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Review FIVE KINGDOMS: SKY RAIDERS- Simon & Schuster book review

FIVE KINGDOMS: SKY RAIDERS- Simon & Schuster book review
Average Ratings (from 26 ratings)
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Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
Would your child read other books in this series?
FIVE KINGDOMS: SKY RAIDERS- Simon & Schuster book review :
4.06 out of 5 based on 26 reviews.
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FIVE KINGDOMS: SKY RAIDERS

by Brandon Mull

The launch of an exciting new fantasy series for 7-12 year olds. Cole Randolph was just trying to have a fun time with his friends on Halloween (and maybe get to know Jenna Hunt a little better). But when he and his friends break into a spooky house with the scariest rep in town, it turns out to be the start of an adventure on a whole different level!

As his friends are mysteriously sucked away into another realm Cole dives in after them and finds himself in a magical place called The Outskirts. Made up of five kingdoms, The Outskirts lie between wakefulness and dreaming, reality and imagination, between life and death. It’s an in-between place. And once you find your way to the Outskirts, it’s very hard to leave…

MOVE OVER PERCY JACKSON, THERE’S A NEW HERO IN TOWN!

Available as paperback from your prefered book retailer for $14.99

Published 9th July 2014

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  • Adventurous, intriguing and insightful into the pre-tween world.

    Looking at a boy with a glowing sword and a massive scorpion calls to you from the front cover, it calls out to you...Adventure! Epic Battles! Fantastical Creatures!

    From the very first words that jump off the page...'weaving down the hall, Cole avoided a ninja, a witch, a pirate...' Our imagination take flights! We are engaged! We meet our main character, we know it's Halloween, we meet his mate Dalton and we know about a girl-friend (emphasis) on the friend - Jenna. We are transported and already relating to the characters - our new friends.

    In the very first pages we get a sense of who Cole is, a very smart boy who may or may not have a little crush on this girl and to prove he's 'cool' like the other kids sets up to meet at the 'Spooky alley house'...but don't forget the haul of candy!

    For a group of kids in a haunted house on Halloween you know and feel something is going to happen. Even if you're too cool for trick-a-treating, don't really like that girl 'more' than a friend, cause you really want to hang...but also cause you're not afraid...You know you want to...Go on! Open that 'white door with a plain brass knob'...read on, you know you want to know what happens...go on I dare you!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Fun reading

    My eleven year old nephew absolutely loved this book. I bought it to encourage him to read now he wants to read more. Great fantasy book that is fun to read for kids and the young at heart. Brandon Mull writes in such a manner that you are drawn into a magical fantasy world.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Recommended book

    This is a great book for pre teens, teens and adults (I'm a kid at heart), anyone who enjoys fantasy mystery. Brandon Mull is a great writer and it's hard to put the book down once you start reading. He transforms you into another world so you enjoy reading. Great book to encourage children to read, that's why I gave it to my 11 year old nephew,
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Fantastic Five Kingdoms

    I have finally manged to pry this book out of my son's hand so that I could actually look at it! He ploughed through the book in records speed and then gave it to Dad to read as well - huge thumbs up all round in this household. Suitable for readers 9 to 99 and my nephew is currently reading it. Yes, we will be tracking down the series as it is a Fabulous adventure!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Just love it

    My son is just starting to read books and he couldn't put this book down it keep him on the edge of his sit, and he loved it that much he read it again
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Exciting reading for kids

    My daughter loves these types of books so was very excited to receive the book yesterday. Her first impressions after reading a few chapters is that the book is very exciting! She tells me so far she really likes the story which is about a boy named Cole. She didn't want to give all the details and spoil it for other readers but it starts with Cole and his friends going into a haunted house where they get kidnapped. Cole goes down a ladder to rescue his friends and finds himself in another universe. She couldn't wait to keep reading it today and took it to school for silent reading time. She recommends it for kids over nine.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Age has no limit when reading this book!

    I dared to drop into the darkness with Cole...and I was transported...engaged...and ready to see this adventure out with him. You are immersed with the need to help his friends, to learn more about the place that couldn't possibility exist - but it does and each word and each step that Cole makes, you need to know what happens next! Its a page turner and a tale twister! The immersion into this strange new world, the adventures he undertakes but with the final end game to rescue his friends always at the back of your mind. There is courage and determination and sheer luck on Coles part. You feel his sense of defeat of being sold as a slave, scared when he runs his first mission, relieved when he survives another day and that eventually he makes friends in a strange world.

    It's his story, that crosses with another character, to help him reach his end goal but to perhaps enable him to help someone else along the way. There is no guile to who he is or his lack of bravery, he is indeed an accidental hero but with a heart of gold that bonds you to him. To travel with him to rescue his friends, to help others along the way and to really live the adventure of the Outskirts! There are lessons to be learned in these books, that resonant outside of the covers of this magnificent novel.

    The imagination of the author, the detail and the ability to keep the reader engaged is a testament to his wordsmith. His ability to capture the imagination of young readers has branched out to capturing the imagination of a mother of two! I have been given the opportunity to revisit my childhood through this book, to read through the eyes of a male author (very rare for me) and to learn a little more about my pre-tween son's world of books and maybe find a common bond not just in reading by the adventures of these books with him.I cannot wait for the next book in the Five Kingdoms Trilogy: Skyraiders series. A need to know that Cole and his band of mismatched friends will complete their next quest, my curiosity of the world in which he is trapped in, what is shapecraft and if they can save his friends and topple the HighShaper! If you're not reading Brandon Mull, you need to get on it - NOW!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Best book I read my whole life

    Only received the book yesterday, Really like the book only read up to page 20 but so far awesome.
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  • Nephew is now reading

    I bought this book for my 11 year old nephew as a present, hoping he would develop a love of reading as his mother and Auntie have. He absolutely loved it and now I'm keen to borrow it and see what it's like. I will be tracking down the other titles in the series for Christmas presents.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Fanastic read..

    My 11 year old son loved this book. He can't wait for more to come out. Read it at night and also over the school holidays. I was very surprised that he wrote a book review about it at school as well. Told me doesn't wanna give to much away to me as he wants me now to read it. Gr8 book, thankyou for allowing us to read it and review it..
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Fun reading

    My eleven year old nephew absolutely loved this book. I bought it to encourage him to read now he wants to read more. Great fantasy book that is fun to read for kids and the young at heart. Brandon Mull writes in such a manner that you are drawn into a magical fantasy world.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Recommended book

    This is a great book for pre teens, teens and adults (I'm a kid at heart), anyone who enjoys fantasy mystery. Brandon Mull is a great writer and it's hard to put the book down once you start reading. He transforms you into another world so you enjoy reading. Great book to encourage children to read, that's why I gave it to my 11 year old nephew,
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Nephew is now reading

    I bought this book for my 11 year old nephew as a present, hoping he would develop a love of reading as his mother and Auntie have. He absolutely loved it and now I'm keen to borrow it and see what it's like. I will be tracking down the other titles in the series for Christmas presents.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • loved this read

    I really enjoyed the read of five kingdoms my son and nephew loved it also.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Good read

    I got Five Kingdoms: Sky Raiders for my nephew who said he thought it a good book. Loving science fiction / adventure novels myself I was keen to find a book out there that catered to young kids so this was a great find. It's easy for them to relate to the characters and the story is interesting.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Great little escape for kids!

    My nephew loved this book and it was his first introduction to science fiction / fantasy adventure novel. Being a fan of this genre myself it was good to find something that I could surprise my nephew with. He found it really absorbing and intriguing and couldn't put the book down till the end. A great read for a ten year old! I wish there had been more young child friendly science fiction adventure novels when I was younger!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Fanastic read..

    My 11 year old son loved this book. He can't wait for more to come out. Read it at night and also over the school holidays. I was very surprised that he wrote a book review about it at school as well. Told me doesn't wanna give to much away to me as he wants me now to read it. Gr8 book, thankyou for allowing us to read it and review it..
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Great Older Child/Young Teenager Read

    I only got half way through the first chapter before my son lost interest but he is only 7 and if it's not star wars or Lego at the moment it's just not cool! I got through 3 chapters before I ran out of time to sit and read (I also have a 2 yr old and a 4 month old so reading time is few and far between) But from what i did read it was captivating, so I donated the book to my son's library and so far it hasn't touched the shelf! One of the students read it and now her mum is asking where she can find them!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Loved it!

    My ten year old daughter loved this book so much that she can't wait for the next one to come out! I've tried asking her about it but she doesn't want to give to much more away than I have in the previous review. She finished the book and said it was amazing. As stated previously probably better for kids over 9 or ten because of the content. She would definitely recommend this book for boys or girls.
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  • Great Book

    This is one of those books that both tweens and parents could enjoy together. Love that there is strong female character and lots of twists and turns. I also like that it will carry on over several books in order to get to the other worlds!
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  • awesome read

    Finished book today is a great light read looking forward to the next adventure but still a great read for tweens
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Fantastic Five Kingdoms

    I have finally manged to pry this book out of my son's hand so that I could actually look at it! He ploughed through the book in records speed and then gave it to Dad to read as well - huge thumbs up all round in this household. Suitable for readers 9 to 99 and my nephew is currently reading it. Yes, we will be tracking down the series as it is a Fabulous adventure!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Just love it

    My son is just starting to read books and he couldn't put this book down it keep him on the edge of his sit, and he loved it that much he read it again
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
    Would you recommend this book to other Mums?
    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Intriguing

    I found this book rather in ticking as now each evening I get time to sit down with my eldest daughter and read to her which is connecting us more, it's even better that it's a book that we can talk about together, I would define toy continue to buy this series and read with her.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Starts slow but does get better

    The first few chapters were a bit difficult to get into as the 'love story' is established and Cole gets through the shock of the new world, but from about the middle of the book onwards the writing smooths out into the adventure and the second half is a good easy read. Looks like this is the first of at least 5 books, so it is worth considering how your child will deal with waiting for the next book to continue the story (if they are more than 6 months apart then your child will probably outgrow the series before it ends).
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Kingdom Saviour and Scorpinan Lord!

    Even I was excited when we opened the package, with the cover catching our attention straight away. It seemed to be in line with the style of story my son enjoys, so off to his bedroom armed with snacks!

    After a speed read of the first couple of chapters - I left him to it! So far, so good as he hasn't put it down, so hopefully this will become a favourite for our family
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Is this a kissing story?

    I thought this sounded like a great book for my 9yr old, who loves fantasy stories, and devoured all the HP books and is a great little reader. Unfortunately the first few chapters started off with the lead character being romantically attracted to a girl, and my 9yr old son wasn't impressed. If your child is still in the 'girls are icky and gross' stage they may find it a little hard to get into. We haven't finished reading the book yet, as it only arrived a few days ago, so hopefully when we finish it we'll be able to give it a more positive review.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • A well written, engaging book aimed at the "tween" reader.

    I just got this book today and after reading two chapters was hooked!

    The language is simple and engaging and I will be interested to see what my 12 year old son thinks of the story line. I think, if he can get past all of the "words", that the plot will be one that is relate-able - boy likes cute girl, wants to be the hero and save her and his best mate - with enough twists and turns and excitement to keep him engaged and reading.

    I will keep you posted!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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  • Exciting reading for kids

    My daughter loves these types of books so was very excited to receive the book yesterday. Her first impressions after reading a few chapters is that the book is very exciting! She tells me so far she really likes the story which is about a boy named Cole. She didn't want to give all the details and spoil it for other readers but it starts with Cole and his friends going into a haunted house where they get kidnapped. Cole goes down a ladder to rescue his friends and finds himself in another universe. She couldn't wait to keep reading it today and took it to school for silent reading time. She recommends it for kids over nine.
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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    Would your child read other books in this series?

  • Can't wait to get into this book

    Thanks MOM for this book. We got it yesterday and my son is very excited to start reading it. He is 7 so not sure if this book is going to be up his ally just yet as it looks for kids a little older maybe 10+. I know they say not to judge a book by its cover but it draws you in. Can't wait to update everyone on our progress and happy reading!
    Did your child find Five Kingdoms entertaining?
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