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What Members Thought
A well-crafted story. Strong characters. Good solid world building. Some original ideas for a fantasy. Nothing really blew me away, but it was an excellent read that held my interest. Count me in for book #2.
Happenstance, Hap for short, is found by Lord Umber in a subterranean city buried beneath an active volcano and guarded by a gargantuan worm-type beast. He has no memory of any life prior to being found but little bits of knowledge flow through his mind allowing him to speak and read - in fact he can read and speak several languages. More than anything he wants to know about his past but is worried about his future since he is being hunted by a strange creature known as the "Creep". Lord Umber k
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I couldn't really get interested in this book--I found myself not
caring, so I didn't finish reading it. ...more
caring, so I didn't finish reading it. ...more
I could not put this book down! At first I was afraid it was another Harry Potter rip off, and to be honest there are a few similarities. A boy who awakens to no memory or who or what he is. Powers that are growing within him and adults who know more about him then he does. But this author is no copy cat. If you like magic, strange creatures, mysteries, a strong man with the curse of always saying what he thinks, and lots of other bizaar and fascinating characters, then I can recommend this book
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A boy awakens, blindfolded, with no memory of even his name, but soon meets Lord Umber, an adventurer and inventor, who calls him Happenstance and tells him that he has a very important destiny -- and a powerful enemy. With the added twist thrown in of Lord Umber coming from our world, this is a great fantasy full of travels, adventures, and close encounters. The creatures are well-imagined and original.
This is the first from this author I have read, and I enjoyed it. I will watch for additional installments and hope that it is not as dragged out as Wheel of Time.
This is a fast paced new fantasy series for middle age readers. If you are creeped out by things with eyes stay away! Anyone else who enjoys a good fantasy give this one a try.
Slow start for me, but ultimately I liked it.
Recommended Ages: grades 4 - 8
Mar 24, 2009
Rachel
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Aug 12, 2009
Gin
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Denise Johnson
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May 07, 2012
Cori Grady
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May 13, 2012
Donalyn
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Oct 18, 2023
Kim
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