Review: Storytelling as it should be!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 11 27, 2011
Insurrection: Book 2 of the Bakkian Chronicles, follows on from Book 1, where readers were introduced to Steve and Sarah, a happily married couple from the US of A who find out their (now deceased) ancestors had the ability to travel to another world (Lentari) via a magical portal in their manor home. They find themselves knee-deep in a century-old prophecy, whereby they must protect the Prince of Lentari: the conclusion of Book 1 being that they return with him to their home in Idaho!Enter Book 2. Steve and Sarah, who, by the way, have their own unique magical powers (Jhorun), hear of a kidnapping back on the world of Lentari, and return to the magical land, leaving behind the young Prince (Mikal) with Sarah's sister (Annie) and his tutor from Lentari (Tristan). What follows is a continuation of the plot hinted at in Book 1, whereby sinister forces are at bay, and seek to use the Prince's own Jhorun for their own nefarious means! Steve and Sarah, modern-day magical-swashbuckling partners in crime (so to speak) pull no punches as they seek to rescue the Queen and uncover the sinister plot behind the unfolding events. Filled with humour, adventure, magic and bravado, Insurrection is a finely-crafted work, which I am glad to say, seemed built upon the errors learned from Book 1, which is an indication that the author, Jeffrey Poole, is a craftsman as well as an artist. Readers will find themselves silently cheering for our heroes as they open a case of whoop-ass on any and every foe who steps in their path. With the plot being built upon nicely, readers also have a bit of a hint as to what to expect in the third (and final?) instalment.If I had anything negative to say about this book, besides it not being long enough ;), it would be that everything seemed to go the protanonists' way, which isn't such an issue with a YA novel, it is only the more die-hard epic fantasy fans who might want to see a bit more character evolution through struggle and loss. But other than that, I have no hesitation giving this gem 5 stars and recommending people add it (and Book 1) to their 'to-read' list.Gutsy effort, Mr Poole, and I look forward to Book 3.~Robert Day[...]