The Tenth City

For years, I have read books to my children at night. As my oldest daughter was hitting 11, however, I found that many of the books we had read together before weren't really interesting to either of us particularly, and a number of other books I have enjoyed she wasn't quite ready for (or, to be honest, interested in). She picked up the first book at a school book fair, read it, then got the others from the library and read them by herself, then she suggested we read this series together. It obviously held her interest if she wanted to go through it again, and I have to say I found myself wanting to stay up a little later than we should and read an extra chapter here and there, just to see what happened next. We just finished this book, the third in the series, this past weekend and I have to admit even I was surprised by a twist or two at the ending. It's a light, enjoyable read and I'd recommend it.

The final book. The final chance for Alexa and her friends to save the world. That's quite an undertaking for a thirteen year old girl! If you've read my other reviews on this trilogy, then you will be able to guess how long it took me to read this book- I did it in a day. This type of trilogy is one that you just can't put down and forget about! In this last book, Alexa finds out many new things about the world and herself. The secret that Warvold has been hiding from her about herself is finally revealed to all, and boy- does it take you by surprise! I was amazed, because I thought that Mr. Patrick Carman had told us all there was to know about the Land of Elyon and it's inhabitants, but he still had several tricks left up his sleeve that he was saving for this amazing climax novel. This story is not restricted to any grade, age, or reading level- it is an awesome book for all adventure seekers!

My daughter & I just completed the triology and we're sad that Alexa's adventures are over. Imagine being able to converse with animals! The character formation, symbolism, foreshadowing and intricate story line provide a memorable series that is definitely worth reading. In fact, having just finished the final book, my daughter reached for the first book and reread the beginning chapter. Amazingly tight story line. A must read.

Disappointed that this is the final book, I wanted more because I love reading Patrick Carman's books! He is such an amazing fantasy writer and writes his books with So much detail, you can imagine it perfectly in your head. The plot of this book is genius, concluding the series with a Huge twist. Not the best in the series, this installment has just as much fantasy and adventure as the other two (The Dark Hills Divide and The Valley of the Thorns). Fun and enchanting, I didn't want to put this book down until I finished reading the Whole thing, because it just wraps you up into a different world and it is just So much fun to be in that world of fantasy. A quick read, this is totally a buy from the bookstore instead of getting it at your local library, for you probobly would want to read it again and again and just want to imagine what would happen in Alexa's future. This book is highly recommended along with the whole series! A Great and Fun Trip into Fantasy this Is! Hope you enjoy! Jordan Overall grade* A-

"No evil can resist the power of love forever." - Wise words from Warvold Alexa, now a gangly 13-year-old adventurer, gets ready to fight the battle of a lifetime as she and her friends sail across the Lonely Sea upon the ship, Warwick Beacon. While they know that they face many dangers, they have little understanding of what all this ultimately will mean to them. Hoping to rescue her dear little friend Yipes and set free Elyon from the fallen Seraph Abaddon and the evil Victor Grindall with his horrible ogres, they move ahead with both courage and fear. One major difference is that Alexa now carries the very last magical Jocasta stone. It is through the Jocasta stone that she is able to talk with her animal friends. And it is the Jocasta stone that can make all the difference in the outcome of the great battle of good and evil ahead. Again in the company of Murphy, the highly nervous squirrel, her faithful wolf companion Odessa, the soaring hawk Squire, and the gentle giant Armon, they fight all manner of evil together as they are set upon by black swarms (bats) and stinking, robot-like ogres. There is the horror of a traitor among them and their greatest sacrifice yet as their beloved Warvold is thrown to his death by Grindall and the ogres. In a twisted yet brilliant plot, Alexa manages to fool and rid their world of the terrible forces of Abaddon and Grindall --- leading them to their deaths before they destroy Elyon or the Tenth City. As the final chapters close on this strange but unforgettable little group, many truths are revealed. Alexa learns that the beauty of the mystical Tenth City will always be there for her. She also learns that Elyon is restored to its beauty once more and that she and her friends will have yet more adventures. But most important to this curious, brave young girl is a personal discovery that will help her determine where her love of adventure comes from. This third and final book in The Land of Elyon trilogy is perhaps the best yet. Again Patrick Carman manages to pull in many important contemporary issues of environment, lust and power. His characters are diverse with both good and bad qualities. For the necessary flow and understanding, this is the kind of series that would be better read from the beginning. --- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts ([email protected])