Erin S. (nantuckerin) reviewed Here, There Be Dragons (Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica, Bk 1) on + 158 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Here, There Be Dragons is another great example of a book that I really wanted to like, but didn't. Although the premise is imaginative and "outside of the box," I found the writing too dry and the characters too flat to hold up the fantastic plot potential.
The story begins in 1917, when soon-to-be-famous literary giants J.R.R. (John) Tolkien, C.S. (Jack) Lewis and Charles Williams meet after the murder of a fellow Oxford man -- John's mentor. Although the three don't know each other, they're shared status as suspects in the murder quickly brings them together. The early bonds of friendship are galvanized when they fall under attack from mysterious hooded beings, and the trio begins on a spontaneous journey through the Archipelago of Dreams to protect the book John has been tasked as caretaker for, the Imaginarium Geographica. This book is a map to all the fantastic places that exist in literature and myth, from Avalon to Atlantis. As they journey aboard the Indigo King with a crew of fauns, the three future writers gain inspiration for their future literary classics, such as The Fellowship of the Ring and the Narnia series. (Admittedly, I'm not familiar with Charles Williams' work, but after a little research, learned that he was another famous English fantasy writer, and a fellow "Inkling" while at Oxford with Tolkien and Lewis.)
Owen's plot is ambitious, and in theory, should captivate any respectible bibliophile. Unfortunately, most people that call themselves book lovers also love language and the author just doesn't have a flair for words. The structure and setup are intriguing, but the story is told with very little color and passion. The characters are unbelievable and unrelatable, and although John is supposed to be the primary character, the only one that shines at all is Jack. At the end of the story, I didn't find myself caring about them enough to even idly wonder what will happen to them in the book's sequel. It was challenging enough to keep reading just to get resolution to Here, There Be Dragons. All in all, a disappointing read.
The story begins in 1917, when soon-to-be-famous literary giants J.R.R. (John) Tolkien, C.S. (Jack) Lewis and Charles Williams meet after the murder of a fellow Oxford man -- John's mentor. Although the three don't know each other, they're shared status as suspects in the murder quickly brings them together. The early bonds of friendship are galvanized when they fall under attack from mysterious hooded beings, and the trio begins on a spontaneous journey through the Archipelago of Dreams to protect the book John has been tasked as caretaker for, the Imaginarium Geographica. This book is a map to all the fantastic places that exist in literature and myth, from Avalon to Atlantis. As they journey aboard the Indigo King with a crew of fauns, the three future writers gain inspiration for their future literary classics, such as The Fellowship of the Ring and the Narnia series. (Admittedly, I'm not familiar with Charles Williams' work, but after a little research, learned that he was another famous English fantasy writer, and a fellow "Inkling" while at Oxford with Tolkien and Lewis.)
Owen's plot is ambitious, and in theory, should captivate any respectible bibliophile. Unfortunately, most people that call themselves book lovers also love language and the author just doesn't have a flair for words. The structure and setup are intriguing, but the story is told with very little color and passion. The characters are unbelievable and unrelatable, and although John is supposed to be the primary character, the only one that shines at all is Jack. At the end of the story, I didn't find myself caring about them enough to even idly wonder what will happen to them in the book's sequel. It was challenging enough to keep reading just to get resolution to Here, There Be Dragons. All in all, a disappointing read.
Katie M. (RavynStar) reviewed Here, There Be Dragons (Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica, Bk 1) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a very interesting book. I enjoyed the excitement of trying to figure out who the authors would be and when I did find out I was like "That's totally awesome!"
This is a great book for everyone!
This is a great book for everyone!
Shannon M. (confuzzledbooks) reviewed Here, There Be Dragons (Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica, Bk 1) on + 487 more book reviews
Here, There Be Dragons is the start of an amazing series with a gigantic realm as well as characters. Many characters will sound familiar because they come from other books or mythology, like the son of King Arthur, Captain Nemo from 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, and even Noah from The Bible! We jump into the fantasy world as three students who share a college professor learn they are caretakers to a book, âThe Imaginarium Geographicaâ, that maps worlds, that most were thought imaginary. A book so important their professor was killed over. As they search for a way to stop The Winter King from trying to take over the magical lands and kill anyone in his way. Stopping him is no easy task because no one person fully understands âThe Imaginarium Geographicaâ nor the worlds it transcribes.
Realistic and fantasy lands collide as do the real and mythological characters. There is so much action and adventure that it is hard to fully describe Here, There Be Dragons. I can only tell you it is fun, exciting and original. The ending was a surprise and I loved it so much I have been trying to get my husband to read it. Author James Owens is also the illustrator and the art in front of each chapter is spectacular!
I can not find anything to dislike about the book. Only thing I wish is for the series to continue for a long time and become a tv series. So much could be done as a series, live action or animated. There are very few series I feel this with. Actually, there is three now Buffy The Vampire Slayer series(animated), Percy Jackson and The Olympians series, and this one.
I have the second book in the series, The Red Dragon, and will be reading it soon! Big thumbs up from me! I can't wait to continue the series.
Realistic and fantasy lands collide as do the real and mythological characters. There is so much action and adventure that it is hard to fully describe Here, There Be Dragons. I can only tell you it is fun, exciting and original. The ending was a surprise and I loved it so much I have been trying to get my husband to read it. Author James Owens is also the illustrator and the art in front of each chapter is spectacular!
I can not find anything to dislike about the book. Only thing I wish is for the series to continue for a long time and become a tv series. So much could be done as a series, live action or animated. There are very few series I feel this with. Actually, there is three now Buffy The Vampire Slayer series(animated), Percy Jackson and The Olympians series, and this one.
I have the second book in the series, The Red Dragon, and will be reading it soon! Big thumbs up from me! I can't wait to continue the series.
