The Emerald Atlas, John Stephens
The Emerald Atlas, John Stephens
7 Rating(s)
List: $24.00 | Sale: $16.80
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The Emerald Atlas

Author: John Stephens

Narrator: Jim Dale

Unabridged: 11 hr 38 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/05/2011

Synopsis

"A strong . . . trilogy, invoking just a little Harry Potter and Series of Unfortunate Events along the way."—Realms of Fantasy

Siblings Kate, Michael, and Emma have been in one orphanage after another for the last ten years, passed along like lost baggage.
 
Yet these unwanted children are more remarkable than they could possibly imagine. Ripped from their parents as babies, they are being protected from a horrible evil of devastating power, an evil they know nothing about.
 
Until now.
 
Before long, Kate, Michael, and Emma are on a journey through time to dangerous and secret corners of the world . . . a journey of allies and enemies, of magic and mayhem. And—if an ancient prophesy is true—what they do can change history, and it's up to them to set things right.

"A new Narnia for the tween set."—The New York Times

"[A] fast-paced, fully imagined fantasy."—Publishers Weekly

"Echoes of other popular fantasy series, from "Harry Potter" to the "Narnia" books, are easily found, but debut author Stephens has created a new and appealing read . . ."—School Library Journal, Starred Review

About The Author

John Stephens spent ten years in television, and was executive producer of Gossip Girls and a writer for "Gilmore Girls" and "The O.C."  He holds an MFA from the University of Virginia and was inspired to write novels for children after reading Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Sonja Rosa Lisa ♡ on December 06, 2021

Kate, Michael und Emma sind Geschwister. Kate ist vier Jahre alt, als am Weihnachtstag unerwarteter Besuch vor der Tür steht. Es ist etwas geschehen, und Kates Eltern müssen ihre drei Kinder einem älteren Herrn überlassen. Dieser bringt sie in ein Waisenhaus, wo die Kinder fortan leben sollen. Bis a......more

Goodreads review by Sara on July 13, 2017

Das schönste Jugend-Fantasy Buch, dass ich seid langem gelesen habe! Ein toller Auftakt freue mich auf die nächsten beiden Bände! Volle Punktzahl und eine absolute Leseempfehlung !......more

Goodreads review by Priscilla on August 28, 2011

AHHHHHHH!!! So good. First impressions: 1. The story is amazing! It's fantastical, magical, fast-paced and action-packed! 2. Characters are love. The relationships between Kate, Michael and Emma are great. There is a fierce love and hate (like with all siblings) relationship between them. And their gro......more

Goodreads review by Mike (the Paladin) on July 24, 2019

Okay...I'm torn here. I'd like to go a bit more than 3 stars here, but if I do I'll need to go find all my 4 star books and move them up to 5, then what do i do with the 5 star books? So, stuck with 3 and telling you i find it a bit better than "just 3". You will, if like me, you occasionally pick up......more

Goodreads review by Amanda on August 10, 2011

While it is possible for a plot to be too simple, this author seemed to believe that his story would get better and better the more complicated he could make the plot. What we end up with is three protagonists who are rarely together so we have to follow at least two and sometimes three different st......more

Quotes

"Rich with wonder and personality, The Emerald Atlas is a terrific read. I wholeheartedly recommend it, and look forward to more." -- Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Fablehaven and Beyonders

Starred Review, School Library Journal, June 2011:
"Unfolding magic and secrets deepen the story and build excitement as it reaches its complex and time-bending climax....Echoes of other popular fantasy series, from “Harry Potter” to the “Narnia” books, are easily found, but debut author Stephens has created a new and appealing read that will leave readers looking forward to the next volumes in this projected trilogy."

Publishers Weekly, January 18, 2011:
"This fast-paced, fully imagined fantasy is by turns frightening and funny, and the siblings are well-crafted and empathetic heroes. Highly enjoyable, it should find many readers."

The Wall Street Journal, April 2, 2011:
"[A] great story is all in the telling, and in 'The Emerald Atlas' the telling is superb...First-time novelist John Stephens has created a vicarious adventure for children ages 9-15—the first in a trilogy—filled with unexpected twists and marvelously distinct and vivid characters."

BookPage, April 2, 2011:
"With magic, humor and unforgettable characters, John Stephens’ remarkable debut novel follows Kate, Michael and Emma as they attempt to outwit the Countess, rescue the children and maybe even save the world in the process. Unanswered questions and two more books to locate ensure a sequel and more robust adventures ahead."

Realms of Fantasy, April 2011:
“Ambitious, entertaining, magical, and whimsical, this marks a strong beginning to a new trilogy, invoking just a little Harry Potter and Series of Unfortunate Events along the way.”

Booklist, March 15, 2011:
“Fast-paced and engaging, with plenty of action, humor, and secrets propelling the plot. . . . Themes of family and responsibility . . . will easily resonate with young readers.”
 
Kirkus, March 15, 2011:
“Each character has such a likable voice that the elaborate story doesn’t feel overcomplicated. . . . The only gripe readers might initially have is with its length, but by the end, they’ll immediately wish it was longer.”

Library Media Connection, May / June 2011:
“A rollicking fantasy filled with shiver-inspiring evil creatures and quiet heroes. The feisty sisters and the intellectual brother will win the hearts of readers of all ages.”

CrackingTheCover.com, April 5, 2011:
"“Creativity and wit abound in 'The Emerald Atlas.' Author John Stephens could have easily fallen into the trap of building on someone else’s ideas. But he doesn’t.
Stephens doesn’t write down to his readers. Rather he offers a sophisticated narrative that will appeal to children and adults alike. It’s clear he had fun writing and that 'The Emerald Atlas' was painstakingly thought out.”

Awards

  • Bank Street Child Study Children's Book Award
  • Georgia Children's Book Award
  • Indiana Young Hoosier Award
  • Kid's Indie Next List "Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers"
  • Massachusetts Children's Book Award
  • Minnesota Maud Heart Lovelace Award
  • Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award
  • Texas Lone Star Reading List
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