Title: Leven Thumps and the Ruins of Alder
Author: Ben Sowards
First published January 1, 2009
363 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781606411469 (ISBN10: 1606411462)
Rating: 4.1
Overview
As the fate of Foo hangs in the balance, Leven Thumps finds himself facing his toughest challenge yet in the fourth installment of this epic saga. Leven is whisked away to the mysterious island of Alder, where he must overcome a series of daunting trials that will determine the fate of both realms.
Meanwhile, his friends in Reality are struggling to keep the peace as they welcome refugees from Foo, even as a sinister force seeks to exploit the chaos for their own gain. With tensions rising and danger lurking around every corner, Leven and his companions must race against time to restore the balance of power and save both worlds from certain doom.
Join Leven and his friends as they journey through the treacherous ruins of Alder in a thrilling tale of adventure, magic, and the power of dreams.
Editoral Review
Leven Thumps and the Ruins of Alder by Ben Sowards is a thrilling adventure novel that takes readers on a journey through a world unlike any other. Published on January 1, 2009, this book is the third installment in the Leven Thumps series and is a must-read for fans of fantasy, adventure, and young adult fiction.
Ben Sowards is an accomplished author and illustrator who has worked on several books throughout his career. Sowards has a unique writing style that captures the imagination and transports readers to new and exciting worlds.
With his signature blend of adventure, humor, and heart, Sowards has created a fantastic series that stands out in the genre. Leven Thumps and the Ruins of Alder is no exception.
The plot centers around Leven Thumps, a young boy who has discovered he has the ability to travel between worlds. Along with his friends Winter Frore and Clover Ernest, Leven must navigate the treacherous landscape of his newfound ability and work to prevent the evil Sabine from taking over the world.
The trio travels to the ruins of Alder to retrieve a weapon that could help them defeat Sabine once and for all.
Sowards’ world-building is exceptional, and he creates a vivid and detailed world that is both captivating and fascinating.
From the different creatures that inhabit the different worlds to the dangers that lie around every corner, readers will be drawn into the action-packed story from the very beginning.
The characters in the novel are well-developed and memorable, and Sowards does an excellent job of building and maintaining their relationships throughout the narrative.
Leven, Winter, and Clover are relatable and engaging, and readers will find themselves invested in their journey. The villains are equally well-crafted, and their motivations and actions are well-explained and justified.
The pacing of the book is excellent, and the action and tension are well-balanced. Sowards keeps readers on the edge of their seats throughout the story, and the twists and turns will leave readers guessing until the very end.
One of the strengths of the novel is the themes that Sowards explores. Throughout the book, he delves into the nature of good and evil, the power of friendship, and the importance of having a strong moral compass.
These themes are universal and relatable, and Sowards explores them with sensitivity and insight. However, there are a few limitations to the novel.
Some readers may find the world-building overwhelming at times, and the sheer number of characters and creatures can be confusing. The dialogue can also be a bit stilted in places, and some readers may find this off-putting.
Overall, Leven Thumps and the Ruins of Alder is a fantastic book that is well worth reading. Sowards’ writing is outstanding, and he has created a unique and unforgettable world that readers will want to explore further.
The novel is a great addition to the genre, and fans of fantasy and adventure books will love it. I highly recommend Leven Thumps and the Ruins of Alder to anyone who loves a good adventure story.
It is a fast-paced, engaging read that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. This book receives an 8/10 rating from me, based on its excellent world-building, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes.
Anyone who enjoys stories about friendship, good versus evil, and the power of perseverance will love this book.
