Beyond the Valley of Thorns (Land of Elyon #2)

Reader reviewed by Whitness

Have you ever read a book and, literally, "couldn't put it down"? This is one of those books. The second book in "The Land of Elyon" series, it's a continuation of the story, except this one is different from the first one, because of the cliffhanger ending.

Alexa Daley was sure the city of Bridewell would be safe, once the walls had fallen, but now she discovers that there is more. She reunites with her old friends and makes new friends, embarking upon a journey very unlike her first, as she depending upon the loyalty of those around her. Follow Alexa as she meets evil bats, diseased giants, rabid dogs, and the mastermind of it all. Her quest for peace will surely keep you on your toes, as you discover the price of peace and travel with her.

I really liked this book and thought it was one of the most well-written books I've read in a long time. The descriptions are vivid and horrifying, in a way easy to relate to, yet horrifying all the same. It's hard to imagine that the evil Patrick Carman describes really exists. Though it's a fantasy novel, I believe such evil really exists inside each of us. This novel is recommended for the young, aspiring readers of age 8 to even the oldest soul daring for some adventure.

Reader reviewed by Ben

Beyond The Valley Of Thorns
By:Patrick Carman

Welcome to the Land of Elyon! In this intruiging story, you will meet brave Alexa Daley, small and slick Yipes, Armon the giant, the EVIL Victor Grindall (A. K. A. Ruler of Castalia), Grindall's evil band of ogres, Warvold and Renny(husband & wife), Ranold, the owner of the ship called the Warwick Beacon, kind John Christopher, and last but not least, Elyon, creator of the Land of Elyon.

In Carman's second book in the Land of Elyon series, there are miracles and disgraceful events. Firstly, one of my most favorite is when Alexa Daley, Yipes, John Christopher (A. K. A. the gang). here the amazing story of Catherine, alias Renny, Laura, and Armon. This tale is about the three companions guarding the last Jocastas. When Laura meets a mountain lion, she believes she can shw them to the lion. The lion tells Laura that some Jocastas had words inscribed on them and others didn't. Hearing this, she separates the two different kinds of stones. A Jocasta is a stone that shines light, and let's you to be able to communicate with a variety of animals. Secondly, I, myself, favor the part when they beat Victor Grindall, but it was too bad that John Christopher didn't participate because he was already killed by an ogre. The battle plan was clever, they had too convince the Castalian guards to listen and they killed ogres on guard. The bad news is that Grindall escaped with ten ogres and their cunning friend, Yipes. After their exotic plan, they leave Castalia and meet Ranold, the long lost sea explorer, but first they have to save Catherine, and the task was accomplished easily. After they exchange greetings with Ranold, Ranold provided bread and fish, showed them a fresh spring for water, and along with the other dishes, there was flour and oil taken from holdings he'd stored in the Warwick Beacon before departing. And now, my most favorite part shall be revealed, I liked the part when they, excluding Ranold and Warvold, found out that Ranold and Warvold were brothers, for one was a great explorer at land and the other at sea. Another secret is that the brothers managed to send messages by choosing a location where Warvold could drop a bright red flag, meager supplies, and word of what was happening above. Ranold also sent messages to his brother, but Warvold preferred it to keep them secret.

Now Armon the giant is being relentlessly tracked by th black swarm, who might turn Armon into a ogre.Yipes is held captive by the band of ogres, his fate unknown.


I think you should read this because, all in all, it is very exciting and tempting. When you start it you would never want to put it down. As you can see this is a favorable book. Try reading it and I hope you'll like it.