Xavier: St Griswold College for Abandoned Boys

0.0

4.3 (1)

140 0

Write Review Add to favorites

Author(s)

E.M. Cooper

Genre(s)

MG/YA Magical Fantasy

Age Range

11+

Release Date

December 20, 2014

ISBN13

978-0992417505

ISBN10 or ASIN

In the dark fantasy series, Xavier Jones is abandoned at St Griswold College deep within the mysterious Mourn Forest. As the world changes outside the school walls, evil brews at St Griswold. Xavier discovers the school and its inhabitants have strange customs and dark secrets. Everything he knows and believes about the world shifts.

In a magical world teeming with angels, demons, shifters and the Darklaw, Xavier befriends Ethan, Beth and Gabe. Using their abilities and devices, the teenagers must discover who they can trust among those they meet including the ethereal Boundary Keeper, a vain messenger angel and a magical watchmaker. Together the friends journey across a country infiltrated by sinister forces. They witness the terrifying First Strike, a celestial battle between angelic and demonic armies, and Xavier learns of his destiny and a frightening prediction.

User reviews

1 review

Overall rating

4.3

Writing Style

4.0(1)

Plot

4.0(1)

Characters

5.0(1)

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A(0)

Already have an account? or Create an account

Nothing is as it seems at St Griswold College for Abandoned Boys…

October 16, 2015

Overall rating

4.3

Writing Style

N/A

Plot

N/A

Characters

N/A

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Nothing is as it seems at St Griswold College for Abandoned Boys…
And what an intriguing world this author has built!
When I first arrived on the steps of St. Griswold with Xavier, I felt like I’d stumbled onto Platform 9 3/4 again. But in a good way, as the author quickly proves that St. Griswold is no Hogwarts and it might very well be a dangerous place.
I was definitely drawn into the story right away, but as it is classified as a Young Adult book, I was expecting a story for a slightly more mature audience (for those of us that are a little more Adult and not so much Young.) While I would not class Xavier as belonging to the Young Adult genre, it is an excellent story for preteens and fans of the Middle Grade genre. If you are looking for an exciting (clean) story, with a great message to enjoy with your kids, Xavier is definitely it.
There was so much about this book I really enjoyed, but Gabe is by far the thing I loved the most. From his incredible arrival at Griswold to his quick wit, Gabe is such a well rounded, enjoyable character! Xavier is a good match to Gabe, while Ethan’s character brings some balance (and maybe a little uncertainty) to the group. Along their journey through the Mourn Forest, the boys meet some fantastic creatures and magical places. Places I would have loved to linger just a bit longer.
The only bit of criticism I have for this book is that the pacing was somewhat frustrating. The story begins well, with a lot of promise, but then it lulls for quite a bit until Xavier and his friends make their escape. Then it really gets going! It’s exciting, adventurous and entertaining … and it moves at a lightning pace compared to the beginning of the novel. A little more balance here would have warranted five stars. So many interesting creatures, places and people were introduced throughout Xavier’s journey, but as soon as one thing was mentioned and developed to the point of really capturing my interest, we were leaving and moving on to the next. Personally, I wanted to spend more time getting to know the Shay and their fantastic underground city, and I wanted to linger at the Boundary a little longer and discover more secrets from the Keeper. Perhaps this is why the book feels more suitable to a younger audience?
Nonetheless, I am looking forward to the next installment of the series and highly anticipating the arrival of a certain hero's wings!