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REVIEWS
Have a look around at the various reviews gathered around the net. Mostly Facebook and Amazon. If you wish to write a review (and I hope you do) please do so on either Amazon or the Facebook page and I will later transfer them here. As always, I invite all honest opinions, thank you.
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I was thrilled to find out that I won this book from a giveaway on goodreads.com, and have to take a moment to applaud for McCammon. This book far exceeded my expectations (which were quite high, because the plot synopsis sounded exciting). I love and read a lot of fantasy, but I don’t think I can ever remember reading a fantasy book quite like this. The setting was original; based off of the savannahs in Africa, and set in its own pseudo-realistic world. It drew me in right away. Fast-paced with imaginative landscapes and creative creatures including flowers that bleed rainbow-colored liquid and shape-shifting ogres, Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter was an excellent way to open up the world of Madunia to the reader.
Even though Search for the Ifa Scepter is really for kids between the ages of 9 and 15, readers of all ages will be able to enjoy it. Bomani and Farra’s adventures are almost episodic; every other chapter has them encountering something new, and conflicts are solved quickly without much emotional drama, even though Bomani is a bit of a jerk. Don’t get me wrong, the kid actually has reason to be cocky: between pole vaulting onto zebras' backs and fighting river worms, this kid can take on the world—especially when he teams up with Farra. Oh my spirits, I adored Farra! She’s adorable, and Bomani and Farra’s skills nicely complement one another, as do their opposite personalities. When she and her wolf pup, Pupa, enter Bomani’s life, he begins to change—as all jerkish heroes tend to do when they finally meet somebody willing to be their friend. McCammon does a good job of developing their relationship, and watching their friendship grow was just as exciting as seeing them escape from a volcano (which actually happens in this book).
All-in-all, it was nice to read a book like this after tackling novels like Kristin Cashore’sFire and Suzanne Collin’s Mockingjay. Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter is a good reminder to us all that you don’t have to have an incredibly complicated and dark plot in order to have fun reading.
I couldn't put this book down!, | By | K. Bailey (New York, NY) - See all my reviews |
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This review is from: The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter (Paperback)
I am an avid reader and although fantasy isn't my favorite genre of book, The Ancient Lands definitely changed my opinion. I enjoyed the two young characters, Bomani and Farra. Their journey kept my attention and just when I thought the end was near, something else extraordinary would happen. The author did a wonderful job of providing many details, which made me feel as if I was a part of the journey. It made me feel like a kid again. I don't want to give away too many details in this review because I don't want to spoil it for future readers, but the ending is the best!
Munier Ahmad Nazeer Thanks so much! The book sparked my 8 year olds desire to read! We are really enjoying the book. We look forward to the next one!
An Exciting Fantasy Adventure, | By | Barbara A. Bartel "English teacher" (Hoffman Estates, IL, USA) - See all my reviews |
This review is from: The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter (Paperback)
Jason McCammon, in this first novel, takes the reader on a fast-paced adventure with 2 teenagers. Fifteen-year-old Bomani, jealous of his older brother and anxious to prove himself worthy to their father, the king, feels misunderstood and unappreciated. Accompanied by Farra, a young sorceress, and Pupa, her wolf pup, Bomani sets out to find the Ifa Scepter, using a map into the mysterious regions controlled by Hatari, the king's arch rival. They encounter interesting creatures, unique characters and hazardous obstacles, all described vividly. Pursued by Hatari and his army of ogres, Bomani and Farra must use the magical powers of the secret runes, as they proceed stealthily in search of the scepter. They each learn about their own strengths and weaknesses, and they are forced to rely on each other to accomplish their goals. In the process, they encounter a new mystery involving missing shape-shifters, and thus open the way for the next novel in the series. Fascinating characters, ever changing and vividly detailed landscapes, startling and numerous obstacles, and the swift action of the story, make this a wonderful adventure story that I highly recommend to readers of all ages.
Great book!,| By | vic damone (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews |
This review is from: The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter (Paperback)
Just finished reading and I must say that The Ancient Lands is a great book. Not really a fantasy genre reader but this book really kept my attention. Once I started reading it really kept me entertained. I had to know what would happen next. Can't wait for the next book! I would recommend The Ancient Lands to all.
Enjoyable adventure!, | By | S. Johnson "Deja" (Hoffman Estates, IL United States) - See all my reviews |
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest, Search for the Ifa Scepter (Kindle Edition)
Enjoyed this novel very much. It's the first fantasy novel I have seen written for teens based on an African type theme. I think this is much needed within our culture today. My thirteen year old son loved it as well. The story was entertaining, interesting, and well written. I was facinated by the world Bomani and Farra lived in and would love to see this book as a film. It pushes you to use your imagination in creating a fantasy world with endless possiblities. Who doesn't love a little adventure and magic. With each passing task the characters barely make it through there is another one waiting to be overcome. I also enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters. It's rare to not find a great male and female relationship without there being a romantic attatchment and I appreciated that about this book. I was invested in Bomani and Farra. I would love to see this writer creating more wonderful stories to enjoy. Deja
Kieran Roberts This book is GREAT Jason! I finally finished reading it and definitely must say it's a great read.. It's a refreshing taste of "fantasy meets reality."
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone seeking to tickle their imagination...
Congratulations!
Many wonderful surprises!, | By | Brian Jude Piatkowski "Brian Jude" (Passaic, NJ USA) - See all my reviews |
This review is from: The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter (Paperback)
Fantastic story! A wonderful read! Everything you want from an action-adventure story: fun, likable characters (but not without their flaws!), constantly jumping from frying pan to fire, a good mythology, and leaves the door wide open for more adventures! I'm looking forward to getting the other illustrated children's books versions for my 5 year old!
CAPTIVATING!,| By | Candece L. Brickler (New York, USA) This review is from: ThThe Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter (Paperback) |
Destiny,
| By | Jennifer Coissiere (Georgia) - See all my reviews |
This review is from: The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter (Paperback)
As children, we find ourselves at times competing for the same recognition that a sibling may receive from our parents or community. In Jason McCammon's The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter, Bomani wants to be chosen as the next king, but his brother, Mongo, is the one praised by everyone. When another boy in the kingdom of Ufalme challenges Bomani, he sees this as the opportunity to prove to his father that he should be the next king. In order to save the kingdom, Bomani needs to retrieve the Ifa Scepter. At the beginning of his journey, Bomani meets Farra, a young sorcerer, and her wolf, Pupa. Together on this mission they are tested in ways that are so mentally and physically strenuous, that even an adult would give up and return home as a failure. How much will Bomani and Farra endure before they return home? Will they, as children, be able to complete this mission? While reading The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter I wished I was watching a movie instead of reading it. The description of the different people, creatures, and lands that Bomani and Farra came in contact with were very interesting. When I came to the end I wanted more; I wanted to go on another adventure with these characters. Not only did McCammon pen a story that would hold the young mind captivated, he also incorporated underlying messages of will, determination, friendship, and most importantly self-belief. I recommend The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter to pre-teens and older, even adults.
I received this book for review purposes from the author.
Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub
Not Usually Fond of Fantasy, But This Book Grabbed Me, | By | Tracy F. "Roundtable Reviews" (New England) - See all my reviews |
This review is from: The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter (Paperback)
It isn't often that I find a fantasy novel that wraps its way into my head making me push aside other tasks to keep reading. With the intention of reading a few chapters before tackling housework and other mundane tasks, I curled up near the fire and read every page of The Ancient Lands: Warrior's Quest-Search for the Ifa Scepter in one sitting. In the world known as Madunia, Hatari and his siblings plan to conquer every nook and cranny for complete domination. In this story, Hatari's armies have done well, but he and his armies of ogres remain unable to get control of the Kingdom of Ufalme.
King Jumbe, ruler of Ufalme, is concerned over a drought that is threatening his kingdom's welfare. He is unaware that his youngest son, Bomani, overheard him talking to his adviser. Fifteen-year-old Bomani wants to prove himself worthy of ruling the kingdom one day, and with what he overhears, a plan is hatched.
Legend has it that the gods grew unhappy after the theft of the Ifa Scepter. The king's adviser has a map leading to the scepter. If it is returned to the Kingdom of Ufalme, the drought will end and everyone's welfare will be saved. Bomani decides to make this his quest. Joined by a young sorceress, Farra, who still needs to develop her full powers, and Farra's wolf-pup Pupa, the trio set off to find the scepter and prove they are as powerful as the adults around them.
Descriptive, unusual creatures like the Shadowlight, a soul-sucking black mass; large flies with the legs and fangs of a spider; and grotesque fish, with five-foot tongues that have sharp nail like projections keep the reader and the heroes on their toes. Along the way, the heroes of the novel learn valuable lessons about themselves and the way they handle issues, particularly Bomani who has a tendency to think only of himself. Watching his character grow added layers to the novel making it incredibly enjoyable from start to finish.
If you have a fantasy reader in your house, I think he/she'd be well pleased with this novel. The plot moves swiftly, action never seems to slow down and the author, Jason McCammon, does a great job creating undeniable images with words. For those who like to create mental pictures as they read, I found the descriptions, dialogue and setting sprang to life making it easy to visualize every detail.
Along the way, Farra uncovers a new quest, to find the five surviving shape-shifters. This sub-plot leads the way to a second The Ancient Lands novel. I, for one, can't wait to read it.
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Ancient lands: warrior quest:Search for the Ifa sceptre This review is from: The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter (Paperback)
Great story for pre teens. Teaches loyalty and the benefits of using one's inner strength to overcome all odds. |
A Great New Book For Young Adult Adventure Seekers!, | By | Ashley Sinatra (usa) - See all my reviews |
This review is from: The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter (Paperback)
Don't be fooled by the title! The Ancient Lands' Warrior Quest is anything but an old story being re-told. Instead, Warrior Quest is full of excitement and magic. Author, Jason McCammon, easily transports you to a whole new world - a world full of magical and odd things. The imagination that he has strewn throughout every page is phenomenal. This journey is unique and his characters are unforgettable.
Warrior Quest follows super ego, fifteen-year old Bomani as he tries to prove himself worthy to be Ufalme's next king. All he has to do is get the Ifa Scepter from the evil Hatari. This is a near impossible task that Prince Bomani thinks he can do overnight. Thankfully, his over the top egotistical behavior is balanced out when sweet, Farra and her pup, Pupa, tag along for the journey. Farra adds knowledge and wit to Bomani's brawn and teaches him the ultimate lesson of all, friendship.
Each chapter contains a new creature or situation that will have you reading until you get to the end. Just when you think you never want to leave their magical world, McCammon ends the story, leaving you on a cliffhanger. Trust me. You will want to dive into Warrior Quest because the adventure is just getting started.
Gina Wilczewski Kim Enjoyed reading the book. Looking forward to the next one. Lots of adventure and interesting world they live in. Good characters and the book flowed well for me. After the first chapter it almost does not stop moving! Great job for a first novel! Wow, you really are a writer huh?
The Anient Lands, | By | M. VanDommelen - |
This review is from: The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter (Paperback)
I found this to be a very entertaining story. I generally don't read this type of book and I'm glad I did. I think it's a fun adventure that would appeal to all age groups. Looking forward to a sequel! M. VanDommelen
Great coming of age/ adventure story!, | By | B. Garner "Mrs Berry" (chicago |
This review is from: The Ancient Lands: Warrior Quest: Search for the Ifa Scepter (Paperback)
I am not the fairytale adventure type of reader, but I could not put this book down. It was action, excitement and adventure from the beginning until the end. The two main characters are relatable and unforgetable. All of the places they travel,people and things they encounter, and obstacles they overcome are very creative and unexpected. This is a great book. I would love to see it brought to life on the big screen!!!!