Rosie Morgan

My first thought is not kind: This author has no concept of how commas work. The higher Lexile on this series is in large part due to runon sentences that would benefit from the use of commas to separate the phrases and clauses. When she does use commas, they’re where a semi-colon is necessary.

So much for the highly technical part of this review.

As a fan of Arthurian myth and modern-day adaptations, I enjoyed the overall premise of this series. The narrative suffers from a lot of long descriptions of what’s happening or what characters are feeling and an occasional lack of action and showing emotion through dialogue and action.

Much of the main trio’s discovery of unfolding events is through overhearing adults talk. They seem to figure out very little through their own initiative. Indeed, the protagonist, Arthur, rather passively accepts his role as Guardian of Wales, as do his friends of their own parts in the preservation of their country.

Speaking of main trio—a boy who is the chosen one. His best friends, one goofy male and one smart female—who also have roles to play in defeating evil. Sound familiar?

The author obviously loves her homeland. I may even be (very distantly) related to her, given that my Morgan ancestors emigrated from Wales in the 1600s. Her artistic representations at the beginnings of chapters are lovely.

While middle-grade literature doesn’t need to be super-sophisticated, the narrative here is just a little too basic to be really engaging. I will probably read others in the series, because I hate to leave a story unfinished, but I am not sure I would recommend that anyone go out of their way to find these.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Children in perilous situations. Some frightening bits—especially the Crow Man. Children occasionally disobey adults. Fantasy elements, if you are opposed to such things. No cursing.

Who Would Like This Book:
Fans of Arthurian myth, those who enjoyed the Harry Potter group dynamic. While the protagonist is male, Tamar is definitely a strong female character. There are many other female characters, both good and evil. People who can disregard poor conventions and storytelling and just enjoy the plot. It’s aimed at 10-14, and I’d say that’s about right. Approximate Lexile: 1080.… (meer)

My first thought is not kind: This author has no concept of how commas work. The higher Lexile on this series is in large part due to runon sentences that would benefit from the use of commas to separate the phrases and clauses. When she does use commas, they’re where a semi-colon is necessary.

So much for the highly technical part of this review.

As a fan of Arthurian myth and modern-day adaptations, I enjoyed the overall premise of this series. The narrative suffers from a lot of long descriptions of what’s happening or what characters are feeling and an occasional lack of action and showing emotion through dialogue and action.

Much of the main trio’s discovery of unfolding events is through overhearing adults talk. They seem to figure out very little through their own initiative. Indeed, the protagonist, Arthur, rather passively accepts his role as Guardian of Wales, as do his friends of their own parts in the preservation of their country.

Speaking of main trio—a boy who is the chosen one. His best friends, one goofy male and one smart female—who also have roles to play in defeating evil. Sound familiar?

The author obviously loves her homeland. I may even be (very distantly) related to her, given that my Morgan ancestors emigrated from Wales in the 1600s. Her artistic representations at the beginnings of chapters are lovely.

While middle-grade literature doesn’t need to be super-sophisticated, the narrative here is just a little too basic to be really engaging. I will probably read others in the series, because I hate to leave a story unfinished, but I am not sure I would recommend that anyone go out of their way to find these.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Children in perilous situations. Some frightening bits—especially the Crow Man. Children occasionally disobey adults. Fantasy elements, if you are opposed to such things. No cursing.

Who Would Like This Book:
Fans of Arthurian myth, those who enjoyed the Harry Potter group dynamic. While the protagonist is male, Tamar is definitely a strong female character. There are many other female characters, both good and evil. People who can disregard poor conventions and storytelling and just enjoy the plot. It’s aimed at 10-14, and I’d say that’s about right. Approximate Lexile: 1080.… (meer)