Magic Lands: Journey Beyond the Beyond

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Summary: Dreaming of wizards
Review: I've written the author several times about this wonderful book and was so pleased to hear teacher and student guides are coming out. It is a book I'm currently reading to my fourth graders and they love it as much as I do.

If there was ever a book that should have been a Newbery Medal winner this is one. It is my choice for the ALA. The reason is simple: Magic Lands is one of the rare books you just want to share with everyone after you read it. One of the few truly great childrens books.

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Summary: Captivating....
Review: In a word, incredible. This has got to be one of the best novels I've ever read with my children. We read the book nearly straight through the first time. The only reasons we stopped was because it was far past bed time. The book follow the story of Ray, a boy who's to prove he's a man now by journeying to place far from his home village. On the way Ray encounters Old Bull, Mother Slither and many other exciting characters.

For the people who think it is funny to post malicious reviews to Stanek's books. I would say go to www.robertstanek.com but you've probably already been there where you've read about the many awards his books have won, the 9 translations in the works, and the fact that Magic Lands is being condidered for adaptation as a feature animation film.

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Summary: A Review from Abby's mom
Review: Magic Lands Journey Beyond the Beyond is a fantasy of the order of such great authors as J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter), C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia), and Madeleine L'Engle (Wrinkle in Time). Simply put, this book is a masterpiece of children's fantasy and a true classic.

This book introduces us to Ray, who lives in a small village in the wilderness. His life changes when he has to prove he is of age and leave his home village. His journey starts out with him eyes filled with dreams leaving and he gets a rude awakening very quickly when a wild beast sets on him and nearly devours him. This starts off a seris of magnificent chases and wild adventures with Ray and the beast as his nemisary.

Robert Stanek has masterfully rendered a captivating page-turner. This book includes everything one could wish in a fantasy: very interesting characters, strong tension between good and evil, lots of adventure/mystery, dramatic twists-and-turns, and a bit of magic.

This book is a must read for kids and adults alike. It's imaginative, well envisioned, and a great read.

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Summary: Looking for something fun to read to your child? Here it is!
Review: My husband and I bought this book as a Christmas present for our 7 year old son. The night after Christmas, my husband started reading it to our son. In the five months since then, my husband and I have read this book all the way through four times! My son lays entranced in his bed each and every time with his eyes going wide as Ray confronts Old Bull, holding his breath while Ray clashes with Mother Slither as if we hadn't read this very book 3 times previously. Even more remarkable, my husband and I enjoyed it just as much - and admit to reading ahead in the book after sending our son to bed. This is an excellent book to begin sharing the wonder of reading with your children. You will enjoy reading the story as much as they will enjoy hearing it!

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Summary: If you don't like it read it a second time please!
Review: OK, I'll admit I was a bit disappointed with the ending the first time but after a second reading (and not rushing this time) it made a lot more sense.

This is a great book. This book clearly shows Robert Staneks talent. In this story Ray leaves his village to go to the place lost and deep. He encounters Old Bull, Mother Slither and others. Over all I can asure you you will love this alsome book.

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Summary: The start of something big
Review: The first time I read this book, when I was twelve or so, I really loved it and completely devoured it. Now, two years later, after re-reading it, I must say I appreciate it more. Stanek has written a great story not only for children but also for teens. It is a pleasent mix of action and fantasy and adventure, and the characters are interesting to say the least. The prespective of the book is quite interesting as the main charecter is a twelve-year-old who sets out from his home village to "become a man" by undertaking a journey to the place "lost and deep".

I think that half of the appeal of this novel is Ray, a very beleivable charecter, with sharp intellect and a certain cleverness. Even some of his hardships are appealing as you could picture yourself in Ray's place.

As for the Old Bull, what can I say? He is almost certainly the best adversary ever. Totally reminds me of the croc in Peter Pan but with lots more life and character. As a movie it'd be excelelnt as a book it is seriously great.

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Summary: An excellent book for any age
Review: This is a great book for all ages. At first i was a bit skeptable because I thaught it would be for younger children but i was wrong. It keeps the reader attached at all times. You think one thing is going to happen but somthing completly different happens. This is not a book anyone is going to be able to predict. I loved it and am looking forward to the release of the 2nd book in the series.