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Wilderlore #1
The Accidental Apprentice
A boy who accidentally bonds with a magical Beast must set off on an adventure in the mysterious Woods in this “wholesome, delightful” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review), and cheeky middle grade fantasy debut—perfect for fans of Nevermoor and How to Train Your Dragon.
The last thing Barclay Thorne ever wanted was an adventure.
Thankfully, as an apprentice to the town’s mushroom farmer, Barclay need only work hard and follow the rules to one day become the head mushroom farmer himself. No danger required. But then Barclay accidentally breaks his town’s most sacred rule: never ever EVER stray into the Woods, for within the Woods lurk vicious magical Beasts.
To Barclay’s horror, he faces a fate far worse than being eaten: he unwittingly bonds with a Beast and is run out of town by an angry mob. Determined to break this bond and return home, Barclay journeys to find the mysterious town of Lore Keepers, people who have also bonded with Beasts and share their powers.
But after making new friends, entering a dangerous apprenticeship exam, and even facing the legendary Beast of the Woods, Barclay must make a difficult choice: return to the home and rules he’s always known, or embrace the adventure awaiting him.
The last thing Barclay Thorne ever wanted was an adventure.
Thankfully, as an apprentice to the town’s mushroom farmer, Barclay need only work hard and follow the rules to one day become the head mushroom farmer himself. No danger required. But then Barclay accidentally breaks his town’s most sacred rule: never ever EVER stray into the Woods, for within the Woods lurk vicious magical Beasts.
To Barclay’s horror, he faces a fate far worse than being eaten: he unwittingly bonds with a Beast and is run out of town by an angry mob. Determined to break this bond and return home, Barclay journeys to find the mysterious town of Lore Keepers, people who have also bonded with Beasts and share their powers.
But after making new friends, entering a dangerous apprenticeship exam, and even facing the legendary Beast of the Woods, Barclay must make a difficult choice: return to the home and rules he’s always known, or embrace the adventure awaiting him.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 30, 2021
270 people are currently reading
11496 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Foody
24 books2,975 followersAmanda Foody is the New York Times, USA Today, and indie bestselling author of All of Us Villains (with C.L. Herman), the Wilderlore series, the Shadow Game series, and more. Her work has appeared in publications including Buzzfeed, Popsugar, Culturess, and Amazon selected All of Us Villains as the Best Young Adult Book of 2021. Originally from Pennsylvania, she lives in Boston, MA with her partner and their orange tabby, Jelly Bean. When not writing, she unironically loves to cook.
The Night Compass, the fourth installment in the Wilderlore series, releases on March 5, 2024. A Fate So Cold, her next novel with C.L. Herman, follows in Fall 2024.
The Night Compass, the fourth installment in the Wilderlore series, releases on March 5, 2024. A Fate So Cold, her next novel with C.L. Herman, follows in Fall 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 645 reviews
March 5, 2022
This book has lovable, root-able characters, fascinating beasts, a thrilling adventure, and a new world to lose yourself in. The Accidental Apprentice is like a mashup of HP, How to Train Your Dragon, Fairy Tail, and Pokemon. it's like all the fantasy I've loved all my life. I would take DOZENS of books about these Lore Keepers!
April 13, 2021
Personal rating: 3.5
Pokémon meets Harry Potter for sure.
Review to come on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/hollyheartsbooks
Pokémon meets Harry Potter for sure.
Review to come on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/hollyheartsbooks
May 10, 2021
I usually don’t read middle grade books (other than novels by Rick Riordan), so I was pleasantly surprised to find out how much I enjoyed reading this book!
This book is the first in the new Wilderlore series and was marketed as a book for fans of Pokémon and How to Train Your Dragon. After reading this, I can see why fans would love it! I was obsessed with Pokémon when I was younger and reading this brought back the nostalgia of seeing characters go on adventures, befriending creatures, and competing in challenges together!
The Accidental Apprentice focuses on a 11 year old boy named Barclay who’s longing to fit in somewhere. As an orphan in a small village, Barclay feels so out of place and believes if he works hard as an apprentice, one day he can become a mushroom farmer and belong in the community. But when he accidentally bonds with a Beast, he has to leave home and try to find a way to break the bond.
My favourite part of this novel is the world building! I enjoyed learning about the different types of Beasts that existed and the different types of Lore Keepers (which is someone who bonds with Beasts). It was interesting to learn about the history of their world and how they trained with their Beasts. The companionship between Beasts and Lore Keeper is similar to the bond between a Pokémon trainer and their Pokémon.
I also enjoyed the character development that Barclay went through and the friendships he made throughout his adventure! From the very beginning Barclay was against the Lore Keeper community and going on any type of adventure. By the end of the book, I was proud of Barclay and his decisions with what he wanted to do next.
The plot twist that happened wasn’t something I expected, though I feel like I should have guessed it. 😂 My only complaint was that I felt like the conflict at the end kind of resolved too quickly. I wish it went on a little longer.
Overall, this was a fun read! I recommend trying this book out if you enjoy middle grade novels about adventure and magical creatures. Not only am I excited to read the second book in the Wilderlore series, I’m also curious to try out more books by Amanda Foody!
This book is the first in the new Wilderlore series and was marketed as a book for fans of Pokémon and How to Train Your Dragon. After reading this, I can see why fans would love it! I was obsessed with Pokémon when I was younger and reading this brought back the nostalgia of seeing characters go on adventures, befriending creatures, and competing in challenges together!
The Accidental Apprentice focuses on a 11 year old boy named Barclay who’s longing to fit in somewhere. As an orphan in a small village, Barclay feels so out of place and believes if he works hard as an apprentice, one day he can become a mushroom farmer and belong in the community. But when he accidentally bonds with a Beast, he has to leave home and try to find a way to break the bond.
My favourite part of this novel is the world building! I enjoyed learning about the different types of Beasts that existed and the different types of Lore Keepers (which is someone who bonds with Beasts). It was interesting to learn about the history of their world and how they trained with their Beasts. The companionship between Beasts and Lore Keeper is similar to the bond between a Pokémon trainer and their Pokémon.
I also enjoyed the character development that Barclay went through and the friendships he made throughout his adventure! From the very beginning Barclay was against the Lore Keeper community and going on any type of adventure. By the end of the book, I was proud of Barclay and his decisions with what he wanted to do next.
The plot twist that happened wasn’t something I expected, though I feel like I should have guessed it. 😂 My only complaint was that I felt like the conflict at the end kind of resolved too quickly. I wish it went on a little longer.
Overall, this was a fun read! I recommend trying this book out if you enjoy middle grade novels about adventure and magical creatures. Not only am I excited to read the second book in the Wilderlore series, I’m also curious to try out more books by Amanda Foody!
February 6, 2022
At first I didn't like Barclay very much but the story intrigued me from the start. But Barclay quickly grew on me and I want so badly to read more from the world and about him or even a story similar tropes. I loved the fact that he had grown up in a village filled with rules and quite grumpy people and the adventure that he went on after that. Don't want to mention to much to ruin the reading experience
December 3, 2022
Really cool start here, with a big sprawling forest of magical creatures and a crap village called Dullshire that's just absolutely bonkers terrified of them. The first third was solid, with mushroom collector protagonist Barclay accidentally bonding to a rad mythic Beast, getting exiled, and learning about the world. But even though we as readers think the beast is awesome, Barclay hates it. And he keeps on hating it. He seriously wants to go back to his awful life in Dullshire for most of the book, and as a reader, it stinks. All of our excitement about the beasts and the magic just get squashed over and over. Even his love of mushrooms starts to vanish.
And where does the story go, for Barclay to attempt to get rid of his beast? That's right, a big school test. Eek. After that, it gets interesting again (and Barclay comes to understand the obvious, that his mythic beast is amazing), but my kid fully lost interest there in the middle for a long time.
I continue to find human-Beast dynamics like this really troubling though. People here are just collecting magical creatures like they're Pokemon. That's always been scary in Pokemon too, but somehow here, with the Beasts tattooed onto their bodies when they bond, it's scarier. I definitely don't understand what the Beasts are getting out of the relationship, and teaching our kids to subjugate animals and collect them as objects seems increasingly fraught these days.
My kid isn't sure if we should read the sequel yet. Maybe? The water place sounds cool?
And where does the story go, for Barclay to attempt to get rid of his beast? That's right, a big school test. Eek. After that, it gets interesting again (and Barclay comes to understand the obvious, that his mythic beast is amazing), but my kid fully lost interest there in the middle for a long time.
I continue to find human-Beast dynamics like this really troubling though. People here are just collecting magical creatures like they're Pokemon. That's always been scary in Pokemon too, but somehow here, with the Beasts tattooed onto their bodies when they bond, it's scarier. I definitely don't understand what the Beasts are getting out of the relationship, and teaching our kids to subjugate animals and collect them as objects seems increasingly fraught these days.
My kid isn't sure if we should read the sequel yet. Maybe? The water place sounds cool?
October 22, 2022
a middle-grade fantasy with found family, magical beasts, and a tournament/training arc? how was i meant to resist?
December 3, 2023
I genuinely cannot remember the last time I read a middle grade novel, and I don't think I could have picked a better one than Amanda Foody's first entry into the MG world. I fell in love from the first page and adored every minute of it.
Barclay Thorne is a mushroom farmer apprentice in Dullshire, a little town with a lot of rules. With his wild hair and dirty nails, he doesn't seem to fit in, but he certainly tries. When he breaks another rule by entering the forbidden Woods, Barclay accidentally bonds with a Beast that might eat him and is swept into a world of Lore Keepers. It's all fine and dandy in books, but Barclay doesn't actually want to be on an adventure, especially when he has a dangerous Beast trapped under his skin. All he wants is for his Beast Mark to be removed so he can go back home, but the only way that will happen is if he comes first in the apprentice Exhibition.
This was truly so adorable. It carries some great How to Train Your Dragon meets Pokémon vibes, with the Beasts and the magic each carries. As the main character, Barclay is certainly someone younger kids will relate too. He's trying to find a place to fit in and be himself, but he's been on his own for so long that he's not sure what that is supposed to look like. Dullshire told him so many things not to do that it takes time for him to come to love those actually okay things. His growth in the Lore Keeper world was well-done and very sweet. I loved Viola too. She becomes Barclay's closest ally in the Woods and I adored her spunk and cheery attitude.
The magic system is what really made this shine for me. To become a Lore Keeper, one bonds with one of the magical Beasts that dwells in the different Wilderlands. There are five classes, with each being harder to bond with, but granting stronger magic. This Beast becomes their constant companion, and when not out in the open, they return inside their Keeper's body as a living tattoo. Barclay accidentally bonds with Root, a Lufthund of the fourth, Mythic Class. While he wants nothing to do with the wolf-like creature, Barclay gains the ability to control wind and run super fast. Root himself is powerful in that his howls can summon a storm. So many of these Beasts were wonderful, with so much thought and care put into them and the world they interact with. Viola has a small dragon, and others have Beasts that can cast illusion magic, electrocute you, create mirrors to travel through, or eat sound.
I am a big fan of Amanda Foody's young adult novels, but this successful voyage into middle grade tells me she is a writer I will follow to the ends of the earth.
Barclay Thorne is a mushroom farmer apprentice in Dullshire, a little town with a lot of rules. With his wild hair and dirty nails, he doesn't seem to fit in, but he certainly tries. When he breaks another rule by entering the forbidden Woods, Barclay accidentally bonds with a Beast that might eat him and is swept into a world of Lore Keepers. It's all fine and dandy in books, but Barclay doesn't actually want to be on an adventure, especially when he has a dangerous Beast trapped under his skin. All he wants is for his Beast Mark to be removed so he can go back home, but the only way that will happen is if he comes first in the apprentice Exhibition.
This was truly so adorable. It carries some great How to Train Your Dragon meets Pokémon vibes, with the Beasts and the magic each carries. As the main character, Barclay is certainly someone younger kids will relate too. He's trying to find a place to fit in and be himself, but he's been on his own for so long that he's not sure what that is supposed to look like. Dullshire told him so many things not to do that it takes time for him to come to love those actually okay things. His growth in the Lore Keeper world was well-done and very sweet. I loved Viola too. She becomes Barclay's closest ally in the Woods and I adored her spunk and cheery attitude.
The magic system is what really made this shine for me. To become a Lore Keeper, one bonds with one of the magical Beasts that dwells in the different Wilderlands. There are five classes, with each being harder to bond with, but granting stronger magic. This Beast becomes their constant companion, and when not out in the open, they return inside their Keeper's body as a living tattoo. Barclay accidentally bonds with Root, a Lufthund of the fourth, Mythic Class. While he wants nothing to do with the wolf-like creature, Barclay gains the ability to control wind and run super fast. Root himself is powerful in that his howls can summon a storm. So many of these Beasts were wonderful, with so much thought and care put into them and the world they interact with. Viola has a small dragon, and others have Beasts that can cast illusion magic, electrocute you, create mirrors to travel through, or eat sound.
I am a big fan of Amanda Foody's young adult novels, but this successful voyage into middle grade tells me she is a writer I will follow to the ends of the earth.
December 29, 2021
Barclays Thorne lives in Dullsville, which sounds like as much fun as it could not possibly be. The number of rules is so stifling that he is bound to have broken a rule or two before he even had breakfast, no matter what Barclay does. Barclay is an apprentice to a mushroom farmer as his parents died after a beast attacked his village. One day while out in the woods looking for a very rare mushroom, what he never would want to happen to him happens. He is accidentally bonded with a beast and now is on the path to becoming a lore keeper who blames his parents' death. The uniqueness of the magic system, the variety of beasts, and the non-action make this an incredible read. I loved everything I ever read by Amanda foody. She weaves impeccable stories that grab you with characters with a ton of depth. I can not wait to continue the adventure in the next book.
May 6, 2021
I'm bouncing back and forth between 4 and 5 stars so 4.5 stars!
June 15, 2023
2023 reads: 183/350
when mushroom farmer apprentice barclay thorne accidentally breaks his town’s biggest rule, he gets exactly what he never wanted: an adventure. even worse, he accidentally bonds with a beast, which leads to him being run out of town. he decides to meet lore keepers, others who have bonded with beasts and share their powers, figuring that at least one of them can help him unbond. but as he gets closer to the lore keepers, he is faced with a difficult decision: does he return to the home he’s always known or embrace the adventure ahead of him?
i’ve read all of amanda foody’s books that are not part of this series (and loved them, of course), so i was really excited to dive into this! despite being an adult now, i still love middle grade fantasy books so much. i can’t wait to see what’s in store for barclay and co. in the next book!
when mushroom farmer apprentice barclay thorne accidentally breaks his town’s biggest rule, he gets exactly what he never wanted: an adventure. even worse, he accidentally bonds with a beast, which leads to him being run out of town. he decides to meet lore keepers, others who have bonded with beasts and share their powers, figuring that at least one of them can help him unbond. but as he gets closer to the lore keepers, he is faced with a difficult decision: does he return to the home he’s always known or embrace the adventure ahead of him?
i’ve read all of amanda foody’s books that are not part of this series (and loved them, of course), so i was really excited to dive into this! despite being an adult now, i still love middle grade fantasy books so much. i can’t wait to see what’s in store for barclay and co. in the next book!
December 27, 2021
Well, I never would have expected that I needed a cottagecore Pokemon type story in my life, but here we are. I needed it!
This was incredible! It deserves to be and should become the next beloved and giant middle grade series.
Being a fan of Foody’s YA books, I have to beg the author: please be kind to my feelings. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
And for audiobook fans, Steve West narrates this one.
*Disclaimer* I received an eARC from Simon and Schuster Canada on NetGalley. An honest review was provided.
This was incredible! It deserves to be and should become the next beloved and giant middle grade series.
Being a fan of Foody’s YA books, I have to beg the author: please be kind to my feelings. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
And for audiobook fans, Steve West narrates this one.
*Disclaimer* I received an eARC from Simon and Schuster Canada on NetGalley. An honest review was provided.
Read
June 7, 2022This was so cute and magical!
January 23, 2021
**Thank you RivetedLit and Simon & Schuster for hosting a giveaway for the ARC! :)
CUTE! Wilderlore is just what you would expect from a middle-grade: quirky characters, imaginative world, and a light-hearted plot that keeps moving.
I think anyone within the target audience range will be sure to enjoy this How to Train Your Dragon meets Pokemon-esque novel featuring mythical creatures, not just dragons, and a magic community.
The story’s pacing is well thought out with our main character, Barclay Thorne, driven out of his home and into the woods...not in a musical, sunshiny way, however, as he has bonded with a creature. Barclay as our main character can go against what you may feel. He doesn’t want an adventure; he wants a simple life as a mushroom farmer. He’s an orphan (but of course we need the tragedy). And while he isn’t a “special snowflake,” he is seen as an outsider from the Lore Keeper community.
I really would have rated this a four star if it weren’t for the ending part of it. For most of the book, it is world-building and Barclay is trying to break the bond with the creature in order to return home because he’s adamant on not becoming a Lore Keeper. This puts a damper because you get this cool world, but the MC doesn’t much care for it. It made me want Viola, a side character, to be the main character instead.
The villain, their motives and backstory, gets thrown in there, but I was more focused on Barclay—whether he would learn to love the Lore Keeper community after what it has done to him.
So when the villain is brought around again to create a climax, it all happens very fast and at the very end. It gets resolved just as quickly. I would have thought it would be drawn out for book two (yes, it’s a series!) in order to explore more on the side characters involved. But even those side characters and subplots get a nice and neat resolution at the end, leaving me wondering if every book will be its own arc or is Amanda Foody creating a larger plot in the works?
There were also some cliché middle grade tropes and lines/scenes I’ve seen too many times to enjoy. HOWEVER, it was easy to read and the world is absolutely enjoyable to be in, albeit the plot needed some work, but I’m sure a middle grader wouldn’t think too much on that.
CUTE! Wilderlore is just what you would expect from a middle-grade: quirky characters, imaginative world, and a light-hearted plot that keeps moving.
I think anyone within the target audience range will be sure to enjoy this How to Train Your Dragon meets Pokemon-esque novel featuring mythical creatures, not just dragons, and a magic community.
The story’s pacing is well thought out with our main character, Barclay Thorne, driven out of his home and into the woods...not in a musical, sunshiny way, however, as he has bonded with a creature. Barclay as our main character can go against what you may feel. He doesn’t want an adventure; he wants a simple life as a mushroom farmer. He’s an orphan (but of course we need the tragedy). And while he isn’t a “special snowflake,” he is seen as an outsider from the Lore Keeper community.
I really would have rated this a four star if it weren’t for the ending part of it. For most of the book, it is world-building and Barclay is trying to break the bond with the creature in order to return home because he’s adamant on not becoming a Lore Keeper. This puts a damper because you get this cool world, but the MC doesn’t much care for it. It made me want Viola, a side character, to be the main character instead.
The villain, their motives and backstory, gets thrown in there, but I was more focused on Barclay—whether he would learn to love the Lore Keeper community after what it has done to him.
So when the villain is brought around again to create a climax, it all happens very fast and at the very end. It gets resolved just as quickly. I would have thought it would be drawn out for book two (yes, it’s a series!) in order to explore more on the side characters involved. But even those side characters and subplots get a nice and neat resolution at the end, leaving me wondering if every book will be its own arc or is Amanda Foody creating a larger plot in the works?
There were also some cliché middle grade tropes and lines/scenes I’ve seen too many times to enjoy. HOWEVER, it was easy to read and the world is absolutely enjoyable to be in, albeit the plot needed some work, but I’m sure a middle grader wouldn’t think too much on that.
March 27, 2021
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I love reading middle-grade fantasy adventures, and “The Accidental Apprentice” did not disappoint.
Barclay is the perfect character for this type of novel. He is confused, scared, and practically thrown out of Dullshire with the townspeople carrying pitchforks. Yet, he also stays hopeful and strong-minded to fix everything. The author progressed him in a fluid manner where you see him grow and like the Lore in Sycomore. He shares a beautiful friendship with Viola. Another reason why I enjoyed the story is that the author gives the side characters a nice back story too. I enjoyed Viola’s story for her actions. Similarly, Tadg also surprised me as I did not expect to like the character. Ethel, Abel, Soren, and Runa were also memorable.
Moreover, there are also a few surprising twists and turns that I did not expect. The author also keeps the story exciting with many moments of adventure. Some of the scenes that stood out for me were when Barclay battles the illusion of Gravaldor when he is against Klara or when he confronts Soren at the Scavenger Hunt. I even liked the scenes where when Abel uses his mirror skills. I also loved how the author gave depth to some of the beasts, like Root and Gravaldor. The book will keep you glued as Barclay participates in all the challenges to win the Exhibition.
Overall, “The Accidental Apprentice” is a beautiful start to the “Wilderlore” series, and I enjoyed it a lot! I look forward to reading the following books to see how the series continues.
March 29, 2022
BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4.5/5
I really liked this. I think part of the reason is that my reading this year has been slow, and reading this one, it felt like what my reading used to be. I felt fast again. That's probably because it was a middle grade, but who cares.
I read this for The Magical Readathon Orilium Gear Up thing. I needed a book for my animal companion prompt, something that had an animal on the cover or in the story. I couldn't have picked a more perfect book for that prompt than this.
I just really enjoyed this adventure story. I loved the idea of having this animal companion. The Lufthund was pretty cool. I do think Barclay was stubborn for a little too long and he hurt poor Root's feelings, but he did right in the end.
I thought the world was pretty interesting. I'm excited to see more of it.
I won't say I was surprised by all the reveals, but I did enjoy it. Soren kind of reminded me of Gilderoy Lockhart.
This book is a kind of mash up of Pokemon and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (not the movie version, but what Newt wrote in his book). Oooh and maybe a little of Harry Potter with like the O.W.L. Exams.
This was very enjoyable and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the sequel. I was lucky enough to win a copy of the sequel, so I'm excited.
I really liked this. I think part of the reason is that my reading this year has been slow, and reading this one, it felt like what my reading used to be. I felt fast again. That's probably because it was a middle grade, but who cares.
I read this for The Magical Readathon Orilium Gear Up thing. I needed a book for my animal companion prompt, something that had an animal on the cover or in the story. I couldn't have picked a more perfect book for that prompt than this.
I just really enjoyed this adventure story. I loved the idea of having this animal companion. The Lufthund was pretty cool. I do think Barclay was stubborn for a little too long and he hurt poor Root's feelings, but he did right in the end.
I thought the world was pretty interesting. I'm excited to see more of it.
I won't say I was surprised by all the reveals, but I did enjoy it. Soren kind of reminded me of Gilderoy Lockhart.
This book is a kind of mash up of Pokemon and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (not the movie version, but what Newt wrote in his book). Oooh and maybe a little of Harry Potter with like the O.W.L. Exams.
This was very enjoyable and I'm definitely looking forward to reading the sequel. I was lucky enough to win a copy of the sequel, so I'm excited.
March 20, 2022
Als ich das erste Mal vom den Auftakt der „WilderReich“ - Reihe hörte, war ich sofort Feuer und Flamme. Cover und Klappentext sprachen mich direkt an und da die englischsprachige Ausgabe äußerst positive Kritiken erhalten hat, stand für mich sehr schnell fest, dass ich das Buch unbedingt lesen möchte.
Der Waisenjunge Barclay Torn lebt in der kleinen Stadt Biederford und hat schon früh gelernt, selbst für seinen Unterhalt aufzukommen. Inzwischen ist er bei dem angesehenen Pilzbauer Meister Fungus in der Lehre und versucht so gut wie möglich der perfekte Schüler zu sein. Als er eines Tages den Auftrag erhält, eine Trauermorchel zu finden – ein sehr seltener Pilz – und sich zu tief in den Düsteren Wald wagt, wird sich sein Leben schlagartig ändern. Da der Wald voller gefährlicher und bösartiger Kreaturen lauert, ist es den Bewohner*innen von Biederford streng verboten, in zu betreten. Barclay wird bei seinem Verstoß gegen diese wichtige Regel natürlich prompt von einem Wilderbiest angegriffen und verbindet sich zu seinem großen Entsetzen mit ihm. Er ist nun ein Wilderweise, trägt ein goldenes Mal auf seiner Haut und besitzt außergewöhnliche Kräfte. Wilderweisen werden in seinem Dorf allerdings geächtet und Barclay wird aus seinem Heimatort vertrieben. Mit dem festen Entschluss, die Verbindung mit seinem Wilderbiest zu brechen, macht er sich zu der Stadt Sycomore auf, die mitten im Düsteren Wald liegt und in der Wilderweisen leben. Dort wird er nicht nur neue Freunde finden und eine schicksalhafte Prüfung antreten – er wird am Ende auch noch eine schwierige Entscheidung treffen müssen.
Dies war mein erstes Werk aus der Feder von Amanda Foody und es wird ganz bestimmt nicht mein letztes gewesen sein. Mein Riecher hat mich mal wieder nicht im Stich gelassen – mir hat der erste Band der „WilderReich“ - Reihe wundervolle Lesestunden bereiten können. In meinen Augen hat die US-amerikanische Autorin mit ihrem ersten Buch für Leser*innen ab 10 Jahren einen gelungenen und rasanten Auftaktband aufs Papier gebracht, voller Unvorhersehbarkeiten, Spannung, Spaß und Magie und der genau richtigen Portion an Ernst, Tiefe und Emotionen. Solltet ihr gerne in Fantasygeschichten eintauchen, die euch mitreißen, unterhalten, überraschen und bewegen und in eine magische Welt voller wilder Bestien, Mysterien und Gefahren mitnehmen, dann ich euch nur nahelegen, den Auftakt der „WilderReich“ - Serie bei euch einziehen zu lassen.
Ich hatte einen guten Einstieg in das Buch, muss allerdings gestehen, dass es bei mir irgendwie ein paar Seiten gedauert hat, ehe mich die Story vollends catchen konnte, trotz des temporeichen Beginns und dem packenden, flüssigen Schreibstils. Nachdem mich die Geschichte aber einmal komplett in ihren Bann ziehen und begeistern konnte, wollte ich aus ihr gar nicht mehr auftauchen und habe sie regelrecht verschlungen.
Starten tut die Geschichte im Wald, in dem unser Hauptprotagonist Barclay gemeinsam mit dem Jungen Selby gerade auf Pilzsuche ist. Beide Jungs sind bei dem angesehenen Pilzbauern Meister Fungus in der Lehre und es wird sofort deutlich, dass unser Romanheld seinen Mitlehrling nicht wirklich gut leiden kann. Sein recht unfreundliches Verhalten gegenüber Selby macht Barclay zunächst nicht allzu sympathisch, aber zum Glück ändert sich das schon nach kurzer Zeit. Als Leser*in wird einem rasch klar, dass Barclay kein wirklich schönes und leichtes Leben führt und Selby eigentlich nur darum beneidet, weil dieser eine Familie und ein behütetes Zuhause hat – anders als er, der ein Waisenkind ist. Mir tat Barclay ziemlich leid und da sich noch zeigt, was für ein toller und lieber Junge er eigentlich ist, habe ich ihn sehr schnell in mein Herz geschlossen.
Mit Barclay, aus dessen Sicht alles in der dritten Person geschildert wird, hat die Autorin einen starken Hauptprotagonisten erschaffen, der während seines Abenteuers über sich selbst hinauswachsen wird. Ich habe Barclay sehr für seine Tapferkeit und Entschlossenheit bewundert und mit ihm mitgefühlt, mitgefiebert und mitgebangt.
Die weiteren Charaktere haben mir ebenfalls überaus gut gefallen. Nett sind sie zwar nicht alle, aber egal ob Sympathieträger oder nicht – alle wurden sie facettenreich ausgearbeitet und sorgen mit ihren unterschiedlichen und teils recht skurrilen Eigenschaften und Persönlichkeiten für ein aufregendes und spaßiges Lesevergnügen. Da hätten wir zum Beispiel die Geschwister Abel und Ethel und das Mädchen Viola, die alle drei Wilderweisen sind und mit denen sich Barclay anfreunden wird. Viola, die wir bereits am Anfang der Geschichte während der Pilzsuche der Jungen kennenlernen dürfen, hat mir ganz besonders gut gefallen. Ihre schlagfertige und rebellische Art mochte ich auf Anhieb und über das Zusammenspiel zwischen ihr und Barclay habe ich mich an vielen Stellen köstlich amüsiert. Die beiden können sich zunächst nicht so wirklich riechen, müsst ihr wissen, und liefern sich so einige Schlagabtäusche.
Neben vielen menschlichen Figuren begegnet man in diesem Buch dann natürlich auch noch zahlreichen magischen und fantasievollen Wesen wie Drachen, Doppelgheistern, einem Lufthund und Greifen. Für Fantasyfreunde ist „WilderReich“ zweifellos ein echter Leckerbissen, diese kommen in dieser Reihe ganz klar völlig auf ihre Kosten. In einigen englischen Rezensionen habe ich gelesen, dass die Story für sie eine Mischung aus Harry Potter und Pokémon ist und ja, stimmt, der Vergleich mit diesen Serien ist meiner Ansicht nach nicht verkehrt. Die Harry Potter-Vibes hielten sich bei mir zwar in Grenzen, aber ein gewisses Pokémon-Feeling kommt durchaus auf. Es wirkt aber nichts abgekupfert, keine Sorge, Amanda Foody hat mit „WilderReich“ auf jeden Fall etwas vollkommen Eigenständiges und Einzigartiges geschaffen.
Auch mit dem Setting hat das Buch absolut bei mir punkten können. Das Fantasyreich, in welches uns die Autorin mitnimmt, wird so herrlich düster, stimmungsvoll und bildhaft beschrieben, sodass man durchgehend in den Genuss einer wunderbaren, geheimnisvollen Atmosphäre kommt und beim Lesen ein echtes Kopfkino hat. Also ich fand die Kulisse einfach nur genial und habe mich in Amanda Foodys fantasievoller Welt jederzeit mühelos zurechtfinden können. Eine Karte hätte ich persönlich aber dennoch gar nicht so schlecht gefunden, die habe ich trotz allem irgendwie ein klein wenig vermisst. Was es dafür aber hinten im Buch gibt: Ein ausführliches und hilfreiches Glossar, in welchem zahlreiche gefährliche Wilderbiester mit kurzen Beschreibungen aufgeführt werden.
Das Ende verschont uns erfreulicherweise mit einem fiesen Cliffhanger, aber sofort zum nächsten Band greifen und weiterlesen möchte man am liebsten dennoch. Ich zumindest bin schon unheimlich gespannt auf die Fortsetzung und hoffe sehr, dass wir uns auf die diese nicht allzu lange gedulden müssen.
Fazit: Ein fesselnder Reihenauftakt, der große Lust auf mehr macht. Für Fantasyfans ein absolutes Muss!
Amanda Foody ist mit „WilderReich – Eine schicksalhafte Prüfung“ ein richtig cooler Serienstart geglückt, welchen ich jedem, egal ob Jung oder Alt, nur empfehlen kann. Die Geschichte steckt voller Magie und wilder Kreaturen und kann mit jeder Menge Überraschungen, Geheimnisse und Action aufwarten. Sie nimmt uns an lauter faszinierende Orte mit und ist spannend, unterhaltsam und emotional zugleich. Mir hat es total viel Spaß gemacht, Barclay auf seiner Reise in den Düsteren Wald zu begleiten und mich gemeinsam mit ihm in ein magisches Abenteuer zu stürzen. Von mir gibt es 4,5 – hier gerundet auf 5 von 5 Sternen.
Der Waisenjunge Barclay Torn lebt in der kleinen Stadt Biederford und hat schon früh gelernt, selbst für seinen Unterhalt aufzukommen. Inzwischen ist er bei dem angesehenen Pilzbauer Meister Fungus in der Lehre und versucht so gut wie möglich der perfekte Schüler zu sein. Als er eines Tages den Auftrag erhält, eine Trauermorchel zu finden – ein sehr seltener Pilz – und sich zu tief in den Düsteren Wald wagt, wird sich sein Leben schlagartig ändern. Da der Wald voller gefährlicher und bösartiger Kreaturen lauert, ist es den Bewohner*innen von Biederford streng verboten, in zu betreten. Barclay wird bei seinem Verstoß gegen diese wichtige Regel natürlich prompt von einem Wilderbiest angegriffen und verbindet sich zu seinem großen Entsetzen mit ihm. Er ist nun ein Wilderweise, trägt ein goldenes Mal auf seiner Haut und besitzt außergewöhnliche Kräfte. Wilderweisen werden in seinem Dorf allerdings geächtet und Barclay wird aus seinem Heimatort vertrieben. Mit dem festen Entschluss, die Verbindung mit seinem Wilderbiest zu brechen, macht er sich zu der Stadt Sycomore auf, die mitten im Düsteren Wald liegt und in der Wilderweisen leben. Dort wird er nicht nur neue Freunde finden und eine schicksalhafte Prüfung antreten – er wird am Ende auch noch eine schwierige Entscheidung treffen müssen.
Dies war mein erstes Werk aus der Feder von Amanda Foody und es wird ganz bestimmt nicht mein letztes gewesen sein. Mein Riecher hat mich mal wieder nicht im Stich gelassen – mir hat der erste Band der „WilderReich“ - Reihe wundervolle Lesestunden bereiten können. In meinen Augen hat die US-amerikanische Autorin mit ihrem ersten Buch für Leser*innen ab 10 Jahren einen gelungenen und rasanten Auftaktband aufs Papier gebracht, voller Unvorhersehbarkeiten, Spannung, Spaß und Magie und der genau richtigen Portion an Ernst, Tiefe und Emotionen. Solltet ihr gerne in Fantasygeschichten eintauchen, die euch mitreißen, unterhalten, überraschen und bewegen und in eine magische Welt voller wilder Bestien, Mysterien und Gefahren mitnehmen, dann ich euch nur nahelegen, den Auftakt der „WilderReich“ - Serie bei euch einziehen zu lassen.
Ich hatte einen guten Einstieg in das Buch, muss allerdings gestehen, dass es bei mir irgendwie ein paar Seiten gedauert hat, ehe mich die Story vollends catchen konnte, trotz des temporeichen Beginns und dem packenden, flüssigen Schreibstils. Nachdem mich die Geschichte aber einmal komplett in ihren Bann ziehen und begeistern konnte, wollte ich aus ihr gar nicht mehr auftauchen und habe sie regelrecht verschlungen.
Starten tut die Geschichte im Wald, in dem unser Hauptprotagonist Barclay gemeinsam mit dem Jungen Selby gerade auf Pilzsuche ist. Beide Jungs sind bei dem angesehenen Pilzbauern Meister Fungus in der Lehre und es wird sofort deutlich, dass unser Romanheld seinen Mitlehrling nicht wirklich gut leiden kann. Sein recht unfreundliches Verhalten gegenüber Selby macht Barclay zunächst nicht allzu sympathisch, aber zum Glück ändert sich das schon nach kurzer Zeit. Als Leser*in wird einem rasch klar, dass Barclay kein wirklich schönes und leichtes Leben führt und Selby eigentlich nur darum beneidet, weil dieser eine Familie und ein behütetes Zuhause hat – anders als er, der ein Waisenkind ist. Mir tat Barclay ziemlich leid und da sich noch zeigt, was für ein toller und lieber Junge er eigentlich ist, habe ich ihn sehr schnell in mein Herz geschlossen.
Mit Barclay, aus dessen Sicht alles in der dritten Person geschildert wird, hat die Autorin einen starken Hauptprotagonisten erschaffen, der während seines Abenteuers über sich selbst hinauswachsen wird. Ich habe Barclay sehr für seine Tapferkeit und Entschlossenheit bewundert und mit ihm mitgefühlt, mitgefiebert und mitgebangt.
Die weiteren Charaktere haben mir ebenfalls überaus gut gefallen. Nett sind sie zwar nicht alle, aber egal ob Sympathieträger oder nicht – alle wurden sie facettenreich ausgearbeitet und sorgen mit ihren unterschiedlichen und teils recht skurrilen Eigenschaften und Persönlichkeiten für ein aufregendes und spaßiges Lesevergnügen. Da hätten wir zum Beispiel die Geschwister Abel und Ethel und das Mädchen Viola, die alle drei Wilderweisen sind und mit denen sich Barclay anfreunden wird. Viola, die wir bereits am Anfang der Geschichte während der Pilzsuche der Jungen kennenlernen dürfen, hat mir ganz besonders gut gefallen. Ihre schlagfertige und rebellische Art mochte ich auf Anhieb und über das Zusammenspiel zwischen ihr und Barclay habe ich mich an vielen Stellen köstlich amüsiert. Die beiden können sich zunächst nicht so wirklich riechen, müsst ihr wissen, und liefern sich so einige Schlagabtäusche.
Neben vielen menschlichen Figuren begegnet man in diesem Buch dann natürlich auch noch zahlreichen magischen und fantasievollen Wesen wie Drachen, Doppelgheistern, einem Lufthund und Greifen. Für Fantasyfreunde ist „WilderReich“ zweifellos ein echter Leckerbissen, diese kommen in dieser Reihe ganz klar völlig auf ihre Kosten. In einigen englischen Rezensionen habe ich gelesen, dass die Story für sie eine Mischung aus Harry Potter und Pokémon ist und ja, stimmt, der Vergleich mit diesen Serien ist meiner Ansicht nach nicht verkehrt. Die Harry Potter-Vibes hielten sich bei mir zwar in Grenzen, aber ein gewisses Pokémon-Feeling kommt durchaus auf. Es wirkt aber nichts abgekupfert, keine Sorge, Amanda Foody hat mit „WilderReich“ auf jeden Fall etwas vollkommen Eigenständiges und Einzigartiges geschaffen.
Auch mit dem Setting hat das Buch absolut bei mir punkten können. Das Fantasyreich, in welches uns die Autorin mitnimmt, wird so herrlich düster, stimmungsvoll und bildhaft beschrieben, sodass man durchgehend in den Genuss einer wunderbaren, geheimnisvollen Atmosphäre kommt und beim Lesen ein echtes Kopfkino hat. Also ich fand die Kulisse einfach nur genial und habe mich in Amanda Foodys fantasievoller Welt jederzeit mühelos zurechtfinden können. Eine Karte hätte ich persönlich aber dennoch gar nicht so schlecht gefunden, die habe ich trotz allem irgendwie ein klein wenig vermisst. Was es dafür aber hinten im Buch gibt: Ein ausführliches und hilfreiches Glossar, in welchem zahlreiche gefährliche Wilderbiester mit kurzen Beschreibungen aufgeführt werden.
Das Ende verschont uns erfreulicherweise mit einem fiesen Cliffhanger, aber sofort zum nächsten Band greifen und weiterlesen möchte man am liebsten dennoch. Ich zumindest bin schon unheimlich gespannt auf die Fortsetzung und hoffe sehr, dass wir uns auf die diese nicht allzu lange gedulden müssen.
Fazit: Ein fesselnder Reihenauftakt, der große Lust auf mehr macht. Für Fantasyfans ein absolutes Muss!
Amanda Foody ist mit „WilderReich – Eine schicksalhafte Prüfung“ ein richtig cooler Serienstart geglückt, welchen ich jedem, egal ob Jung oder Alt, nur empfehlen kann. Die Geschichte steckt voller Magie und wilder Kreaturen und kann mit jeder Menge Überraschungen, Geheimnisse und Action aufwarten. Sie nimmt uns an lauter faszinierende Orte mit und ist spannend, unterhaltsam und emotional zugleich. Mir hat es total viel Spaß gemacht, Barclay auf seiner Reise in den Düsteren Wald zu begleiten und mich gemeinsam mit ihm in ein magisches Abenteuer zu stürzen. Von mir gibt es 4,5 – hier gerundet auf 5 von 5 Sternen.
February 8, 2022
It feels like a cliche but yes, indeed, it’s for all ages who thoroughly enjoyed How To Train Your Dragon. I hate hitching wagons to stars, this one, if it were a movie, could stand on its own two feet. Pick it up.
December 31, 2021
Review in Wrap Up Vlog to come...
February 13, 2022
Full review to follow soon!
September 18, 2021
3.5 stars
This was a cute story, but it could have used some editing. There was one spot in particular where they were in a competition, and they went from needing 12 things to needing to gather only one more item in one page. The premise reminded me a little bit of Pokemon, which was fun. I will probably read the sequel.
This was a cute story, but it could have used some editing. There was one spot in particular where they were in a competition, and they went from needing 12 things to needing to gather only one more item in one page. The premise reminded me a little bit of Pokemon, which was fun. I will probably read the sequel.
July 12, 2022
4.5 stars. Fantastic audiobook. The narrator deserves an award, they had me chuckling the whole time. Barclay reminded me of my youngest brother, so that may be partly why I found his attitude/personality so funny when he's obnoxious.
Also this book is a great alternative to HP. Just throwing that out there. Lots of Pokemon vibes too. I just loved it.
Also this book is a great alternative to HP. Just throwing that out there. Lots of Pokemon vibes too. I just loved it.
November 15, 2021
This was fun! I loved the How to Train Your Dragon vibes and can't wait what the next adventure these characters will go on in the next book.
February 23, 2024
This is a very solid middle grade fantasy, and a great start to the series!
I really liked learning about all of the magic along with Barclay who is new to this (just like us). I liked the characters and the magical competition elements.
I did think some of the plot was predictable, and I wished for a bit more. But I really liked how it ended and I want to continue in the series.
BTW, I also listened to this on audio, and I am not a huge fan of deep voiced men reading 11 year old boy main characters. 🤷♀️
I really liked learning about all of the magic along with Barclay who is new to this (just like us). I liked the characters and the magical competition elements.
I did think some of the plot was predictable, and I wished for a bit more. But I really liked how it ended and I want to continue in the series.
BTW, I also listened to this on audio, and I am not a huge fan of deep voiced men reading 11 year old boy main characters. 🤷♀️
May 15, 2024
This is an extremely fun and promising start to a middle grade fantasy series. The Pokémon comparison is spot on, and it made my geeky heart very happy :) I can't wait to see what kind of adventures and shenanigans Barclay and friends get up to next.
April 22, 2023
Une surprise! Un déroulement classique mais on prend vraiment plaisir à lire les aventures du jeune Barclay Picpus! Une sorte de Pokémon version heroic fantasy :)
July 16, 2024
More of a 4.5 than a four
September 2, 2022
I think my time for reading middle grade is over 🥺 I’m just not intrigued enough anymore. The stakes are too low. I think I’ll finish my favorite series I started but this won’t be one of those
January 27, 2025
Pretty good 💖
March 27, 2021
This book was a lot of fun! It kinda felt like a lot of my favorite middle-grade fantasy series got together and made this book. It has adventure, fun, and a new fantastical world to explore! What could be better?
Barclay, our main character, is kinda a unicorn of a middle-grade character. Most middle-grade main characters in fantasy/adventure books *crave* adventure. They seek out the danger and magic that so often comes in fantasy worlds. Barclay, however, is thrust into this world without consent (hence, our reluctant hero). He has absolutely no desire to be apart of the Lore Keeper community and spends most of the book doing everything he can to leave it behind. I enjoyed this new perspective that we get to experience through him. It's fresh, and new, and makes the plot that much more interesting.
On top of this dilemma he faces throughout the book, there is also the reason behind him needing to join the Lore Keeper community in the first place. Like any good story, the evil forces are at play and he must work with some beloved new characters to defeat them. I feel like the conflict regarding kids vs. evil was great, but resolved a little soon. I'm *guessing* that this particular conflict is going to come back stronger than ever in a later book since this is a series. For that reason, I'm not too worried about the quick resolve.
I loved the world-building in this book! There are a lot of fun and interesting creatures, including the one Barclay kinda gets tied to. It reminded me a lot of Harry Potter with all of its creatures! I can't wait to explore more of this world in general, but especially these new creatures. I hope we see more in the coming books!
The plot wasn't anything particularly new or innovative, but I still thought it was interesting. That being said, I felt like there was something missing, but I still can't quite put my finger on it. Nevertheless, I was thoroughly entertained and involved in this book and the characters' welfares.
Overall, I was so impressed with the world of this book and enjoyed getting to know the characters. I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Barclay, our main character, is kinda a unicorn of a middle-grade character. Most middle-grade main characters in fantasy/adventure books *crave* adventure. They seek out the danger and magic that so often comes in fantasy worlds. Barclay, however, is thrust into this world without consent (hence, our reluctant hero). He has absolutely no desire to be apart of the Lore Keeper community and spends most of the book doing everything he can to leave it behind. I enjoyed this new perspective that we get to experience through him. It's fresh, and new, and makes the plot that much more interesting.
On top of this dilemma he faces throughout the book, there is also the reason behind him needing to join the Lore Keeper community in the first place. Like any good story, the evil forces are at play and he must work with some beloved new characters to defeat them. I feel like the conflict regarding kids vs. evil was great, but resolved a little soon. I'm *guessing* that this particular conflict is going to come back stronger than ever in a later book since this is a series. For that reason, I'm not too worried about the quick resolve.
I loved the world-building in this book! There are a lot of fun and interesting creatures, including the one Barclay kinda gets tied to. It reminded me a lot of Harry Potter with all of its creatures! I can't wait to explore more of this world in general, but especially these new creatures. I hope we see more in the coming books!
The plot wasn't anything particularly new or innovative, but I still thought it was interesting. That being said, I felt like there was something missing, but I still can't quite put my finger on it. Nevertheless, I was thoroughly entertained and involved in this book and the characters' welfares.
Overall, I was so impressed with the world of this book and enjoyed getting to know the characters. I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out!
Disclaimer: I voluntarily read and reviewed a gifted and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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