The Goldenwealth Light
The Traveler of Ord Book 1
by Scott McCloskey
YA Fiction
Rather than being a hero with the fate of an entire world on his shoulders, Theodore Ellsworth spends his miserable days suffering merciless humiliation at the hands of prep-school bullies. It just so happens that an ancient prophecy, a shimmering city, and a herd of six-legged horses are about to change all that.
When a mysterious book transports Theo and his overachieving little sister Marie to a world full of wonders that defy anything he’s ever read about before, Theo finds himself accused of a crime he didn’t commit that carries the ultimate penalty. A reluctant princess, a winged gnome, and a hot-tempered young sorceress are there to help, but will they be enough to prove to an arrogant knight and thousands of fanatical citizens that the Ellsworth children aren’t an evil that must be destroyed?
Told in the tradition of classics like The Chronicles of Narnia and The Neverending Story, The Goldenwealth Light is the first book in a fun-filled romp through the unique realm of the Traveler of Ord, blending high adventure and deadly intrigue in a fanciful tapestry that will keep readers from ages ten to adult turning pages for hours.
The author provided a copy of this book for my honest opinion.
The Goldenwealth Light, the first in the Traveler of Ord Series, is an entrancing, riveting fantasy for all ages. If you liked The Chronicles of Prydain, The Chronicles of Narnia and The Neverending Story, this series is for you.
From the beginning, Theo Ellsworth captures your heart. He’s the kid with his nose stuck in a book, trying to escape his miserable life. An absent father, superficial mother and rich prep-school bullies all work to crush Theo’s spirit. The only person who truly cares about him is Marie, his over-achieving little sister. She doesn't know—he isn't a hero. Not yet. Theo finds a book in the school library that changes his life forever. The children are transported to Quaylund, where fantasy is reality. But Theo’s misfortune holds true. Chained like a criminal, he is put on trial for blasphemy. The penalty: death.
Scott McCloskey’s new world, Quaylund is depicted in rich detail, without overwhelming the reader. I could picture everything, from the stunning spires of the Gossamer City, to the forbidding shadows of the Reflectia Woods. Fresh, creative species abound but again are easily visualized and remembered. Character development was particularly impressive. Every character was dynamic, unique and memorable, their personalities and motivations unfolded, each in its proper time and place.
Theo’s struggle just to survive drew me in but the story wouldn't let me go. With his declaration of innocence, Theo makes his first step toward the hero he wants to be. I loved that he didn't miraculously transform from nerd to superstar. Each new situation is a learning experience for him as well as the reader. And no fantasy novel would be complete without a dangerous quest. Just waiting to see what was around the next corner kept me turning the page until it was finished.
There were only two small issues having to do with characters. Olby Noggin speaks with an accent. In some instances, his speech is a little difficult to understand. Just enough to slow the reader down, nothing major. The second is Marie’s habit of referring to Theo as Brother. I suppose there’s nothing wrong with it but it feels awkward to me. However, neither interfered with the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and I can’t wait until the next book is released.
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Thursday, October 22, 2015