Sunday, July 1, 2012

Chantel's Quest Series - Oliver Neubert


Publisher:  Simply Read Books
Pages:  224
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy


Chantel's Quest: The Golden Sword
From Goodreads:
Unleashed by a vengeful spirit, a force of evil is slowly destroying nature and corrupting minds. Chantel, the Princess of Freedom, is the only one who can save the world from darkness — but only if she can retrieve four ancient relics, each hidden in a far-flung corner of the world. With the help of a warrior mouse and a fox bat, Chantel begins her search in the Land of the North, where she must find the powerful Golden Sword. Unfortunately, someone else is determined to locate the sword first: the Snow Walker, the brutal Warlord of the North. As she struggles though icy, unfamiliar territory to unearth the magical relic, Chantel makes an amazing discovery that holds the key to the planet’s future. But is it too late? With an exciting plot and a simple writing style, Chantel's Quest: The Golden Sword is perfect for reluctant readers, while Chantel’s journey away from the security of her guardian and into the unknown resonates with all young readers.I started this book this morning and finished it this afternoon.

My Thoughts: (Posted March 2009 on Goodreads)
The character Chantel is very well developed as were the others. I was on the edge of my seat at the end of each chapter. The author did an excellent job with worldbuilding. I felt like I was in that very world. I felt sorry for the characters who were touched by the darkness and doubted themselves and anger at the Evil one. I love when a book can make me feel such strong emotions. I loved the the short chapters. My students were amazed that it had 34 chapters. I have a list of them lined up to read it. I am going to have a hard time waiting for the next three.

Chantel's Quest for the Enchanted Medallion
From Goodreads:
From an imaginative author comes the second installment of an up-and-coming series about Chantel, who must brave evil-doers and muster her courage to retrieve four ancient relics — the only way to defeat an evil power that's killing nature and corrupting minds. On the way, Chantel encounters different parts of her fantastical world, faces nail-biting challenges, and meets new friends — and enemies. Once she's gathered the four relics, she'll finally have enough power to defeat the sinister spirit, but in the meantime fans will be treated to an engaging read that's sure to captivate young minds. Chantel's Quest for the Enchanted Medallion is a thrilling continuation of Chantel's journey, and a riveting story of one girl's ultimate adventure.


My Thoughts:
In the second book of the series Chantel must travel across the desert where an evil lives under the sand.  Aquila Bellum has decided to continue hunting her since he was unsuccessful.  But Aquila is changing and he is not sure of himself anymore.  Can Chantel survive the dangers in the desert, retrieve the second relic, find her soul mate and return to her castle before it is too late?  Read the book to find out for yourself.  Each book has the tension ratcheted up a notch.  I enjoyed meeting some of the characters that are on the dark side that Chantel has influenced in one way or another.  I loved seeing how even she is tempted by the dark side.  The characters are more realistic this way.  I read the book in just a couple of hours and had to immediately start the third one.


Chantel's Quest for the Silver Leaf
From Goodreads:
The Forest People are the key to finding the Silver Leaf, but they vanished many moon crossings ago without a trace. The Forest in the East seems impenetrable and Pizzaro, the wicked leader of the Shadow Walkers, is determined to prevent the powerful relic of the East from falling into the hands of Chantel, the Princess of Freedom. As Chantel’s companions are faced with family problems from their pasts, Chantel struggles to navigate the shadowy realm below the forest canopy in search of the Forest People and the mysterious Silver Leaf.


My Thoughts:
I didn't think the tension could get any tighter.  I was wrong.  Many characters face betraying the ones they love.  Some pay for their life, and some find redemption.  I love the setting of this story.  Most of it took place in the forest and the tree canopy.  I felt actual fear as the wooden plank rope bridges were described. This author does such a fabulous job  of setting up Chantel's world that I felt like I was transported to it as I read.  The only down side right now is that this book came out in February and there is another one to go.  Chantel's Quest for the Crystal Star has not been given a date yet.  I can't wait to read it and I can't wait to put these on my shelves for my new sixth graders to read.


His Website:   http://www.oliverneubert.com/index.php




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