. I would love to have Blue as a friend.

The only thing for me was getting engaged in the story at the start, but when I did I devoured the rest of book. The cloak was another, with the title Wyndano's Cloak, I thought it would of made more of an appearance in the story, but sadly the magical cloak wasn't in the book that much.

Overall an amazing read, I will definitely be looking out for more for A.R. Silverberry.

As a mother of a teenage girl I am always searching for interesting tales of courage and friendship. The challenge is, of course, to find a book my 14 year old also likes! Wyndano's Cloak meets the criteria for both mother and daughter. The story is intriguing and uplifting and it makes for a great read. It captivated my daughter's attention. I highly recommend this book for anyone seeking an uplifting story for a teenaged girl (or boy!)