BLOG
It's All Jake
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
First of all, if you recognize the slang term above, then you’re probably too old to read this entry. But either way, that’s what today’s edition is all about: Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow. There are many exciting things coming up as the release date nears (April 28).
On the site here, we’re adding new material almost daily to the Jake Ransom book page. But it’s only a shadow of what’s happening over at HarperCollins Children’s Microsite for Jake Ransom. Over there, you’ll find games, contests, an interactive map, even a few Easter Eggs that will allow you to solve some secret messages buried within the text of the book. So hop on over there as the site continues to build toward the release date.
But what do we know already about Jake? Some early reviews are beginning to filter in.
Kirkus Reviews says: “The author's first for children starts out as a realistic thriller but takes a big left turn into fantasy without abandoning the thrills. … Rollins has created a page-turning first volume in a series that will have readers…clamoring for the next volume.”
But let’s get more personal, yet no less unbiased (trust me). Here is a five-star review from someone many of you might know, Susan Tunis. How might you know her? Well, I featured her in The Judas Strain and tortured her unmercifully.
A little background on how I first met Susan, so you’ll get some idea of how unbiased she can be. We first became acquainted when she sent me an e-mail (a four-page e-mail) stating quite clearly why Excavation was a horrible, horrible book (mostly by comparing it to Subterranean, which she liked). So she pulls no punches.
In fact, she has grown to be a respected reviewer, including being chosen not only as a featured “Vine Reviewer” for Amazon, but she was also chosen to be one of the judges for Amazon’s breakout writer’s contest. If that’s not enough, she’s also just started her own blog about books, reviews, and life in general titled IN ONE EYE, OUT THE OTHER... Check it out!
Here is her very generous review for Jake Ransom:
If Rollins and Clemens had a child
I've gotten a little clever with the title of my review. It refers to the fact that thriller writer James Rollins also writes fantasy novels under the name James Clemens. I think Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow really is like the perfect offspring of the Rollins and Clemens styles--some science, thrills and adventure, mixed with a generous amount of fantasy. And this IS his first novel for young adults.
Now, the book is written for kids aged ten and up. I'm a 40-year-old woman, so I'd be, you know, up. There isn't a doubt in my mind that this book will find an audience with its intended readership, but that it will also be read by many of Rollins adult fans who are, like me, young at heart. The great thing is that there's something for everyone. It's a terrific book for parents and kids to read together.
The novel is told from the point of view of 13-year-old Jake Ransom. He and his older sister Kady come from a long line of archeologists and adventurers. Their parents were lost under mysteri ous circumstances on an expedition three years earlier, but despite this tragedy, Jake is ready to follow in their footsteps. He's fascinated by history and science, and spends all his time engaged in some form of learning. Kady's a little different. She's... popular. (And great job writing some strong female characters, Mr. Rollins!)
Near the beginning of the novel, Jake and Kady receive a surprise invitation to a museum exhibit opening in London. The exhibit features Mayan artifacts recovered from the senior Ransoms' last fateful expedition. Jake and Kady attend the opening amidst much fanfare. It's an eventful day; the opening is timed to match exactly a full eclipse of the sun, plus there's an electrical storm raging. Alone with an artifact, during some extraordinary atmospheric conditions, all the puzzle pieces come together and Jake and Kady are transported--inexplicably--to another world. And they're about to be eaten by a t-rex!
Jake and Kady have come to Calypsos, and while they explore this village and its unique inhabitants, they are searching for a way home. Unfortunately, they get embroiled with a VVV--a vaguely Voldemortian villain--and are intimately caught up in an epic battle of good and evil. The book actually reminded me more of Lloyd Alexander's beloved Chronicles of Prydain with its own epic battle than anything else (but others with a better vocabulary of YA fiction may have more apt comparisons).
Here's the thing... This novel is the first of a promised series. It does a great job of setting up the principles, the situations, the conflicts, and so forth. And this arc of the story is complete. The one thing you should know is that none of the bigger picture questions are answered. As you finish this novel, it will leave you wanting much, much more.
I read a galley of this novel, but I can't wait to see all the illustrations in a finished copy. It's coming out right in time for my nephew's birthday, and I'm very much looking forward to reading this and future Jake Ransom adventures with him.
But let’s not trust just Susan’s opinion. Here are a few more early reviews from Harper’s First Look program:
Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow
First Look Reviews
“From start to finish, there really isn’t a dull moment in the book.”—Tyler
“Jake Ransom and the Skull King's Shadow is jam-packed with Mayan history, dinosaurs, alchemy, Vikings, Roman soldiers…along with Jake Ransom and his sister Kady. It’s a high-adventure, fantasy-fused ride with bits of history thrown in for good measure. It’s the sort of book that launches a series with kids lined up around the building to buy the next one.”—Cheryl
“Hurry, read this book before the main character, Jake Ransom is brought to the big screen! This book is so ready for a suspenseful movie to be made about it. The descriptions of the characters and settings make you feel like you’re one of the team frantically trying to solve the many mysteries rolled into one! The best part is that the ending left us with the possibility that we would see Jake again in another book in the future.”—Karen
“For a first-time writer of Young Adult fiction, James Rollins has hit the nail on the head. I read through almost half the book in one sitting, I just couldn’t stop. The characters are well developed, and the plot line is great.
With an ending that leaves it apparent that we will have more adventures to come, I can’t wait for the sequel.”—Daniel
“James Rollins’ book Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow is a gripping book that draws you to an unknown world of adventure. You will never want to put this book down.”—Lynsee
“This was an exciting story filled with twists and turns and a great mystery to solve. It was definitely a great read and I would recommend it to others.”—Terri
“Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow has become one of my favorite books of all time! Jake Ransom has the potential to become this generation’s Indiana Jones! Rollins has encompassed adventure, suspense, history, fun, and a touch of romance into one fantastic book. His descriptions are impeccable. I found it very hard to put down. The short chapters kept me wanting more. Jake Ransom will not only appeal to adventuresome boys, but daring girls as well.”—Christina
“I feel like I have been transported back in time to an era of pure excitement!! Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow keeps you on the edge of your seat and leaves you waiting for the next book in this thrilling series.”—Alaina
“Loved it, loved it, loved it. I couldn’t put it down. I was hooked right away and kept reading and reading all day. The writing was so vivid I could picture all the places in my mind. I know kids will love reading this. It is a great blending of dinosaurs, different cultures, and action. I know kids will run to the Internet to research some of the cultures or animals. Fabulous way to encourage book reading.”—Sharon
“It’s about time someone wrote one of those roller coaster thrillers adults have been relishing for young adults. Rollins skillfully blends archaeology with science and fantasy to create an entertaining and informative tale that will keep readers glued to his pages. We needed someone like James Rollins years ago—I am glad he has created this series.”—Bill
So all those reviews should give a good glimpse into Jake Ransom and his first adventure. But check out Jake’s book page here (along with Harpers Microsite) for a comprehensive peek behind the boy, the author, and their story. But check back regularly as more content will be coming!
Until next time:
Current book I’m reading: Daemon by Daniel Suarez
Last movie I saw: Knowing starring Nicolas Cage
Last song I downloaded: Mad World sung by Adam Lambert (yes, that Adam Lambert…c’mon, it WAS a great performance)
Name: L Date: 2009-04-18
Jim, Congratulations on the enthusiastic response on Jake. Even though I am in the "up" group as well, obvioously in good company (!), looking forward to reading it, and I'll be looking for someone to read it to, too! April 28th is just around the corner... L.