| Title | : | Twilight of the Elves (The Adventurers Guild, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1484788605 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781484788608 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 384 |
| Publication | : | First published October 1, 2018 |
Zed, Brock, and their friends may have saved Freestone from destruction, but the fight against the Dangers is far from over. No one knows what to expect next from the dark power that forced the elves to abandon their city. And the influx of elf refugees in Freestone strains resources and brews resentment among the townspeople. Things have shifted between best friends Zed and Brock, as well, with their friendship crumbling under the weight of the secrets they're keeping from each other.
When tensions reach an all-time high, Queen Me'Shala, leader of the elves, approaches the Adventurers Guild with a mission. She wants a small group of adventurers to go behind the king's back on a covert mission to save her city, and Zed, Brock, Liza, Jett, Micah, and their elven friend Fel join the quest. To face a powerful form of magic thought to be extinct, the adventurers will have to learn how to rely on each other and fight harder than ever before.
Don't miss this second installment of Zack Loran Clark and Nicholas Eliopulos's Adventurers Guild trilogy, where the stakes are raised, the action is breathless, and the dangers will stop even the bravest of hearts.
Twilight of the Elves (The Adventurers Guild, #2) Reviews
-
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.
Twilight of the Elves was like Lord of the Rings, but MG. I loved it! There were elves, dwarves, and even a necromancer! Seriously, it's like this book was made for me. I really enjoyed reading this one to my son, and we've already gone online and ordered the first book, The Adventurer's Guild. Even though this is the second book in a series, we didn't feel lost or confused by the world or the characters. The authors were informative, but not overly so. You shouldn't feel bombarded with facts if you've read the first book, but you'll feel adequately informed if you haven't.
I really enjoyed the story and how relatable the characters were. The more mundane aspects of their lives were things my son could understand, while we simply enjoyed the magical and fantastical elements. For example, one of the characters mentioned not having time to brush his teeth, and my son thought that meant he should be able to skip brushings every once in awhile. I had to tell him that he wasn't actively fighting monsters, and therefore had no excuse not to brush his teeth.
This book prompted a lot of conversations between me and my son, and I liked how involved he was with the story. I've been reading chapter books aloud to him for awhile now, but this is the first time he's played an active role in the story. I think that alone says something about the quality of this book. He wanted to pay attention and ask questions instead of simply drifting off to sleep. More often than not, I would leave his room with him still awake and asking me to read just one more chapter.
Twilight of the Elves was a really fun and enjoyable read! The world-building was amazing, the characters were believable (wish there had been more character development since this was the second book), and there was plenty of action and adventure! Like I said, very Lord of the Rings. I cannot wait to see what this duo comes up with next! The ending definitely left room for more. -
Second in the series. High fantasy, with all the hallmarks of a DnD campaign. Zed has the unique chance to learn more about the other half of his heritage, but the elves aren't finding a warm welcome in Freestone. Meanwhile, Brock's obligations are forcing him even further into the role of spy, right when Zed needs a friend more than ever. I'm quite ready for the third book!
-
4 1/2 stars
As with the first book, the second book in this series is a great middle grade read. It combines normal things that kids will relate to like brushing their teeth with fighting monsters and magic. It creates a place where kids can see how hard making choices are. NOT whether or not to brush your teeth but things like how discrimination and race make people funny. And whether or not you just do what everyone wants you to or do what's right in your heart.
The relationships between the four main characters and the added new one is this book will keep kids interested, I know it did me. The characters are complex and interesting. They aren't perfect but they are easy to like. These guys do have you thinking and that's an important quality for a middle grade book. It's not predictable and it holds the reader in this world that has lots of issues. I loved that even kids could make an impact on this world.
The story moves quickly, again holding you in the story. There is a lot of fighting with monsters, action that will draw in the boys and strong girls that will draw in the girls.
Certainly can't wait for book three! -
Another engaging and adventure filled instalment in the Adventurers Guild series. I have been reading this series to my 9 year old son and we are so far enjoying it immensely.
This book follows the adventurers as they strive to retake the Elven City overrun by Dangers and return it to the Elven people. I liked how the book showed how the distrust between the friends could grow into something larger than it really was, a good lesson for the young. Also the continuing arcs of friendship and trust continue to be important and sprinkled in amongst the ghastly monsters and edge of your seat battles.
There is a pretty cool twist at the end as well which although maybe slightly foreshadowed I definitely was surprised by its completeness and it has us both pretty excited to read the final chapter of the series. -
I enjoyed this even more then the first. So much fun and adventure. The friendships have really grown.
I also appreciated that they dealt with the topic of refugees, racism and discrimination in a really respectful way. Perfect for a middle grade audience. -
This was a real struggle.
The book wasn’t necessarily bad, I just want invested in a single element of this story.
Maybe the time has come. Maybe I’ve overgrown middle grade for good. -
"Zed awoke early the next morning, still groggy from the night's celebrations. His teeth ached from too much ambrosia. Zed's mother would pop a kettle if she knew he'd fallen asleep without brushing again, but dental hygiene didn't factor high among his concerns these days. Just two nights agao, his bedtime routine had involved tugging Liza's arm out of the jaws of a monster."
I love how TWILIGHT OF THE ELVES combines the mundane and relatable (like brushing teeth) with magic and exciting adventures. This compelling book is the perfect follow up to the first book in the series. The characters are complex, filled with foibles, yet likable and overflowing with redeeming qualities. The relationships are real and raw and thought provoking. Themes of friendship, belonging, discrimination, romantic love, and identity make this a book that will resonate with all ages.
With a fast paced plot, mystery and magic, this book was incredibly fun to read. Zed's need to get to know his father, the shadow who wants Brock to spy, the discriminations within the Elven race, the Queen's secret agenda and more, make this book filled with intrigue. Many questions are left unresolved and I can't wait to read the next book in the series. -
Twilight of the Elves is an action packed, page turner that will keep you on the edge of your seats. This is a wonderful fantasy adventure for young children if read aloud, and perfect for slightly older children looking to delve into the fantasy genre.
The story itself wonderful, with perfect pacing. I highly recommend Twilight of the Elves. Considering the ending, I can't wait for book three. -
LOVED this book and LOVED the series!!
-
Nick EliopoulosI read this book once as a grandmother who has loved fantasy and SF for nearly seven decades. I plan to read it again to my near-7-year-old grandson as soon as we finish reading The Chamber of Secrets together. He knows I have the entire Adventurer's Guild series and has perused the covers, the inside cover maps and images, and the appendix of monsters at the end of volume 1. He is excited to join the Adventurers.
I was intrigued by the introduction of the various Dangers and the next level of beastly antagonists since they ring very familiar to readers already enamored of the fantasy genre. As a student of Celtic mythology, I was particularly impressed with the appearance of the Ban-shea. Fans will also notice a very canny resemblance to ragged ghostly shades in another popular fantasy series. I also think the authors have offered, among the many creatures in this book, a somewhat softened introduction to the undead, very appropriate for the ages to which this series is pitched. And I loved scenes where the young warriors converse with sorrowful but nonetheless terrifying dracolich.
Above all, I love the joy of language with which Mr. Clark and Mr. Eliopulos have woven this narrative. There are, as noted by almost every reviewer, child-identifying and character-defining jokes and insults. There are turns of phrase that are elegant and lovely. But, above all, there are also kernels of philosophy rendered appropriate to the audience and the characters speaking those lines. The discussion about understanding dangerous and incomprehensible things, equating "complete understanding" with "the worst children's fantasy" is filled with deep psychological insights as well as offering us a metatextual nudge from the authors.
The most moving part of this particular book, however, was in the ancillary story of refugees and the origins of inter- and intra-species warfare in Terryn. My favorite line in the entire book may be, "A place is only as good as the individuals who shape it." Twilight of the Elves often reminded me of Susanne Collins' Underland series for this same age range, especially the third book, Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods, which introduces very young readers to concepts like nationalism, expansionism, unintended consequences, and the true costs and horror of war. Many of these same ideas are the bones underlying The Adventurer's Guild.
I cannot wait to read this again through the eyes of an astute young child. -
Twilight of the Elves (Adventurer’s Guild #2) by Zack Clark and Nick Eliopulos, 384 pages. Disney, NOVEMBER 2018. $17
Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (lots of fighting undead creatures)
EL, MS – ADVISABLE
After the elves fled the evil necromancer who raised their dead and destroyed their city, they have uneasily settled into the former marketplace in Freestone. Zed, Brock, and the others have saved Freestone once, now the elves want them to save Llethanyl, too. But things are more complicated now that they aren’t just trying to find their place within the Adventurer’s Guild. Zed and Brock are both keeping dark secrets from each other. These secrets may not only destroy their friendship, but also the world. The journey to Llethanyl will be filled with danger, but between grit, luck, and skill, the Adventurer’s may have a chance.
Kids who have read the first book will enjoy this one just as much. The action alone will keep young readers coming back for more. The author pair has a good chance to become as beloved as Brandon Mull. In the future, however, I think they need to spare a little time for more character development – while there is a bit, it is pretty shallow. They also need to stop setting up the next book at the end of the last one. If the writing is strong enough, you don’t need to shove your story arc in your readers’ faces. They will come back for more because you gave them a strong, complete story to love. Rant over.
Cindy, Middle School Librarian
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018... -
Zed, Brock, Liza, Micah, and Jett are back to survive dangers and deceptions. Spoiler Alert - At the end of the first book in the series the elves arrived to report that their city had fallen. The town of Freestone allowed the refugees inside its walls, but the situation is uneasy (and that is putting it mildly). The Rangers of the elves have taken shelter with the Adventurers Guild and their youngest member, Fel, has joined the five friends in their training. When a party is sent to scout a possible return to the elven city of Llethanyl, the youngsters find themselves outside the safety of Freestone and in the wilderness where Dangers could be behind every bush or stone.
Besides the creatures who try to kill them(ranging from shapeshifting things with really large teeth to deadly spores and even banshees), there are also plenty of intrigue and cross-purposes to ruin everyone's day. The shadowy figure who wants Brock to discover secrets, Zed's desire to learn more about his elven father, the prejudices within the elven party against some of their own people, the elven queen's true agenda...all of these push and pull at the characters and influence their actions. And within this fantasy setting, there are still everyday themes of friendship, family, belonging, identity, prejudice, and the stirrings of teenage romance as the adventurers make their way toward Llethanyl.
Readers who enjoyed the first outing and have been waiting for the next installment in the series will be glad to reunite with the characters they know and to learn more about the newcomers. Those who are just discovering the Adventurers Guild can jump in and give this a try, and then they will probably want to go back and read about how this crew got their start once they reach the end of the book.
Highly recommended for middle grade readers who enjoy fantasy adventure. I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley. -
4.5/5 stars
This review and many more can be found on my blog:
Feed Your Fiction Addiction
I thought this second book was even better than the first. This installment had all the adventurous and magical elements of the first book, but those aspects of the book were intensified. I also found myself laughing more, and the worldbuilding was stronger. I thought the first book did a pretty good job of these things, but this second book definitely outshone it.
But the thing that I loved most about this one was the social commentary. The elves have been herded into Freestone and are pretty much under guard. The humans look at them with suspicion---partially just because they're different and partially because they believe the elves brought their city's destruction down on themselves. In today's political and social climate, it's not hard to see some parallels there. Plus, we learn that the elves themselves have a society that has been at war with itself and certain factions are looked down on and treated as second-class citizens. (I will say that both the authors are white---and I am too---so it would be interesting to read the opinions of some POC readers, but I thought that they handled the plight of the elves very well and that the messages are positive.)
Oh, and once again, the ending has a twist that will send our heroes down a completely new path for book three!
This series is a perfect blend of adventure and heart!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.*** -
The first book in this series was one of my favorites from last year, but unfortunately this second one just did not work for me.
In the first book, we learned about the setting: Some fantasy world (or future Earth?), where "Dangers" (monsters) have taken over. Almost all people (humans, elves, dwarves) have been killed by the Dangers, just a few cities are left, protected by walls, men, and magic.
In this second book, the main characters from the first book set out to try to save one of the cities lost to Dangers.
Right from the beginning, I had problems with this book. I'm sure as an author, it's hard to balance how much recapping to do in a series -- do you add enough recap to bring people who haven't reread the earlier books up to speed? Or do you write for some future reader who is reading all the books one after another? Unfortunately the authors used the latter choice, and so I spent most of the book going "Wait, who was that again? Why is he here? Is this a new character or just one I forgot?".
I never hated this book, but from early on, I was bored with it (not helped at all by not knowing/remembering who most of the characters are). I could have reread the first book, so maybe that issue is on me. Because I had enjoyed the first one, I stuck with this one a lot longer than I usually would have, finally giving up at the 84% mark.
When the third book comes out (assuming there is one), maybe I'll reread the first two before I check it out. -
With a series title like The Adventurers Guild, I jumped into this world expecting a fantasy adventure, and the author duo delivers. The world building is one of my favorite parts of this series, and this time the focus is on the elves. I enjoyed learning more about elvish culture and discovering new Dangers outside the walls.
The squad provides enjoyable friendship dynamics appropriate for their age group. I know that they rely upon each other and will fight for each other, but like any kids, they also get on each others’ nerves and enjoy making fun of each other. Especially Micah. He’s hilarious and one of my favorite characters.
The story alternates between Zed and Brock’s POVs. The two besties are still at odds with one another and unable to communicate because of their secrets. Despite their mutual desire to come clean with one another, they don’t know how to begin. These secrets not only threaten their friendship but create additional conflicts that threaten the larger group.
While the plot is formulaic, it does deliver the fantasy adventure that I expected jumping in. Things to know are that the adults are active participants. Much is left to the kids, but there are solid reasons why, and the adults still provide mentorship and have their opportunities to save the kids in turn. The ending wraps up quickly once the villainous mastermind is revealed, but we are given some plot developments that give me hope and have me worried for the squad’s future.
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Enjoyable read. The ending has me anticipating what will happen next! -
Reader thoughts: This book didn't hold my interest as well as the first book did. There wasn't enough information about what was going on or the magic behind the dangers and the infected people. The magic wasn't defined well enough (how tired does Zed get after using different magics? How powerful is he? How long does he need to recharge?), and I was distracted through much of the climax (abandoned city, a surprise bad guy, save the world, something, something).
Also, the tension between the elves and humans felt fake. The humans let the elves in. Why were they treating the elves like prisoners? Why can't anyone build extensions to the city if it is really so overcrowded? You know, send some workers out to build a new wall around some new fields and then adjust the magical barrier to include that section too. Right? Wouldn't that be easier than just locking everyone up?
The tension between Brock and Zed felt fake too. Why won't they just talk to each other?? They're best friends! Arg!
I'll probably read the next one.
Writer thoughts: I suppose the author is using discrimination against the elves as a plotline because many readers can relate with seeing or experiencing discrimination. Then, if readers can relate, they feel sympathetic toward the characters and can see themselves in the story better. -
✧⚝⭑Twilight of the Elves⭑⚝✧
Elves flee to Freestone in desperation as their home, Llethanyl, is overtaken by danger. The Adventurers Guild sends out a couple of their people to journey to the elves' home. Yet Brock and Zeds' friendship is crumbling as they become more distant. Brock is sick and tired of working as a spy and wants to find a way to escape the Lady. Animals that have purple eyes are getting rabid. Together, elves, sorcerers, mages, and humans must work together to stop the Dangers.
I wanted more answers to questions than questions with no answers. This book provided a lot of questions. I wanted the secondary cast of characters to be more complex. I wanted the two main characters to feel more complex. I wanted certain parts of the story to be more focused on. Certain plot points were supposed to lead to a climax but instead just slowly deflated.
This book seemed to go full circle in certain parts. I found the elves interesting, however, and that kept me reading. What I liked was that Brock and Zed's were growing distant, which added a touch of realism about how friends drift apart and don't stay super close any longer. This book wasn't just my favorite in the series, but I will read the last book.
⛔PLOT
🆗CHARACTERS
🆗PLOT TWIST -
TWILIGHT OF THE ELVES is the second installment in the Adventurers Guild. With Freestone overpopulated with the elves, tensions are high, especially since humans and elves have different ways of doing things. For example, burning the dead compared to burying the dead. The Dangers are still a large problem and Zed, Brock, and their friends must join together for another adventure.
Throughout the story, Brock and Zed have their problems, but the power of friendship is strong. When they're sent by the Queen of the Elves to help save Llethanyl, their strength is put to the test. I don't want to give anything away, but the ending is surprising and amazing. What happens to Zed... just wow and I can't wait for the next one.
TWILIGHT OF THE ELVES is full of action, adventure, and the trials of friendship. Those who enjoyed the first in the series will love this one. I love how it alternates POV between Brock and Zed. It gives us more insight into what's going on.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to fans of action, adventure, magic, and elves. -
Zed and his friends managed to save Freestone from being destroyed, but, the fight has just begun. A dark power has risen up in the elven city which has caused their dead to rise again. As the elves flee to Freestone, the natives are filled with resent towards the elves as resources become scarce. The leader of the elves, Queen Me'Shala, reaches out to the Adventurers Guild with a mission to take back the elven city.
Zed with his friends take on the mission to tackle the powerful magic taking over the elven city. The friends will have to rely on each other if they want to destroy the evil forces. However, Zed and his best friend, Brock are keeping secrets from each other. Will they be able to trust each other to complete the mission?
I found this book to be a fun and interesting read. It reminds me a bit of Warcraft and Lord of the Rings. However, this is the second book in the series and while it could be read as a stand-alone, I think it would be best to read the book in order. Overall, a fun read for anyone who loves fantasy novels. -
Another fantastic book in The Adventurers Guild series! My eleven-year-old daughter actually read this first and told me I HAD to read it. We both loved the first book so reading this one was a no-brainer.
The book picks up shortly after the last one ends. The elves are refugees in the human city, and things are not going well. The two groups cannot get along and each day brings more and more conflict to the city. In a desperate attempt to solve the situation and restore the elves to their own city, a small group (including Brock, Zed, and their friends) decide to recapture the elves' city from the Lich (the sorcerer responsible for destroying the elves' home).
What's not to love? Magic, necromancy, adventure, monsters...it's all there. My daughter and her friends LOVE this series. And it's not hard to see why. It's monstrous fun. There are surprises around every corner and enough suspense to keep readers on their toes.
And undead elves? Yes, please.
Content: Suspense, perilous situations, and violence.
Source: The publisher sent me an advanced reader's copy. -
This is a fun story in the Adventurers Guild series.
I love the group of kids who form the Adventurers Guild. They are like a bunch of misfits because they don’t really belong anywhere else. There was a lot of tension between Zed and Brock, the two main characters, because they are both keeping secrets from one another. The characters got a little confusing at times because there were so many new ones, such as the elves they travelled with, and some characters have similar names.
I was reminded of Game of Thrones throughout this story. There were different creatures and species, such as dragons. The elves play an important role in this story. The Adventurers Guild has to try and help the elves get rid of the Lich, which is causing all of their dead to spring to life and attack. Their trek reminded me of when the characters in Game of Thrones go beyond the wall. This story is like a kid-friendly version of Game of Thrones.
I really enjoyed this action-packed story! This is a great series!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. -
I was pretty absorbed in this book and I am compelled to read the next installment because this one leaves so much unfinished business. I don't like it when books don't resolve things but leave you needing to read the next. Sometimes I don't read the next book, almost in protest, but I seem to be too sucked in for that in this case.
I don't think this book is as good as the first in the series, and there is a weird discrepancy between the two books. In the second book, it sounds as if the whole guild is composed of the characters we have met, whereas in the first book there are lots of other guild members, swinging from chandeliers, etc. I do really like almost all of the characters in these books, and they are engaging on multiple levels. So I guess perhaps I don't mind too much "having" to read the next. -
I loved the characters development but at the same time I hated it. The characters were able to develop emotionally but I wish Brock and Zed didn’t grow so far apart. In the first book they had such a strong bond and I missed that in this book. They each created a bond with another character but it wasn’t as strong as the one between Brock and Zed in the first book.
I did really love Zed’s fondness with the elves as he discovers that missing part of him! And the plot was great!!! Overall it’s a 4.5 stars! -
The second book in the series was even better than the first.
The Dangers weren't even the biggest thing to fear in this book. It was the 'friends' of the Freestone's.
Getting to see a group of Elves living outside the walls of a city, and surviving all these years was an interesting twist I wasn't expecting (as well as the turning of events once everyone reached the throne room).
But the biggest twist doesn't happen until the final few pages.
Zed may be wishing he wouldn't have looked for a charm after this latest problem. -
I can't say that this is the best fantasy I've ever read but it is decent and enjoyable. Zed has grown on me though he can be a bit wimpish. I like Fel, the wood elf ranger quite a lot. And I especially liked the depiction of elves in this book and the three different types of elves. Very cool! I should say to that this series is excellent and completely safe for middle schoolers and fits that age group well. These books remind me of a Richard Riordan book quite a bit and that's not a bad thing.
-
I got this from NetGalley to review.
I read the first book and enjoyed it enough to get the second. While neither are likely to hold the lasting charm of say, Narnia, they are interesting enough stories. At times a smidge didactic, there were some moments of humor and with that made me chuckle out loud. Good stories for young readers who like adventure, though there is an undertone that may bother some more sensitive or younger readers (blackmail, sorcery, etc). -
I generally cannot believe how much I loved this book, it just proved to be that sometimes "kids books" are better than YA. This first one was good, but this one is on another level. The plot kept enfolding and it revealed more and more layers. Most of the plot twists got me pretty good. I really just loved this book front to back, and boy that cliffhanger has me intrigued. Can't wait to read the last one.
