HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY: Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 3: The Wyverns' Treasure by R. L. Lafevers

Happy Monday to you fellow insatiable readers!

I hope your weekend was filled to the brim with good times and the week treats you well.  To help get you started off on the right foot, today's post is a happy happy one indeed.

That's right!

It's time to wish another book and fabulous author a HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY as their latest effort makes its way into the land of the published.  Today's celebration is for the third installment in a Middle Grade series that is perfect for readers of all ages.  Full of adventure, myth and lore all whilst incorporating a few well placed facts about the here and now.  Today's book of choice is....

Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 3:

The Wyverns' Treasure

by

R. L. Lafevers

illustrated by

Kelly Murphy

After their latest adventure (What's that?  You need a reminder?  Just check back to Friday's post, or click here...), Nate and Aunt Phil return home to an unexpected surprise....someone's been in their house! Well, perhaps in is not the right word here, more like ransacked!  Cornelius (the dodo bird that lives at Aunt Phil's) only escaped the intruder because he had been knocked out in the initial scuffle and the baddies thought he was stuffed. When asked who they were, he reveals the blackguard's face looked like....Philomena (Aunt Phil)! GASP!  But, wait a minute...how can THAT be?  She was with Nate solving the mystery of the Basilisk escape.... *ponders*

Oh no! It looks like one of the descendants (Obediah) of the eighth Fludd son (Octavious), the black sheep of the family as it were, is back and looking for quite more than a family reunion. As if this wasn't enough to take in, news travels to this world weary pair that the wyverns are rampaging near Wales...a situation that needs their IMMEDIATE attention!  What to do, what to do...but staying true to their family occupation of sorts they go where they must.  Wales, ahoy!  What will they find waiting for them in this new destination?  What on earth ARE wyverns and why would they rampage?  Strap in tight and be prepared for a bumpy ride as the Fludd Beastologists are on the case....

Let us begin with a small explanation.  What are wyverns?  Wyverns are one of the last surviving breeds of dragons in western Europe (according to the text). Apparently they can talk, but it's so low, it sounds like grumbles usually to the human ear, the use of an ear horn works to decipher it. They like shiny things, and mead...but not for an un-introduced person to look them in the eyes lest you prefer to be extra crispy on your way out...and that's just for starters!  Consider it Wyverns Training 101 if you will.  These facts come into play more than once as Aunt Phil and Nate try to figure out what exactly has them in an uproar...or perhaps whom.  *dun dun dunnnn*

This book reacquaints us, even if ever so briefly, with Cornelius the *ahem* "lovable" Dodo and housekeeper of sorts to Aunt Phil and freshly introduces new characters that will obviously play a vital role in upcoming stories.  Without spoiling it for you....we learn the true identity of the "mysterious man" that's been trying to abscond with the 'Fludd Book of Beasts' as well as a few good speculations as to why he is in hot pursuit.  The one question that is sadly alluded to but not ever really answered (at least not with concrete evidence as of yet...which leaves room for hope even if ever so small) is whether Nate's parents are really and truly gone or just merely being held captive by baddies we've yet to discover.  Either way, Nate is shaping up to be quite a marvelous young man.  He's brave and stout of heart, not afraid to do what's right despite the consequences and a marvelous reader of those in his care (aka the beastie friendlies...and non....that are in his charge).  There is a lovely example of this towards books end, but alas, to reveal it would spoil it for you...let's just say that he makes a few final decisions based on something he recognizes within himself that is reflected in another.  (Confused?  Hope not...but that's the most I can say while giving away the least!)

A few more things to love about this book...the author once again employs her unique ability to intertwine a fascinating story with lessons to be learned throughout.  You learn of Pavlov's experiments (you know, the dog and the bell and the behavior association...) as something similar is utilized within the book.  A fascinating spin on where geodes come from is also introduced although the truth of that matter may be more fiction than fact (it is fun to imagine though!).  The illustrations are once again a central feature that not only keep the book moving forward but allow for a little visual play time as well.  Check out the chapter headers....you'll see what I mean...definite props to the illustrator.  Lastly, I love how close the stories in the series fall in regards to the time line.  Books one through three cover a mere two weeks in the storyline....an unspoken promise of many adventures yet to come. Good!  I hate saying goodbye (even if it's just until the next re-read) to characters I love....

This book was scheduled to hit shelves everywhere today (10/04/10), so be on the look out at your favorite store or online retailer.  ALSO, special fun fact to note...the FOURTH book in the series, The Unicorn's Tale already has a listed release date as well (as of this post, 04/04/11) so once you finish this fun chapter, it won't be TOO much longer til you get to set out on your next adventure with Nate and Aunt Phil....I know my calendar's marked!  I mean not only is it in a series I've so far enjoyed immensely, it deals with UNICORNS (educated guess from the cover...see it over there --> ) which I've always loved!

ARC for review read via NetGalley.  (THANKS!)  To take a look at their current catalog of new and upcoming reads, visit them online or follow along on Twitter.  To find out more about the author, her website and Twitter feed are prime for the reading.  Last but not least, the publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and their extensive catalog of books are accessible via their website or...guess where?  Yep, Twitter!

Until next time...happy reading!

Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 2: The Basilisk's Lair by R. L. Lafevers

Hi there everyone!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers!

It's Friday.  The end of another week.  The gateway to the weekend.  Before you dust off your sneakers and run for the door, I present to you a suggested book to accompany you on your weekend reading adventures.  It's the second in a series, and the perfect magical, whimsical read for all ages.  Making it the first of the "Spooktacular Finds In Reading" for the month, let's get the review under way, shall we?  Today's book of choice is....

Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book 2:

The Basilisk's Lair

by

R. L. Lafevers

illustrated by

Kelly Murphy

Aunt Phil and Nathaniel have just helped save a phoenix so a little rest and relaxation is in their future, right?  WRONG!  That mysterious stranger that was out to steal the Fludd Book of Beasts is BACK and somehow seemingly at the root of their next problem....an escaped basilisk!  You know...the creature that can kill a man with its glance, wilt bushes with its breath and has poisonous venom highly prized by evil minds everywhere. ~shudders~ Yes, somehow this mythical beastie has been set lose of its humble domain and from the looks of it...it was intentional.  Who would want to create such havoc?  Better still, WHY?  If the beastologists are even going to try to decipher this mystery, they best keep their wits about them lest they reach a fate which would render them unable to assist...

What can I say....I read this throughout the course of one day...yep, that's right! Why? Why?  Because...it's just THAT good! Seriously, given the chance to work it's magic, you'll become a fast fan in no time.  I fell in love with the series after reading book one via NetGalley back in September 2009 (link to my review just in case you're curious), so when I discovered book three was coming out October  4th, 2010, I HAD to read it!  Now, I know, I know...this post is about book two, not three, but see there's a little story to that, which I'm about to share.  I discovered book three's release date when perusing the eBook site in search of a midday read.  Seeing that I had apparently missed book two's release, I searched the site, but to no avail.  Alas, I was torn!  I wanted to read book three, but could not (and would not) until I read book two.  As most of us are, I happened to be on Twitter at the time and lamented my lack of finding the second title.  No big deal, right?  Who DOESN'T do that!  Well, in this case, my random wail was heard...by the author! 

Yep, that's right!  Author R. L. Lafevers, fabulous person that she is, had been counted among my tweeps for some time (okay so since back in 2009 when I read the first book) as both someone I follow and that follows me back. *smile*  She happened to see my tweet and TADA!  I am now the proud owner of a SIGNED copy of book two!  ~happy dance~  It is proudly on display right next to the open spot for book one that I just happened to order a week or two prior to this incident....go figure.  So a BIG special thanks to this author for not only the book but for the fabulous series that it is a part of!  (Yes, I know I'm saying fabulous a lot here, consider it the word of the day because it just fits...)  With that said, on to my thoughts...

Book two was a definite joy to read as I stepped back into the world of Nathaniel Fludd and his newly found beastologist-in-training duties. In this book (as in the first), you get an adventure and a learning experience all in one...and guess what?  Younger readers not always up for a "fun learning experience"....won't even notice!  That's how well it blends into the story.  If readers have questions along the way or simply wish to refresh on some of the people, places, and things they learned along the way, Nathaniel's guide to all of these references is included at book's end.  Speaking of Nate....

You've got to love Nathaniel.  He always follows his heart, even if it happens to go against Aunt Phil's instructions; lucky for him, it usually pans out.  Actually, it's not so much luck that's on his side as there are plenty of unfortunate things that happen to him and around him (such as the whole reason he is even with his Aunt....his parents disappearance!), but more his use of critical thinking and the ability to apply both what he has learned AND observed.  Take his little pal Greasle for example (promise, this example won't ruin the story).  She's a gremlin, one of the very creatures that falls under their jurisdiction and yet considered a pest to be gotten rid of since they tend to suck every last drop of oil from things making engines and such not run quite so well.  Aunt Phil's first reaction, even in her esteemed wisdom, is to be rid of her, but not Nate.  Nate sees that she has the ability to go against the grain, holding her ingrained urges at bay, and become not only usual, but a friend (that aids them quite well when needed if I do say).  It's that type of heart and courage that will aid him in this adventure and many more to come....

Last but not least, we can't forget the illustrations.  That's right!  It may be a Middle Grade series (genre wise at least) but they did not forget to provide visual stimulation along the way.  Utilizing classic pencil drawing techniques, the illustrator, Kelly Murphy, takes things one step further by bringing the pictures to life in the line shading and character expressions.  Did I fail to mention that Nathaniel likes to draw during his expeditions as well?  I wonder what those would look like....oh, wait...I don't HAVE to wonder; they're included!  Even the chapter openers have illustrations, and in this case, they are bones.  The fun part of that?  See if you notice something that happens along the way in this space as the chapters progress.....it's subtle but a nice touch.

Recommended reading for all ages; whether young or young at heart, the magic will sweep you away.  Stay tuned for the book birthday of book three coming up on Monday (10/04/10) when it becomes available in a bookstore near you!  You can be sure we'll be celebrating it right here on the site, so check back in for a look at all the fun you're in store for.  For more information on author R. L. Lafevers or illustrator Kelly Murphy, feel free to click on the links throughout this post....believe me, there is much fun to be had at both of their sites.

Until next time....happy reading!

Imagination Takes Flight: The Flight of the Phoenix by R. L. Lafevers

It's six o'clock already I was just in the middle of a dream...dum dum dum dum dum dum dum ...I was kissing Valentino by a crystal blue Italian stream...dum dum dum dum dum dum dum... Oh!  Hello!  Sorry, I was just singing to myself!  It's been a crazy day and so the aforementioned lyrics are very appropriate!  (For those of you wondering what song it was, those lyrics are from Manic Monday by the Bangles...don't pretend you didn't recognize them!  But, if you didn't, now I saved you the trouble of Google-ing them!) 

Weekends never seem to last long enough and neither does spare time.....I always end up like little Oliver Twist (Please sir, May I have some more?).  Alas, Father Time is not gracious enough to grant my request, but somehow I manage to fool them anyway!  Between working, blogging, working, reading, working ...oh, I said that already...well let's just say it gets a bit chaotic on the schedule.  I did manage to squeeze in a movie this weekend; went to see The Proposal starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.  I really liked it!  Comedy, romance, the BOOK PUBLISHING world....what more could you ask for?  Anywho, you didn't come here just to read about my weekend (althought leaving a comment about yours would be fine!), so let me get on to the meat of the post.  Today's book choice is....

The Flight of the Phoenix
(Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist, Book I)
by
R. L. Lafevers

Nathaniel Fludd is a quiet young man...something of which can not be said of many people his age. His parents were explorers, to what extent though, he only learns after their untimely death. You see, for the past three or so years, he has been in the care of his governess, Miss Lumpton (try not to giggle....some of the names later on will definitely get to you).  After this grizzly news has been delivered she has only one worry on her mind....what was left to her for her service?  (Nice, right?)  Upon receiving her Tidy Sum (yes, it is capitalized like this in the book too...loved that detail!), young Nathaniel is sent away to a relatives house by the name of P.A. Fludd. 

Sent on his way via train, he travels to his new hometown called (are you ready?) Batting-at-the-Flies.  (Funny, right?)  Along the way he sketches his surroundings as a way of documenting his journey.  It's great because you get to see the sketches too along with the book illustrations throughout the text.  Anywho, back to the story....expecting an older gentleman, Nathaniel is surprised to learn that P.A. Fludd is in fact his aunt! She lives in a rather interesting house that is more of a collection of life's works than four walls and a roof, but that is only scratching the surface! It is here that he discovers that he is to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors in the great tradition of beastologists! (Discovered through his conversation with Cornelius...a dodo!)  The care and well-being of magical, mythical creatures everywhere depends upon his families decendents, or so he is told.  Being that this is his first time hearing this information, it's more than a little hard to swallow.  There's no time to linger on doubt-ridden thoughts though....his first adventure is at hand!  Aiding in the rebirth of a phoenix...how's that for an introduction!  But what's this?  Aunt Fludd has been captured and someone is trying to steal the book that tells all about their craft?  What's a young boy to do?  What indeed....

I can't say enough about this upcoming series! When I first saw the cover, it reminded me of The Spiderwick Chronicles, and upon reading the first chapters, A Series of Unfortunate Events. Fear not, these are both
great series as well and it is not so much like either one that you loose site of the story at hand. With interesting characters in both human (the Fludd's) and creature form (let's see...the dodo, Greasle the gremlin...) as well as creative illustrations along the way, you will feel as though you are there with them on the adventure of a lifetime if you only allow your imagination to take flight....

Although listed as Kids Fiction, I would recommend it for all ages....especially those that enjoyed the other series mentioned.  This book is set to hits shelves 09/28/09 (at the time of this post) so be on the lookout!  In the mean time, check out the author's website for more about this title (as well as a few others), her blog page, or drop her a line on Twitter!  (ALSO!  The image seen above on the right is a sneak peek at the Book 2 cover drawn and posted by Kelly Murphy!  AND I was able to read this fabulous book early courtesy of NetGalley!)

COMMENT CREATOR
So, in the spirit of today's post, let's think about magical, mythical creatures.  Which one would you like to meet up close and personal?  Why?  These can be "real" (as in ones you've read about) or make believe (as in ones you thought of yourself).....

Feel free to leave your comments and feedback!
Until next time....happy reading!