Overview
A fast-paced, genre-blending adventure—now in paperback!
The Tapestry series continues to weave threads of fantasy, mythology, science fiction, and mystery into a wholly original adventure that appeals to fans of everything from Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings to The X-Men. Genre-blending and fully illustrated, The Tapestry novels have caught the attention of middle-grade and young adult readers alike—and the series is only getting bigger.
In this second book of the series, grave forces are converging to seize control of the Book of Thoth, a hidden artifact whose pages hold the key to creating—or unraveling—the very threads of existence. Max McDaniels and David Menlo embark on a quest to protect the book from the demon Astaroth, who would exploit its secrets with dire consequence. And with Astaroth free after centuries of imprisonment, the world outside Rowan’s gates has already become hostile.
Far from home, cut off behind enemy lines, Max and his allies must journey across Europe, descend into the fabled Frankfurt Workshop, brave the tangled corners of the Black Forest . . . and cross beyond the veils of our very world.
"After devouring this title, young fans will be clamoring for more."—Kirkus Reviews
Visit www.rowanacademy.com for original content, exclusive artwork, and more!
Synopsis
A fast-paced, genre-blending adventure—now in paperback!
The Tapestry series continues to weave threads of fantasy, mythology, science fiction, and mystery into a wholly original adventure that appeals to fans of everything from Harry Potter to Lord of the Rings to The X-Men. Genre-blending and fully illustrated, The Tapestry novels have caught the attention of middle-grade and young adult readers alike—and the series is only getting bigger.
In this second book of the series, grave forces are converging to seize control of the Book of Thoth, a hidden artifact whose pages hold the key to creating—or unraveling—the very threads of existence. Max McDaniels and David Menlo embark on a quest to protect the book from the demon Astaroth, who would exploit its secrets with dire consequence. And with Astaroth free after centuries of imprisonment, the world outside Rowan’s gates has already become hostile.
Far from home, cut off behind enemy lines, Max and his allies must journey across Europe, descend into the fabled Frankfurt Workshop, brave the tangled corners of the Black Forest . . . and cross beyond the veils of our very world.
"After devouring this title, young fans will be clamoring for more."—Kirkus Reviews
Visit www.rowanacademy.com for original content, exclusive artwork, and more!
Children's Literature
If you've read the first book in "The Tapestry" series (and you should), you already know that Max McDaniels and David Menlo are students at Rowan Academy, a school for kids with unusual talents. Now, the two are destined to come face-to-face with the demon Astaroth, who covets the Book of Thoth. The Book is a living record of all truenames, and the one who possesses and learns its secrets will gain mastery over the world. Young David has the power to unlock the key that will lead the boys to the Book. Max is sworn to protect David—no matter what. In doing so, he may become the greatest hero of his age. From the safety of Rowan Academy, their quest takes them to the fabulous Frankfurt Workshop and on to Ireland where after days (or is it weeks? months? years?) they take possession of the Book. But what awaits them on their return? Has the chaos of the world breached the walls of Rowan? Are Astaroth and his army poised to take all—even the hard-won Book? The action is fast-moving, and the pages virtually burst with an incredible cast of characters, two of the most engaging (admittedly in a gross sort of way) of whom are the reformed hags, Mum and Bellagrog. Mum, in any case, seems to have given up attempts to eat Rowan students (although she still makes David nervous). Although there are parallels to Harry Potter, this tale is highly original and a great choice for all who love fantasy. Illustrated with black-and-white drawings by the author. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen
Editorials
Children's Literature -
If you've read the first book in "The Tapestry" series (and you should), you already know that Max McDaniels and David Menlo are students at Rowan Academy, a school for kids with unusual talents. Now, the two are destined to come face-to-face with the demon Astaroth, who covets the Book of Thoth. The Book is a living record of all truenames, and the one who possesses and learns its secrets will gain mastery over the world. Young David has the power to unlock the key that will lead the boys to the Book. Max is sworn to protect David—no matter what. In doing so, he may become the greatest hero of his age. From the safety of Rowan Academy, their quest takes them to the fabulous Frankfurt Workshop and on to Ireland where after days (or is it weeks? months? years?) they take possession of the Book. But what awaits them on their return? Has the chaos of the world breached the walls of Rowan? Are Astaroth and his army poised to take all—even the hard-won Book? The action is fast-moving, and the pages virtually burst with an incredible cast of characters, two of the most engaging (admittedly in a gross sort of way) of whom are the reformed hags, Mum and Bellagrog. Mum, in any case, seems to have given up attempts to eat Rowan students (although she still makes David nervous). Although there are parallels to Harry Potter, this tale is highly original and a great choice for all who love fantasy. Illustrated with black-and-white drawings by the author. Reviewer: Anita Barnes LowenSchool Library Journal
Gr 5-8
Fans of The Hound of Rowan (Random, 2007) will love this sequel. Those who haven't read the first book will simply be puzzled. In their second year at Rowan Academy, Max McDaniels and his roommate David Menlo, a mystic, discover that they must live with the Witches to fulfill a pact made years before they were born. To keep them and the Book of Thoth safe from the demon Astaroth and in the hands of Rowan agents, they are "kidnapped" by an ally. While on the run, the Red Branch offers to activate Max to be its newest agent. Initially, Max demurs but after dodging danger in Europe, finding his mother in the land of the Sidh, discovering his real father's identity, and having several harrowing encounters with Astaroth, he embraces his identity as the reincarnation of Cuchulain and joins as a full-fledged agent. The Second Siege is chock-full of magic, myth, and adventure, and has some fun and interesting characters and an intense, engaging plot. That said, without the background information from the first book, it will be hard for readers to follow.-Lisa Prolman, Greenfield Public Library, MA