“…(I)n the raggedy camp of the wildest ruffians of the Russian plains, there slept a young bandit chief named Nicholas St. North.” (page 61)
Title: Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King
Written by: William Joyce and Laura Geringer
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: October 4, 2011
Paperback: 228 pages
Well, Santa got violent…
Why do I need to write a longer review? That sums up the book.
As someone who is a diehard fan of The Rise of the Guardians movie I had so much hope for Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King. (which is the first in the Guardians of Childhood series.)
However, my expectations where smashed to the ground like Pitch, with a dagger/ghost child in his heart, dropping from the sky.
Yes, I’m tired. No that was not overdramatic.
First off:
WHERE IS SANTA
Yah, yah, yah, Nicholas St. North is Sant Clause.
But how does he become Santa?
How does he decide to be called: Santa?
And why?
Second:
WHAT
What the heck is with the magic? There seemed to be no clear rules – except when there was – and even when a bit of “hardcore” magic was explained I was still confused.
For example: this wizard gets eaten by a possessed bear – but he ends up being perfectly fine beucase he said some sort of spell.
I think
There were a couple funny parts in the book where I found myself laughing out loud.
Although, I was extremely tired when I read this book so they may not actually be funny.
Also the pictures are phenomenal.
William Joyce is a superb drawer and even if the plot was terrible (it’s not) I would recommend this book for the illustrations alone.
I don’t care if you read the book or not, (actually I care a lot) get it, and at least look at the pictures.
In summary: I liked this book – but it wasn’t great.
It was just okay.
Despite the complaints I’ve listed nothing in the book was awful – it’s just that nothing was amazing either.
I recommend this book for readers of all ages who are fans of The Rise of the Guardians. (or for people who love books with epic drawings)
For More Information about the Book and Author Click: HERE
Age Range: 4 and up
Cautions – *I apologize in advance if you read this book and find something not in my caution list. I didn’t keep a Caution Sheet when reading the book because I wasn’t planning on doing a review for it. However, I would feeling comfortable reading this book to any kid I meet – provided the child’s parents were okay with the amount of magic in this book*
Violence: Pitch was stabbed with a dagger. Lots of sword fighting and several battles happen. A wizard is eaten by a bear. Villages are attacked by Pitch’s minion-Fearlings (AKA: demons)
Sensuality: none
Profanity: none
Other: Wizards, warlocks, and magic play a major role in the story. Several characters get possessed by Pitch at some point. Children are disobedient. Pitch wants to make the whole world have nightmares 24/7. Men are turned to stone because of their lust for treasure. A mention of a wizard owning people’s souls.
Personal Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Cleanness Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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