The Land of Elyon Book reviews …

Book 1 – The Dark Hills Divide: B

The Land of Elyon – Book 1 – The Dark Hills Divide is, simply, an enchanting book. It’s a story about magic and talking animals but fortunately, the book’s emphasis on such fantasy elements is very light, spending more time and energy on things like puzzles, riddles, and a sense of adventure. It’s these qualities that make this a book worth reading – even if the story itself may not appeal to a broad audience. In truth, The Land of Elyon isn’t quiet at the same level as Harry Potter or The Chronicles of Narnia. However, to the credit of author Patrick Carman, the story never tries to be overly epic. It is a tale told with precision and purpose – with an economy of words that allows readers to get lost in the Land of Elyon without having to invest an inordinate amount of time in overly descriptive language or complicated plot lines.

Book 2 – Beyond The Valley of Thorns: B-

The Land of Elyon – Beyond The Valley Of Thorns, Patrick Carman’s sequel to the Dark Hills Divide, is an expansive, fast-paced and much darker installment than its predecessor. In this book, readers learn more, a lot more about the Land of Elyon – its histories, its tragedies, and its current precarious balance between the forces of good and evil. With all of these additions, Beyond the Valley of Thorns is poised to be a significant improvement over the first book of the series. Unfortunately, the rather minimal development of the book’s main character, Alexa, keeps the book from being a true classic.

Book 3 – The Tenth City: B-

The Land of Elyon – The Tenth City is a stirring and emotional ending to the Land of Elyon story that ostensibly began in the second book, titled Beyond The Valley of Thorns. Unfortunately for the book itself, it’s very slow to begin and its central revelations, though shocking and emotional, unfold just a bit too quickly. This pacing is the story’s biggest liability, but there are also a few minor issues with the plot twists that could also prove to be a detriment. As a result, the book will end on a thoroughly satisfying note – even if the journey itself isn’t quite as enjoyable.

Book 4 – Into The Mist: B

The Land of Elyon – Into The Mist continues the tale of Alexa Daley, following the original Elyon Trilogy. In structure and tone, this book is rather different from its predecessors, told primarily as a flashback to a time long before Alexa’s original adventures. But in many respects, this is a more complete tale, from start to finish, offering some wonderful character moments, as well as the elements of charm, mystery and adventure one has come to expect from the Land of Elyon series, from author Patrick Carman. Put simply, for readers who have ventured this far into Elyon, the book is a wonderful success, a truly enjoyable, entertaining, and worthy tale.

Book 5 – Stargazer: B+

Stargazer is a thrilling and fitting fifth book in Patrick Carman’s Land of Elyon series. It picks up where the two previous books leave off – with Alexa Daley on board the Warwick Beacon sailing the Lonely Sea with her companions. The book effectively makes use of the previous installments of the series, particularly those of Into The Mist. This is the story of a final showdown with evil, and of finding your destiny. Once again, Carman manages to weaves a fantastical tale, filled with youthful wonder, excitement and adventure.