The Eyes of the Desert Sand (Chrysalis Chronicle #1)

The Eyes of the Desert Sand (Chrysalis Chronicle #1)
Author(s)
Co-Authors / Illustrators
Age Range
12+
Release Date
March 24, 2012
ISBN
978-1884573255
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How many parents would believe their thirteen year old son who told them that two vampires and a hooded stranger had tried to abduct him? Strange thing is, young Ethan Fox is convinced his parents, George and Betsy do believe him. Could it have something to do with the mysterious poem he wrote in his sleep? Or maybe it has something to do with his past, the past he cannot remember before his eighth birthday. Something strange is afoot, and it is about to turn Ethan's world upside down. While vacationing with his parents, to get away from the crazy events of the previous two weeks, Ethan encounters a young girl named Haley Hunt who he is strongly drawn to... and the feeling is mutual. Together, Ethan and Haley are lured to The Residence, home of the Caretakers, an organization of intelligent beings sent to earth to nurture the human race and protect them from un-earthly influences. Armed with special abilities, including the power to evolve any earthly creature, the Caretakers take in their unexpected guests. They have been watching young Ethan Fox, and are curious as to why the Grimleavers, their mortal enemy on earth, would want to abduct a young human child. Together, Ethan and Haley journey to magical worlds, make new friends, and help the Caretakers unravel the stories greatest mysteries. Along the way, they learn that the Caretakers have been here since the beginning of human history and have played a key role in shaping human lore. In their world, vampires, werewolves, trolls, and even Medusa herself really do exist but have been kept hidden from the human world around them. Ethan is the key as they ultimately discover the Grimleavers true intentions, to unlock the four portals to the elemental worlds of the Chrysalis.

How many parents would believe their thirteen year old son who told them that two vampires and a hooded stranger had tried to abduct him? Strange thing is, young Ethan Fox is convinced his parents, George and Betsy do believe him. Could it have something to do with the mysterious poem he wrote in his sleep? Or maybe it has something to do with his past, the past he cannot remember before his eighth birthday. Something strange is afoot, and it is about to turn Ethan's world upside down. While vacationing with his parents, to get away from the crazy events of the previous two weeks, Ethan encounters a young girl named Haley Hunt who he is strongly drawn to... and the feeling is mutual. Together, Ethan and Haley are lured to The Residence, home of the Caretakers, an organization of intelligent beings sent to earth to nurture the human race and protect them from un-earthly influences. Armed with special abilities, including the power to evolve any earthly creature, the Caretakers take in their unexpected guests. They have been watching young Ethan Fox, and are curious as to why the Grimleavers, their mortal enemy on earth, would want to abduct a young human child. Together, Ethan and Haley journey to magical worlds, make new friends, and help the Caretakers unravel the stories greatest mysteries. Along the way, they learn that the Caretakers have been here since the beginning of human history and have played a key role in shaping human lore. In their world, vampires, werewolves, trolls, and even Medusa herself really do exist but have been kept hidden from the human world around them. Ethan is the key as they ultimately discover the Grimleavers true intentions, to unlock the four portals to the elemental worlds of the Chrysalis.

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Overall rating
 
4.3
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The Eyes of the Desert Sand (Chrysalis Chronicles #1)
Overall rating
 
4.3
Plot
 
N/A
Characters
 
N/A
Writing Style
 
N/A
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
13-year old Ethan Fox has always had an odd life , he has no memory of his life since the age of eight; has a father who enjoys making quirky videogam...more13-year old Ethan Fox has always had an odd life , he has no memory of his life since the age of eight; has a father who enjoys making quirky videogames, and was recently almost abducted by two vampires and a hooded stranger.

Ethan's life becomes immeasurably odder when he meets a strange when he meets a Haley, strange girl Ethan feels drawn to, at the beach near an amusement park and they both fall down a hole into a strange land. Once there Haley and Ethan are both are introduced to the Caretakers, a group of mythical creatures and human-like aliens who are tasked with maintaining order in the supernatural world. Ethan and Haley also discover that they may hold the key to the caretakers fight against the Grimleavers , a group of individuals bent on exposing the human world to supernatural elements and generally wreaking havoc.

Throughout the book Wolfe skillfully twines modern elements such as iPhones, and supernatural elements such as vampires together for a fun and interesting read. Even though this novel can at times seem to have the feel of some elements of the wizard of Oz and Alice and wonderland, the Eyes of the Desert Sand expounds on these foundations in an original and modern way. The Eyes of the Desert Sand is a refreshing fantasy novel, the author isn’t afraid to take creative license and twist characters and supernatural elements to his own whims. Unlike, many other YA fantasy novels in today’s market this one doesn’t evoke the slightest feeling of Déjà vu’ in the reader, Wolfe truly creates his own world.

The first Chrysalis Chronicles book shows enormous potential and if the author continues to expand he will have a great series. The book is at times fast-paced and the reader will have to pay close attention to keep the thread of the plot in several chapters. However for readers that are tired of the current markets YA fantasy options, solace can be found in Wolfe’s work.
For all of its good points The Eyes of the Desert Sand, falls short in a few areas, a few plot twists that the other would have done well to present a little more obscurely, will be able to be guessed early in the book by many reader. Also the cover leaves a lot to be desired it, it is unimaginative and a poor contrast to the high-quality text that the author has produced, on the basis of the cover many readers may be reluctant to buy the book.

Age Group: 10 and up
Content: very mild references to violence, mythical situations and animals that may scare some kids, references to a failed kidnapping

Disclaimer: This book was obtained from LibraryThing Early Reviewers
Good Points
Throughout the book Wolfe skillfully twines modern elements such as iPhones, and supernatural elements such as vampires together for a fun and interesting read. Even though this novel can at times seem to have the feel of some elements of the wizard of Oz and Alice and wonderland, the Eyes of the Desert Sand expounds on these foundations in an original and modern way. The Eyes of the Desert Sand is a refreshing fantasy novel, the author isn’t afraid to take creative license and twist characters and supernatural elements to his own whims. Unlike, many other YA fantasy novels in today’s market this one doesn’t evoke the slightest feeling of Déjà vu’ in the reader, Wolfe truly creates his own world
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