Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A new magical adventure for all ages, August 19, 2008
"It began in the lower left foot of the Cradle, a curving leaf of opulent design. As if someone had taken a brush, dipped it in liquid marble and spread its exquisite alabaster brilliance up along each ornate spindle, each detailed sun and moon and star that embossed the long surface of the railing, each luxurious baluster thickly detailed with angelic children. And when the entire Cradle was a radiant glow of gold and pearlescence, a sheer white veil of light drifted from an unapparent point overhead and draped over it."
("The Questory of Root Karbunkulus: Item One: Miist" pg 6)
When you're searching for a new book to read, authors and publishers have only a few things they can do to influence whether or not you pick up that book. One is the cover art. I'll admit, after picking up "The Questory of Root Karbunkulus" that it is hard not to compare it to Harry Potter. Think about it: three kids in cloaks- two boys (one with red hair and one with dark brown) and one girl, a giant castle in the background surrounded by a creepy forest and maybe a lake, with a large bird with red and yellow feathers framing the picture.... But I understand what they were going for. Essentially they're saying, "hey if you liked Harry Potter, you'll like this book!" Guess what? They're right! Anyways, another factor in whether or not you'll buy a book is the title. In this case, "the Questory of Root Karbunkulus" really stands out and I think it works well. (Although can I say it is a pain to type it out each time!!)
As for the writing, at times I was struck by the detailing. The excerpt above, for example, is strikingly beautiful. It reads like poetry. This is what creative writing teachers strive to bring of their students. It's descriptive writing at it's best. And there are many places throughout the book exactly like this. But it's not just beautiful descriptive writing. It's adventure... mystery.... intrigue.... danger.... and magic. And unlike the last book I read- this is a book that is interesting and exciting for all ages- not just children or young adults.
And as for me comparing it to Harry Potter, yes there are similarities. But I think that any new book about children and magic will end up being compared to HP. Reid's book is certainly different in many ways, and unlike HP where I hated Hermione, in this book I absolutely adore Root. Shouldn't that be the goal for authors? To have people like their characters? In this case, Reid succeeds, and I have no trouble recommending this book to others.
(Originally reviewed for "Kathleen's Book Reviews")
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Must Read For Every Age!, July 29, 2008
Imagine, if you will, a world of fantasy filled with such things as Chorm, hovermutts, Simps, magical potions, talking grave stones in the shape of the deceased's heads, a Sea Wraith and evil beasts. This is the world of DreAmm. A world in which Root Karbunkulus finds herself in after suffering years at her "Aunties" beck and call. Root is excited to leave her "normal" world behind, to discover what this new magical world holds in store for her. Never did she imagine, however, just how great of an adventure she would find herself on.
After being taken to The House of Gub, along with several other orphans, Root befriends Lian - son of Lord Blick and a Nodmin (one who has always lived in this magical world). It is not long before the children are all informed of the Quest that they are about to embark upon and further divided into teams of three. The first item to be found is the Miist of Kalliope - a powerful potion, of which there are only six. With hundreds of teams and only six possible winners, the Quest heats up. Much to Root's relief, Lian is on her team, as well as Dwyn - another orphan. The three decide to call themselves The Valadors, after a winged creature that seeks its true Self in the calm of the storm.
After the children are paired with new life long companions, their Hovermutts, they begin their journey. Not an easy journey from the beginning, Root, Lian and Dwyn are tested several times over. As they discover the magic they are gifted with, they must learn to rely on their inner courage and trust one another. The race to find the Miist is on as is the race to stay alive.
The Questory of Root Karbunkulus is a fabulous story. Highly engrossing and addicting, from page one. Filled with rich fantasy and magic, it will engulf the reader within the world of DreAmm and not release it's hold until the very last page. I loved the characters and was very drawn to Root. A child who once lost all hope in her young life, discovers the magic and wonder of a world she never knew existed. There are so many fun elements within this story, from the clever hovermutts to the wonderful usage of palindromes, The Questory of Root Karbunkulus has it all - fantasy, intrigue, suspense, friendship and fun. Geared toward ages 9 -12, this is a perfect story to envelope children within a world of reading. As an adult, myself, I can say that this is also a story to extend that age range and reach an ageless audience.
The Questory of Root Karbunkulus: Item 1 - Miist, is the first in a series of six books. As each book comes to a close, a new item will be discovered and another team eliminated. I anxiously await the next installment and cannot wait to see what adventure is in store for Root, Lian and Dwyn.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sure to be a new phenomenon..., July 21, 2008
Rarely does a book come along that so captivates me that I know without a doubt it is the beginning of a new phenomenon. The Questory of Root Karbunkulus is that book. I know without a doubt this book will capture the interest of readers and develop a large following.
It is not fair to compare The Questory of Root Karbunkulus to Harry Potter, (as many reviewers have done) for I feel it surpasses that series. Kamilla Reid has created a world where a wisteria serves as a look out for her owner and magic abounds. A true challenge for an author is to see the landscape in their mind and adequately paint a word picture conveying that landscape. Reid did not do this adequately; she did it superbly!
Like many classic stories, Root Karbunkulus is on a quest. However, this is not your typical tale. Root is a multifaceted character--strong, loving, and intelligent. Along her journey, she meets many friends; each one has a distinct voice. I cannot say enough good about this book. This is epic movie material. This is classic. This is sure to please both young teens and adults.
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