The first book in Brandon Mull's latest series is as enjoyable as his other epic adventures. This time a boy from our world, Cole, and his friends are kidnapped and taken to a different world as slaves. Of course this is Mull's imagination we are delving into, so these slaves will be used for a type of magic called shaping or to be thieves that steal from castles that float in the sky. If you love Mull's other tales of strange creatures and magical worlds, then you'll love this as well. If you aren't familiar with the writing of Brandon Mull, I would suggest reading the Fablehaven series first to get a taste of his style and imagination before getting into the more complex story lines woven into the Five Kingdoms series. Whether you are familiar with the books of Brandon Mull or not, if you love fantasy, this is an author you definitely want on your "to read" list!Highly recommended. 3.5Amazing how much I liked this book despite some glaring faults.1, why would Mira's protector send her and Cole back to the Sky Raiders when the sky raiders thought the two slaves dead? He planned on them escaping a day later. Why not just send them to a different place entirely? Is it because the author needed to include Jace and Twitch on the journey? Is it because BMull had to show the messenger and army chasing Mira?2, It was obvious they were supposed to use the shawl to subdue Carnag. Duh. No, it only took the characters several extra chapters, several pointless conversations with the beasts and several fights before thinking of it.3, Why didn't they put the shawl on, like, the giant snake? Or the cyclops?4, Why is jumping up with the sword a death sentence? Why can't you just jump back down?5, Do we have to have a half dozen conversations about the dangers of the quest and "are you sure you want to keep going?" talks? The old Shaper, Liam, and Mira I think all asked Cole, Twitch, and Jace why they were following Mira and if they were sure and didn't they know it was dangerous. Too much. The reader understands the characters have good reasons for following Mira. This is overkill.That's all I can think of right now. Despite these, I enjoyed the book. The characters are fun, the plot all over the place, and the setting restrained with semi-defined magic. History is glossed over, and the government is mentioned. Conflicts abound between every aspect.
What do You think about Five Kindoms #1 (2000)?
An exciting new series by one of my favorite authors. Can't wait for the next book!
—jloveys
It was awesome but if you are older than 7th gradde it may not be as good to you.
—jennmauga94
Mull continues to entertain from page one until the end.
—lkissinger2010
