The Shrouded Sword - Reviews
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“In debut author Minter’s middle-grade series opener, two boys try to solve a riddle that leads them on an adventure.
Over Christmas break, Ethan Moseby and his younger sister, Jynx, are left with their eccentric, reclusive uncle, Socrates, at his mansion, Gramarye House, in the fictional town of Deadmoor, Virginia. With no TV or internet to distract them, and no curfew or house rules, the children set off to explore the estate. They find an incredible library, as well as a maze ‘the size of a football field.’ Ethan later befriends Amos Sprunt, who’s the son of the local undertaker and a fan of Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Together, Amos and Ethan try to solve a riddle that takes them through the library to a secret gallery of paintings, then to a graveyard, a secret doorway, and finally to an ancient mausoleum with a massive painted fresco, guarded by raucous ravens. . . Literary references abound, from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to Edgar Allan Poe to King Arthur. . . The plot is unquestionably full of surprises. The adventures not only include time travel and pirates, but also portal hopping, a “forbidden room,” multiple riddles, and a cipher. . .” – Kirkus Reviews (more) |
"An adventuresome tween, his sister, a sidekick, riddles, a maze, pirates, time-travel----all of these add up to a book that will captivate the younger members of your quarantined family, and perhaps help the adults revive the tradition of the read-aloud. This is the first installment of a planned three-book series, and I’m looking forward to the next adventure already." (more)
– Diane S. Adkins for Evince Magazine "This is a wonderful read that anyone who loves magic, mystery and decoding ciphers will fall in love with.
Minter takes us through the complexities of an ever-changing maze, time hops, and challenging riddles while sprinkling in pirates, goblins and other fantastic mythical creatures that join us on this good versus evil odyssey. You’ll be captivated as you navigate your way through the whimsey, wit and pure fun of the Shrouded Sword." (more) – Marie Wikle for Spreading Joy |
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"Owen Minter brings great inventive energy to his richly detailed story. You'll be surprised and delighted over and over again as you witness the forces of good and evil battle it out -- heroes and goblins, wizards and demons - in both the present and the past. There is trickery, mystery, and humor throughout these pages. Get set for a rollicking ride!"
– Judy Goldman, author Together: A Memoir of a Marriage and a Medical Mishap |
"If your child enjoyed the middle-grade Fablehaven series, he or she will love The Shrouded Sword (the first book in Minter's fantasy/adventure series)! Join Ethan, Amos, and Jynx on their wild search for a hidden treasure that could control the fate of the world. Packed with pirate chases, time travel, riddle-spewing creatures, magic, and mystical mazes, The Shrouded Sword is a fun read from beginning to end!"
– Andrea, (From Goodreads) |
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“First time novelist Owen Minter has delivered a surprisingly captivating story in The Shrouded Sword, a book which delivers
suspense and intrigue throughout an action-packed tale that features three young people not yet jaded by life, Merlin the Wizard and a house that is like no other. Minter clearly has been influenced by the Harry Potter series, but his story is entirely fresh and original and some of his characters evoke the innocence and wonder of those who lit up the old Disney films — films made before the manipulation of special effects replaced epic story telling. This book soars and the reader finds himself wanting to be transplanted into the story the adventure these young people share. It is a wow! It belongs on everyone’s must read list.” – Jeffrey Clark, Literary Lion of St. George Island |
“Get this book if you love middle grade adventure stories—creepy, magical houses, mazes, puzzles, time travel, an evil witch, humor, and friendship.”
– Betsy Thorpe, Writer, Editor, Shaman, Rock Star "The Shrouded Sword has a keep you glued to the book pace. It combines a magical world, an epic quest and endearing characters that you care about. Makes a wonderful read aloud. I cannot wait for the next in the series. Thanks Mr. Minter, for writing such a great book!"
– From Amazon Review |
