Title: The Revenge of the Shadow King
Author: Derek Benz
First published January 1, 2006
384 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780439795746 (ISBN10: 0439795745)
Rating: 3.89
Overview
The Grey Griffins are in for a wild ride when the creatures from their card game come to life. Max Sumner and his three best friends, Harley, Ernie, and Natalia, are the only ones who notice the strange occurrences happening in their small town.
Goblins, fairies, and unicorns start appearing in Max’s backyard, and the Grey Griffins know they must act fast to save their world. With danger lurking around every corner, it’s up to them to stop the wicked creatures of the cards before it’s too late.
Join the Grey Griffins on their dangerous quest to save their town in Derek Benz’s thrilling debut novel, The Revenge of the Shadow King.
About the Author
Derek Benz spent his early years trying to understand his place in the world. By the age of five, he came to the conclusion that everyone else was a cleverly disguised robot, and he was the only real human.
He joined the Grey Griffins, a super-secret club, to protect the world from darkness and make it a better place through friendship and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Benz has had many adventures, from climbing volcanoes to fishing for sharks. He is interested in archaeology, linguistics, mythology, cosmology, conspiracy theory, and religion.
He also worked for a Fortune 100 company, where some speculated he was involved in international computer espionage.
However, Benz always had a desire to change the world through writing. He spent years perfecting his craft until he teamed up with J.S. Lewis to launch The Revenge of the Shadow King in 2000.
Benz now lives in Arizona with his wife and son, where they research ancient civilizations and study theology together.
Editoral Review
Derek Benz’s The Revenge of the Shadow King is a thrilling young adult fantasy novel that explores the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. Initially published on January 1, 2006, the novel takes readers on an epic adventure full of magic and mystery.
Benz is an accomplished novelist, known for his numerous collaborations with fellow writer J.S. Lewis. The author skillfully weaves together elements of magic, mystery, and adventure, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
In The Revenge of the Shadow King, the main protagonist, Max Sumner, is a young boy who dreams of adventure and excitement. After he and his friends stumble upon a mysterious book, they are transported to the magical world of Elsewhere.
There, they discover that they are the only ones who can stop the Shadow King from unleashing a dark and destructive force upon the world. The novel’s setting is richly imagined, with vivid descriptions of landscapes and creatures that lend an air of authenticity to the magical world of Elsewhere.
Benz’s writing style is well-suited to the genre, with a fast-paced narrative that combines action, suspense, and humor in equal measure. However, one of the book’s strengths is its characterization.
The author masterfully develops the main characters, creating individuals with complex personalities and motivations. Each character brings a different perspective to the story, adding depth to the novel’s themes of friendship and loyalty.
At the same time, the novel is not without its flaws. The pacing of the story can sometimes be uneven, with moments of intense action followed by periods of quiet contemplation that feel somewhat sluggish.
Additionally, the book’s antagonist, the Shadow King, could benefit from greater development, as his motives and desires are not always clear. Despite these limitations, The Revenge of the Shadow King is a thoughtful and engaging novel that will appeal to readers of all ages.
Benz’s vivid imagination and expert storytelling combine to create an unforgettable reading experience that is sure to captivate and entertain. Overall, The Revenge of the Shadow King rates a solid four out of five stars.
The book is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy, and its themes of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal are particularly relevant in today’s world. Whether you are an avid reader or simply looking for a great adventure, this novel is not to be missed.