The Revenge of Magic series is a thrilling and captivating collection of books that takes readers on an incredible journey into a world of fantasy and adventure. The series, written by James Riley, follows the story of Fort Fitzgerald, a young boy who discovers that magic is not only real but also poses a great threat to the world. In the first book of the series, "The Revenge of Magic," Fort discovers a hidden society of magical beings known as the Oppenheimer Alternative. This society has been living among humans for centuries, hiding their true identities and abilities. Fort learns that he is a rare type of human called a "Secondborn," someone born with the ability to perform magic. As Fort embarks on his magical training, he discovers that there is a war brewing between the magical creatures and humans.
If you decide to buy, I would strongly recommend buying the book + CD set, unless you have another copy of the tune handy for use or can sing the text yourself . The lyrics, although apparently started life as a poem to which music was set, do not yield themselves particularly well to just reading aloud.
The hardback I have is bound in fetching dark green canvas, with the CD housed in a round indented space inside the thick back cover rather than just stuck in a plastic bag. If you loved Puff, the Magic Dragon 40 or so years ago, you might want to remind yourself of the song and introduce it to your child via this vehicle.
As Fort embarks on his magical training, he discovers that there is a war brewing between the magical creatures and humans. The society of Oppenheimer Alternative is planning a rebellion against humans, seeking revenge for years of oppression and mistreatment. Fort quickly realizes that he has a crucial role to play in this war and must learn to master his newfound magical abilities to help save both worlds.
Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow, Lenny Lipton and Eric Puybaret
Puff, the Magic Dragon is a song written by Leonard Lipton and Peter Yarrow and made popular by the group Peter, Paul and Mary. The new version one the CD accompanying this book features Peter's daughter Bethany (there is also an instrumental and two other tunes in similar vein). It's a gentle, sweet but not saccharine folky tune with lyrics about fantasy lands, imaginary friends and growing up that somehow embodies the 60's spirit very well. I was always partial to friendly or at least non-beastly dragons and thus enjoyed my late-in-life encounter with Puff.
Puff lives by the sea in the magic land of Honalee and is a companion of a boy called Jackie Paper. They have numerous magic adventures (everything is possible with a dragon as a friend) but when Jackie grows up, Puff stays rather depressed in his lair. That's in the poem - the book closes on a sign of hope, though, as a girl (possibly Jackie's daughter) appears exploring tentatively in Puff's cave.
This beautifully made book and CD set revives Puff with lavish artwork, careful typesetting and high production values. The hardback I have is bound in fetching dark green canvas, with the CD housed in a round indented space inside the thick back cover rather than just stuck in a plastic bag.
The illustrations by Eric Puybarret are very enchanting indeed and have a dreamy, slightly surreal aspect to the imagery (a cheerful Chirico, perhaps?). The colours are clean but mostly muted rather than primary shades, and there is an uncluttered airiness to the artwork that I rather liked.
As a tribute to the well-loved tune this book works very well. If you loved Puff, the Magic Dragon 40 or so years ago, you might want to remind yourself of the song and introduce it to your child via this vehicle. It would even work as a sentimental present!
If you decide to buy, I would strongly recommend buying the book + CD set, unless you have another copy of the tune handy for use or can sing the text yourself . The lyrics, although apparently started life as a poem to which music was set, do not yield themselves particularly well to just reading aloud.
I would hesitate to recommend this for buying by those with no previous relationship with Puff so to speak. Yes, it's a nice tune, with decent lyrics and well performed, and the artwork is very attractive, but it's all bit insubstantial and more like a "coffee table book for children" than a book that will be read and re-read again and again. But if the idea appeals, it's certainly executed very well.
Thanks to the publisher for sending this title to the BookBag.
If the concept of "song into a picture book" appeals, This Land is Your Land is a brilliant example which would have children poring over the illustrations, and later on the text, for hours.
You can read more book reviews or buy Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow, Lenny Lipton and Eric Puybaret at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow, Lenny Lipton and Eric Puybaret at Amazon.com.
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As a tribute to the well-loved tune this book works very well. If you loved Puff, the Magic Dragon 40 or so years ago, you might want to remind yourself of the song and introduce it to your child via this vehicle. It would even work as a sentimental present!
Throughout the series, Fort faces numerous challenges and encounters dangerous enemies. He must navigate treacherous magical realms, uncover ancient secrets, and make difficult choices that will determine the fate of both humans and magical creatures. Along the way, Fort forms alliances, makes new friends, and discovers the true power of friendship and bravery. The Revenge of Magic series is a thrilling blend of fantasy, adventure, and mythology. The books are filled with action-packed scenes, intense battles, and surprising plot twists that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Riley's imaginative world-building and vivid descriptions transport readers to a captivating realm where magic and danger lurk around every corner. In addition to the exciting storyline, the series also explores deeper themes such as the consequences of power, prejudice, and the importance of unity. It raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of good and evil and the power of choice. Overall, The Revenge of Magic series is a must-read for fans of fantasy and adventure. James Riley's masterful storytelling and well-developed characters create a world that readers will not want to leave. With its thrilling plot and compelling themes, this series is sure to captivate readers of all ages and leave them eagerly awaiting the next installment..
Reviews for "The Power Within: Discovering the Hidden Potential of the Main Protagonist in the Magic Series"
1. Name: Sarah - Rating: 1/5
I was incredibly disappointed with "The Revenge of Magic" series. The characters felt flat and uninspiring, and the plot was predictable and lacked originality. The magical world that the author tried to create fell flat, and I was unable to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, I found the series to be mundane and uninteresting, and I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.
2. Name: Jason - Rating: 2/5
"The Revenge of Magic" series failed to live up to my expectations. The writing style felt disjointed and confusing at times, making it difficult to follow the storyline. The character development was lacking, and I found it hard to connect with any of the main characters. Additionally, the pacing was off, with certain parts dragging on while others felt rushed. Overall, I found the series to be lacking in depth and substance, and it failed to captivate me as a reader.
3. Name: Emily - Rating: 2/5
I found "The Revenge of Magic" series to be underwhelming. The world-building was weak, and it felt like the author was trying too hard to create a complex magical system without fully explaining it to the readers. The plot felt disjointed, with unnecessary subplots that didn't add much to the overall story. The characters were forgettable, and I struggled to feel invested in their journeys. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with this series.
4. Name: Michael - Rating: 1/5
I regret spending my time reading "The Revenge of Magic" series. The writing style was dull and lacked any sort of spark. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and it was hard to believe in the interactions between the characters. The plot was predictable and formulaic, leaving no surprises or twists to keep me engaged. I found myself skimming through the pages, hoping for something interesting to happen, but was constantly let down. This series was a complete letdown for me.
5. Name: Laura - Rating: 2/5
"The Revenge of Magic" series had potential, but it ultimately fell flat. The characters were one-dimensional, and their motivations were poorly explored. The pacing was inconsistent, with slow sections that dragged on and action scenes that felt rushed and lacking in detail. The world-building was underdeveloped, leaving me with more questions than answers. Overall, I found this series to be lacking in depth and complexity and would not recommend it to fans of fantasy.