Kate O'HearnBesprekingen

This book isn't terrible, but it's quite frustrating. I think the problem is that I don't believe Freya -- I don't believe in her hatred for humanity that is so swiftly turned on its head, I don't believe in the hard and fast rules of Odin's world, because nobody else seems to believe in them, either -- there's a pretty huge amount of defiance on from all levels of his dominion, so it's hard to take the dire warnings seriously. There's a whole lot more tell than show, and it undercuts both the characters and the story.

Advanced Reader's Copy provided by Edelweiss.

I am miles and miles and miles away from being obsessive and compulsive, yet I do have a completion-ist streak in me. That is the only excuse I offer for continuing to read this series of books. It isn’t that they are bad, or horrible. There is nothing Meyer-Twilight-horrific enough to keep me reading because I just can’t look away from the wrongness of it all. But at the same time, this is not a good book.
Action and adventure and flying horses. That’s why I read the first one. Why I read the second… well, it could have improved. It didn’t really, but it was more of the same. Enough to let me know that while this series of books was perfectly adequate for certain tastes, it wasn’t for mine. I like character. Well drawn characters. This does not have that.
It has a very simplistic plot and very simplistic characters. I don’t write that to knock the book. That is what it is aiming to be, I think and hope :) and there is nothing wrong with children’s books being just that. Of course the very best of children’s books have layers and complexity. This doesn’t.
It is a simple story, and it is told in an entertaining fashion. With battles and action galore. It has people standing up for what they believe in, occasionally they may not do the “correct” thing, but they try to do the right thing. So it’ll pass an afternoon, and I think that if I was a child this would be a book that I would love.

As I said about the first book, this is a children’s book and is written for its market. Which means that it isn’t too concerned with character twists and darkness, or subverting genres, or any of that sort of thing. Instead it sets out to tell a story, an adventure story with some myth thrown in to the mix.

Emily used to be an ordinary New York school child, but now she is the Flame of Olympus, but her father is still in the hands of the evil CRU and she intends to rescue him, with or without Jupiter’s help. But she also has to worry about her new powers and her lack of control over them. She runs the risk of hurting the very people she is trying to help. And to cap it off the dangerous Nirads are back!

This is a quick and easy read. It is entertaining enough but it wouldn’t be a book I’d revisit. If I was a child though, well maybe :) It is full of action and there is rarely a dull moment, so it is very easy to just keep on reading until you suddenly come to the end, there isn’t a dull moment.

Plus, you know my previously mentioned weakness for horses (even if Pegasus isn’t really a horse).

I really disliked this. From the frustrating plot to the equally frustrating characters, I did a lot of skimming. The premise of a Valkyrie who doesn't think she can do her job was so interesting, but the story very quickly/strangely moved into a crusade against bullies. And as a result, I don't think it works well as a mythology retelling or as a story about bullying.

The writing is very basic, with short sentences and simple vocabulary, so it could be a good fit for a struggling reader. But, honestly, I disliked it so much I don't think I'd recommend it when there are so many other books about similar mythology that are better. And this isn't the book's fault but OMG I WASTED TIME READING THIS WHEN I COULD HAVE BEEN READING A MILLION OTHER THINGS. I just need some good middle grade that will appeal to 6th graders, people. This decidedly didn't fit the bill and now I'm just cranky and still behind on my school visit reading. UGH.

Warning there might be spoilers in this review. I loved this book so much! It really opened up Norse Mythology for me and to you folks that say there is made up stuff, the author actually says that she did that. She said she made up the Dark Searchers 'cause she couldn't find any evidence of 'Odin's Police Force'. Also she said she added in the Angels of death. I really liked how the book showed a lot of Norse Mythology. One problem I did have was that it was a little bit predictable, but over-all I just LOVED it!

Cute, fun, simple. For fans of Percy Jackson, early Harry Potter, early Fablehaven.½

It wasn't horrible, but I wouldn't recommend it, either. The mythology is off just enough to be annoying, the main character is selfish and short-sighted, and the writing is mediocre at best. But, several of the supporting characters are endearing and it's inspired by Norse myths, so it's not quite disappointing enough to just be a one-star book.

A fast-paced story for younger teens who enjoy horses, mythical beings and adventure. An enjoyable read.

There is no shortage of action in this fantasy adventure. Kira and Elsbeth are wonderful characters. They are well developed and genuine. My only quibble is that Elsbeth seems a bit mature for her age (8). Paradon is as his name suggests - a paradox. Sometimes his magic works, sometimes it does not, and that offer comic relief to what can be a dark story at times. Although this is really Kira's journey, I liked how the author gave Dane a voice. It allowed him to be the "voice in the prison" and set context for things Kira and Elsbeth could not know. All in all this was very enjoyable, and I am going to head to the library in hopes of finding Book Two.

Read whether we recommend buying or borrowing this book in the full review at The Reading Tub®. You can add your review, too.

I loved it! I find the mixes between earth and Olympus very interesting and sometimes funny.

I was given this by the publisher and was surprised to find how much I enjoyed it. Very much a Percy Jackson for girls. I do prefer Percy Jackson but this is highly commendable and just gets better and better as it goes on. Well worth read.

I was given this by the publisher and was surprised to find how much I enjoyed it. Very much a Percy Jackson for girls. I do prefer Percy Jackson but this is highly commendable and just gets better and better as it goes on. Well worth read.

First of all, I don't know any Roman Olympian named Paelen so this book didn't appeales much to me unlike Percy Jackson's. Uh, I didn't mean to compare it but you know, you just can't help it if you really like that series. >_
So... the story is pretty unique. And it's because the female MC is human, not a demigod... er... yeah. Then as I've mentioned, Paelen, is the other MC. Anddddd... There's Pegasus too! Pretty cool that he's also included there.

I like the Greek's version rather than the Roman Myth. So I know I might be biased about it... But still... Apparently, I've got lots of compassion since I got teary eyed quite a lot of times. :/ I felt bad foe the horses too. :(

Hey, Pegasus is not a Horse... A Stallion then? What's the difference, they're both horse to me. ;) Oh don't let Diana know I said that. She might wring my neck. :o I actually remember Percy cause Diana could talk to Pegasus. :)

A pretty good read, once I started it, it grows on you. 4 stars.

A well deserved 4.5 stars and rounded it up! OMG. I got teary eyed. :o That last part with Jupiter and Emily? I can feel Emily's compassion and well, it got me teary eyed.

I didn't know I would like Alexis the Sphinx too. She's so wise and well, she's also strong and loyal. I didn't even got all her riddles correctly. LMAO. My guessed at the last one was SUN. :D LOL, even Frankie the kid can answer it. I skipped the "like a diamond" part.

Emily Jacobs' power is still growing as days go by. This book was about the CRU (as always) now cloning the Olympians. Emily and friends went back to Earth to see the clone of Pegasus without Jupiter knowing it. And the story progress in Earth, getting CRU's attention again when they got there. And ultimately trying to convince Jupiter not to turn the Solar Stream towards the Earth.

I like the Big Three. I like how Pluto's reasonable and how he still stays in Olympus unlike the other Myths saying that he's underground and all that. And he's not like the Pluto I imagined. Oh you know, Pluto is not really that nice Olympian as far as I have read at other books. So this one is a nice change.

I like the Nirads too. It's pretty cool to have them in the series and now they work together with the Olympians. Oh, I also love how the Olympians accepted the New Olympians and offered to take them to Olympus. It's nice there's no longer an animosity between them. But it's pretty weird to picture Dianas in Olympus. :o

I love this third book! Yay! I'm onto the fourth one soon. :)

EDIT: I just remembered what I thought of yesterday before I finished this book... Emily Jacobs reminds me of Jean Grey. Her powers are so like Jean. Maybe that's where O'Hearn gets the idea of Emily's powers?

Emily Jacobs was reborn like a phoenix. :O I don't even know what to say about this! But it's really good. :) I really liked it, the story got me reading until I got hungry. Hehehe. Can't help it.

Cupid's charming power against the men is funny for me. Although I know it's bad to do it, as Cupid said that he 'broke' them. :( But still, I laughed when the men wink at him and blew kisses to Cupid. LOL.

First half... WHAT. THE. I hate JP for making me read this book... Just saying cause he knows that I'll end up crying because of this book. >:( Isn't he so mean?

First off, Emily finally discovered what she really is. She's not an Olympian nor a human. She is the last Xan. Xans are powerful creatures. And gentle, they are helping different worlds found in the Solar Stream. They help the people who live in the dying worlds and get them a place in Xanadu. I always put spoiler in a tag late. :-/ Anyway, knowing what she is, doesn't mean that one should go ballistic or anything and be sorry for yourself you're not like your friends. Just accept the truth and live on. :/

Second, when that problem arises, I was so devastated... Just like I said I hated JP for making me read this book. :( I cried because of Jupiter and all of the Olympians. I even want to hate the author for doing this to me, us readers. :( And Pegasus! OMG. Pegasus, sweet stallion, Pegasus. :( Ah, this is really a hard one when you became attach to the characters.

Third, CRU is so freakin' annoying and repetitive that I just want this book to end when they showed up again. I was like "Why is it so long?! End it now please!" Why oh why did they have to be in here? >:( I seriously debated with myself if I should finish this book because of the damned CRU.

Fourth, EMILY IS SO FREAKIN' ANNOYING THE HECK OUT OF ME. I know that she got those problems and worry and all that crap but please! You do not have the right to become an arrogant girl or whatever just because you feel pressured and hopeless. Gah! It was so annoying reading Emily go insane and supernova.

That scene with Stella? When they first saw each other? I wanted to smack Emily down for being such a bitch. She could ask nicely! I know there's a lot of stake, but girl! Where're your manners! Your daddy taught you better than that. ARGH! Stupid little insolent girl! >:( BUT as much as Emily being infuriating, she's also loyal to the core. That's a good thing with her.

I love Young Jupe! :) He makes me blush too. LOL. :P And finally! I am done and yes, it did have it's happy ending! Hurray! I don't know if I love it, cause there's the annoying part. But I liked it enough. ;) And I like Agent B now.

Freya is about to turn fourteen, the time when she will take up full duties as a Valkyrie goddess. She will be an angel of death and collector of souls from humanity's battlefields to add to the warriors that fill Valhalla. But Freya is filled with dread at the thought of the soldiers that feast in Valhalla by night and practice their battle skills by day for all eternity. From her home in Asgard she wonders what it is to be human, whilst knowing that to touch one would cause their death.

During her first battlefield mission, Freya reaps the soul of a soldier with unfinished business and promises to help his troubled family. Always impulsive and often recklessness Freya sneaks away with the help of trickster Loki, breaking the rules and crossing Bifrost, the light bridge that connects Asgard to Midguard (Earth). Will helping the soldier's family fulfil her desire for to learn more about humanity?

Would have liked to see more character development and the ending was a bit predictable but a good story with a new concept.

Pegasus: The Flame of Olympus is incredible! Ever since I read this book , Katie O'Hearn has been one of my favorite authors of all time. The story of this book are so descriptive, it feels as if nothing else in the world matters.½

If your first reaction when reading this book's description is, “That kind of sounds like a Percy Jackson for girls,” then you’re thinking along the same lines as I was when I started reading this story. It turns out that The Flame of Olympus, Kate O’Hearn’s first book in her middle-grade “Pegasus” series, has a very different feel than Rick Riordan’s series and flies very well on its own wings.

When Olympus is overrun by multi-armed creatures named Nirads that cannot seem to be killed, Pegasus is sent to Earth by Jupiter to find The Flame of Olympus – a human with an ember of the Eternal Flame buried deep within. But when young Olympian thief Paelen attempts to intercept Pegasus to snatch his golden bridle and control the winged horse, Pegasus ends up crashing onto the roof of a New York apartment building while Paelen falls to Earth and is found by the authorities. The story then takes two directions, as Paelen is taken by a secret government agency named CRU (Central Research Unit) for interrogation and Emily and her friend Joel attempt to heal Pegasus and help him return to Olympus.

O’Hearn travels a different road with The Flame of Olympus than Riordan does with “Percy Jackson.” In her world, the Roman gods and mythical creatures are actually revealed to the general populace when Nirads attack NYC and Pegasus flies down Fifth Ave. She also takes a darker tone with the inclusion of the CRU, especially Agent J (a possible nod to Men in Black?) who will do anything to hunt down, examine and destroy any non-human entities. The tone was the biggest surprise for me with this book; it may be a bit too dark for very young middle-graders but should be fine for anyone who has read “Percy Jackson.” I couldn’t help but see Agent J as the actual villain of this piece; torturing children is not something he has a problem with, and when he finally has Emily, Joel, Roman goddess Diana and Pegasus in his control they are not treated well. Only Paelen’s skills as a thief provide a ray of hope and an opportunity for Pegasus to complete his mission. While the tone was unexpected it was not unpleasant, and the pacing of the story was brisk and engaging.

Character development is not very deep, but there was enough for me to feel connected to the characters. Emily was a wonderful heroine, brave and compassionate. She was determined to help Pegasus find the Flame and fought through fear and injury to do so. We first see Emily’s bravery when she recruits Joel to assist her with Pegasus. Joel is a new student with an extremely tough reputation, but she has seen him drawing pictures of winged horses and believes he may be the only one who will help her. I really liked Joel – he WAS tough, but he was also excited to find the myths he had grown up with were real. Each teen had tragedy in their past, but Pegasus helped bring them together and gave them a purpose bigger than their sadness. Paelen was a bit harder to sympathize with; the way he abandoned Olympus and the gods who needed his assistance showed a lack of character that was definitely not admirable. Thankfully, his character did develop a conscience and some backbone as the story progressed so that by the end I felt more invested in him. Providing Paelen with a reason to grow was Agent J; after he was treated so badly by J, Paelen was determined that Pegasus not go through the same. Agent J added some serious menace to the story, and his lack of conscience was chilling. I think he is going to be just as tough to defeat as the Nirads in future books.

While Kate O’Hearn’s The Flame of Olympus is treading familiar territory with teenagers interacting with gods and goddesses of Olympus in the city of Manhattan, she takes a very different approach adding in a secret government agency and allowing her mythical characters to be seen by regular people. The tone darkens as the book progresses and might be slightly disturbing to very young middle-graders, but for most pre-teens and up it is fine. Characters are generally easy to connect with, especially young heroine Emily, and swift pacing keeps the story moving. Middle-graders and adults who enjoy adventure stories with mythology mixed in will want to give The Flame of Olympus a try.

this was a really interesting premise. olympus is invaded and only pegasus and two human teens can save it and the gods. unfortunately, it wasn't as well done as I hoped. in many places the language plodded along making the story seem to limp and stutter. it just didn't have a smooth delivery. the characters weren't very well developed and I didn't really believe in them.

Paradon's spell goes awry and leaves one girl 3,000 years in the past and the other 3,000 years in the future. They have to survive and learn how to live long enough to get out of where they are and fulfil the prophecy to free the women in their world.

While it was largely interesting it was also somewhat dissatisfying. Linking one of the characters magic to his alignment was a bit iffy, surely he could have learnt new methods of accessing magic? Particularly when he had an incentive? Overall though it's an interesting series and a fun read.½

Following on from Kira, the first book in the ‘Shadow of the Dragon’ series, this is the story of her younger sister Elspeth. In book one the girls escaped Lord Dorcon and fled to Rogue Mountain. In this story they meet up with a wizard named Paradon and attempt to free their family from the tyrannical King Arden. To do this they will need Paradon’s help to travel three seasons into the future. Unfortunately Paradon’s spells often go wrong, and in this case Kira is sent 3000 seasons into a modern future, whilst Elspeth and her fox, Onnie, are sent the same number of seasons into the past. There are new, unknown dangers in these worlds to face. Elspeth grows up as she waits years for her family to find her. Meanwhile in Kira’s world an ancient Paradon has been waiting all this time to help her fulfil the prophecy they discovered in book 1.

Another great instalment in this fantasy adventure series. This was fast-paced and interesting, a great read.

First in a series called ‘Shadow of the Dragon’. Twelve year old Kira is the daughter of a retired dragon knight and longs to work with the wild and unfriendly dragons herself. Her yearning for adventure is curtailed by the draconian laws of the kingdom. According to the law, girls must be married by the age of thirteen, cannot be educated, hunt, fight or even leave home without an escort. The penalty for disobedience is death.

Lord Dorcon arrives with his knights at Kira’s home and captures her father, mother and brother, Dane, to serve in the war the brutal king has instigated. While Lord Dorcon is burning their home, Kira and her younger sister, Elspeth hide in the fields. They become fugitives, under penalty of death, hunted by Lord Dorcon and his men. Kira’s father and brother are sent to the dragon army, her sister Kahrin imprisoned with the other unmarried girls in the appalling Lasser Commons, and her mother made a servant.

Kira and Elspeth flee to Rogue Mountain, the domain of the vicious escaped dragon Ferarchie. Elspeth can communicate with animals, a skill which allows them to tame one of Ferarchie’s offspring who was tossed out of the nest by his larger brother. A wizard tells them of the reason for the draconian laws; the prophecy that a girl with a dragon will bring down their unjust king. Kira’s brother Dane is able to join in their struggle and becomes a co-narrator as Kira struggles to protect her younger sister, rescue her family, and fulfil the prophecy that will free the people.

This is a fast paced, fantasy action adventure with a strong female protagonist. Its undercurrents include human rights, slavery, animal cruelty and injustice. This series is sure to become one of our classic fantasy stories. Thoroughly enjoyable and highly recommended.

Kira is twelve, time for her, according to the law, to get married. The law is very proscriptive about women and girls and she's not happy. She's made even unhappier when soldiers of the king turn up, take her family away and she's on the run with her younger sister, Elspeth. Their adventures and the adventures of her brother, Dane, press-ganged into the Dragon Knights make for an interesting story.

I enjoyed it, would have liked a few more details occasionally but otherwise a good read.

"This wonderful series has strong feminine characters that girls (and parents) will love. Kira is worried about her family, the fact that she is breaking the law and could be put to death - but determination and knowing that it's up to her to save her family makes her do what needs to be done. You will find that you thoroughly enjoy this book, the situations are fun and you will find that you feel like you are part of the story.

Boys will thoroughly enjoy this series also - The girl's brother and one of his friends are involved in the war, training dragons, swordplay and more. Boys will find enough to keep their interest and I'm sure you will have all the kids acting out the story soon afterwards.