Mundie Moms

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Bran Hambric The Farfield Curse by Kaleb Nation


Published:Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Release date: Sept. 2009
Page #: 464
Rating:PhotobucketPhotobucket
Synopsis: Bran Hambric was found locked in a bank vault at six years old, with no memory of his past. For years, he has lived with one of the bankers, wondering why he was left behind- until one night, when he is fourteen, he is suddenly confronted by a maddened creature, speaking of Bran’s true past and trying to kidnap him. Bran finds that he is at the center of a plot which started years before he was even born: the plot of a deadly curse his mother created…and one that her former masters are hunting for him to complete. Haunted by the spirit of his mother’s master and living in a city where magic is illegal, Bran must undo the crimes of his past...if it's not already too late.

I wanted to love Kaleb's book. But unfortunately, I didn't. I think, its because it was written more for my 10 yr old daughters age, and it just didn't have that cross over appeal. I just couldn't get into the story, and forced myself to finish the book. It also, came off as a kid writing his own Harry Potterish kind of story. But when the sequel comes out, I think I will read it. I am curious to see how Kaleb has grown as a writer.

Bran lives with the family that found him in the bank. He is treated like a servant, and lives in the attic. The family has a maid, and she plays the "motherly" role to Bran.

Bran lives in a city were magic is forbidden, and in an era where in other cities its looked down upon. Brans mom was a magician who could only do dark magic, so she joined in with a group of bad magicians who tried to take over. She creates a deadly curse, that comes back to haunt her. Bran's mom decides to save her son and in return is murdered by her master.

Now at 14 he works with his "adoptive father", one night they are out and run into a deformed troll. Troll tells Bran about his past. All of a sudden his life is thrown into a chaotic struggle for survival. He starts having run ins with people trying to kidnap him, learns about other magicians in hiding. When a friend is kidnapped, Bran has no choice but to confront his past head on. He learns that his mom was the creator of an deadly curse, and her master is willing to do anything to have Bran finish what she started. Can Bran save his friends, and dispose of his mothers master or will her sacrifice be in vain?

Book Review- In Too Deep (39 Clues Book #6) by Jude Watson

We're kicking of the year by posting reviews on our Children's Book Review Blog,
This is the first in a series of book reviews that will be posted through the month. Keep an eye out for some give aways we'll be hosting on our "baby" blog as well.

In Too Deep (39 Clues Book #6)
By Jude Watson
Published by Scholastic
November 1, 2009
4.5 stars

A hint from their parents’ past puts Amy and Dan on the trail of secrets their grandmother Grace would NEVER have wanted them to know. Awful memories begin to crowd in on Amy, just as her enemies circle closer. How far would she go to protect Dan? How much of a Cahill is she prepared to be? Perhaps Grace was right – some secrets are better left buried
(taken from goodreads.com)

This is my first time reading any book in the 39 Clues series, and yet in reading book 6 I found myself understanding the main story line. This was a great read in my opinion as Amy and Dan found out what happened to their parents and who did it as they continued to look for the 39 clues in Australia. They'll find the some of the world's poisonous snakes and spiders are half their worries.

You can read the rest of the review here, on our Children's Book Review Blog

Support Your Local Library 2010 Challenge

This challenge is being hosted by J Kaye's Book Blog.

We thought it would be fun to take this challenge and make it part of our Children's Review blog. I'll be honest that I tend to buy books vs going to library, so this challenge will motivate me to step up to going to the library more.

Here's our link to our challenge-

Labels