But with these new changes in motion, the Earth begins to literally crumble beneath them and the loyalties among the characters are challenged. Love becomes a triangle of complexities—trust and forgiveness are tested. McGinnis writes a beautiful epic story, where lives at social and cultural classes are pushed to survive. She takes each of her flawed characters, and gives them a chance to save themselves, their family and friends, and in some cases, their own people and kingdom. What I loved about this book the most was the many shocking secrets that are revealed.
We delve into an action-packed book that is filled with tragic traditions, political gain, and secretive histories. In Given to the Earth, we are thrown into layers of political intrigue, betrayal, heartbreak, and some tragic endings. And in the end, I loved the last chapter, which brilliantly and beautifully provides a heartfelt conclusion. The way i know i loved a series is when i want more. Everythings described in a way where it's detailed without I dont rally know what im trying to say.
Except this book got me. The love triangle or quadrangle whatever was shit. And a whol For me? And a whole heap other dumbshit happens. But i blasted through this Duet like a cat that saw a cucumber. Aug 10, Christina rated it it was amazing Shelves: Excellent sequel to the amazing Given to the Sea. McGinnis writes books that you have to slow down and savor; these are the most literary fantasy books I've ever read, very different and memorable. The stories of Khosa, the Given who is now The Redeemed, King Vincent, the Lithos Witt, and Dara and Donil the Indiri, continue in this volume to be as intertwined and interdependent on each other as the land and sea of the kingdoms of Stille and Pietra where they live.
There are loves found and Wow! There are loves found and lost, family secrets revealed, pride at stake, and looming over everything the urgent rush of the sea that may doom them all--oh, and there are giant killer cats, did I mention the giant cats?! My only quibble is with the changing POV, that two characters' chapters are in first person and the other two are third person and so you're always switching back and forth; that just bugs me for some reason. But it's soooo minor, and I suppose I just don't have sophisticated enough tastes, I do tend to read fast and so it's easier to go through a book that's all written the same way.
I can appreciate just how much work it must be to write this way, my goodness. I read an advance copy of this book. May 12, Lekeisha The Booknerd rated it really liked it. Well, I wasn't expecting to like this more than its predecessor, but it took away the dislike for that god awful love triangle! I am pleasantly surprised by whom is "given to the earth". It does make sense in the end.
Given to the Earth
And I found myself liking Khosa more in this sequel. Together, these two books are good fantasy for your fodder. Okay, that sounds totally dirty. But, it's a damn solid sequel that I th Well, I wasn't expecting to like this more than its predecessor, but it took away the dislike for that god awful love triangle! But, it's a damn solid sequel that I think readers, who didn't like Given To The Sea, should definitely read. I had some reservations myself, but this is Mindy McGinnis here. I'll read any book she writes. Jan 04, Caro Herrera rated it liked it.
This actually a high 3. The story started out slow and I was a little bored at first. I kind of felt the same way about the first book, though. However, the ending really picked up and tore my heart out. Also- I'm going to need more information in this epilogue. Lots and lots of questions that remain unanswered!!! Ok, it's really just 3 questions, but they're big questions! Anyway, this book is beautifully written. It's not a high action story until This actually a high 3. It's not a high action story until the end, anyway , but the writing is absolutely wonderful. Feb 04, Alyssa added it Shelves: A huge thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Given to the Earth is a continuation of the events in Given to the Earth.
On the sentence level, the writing was lovely. I never had trouble picturing anything, and felt every time the writer stopped to describe something in detail, it was relevant and layered with meaning. As mu Given to the Earth is a continuation of the events in Given to the Earth.
I wanted to spend more time with the characters and to find out what happened to them, but the short chapters quickly jumping from one character to the next made it hard for to settle into a rhythm and engage with the story. I also found I had a hard time keeping track of who was narrating when and found myself flipping back to the beginning of chapters at least with the first half of the book to remind myself who was narrating.
However, when I was a little over half-way through the book, that problem stopped. As I got closer to the end, I realized that this book was doing something that I love and hate: It became too familiar. Sep 11, Natalie rated it liked it Shelves: The second in the Given Duet is miles better than the first, Given to the Sea, but that's not saying much.
It seems Given to the Earth is the book McGinnis was aiming for. It was her end goal for her characters, and the story she really wanted to tell. Unfortunately, I don't think many will read it due to the fact that the first is so difficult to get through. It feels as though there's so much character growth in this book that there really should have been some of it in the first, and the seco The second in the Given Duet is miles better than the first, Given to the Sea, but that's not saying much.
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It feels as though there's so much character growth in this book that there really should have been some of it in the first, and the second half of this one is so rushed that we miss important moments and details that the author really owes the reader for getting through it all. The epilogue gives too little and is too abrupt. We want more than we are given pun intended. Also, there are way too many voices to keep track of. Ank's and Donil's were unnecessary. I got tired of Vincent's constant whining as well.
It's like he's constantly shocked about what happens when you marry someone who's in love with someone else. Khosa is still annoying, but not nearly as much as the first novel where I wanted to assist her in giving herself to the sea so the book could be over. There are some good things here. I thoroughly enjoyed the evolution of the characters Dara, Witt, and even Khosa.
I like how all of the players come together near the end. I found it very interesting how the life of the land was tied to the Indiri- something that was discovered too late to fix.
Book II: The EARTH CHANGES
I struggle to give a high score to a book who offs my favorite character, or impedes their happiness in some fashion. I understand why McGinnis did it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. It's sad, but probably realistic. I'm just happy to be done with this dualogy so I can move on. Aug 10, Cari rated it it was amazing. I just couldn't put it down. It felt like an epic conclusion. All the lore, the history, the fears and longing of these characters The author made a great job intertwining personal stories with the collective history of a people weighed down by fear, prejudice and duty.
There are so many interesting, important themes here history, community, fate, personal obligati 4. There are so many interesting, important themes here history, community, fate, personal obligation, fulfillment, sacrifice,etc , developed in a thought-provoking way. I have rarely seen characters with relationships as complex and messy as the ones depicted here. Nothing is simple or straightforward in the way that feelings are explored. The dynamics of love, affection, lust and loss, fluid and changeable but not mutually exclusive.
It really made them feel like people rather than characters. This is a fantasy book that somehow got mislabeled mis-marketed? Fantasy YA follows a very specific formula that readers will not find here. Hence, the very frustrated reviewers and low ratings. However, this is a hidden gem indeed and one I enthusiastically recommend. Aug 22, Maricel rated it did not like it. The only thing I liked in this book was Vincent, who is a good friend, loyal brother, martyr husband and responsible king.
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Her only redeeming action is her relentless quest to find answers that allowed her to discover the real reason of being a Given. Oct 31, Sylvia rated it liked it Shelves: The fact that the book has only ratings is the reason why the overal rating isn't much lower. Only the people who liked the first part of the Given Duet, decided to read the next as well. And it wasn't as good as the frist one. I liked "Given to the Sea" much more than "Given to the Earth". In fact, I struggled to finish the later. Pluses of "Given to the Earth": Jun 17, Michelle Vandal rated it it was amazing. Amazing conclusion to wonderful story.
Since reading Given to the Sea, I anxiously awaited this story. I was pulled in from the beginning and did not want to stop reading but I needed sleep. The cast was large. This tale of a kingdom facing disasters from so many turns draws you in and doesn't let you go until you are immersed.
You are also drawn to the characters, feeling wh Amazing conclusion to wonderful story. You are also drawn to the characters, feeling what they feel and hoping things will work out in their favor. Travel to a land and get to know the people with an uncertain future with Given to the Sea and Given to the Earth. You will enjoy the trip. Aug 15, Jenasa rated it it was amazing. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Jun 26, Toni rated it it was amazing Shelves: This series is so thoughtful and beautiful and also thoroughly fucked me up.
Thank you, Mindy, for these wonderful characters, but also for destroying me? I will never be able to forget them. They mean too much. Sep 27, Nat rated it really liked it. I think the author did a great job regarding all the lose ends and keeping track with everyone. I'm a sucker for " everyone gets to be happy in the end" aaand this book aint like that. Aug 19, Annika rated it really liked it Shelves: It was really good, but in a weird sort of way. There was some really unexpected stuff that did some awesome stuff to the plot to be really vague about it. I listened to an audio version of it, and I think it sucked me into the story even more.
Jul 01, Stephie rated it liked it. I preferred this book so much more over the first one. Dara's storyline was way more interesting than Khosa's this time around. I was actually shocked at one point, while a LOT of the book was super predictable, one point actually made me gasp out loud. If you're still in a rocking chair reading this as a bedtime story, buckle up because you'll start rocking faster and faster to keep up with the pace!
Oct 10, Wendy rated it it was amazing Recommended to Wendy by: Carroll which I won through Goodreads Giveaways is an exciting adventure where three light travellers are flung into the heart of a war on Gleomu.
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Although Tim is resistant to the summer holiday, it is anything but boring when he, a new friend Barbara Cholley and his grandmother Matilde Hardy Wolcott are hurled across the universe on "an unearthly shot of light" to the city of Ismere to celebrate the birthday of King Cowan. What he doesn't expect is to have his world turned upside down after his grandmother is kidnapped, to be confronted by a malicious dragon and to be challenged by the king of the giants and his army.
Lewis's Narnia novels, Steven J. Carroll sets the stage in a magical and peaceful land ruled by King Cowan and his Queen Delany. On Earth Delaney Calbefur one of the heroines in the novella "In the Window Room" is thought dead, murdered by her friend Mattie Hardy who has since married, mothered three children and is the grandmother of Timothy Hayfield. In an mesmerizing adventure with twists and turns that keep you guessing from the first chapter to a surprising ending, Mattie, Timothy and Barbara are whisked away to Ismere where a message is received at the birthday feast; one that will have the King, thirty-nine men and Mattie racing north to the city of Hrim.
When Tim discovers his grandmother has been captured by giants who razed the city, he and Barbara follow a trail that will lead them to an invisible English manor and a dangerous secret that could not only impact Gleomu but Earth. The plot is fast-paced and filled with wit, humor and a dash of science. Carroll uses handwritten letters detailing Matilde's journey to give reality to the adventure and to build tension and suspense as Timothy realizes that he and Barbara have to return to Ismere to help her.
In the story the characters grow from the experience especially Timothy who at first seems hot-headed, rude and impulsive. With every new challenge he takes on the traits of a "Prince of Earth" becoming selfless, observant , clever and courageous. Similarly Barbara Cholley, a young girl abandoned at Mayfield by parents who aren't very affectionate and have been bitten by wanderlust agrees in her weakness and fear to break into Greyford House.
Like Timothy she matures with the experience becoming resourceful, considerate and brave. Of the familiar characters from "In the Window Room" Matilde Mattie Woolcott who guards the secrets hidden in the attic study is loyal, tenacious and cautious; Queen Delaney fair, honest and quick-witted; and Prince Cowan, caring, just and intrepid. In this well-written and riveting story antagonists like Darius D'Moncure an English scientist and Atilion, the giant king are arrogant, cruel, heartless and power-hungry. Like all the characters they add spice, drama and energy to an imaginative adventure.
The well-developed characters and plot will engross middle-schoolers and young of all ages from the first page to the last. I can't wait to read the next two books to see what's in-store for the light travellers. Kudos to Steven J. Carroll for a thrilling journey light years from earth. Oct 01, Lacey rated it it was amazing Shelves: Another one sent through the giveaways and I'm glad the author did this so then I don't have to wait to continue the journey.
Mar 01, Vermicious Knids rated it really liked it Shelves: The second book of the series, it is still as beautifully written as the first. I found the writing improved from the first book as the adventure story was fleshed out a bit. I was sadly dismayed to see, that the original characters from the first book, are now all grown up and I feel a bit jilted about being left out.
I found Timothy to be a bit of a tiresome little toady at times, tho The second book of the series, it is still as beautifully written as the first. I found Timothy to be a bit of a tiresome little toady at times, though he did improve thankfully. The book, despite its many dangerous adventures, seemed a bit bland to me. Dragons and giants on a rescue mission kept the story moving forward at a good pace.
I delved into the book at this point, but alas, twas science, not magic that enchanted the house. Vexing to me was the lack of explanation regarding the mystery behind the food and its effect on some. Was it magic, or science? And how did Asa know not to eat?
A Prince of Earth
The juxtaposition between science and magic in this series at times baffles me. Sort of like mashing C. Even so, this was my favorite part of the book. Creepy and kept me in suspense. All in all, this is a pretty decent adventure book for a middle-school child. And extra points for fine vocabulary and wholesomeness. Probably a 4 star rating for that age range, but 3 for me on a personal level, so I will grant it a 3. I do also like that the book included grandparents in the adventure. Not often seen and I appreciate the addition of this factor.
I read a free copy of the book in return for my candid review. I sincerely thank the author for sending me the first three books in the series. Oct 01, Hannah Woupio rated it really liked it Shelves: I'm going to start off by saying that I got this In a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway, just so I don't forget. Also, the amazing author sent me the first book in the series as well, even though it wasn't part of the giveaway! I had it marked to-read, and in my 'Books I want' shelf Anyway, to the book!
Magical, and whimsical, and everything. Better than the first one, even though it's mostly new characters and all that. Also, you do need to read the firs I'm going to start off by saying that I got this In a Goodreads Firstreads giveaway, just so I don't forget. Also, you do need to read the first book before you read this one. Nothing will make sense otherwise. However, the writing felt sort of forced at times, rather meandering and a bit like an attempt at an old fashioned fairy tale.
Also, in favor of this novel, I'll say that there are plenty of other, hugely popular books that I've read, that seem to have some of the same small editing problems. The first that come to mind are: No comment But yes, the next time my little sister asks for something to read these books will be on the list. Dec 09, Heather rated it really liked it Shelves: This is a goodreads first-reads win! This is the second book in The Histories of Earth series. This book is well written and the characters and story are more developed then those of the first book.
I enjoyed the author's commentaries even though I thought they took away from the story several times. This story continues from the first, but Matilde and Delaney are now old women. Matilde's grandson, Timothy and his friend Barbara are the two children who enter the world of Gleomu, this time. Matil This is a goodreads first-reads win! Matilde, Timothy, and Matilde's husband are considered the Queen, Prince, and King of Earth and there's an evil man named Darius who is trying to make his way back to Earth.
There are battles, banquets, and fights against giants. It's a pretty exciting story. Dec 28, Jessica Escober rated it really liked it. I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads. The book was a really great improvement from the first one. It was very detailed, and there was a lot of action, which I liked. The plot was very interesting, and diverse. Overall, I really liked this book. This book is about Matilde's grandson Timothy, and his later to be friend, Barbara.
Matilde ends up telling them about Gleomu, and they go along with her to king Corwan's celebration. They also meet Delany, King Corwan's wife. Little they I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads. Little they did they know, the journey that laid ahead of them. They had to save Matilde, and retrieve Wilbur, Matilde's husband, from a man with evil intensions. All while forces of Giants are threatening to destroy their kingdom.
Oct 19, Andrea rated it really liked it. I received this book free through Goodreads first reads. After enjoying part one of the histories of earth, I took a little break from it, but now have completed reading part two 'A Prince of Earth'. This book is considerably longer than the first one, but I think I enjoyed this one more than the first part. Jan 23, Andrea Chairez rated it really liked it.
I won this book in the first readers giveaway. Along with this book, I also received the first book in the series. I enjoyed both books. I think "A Prince on Earth" is a great book for young readers and will be passing it on to my children to read. I think the author did amazing job in telling the story and keeping you entertained. Feb 04, Glen rated it liked it Shelves: I won this book in a goodreads drawing. A couple of kids go to another world and have some pretty decent adventures, encountering Giants and a Dragon, and a mad scientist.
My only caveat is that this world seems a bit generic. May 15, Marielle rated it really liked it. Jan 06, Kelly Lardin rated it liked it. Read with my daughter, who is an avid reader. The book didn't hold her attention very well and the reading was slow going. Feb 09, Heather is currently reading it. Jul 18, Lori rated it really liked it. A fine English fairy tale. The writer draws the imagination in.
Clear wording and explanations. Creative and knowlegde giving. Rhonda rated it really liked it Oct 23, James Lynam rated it it was amazing Jan 08, Roy Wano rated it it was amazing Oct 07, Christine rated it it was amazing Feb 12, Chris rated it did not like it Jun 19, Caroline Anastasia Mccaskill rated it it was amazing Oct 24, Katie rated it really liked it Oct 01, Tammy Flores rated it it was amazing Oct 24, There are no discussion topics on this book yet.