The Palace: The Adventures of Jecosan Tarres

Jeco completes his trek to the capital of Kanavar, Meoria (see THE JOURNEY), but has no idea what to do next to accomplish his mission of preventing a war. He accepts work as a kitchen helper at the palace, but is confused as there is no indication of anyone preparing for battle. Still he patiently waits figuring the Elgur messenger of the heavens would not have sent him on this quest if the danger was not real. The former blacksmith apprentice soon obtains a job in the royal library where he meets powerful Lord Farizel Narr, who likes the youngster's enthusiasm and begins tutoring him on languages and the history of his country. The intelligent lad appreciates the lessons, but also realizes how important his mentor is to the kingdom; as Narr along with the royal sister Princess Arvelina keeps King Alvard III from invading neighboring Tirgan as the monarch wants to crush the followers of the Book of Light going so far as to hire Henky-Roo a magician in league with demons to advise him on things the ruler considers supernatural. The first book is an excellent coming of age fantasy, but is straightforward as for the most part readers follow Jeco's escapades. THE PALACE is as exciting and entertaining, but much more complex as multiple story lines provide the reader with activities that the young hero is unaware of such as the plotting of the vile sly magician who persuades his employer to steal the Book of Light. Readers will enjoy this middle tale as the battle of good vs. evil seems imminent as Jeco realizes he is in the eye of the storm with the heavenly objective of his mission seemingly headed to failure. This is a terrific tale better enhanced by reading Jeco's journey first. Harriet Klausner

Why would you want to read "The Adventures of Jecosan Tarres" yourself? Because it is full of happy times, suspense, noble sacrifice, heart-thrilling beauty, dramatic rescues, bad guys that get their just deserts, and good guys sticking to their principles against all costs-which brings to them a satisfying reward. Reading this thoroughly enjoyable story will change you, if you let it. It illustrates the basic principles of integrity, honesty, loyalty, and reaping what you sow. After finishing Book #2, I found myself comparing different aspects of the plot to my own life. By experiencing the story I was encouraged to improve myself and my own disciplines. I usually don't read a book again until several years have passed, but within a week after finishing the first two, I gathered my kids together and we have started at the beginning, reading "The Adventures" aloud and discussing its analogies. All three books will need to be purchased to complete the story, so be prepared for the agony of an unfinished high-point if in your eagerness to dive into this pleasurable tale you begin reading without the final edition in your possession

I rarely take the time to read fiction because I have much other reading and writing to do for my profession. But this book was well worth the time. I found the first book delightful and the second one also. I love the depth of Jecosan's character, and the variety offered in the other characters. Jecosan is a wonderful role model for any adolescent. We live in a time when excellent character examples are few and far between. The book is interesting, exciting, captivating, and well written. Excellent reading appropriate for middle grades through adults. I look forward to reading book 3!!

This is a wonderful book for family reading. It stresses positive values while telling a fascinating fantasy story. The second book in a series of 3, this book adds a variety of interesting new characters while continuing the tale of Jecosan Tarres. I read this to my daughters each night before bed and the only problem I had was that they never wanted me to stop. "Please, just a little more...." became the nightly plea. Actually...I confess, when they went to bed after the third evening of reading aloud, I sat and finished reading the entire book because I couldn't wait to see what happened!I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a worthwhile read that is exciting, entertaining and kid-safe......But be sure to read the book 1 in the series first!

I have been anxiously awaiting the release of "The Palace," Book 2 of "The Adventures of Jecosan Tarres" trilogy, and I am not disappointed. The story of the young blacksmith Jeco and his unusual quest is continued in the same captivating manner, with more depth added to it and fascinating new characters introduced. Since this is a trilogy, not a series, and the plot of the second book heavily depends on the previous one, I recommend that you read Book 1 first.There is so much I could say about this book, but I don't want to spoil the reading for you, so I will not reveal the plot. I will only share about one of the many sub-themes I enjoyed - the relationship between Lord Farizel and Princess Arvelina. The life of the nine-year-old princess is defined by strict court etiquette and scheduled to the minute. In many ways, Arvelina is forced into adulthood. While she does show more maturity than a typical nine-year-old, she is still just a girl, a child who wants to be loved. Lord Farizel, her former teacher, sees that. Although he is no longer responsible for the princess and has many other duties, he steps in to fill the void whenever he can.