The Fire Chronicle (Books of Beginning) Paperback – August 27, 2013

The book cover was very colorful and well made It was a gift to my 11 year granddaughter

Final part of a 3 part book series--excellent series

I love the book! So awesome! It has some adventure, romance, and drama all bundled together. It makes me want to read the last book! The only thing is they don't sell the last book on Kindle fire. It's not John Stephens's fault it's only four star. The detail is amazing! They should put the last book on Kindle fire. I'm not just gonna stop here. I want to know what happens to, well, I can't say or I'll be a spoiler alert. But it can't just end like this. I can't only read two of the books and stop not knowing what happens next. If I were you I would make sure it is possible to read all three of the books before you go ahead and read because you get mad that you can't read what happens next. Just a little heads up. I still loved these past two books!

For those who have yet to read the Emerald Atlas, that book is well worth getting as not only was that book very enjoyable but I now think it is safe to say the whole series will be enjoyable.This book was deftly done with a good examination of the internal lives of the characters and a whole lot of action (perhaps a bit too much action for my tastes). It is also one of those rare books where the villian is being really well fleshed out. In fact I would say the author does that better than 95% of 'adult books'. That really adds a welcome additional layer to the book.This book concentrates on Michael and the second of the three Books of Beginning the children come in contact with. Mr. Stephens does a very good job further exploring some of the lingering emotions from the first book and Michael's even further forced thrust into responsbility and decision making. You also as mentioned above learn a lot more about the Dire Magnus.Not only is the story enjoyable and action packed but I think for younger readers, especially those with a lot of challenges in their lives, very empowering. As in the Harry Potter series while life is certaintly not fair, it is what you make of it. A valuable lesson for all of us. This book is easily five stars but I did feel at times Mr. Stephens was perhaps writing a little bit for a movie. The action felt a bit staged at points. But it was mostly compelling so he is forgiven.I also liked the at times very humorous look at Elves. While it might not register as much with kids reading the books it was an additional layer of writing that adults can enjoy. I would say 8 if your child is very advanced and emotionally ready. I'd actually say the target age is more around 11 to adult. Overall though highly recommended as is the Emerald Atlas. Adult fantasy fans, don't pass on this. You will enjoy it.

The Fire ChroniclesByJohn StephensMy " in a nutshell" summary...Kate, Michael and Emma are on the run again! Because of the green book...Kate is able to go almost anywhere in time. Because of Mr. Pym...so can her younger brother and sister. They are always in danger. Always. From the Dire Magnus...just that name should strike terror in all of our hearts.My thoughts after reading this book...Oh me oh my...I love the nonstop action and amazing adventures that go on within the pages of this book. You truly never know who is going to appear or what is going to happen next. Imps, witches, winged creatures, dwarves, elves, magicians, wizards, and scary indescribable creatures...plus these three children have been torn away from their parents and are forever being moved in and out of orphanages. Whew!It literally is a non stop adventure...I loved every word of this book.You literally get more and more invested in this book from the very first pages. I silently scream at the injustice and the evil. I laugh at the kidness of these children. I cheered when they overcame the evil and cried when they didn't. I applauded all of the creatures who helped them in their quest to find their parents and hold on to the books.I repeat...this book...this series...is wondrous!It has to be a movie!What I did not like...Hmmm...I can not think of a thing, truly! Well...except for Rourke and the Dire Magnus!Oh... I am so mad at the ending...read it and you will know why!Final thoughts...I found this to be an action packed most amazing fantasy. I loved the characters. I loved the ever changing settings. I loved this book!

I am always afraid that the sequel to a really great book will lack the character and depth of the first. Not so with The Fire Chronicle! Chronicle was essentially a continuation of The Emerald Atlas. It brought in some new characters, greater insight to the Dire Magnus and the Books of Beginning, and all the humor and adventure from the first book. The events in Chronicle pick up one year after the events of Atlas, but the reader is quickly (and humorously) filled in and the story moves forward quickly. John Stevens brilliantly decides to change the dynamics of the characters by once again seperating them in different directions (Kate and Rafe; Emma, Michael and Pym), which encourages better interactions all around. I only wish Gabriel could show up sooner! His friendship with Emma is so touching and fun to see. But as soon as he appears, we see that his character is unchanged (thankfully!) and his fight sequences were again awesome. I can't say too much about Chronicle, or I will spoil it, but since we have seen the dwarves, and Michael has mentioned how silly elves are... And there is a dragon...The whole time I was nearing the end of the book, I was thinking, "PLEASE don't let it end HERE! Keep going, KEEP GOING!" The cliff-hangers kept coming and I hated to see the book end on any of them. Of course, when it did end, it was on the biggest cliff-hanger of all...You have to read this book. Again, if you like fantasy, fairy tales, or plain old adventure stories, read this series!Bring on Book 3!

As always, the writing is superb, with a great rhythm and lovely, sometimes even delicious, word choices.I also liked this a lot more than the Emerald Atlas, though I liked EA too, because the Fire Chronicle felt more emotionally profound to me. In fact, I realize now that out of the three siblings, I can relate most strongly to Michael, as I'm quite a nerd and geek about certain things, and have an investigative personality too, just like him.In addition, I feel that I know Michael more than I know Emma or Kate, because I know what Michael loves, what his obsessions are (namely, dwarves!) But for Kate and Emma, I don't really know what they are passionate about in life, aside from their family. There's nothing wrong with loving your family, of course, but if I don't know what a character loves aside from their family (and friends), I feel like I don't truly know them as a person. Knowing their personality and style of interacting with others (which are clear for Emma and Kate) isn't enough for me. Consequently, I feel that Michael is a more well-developed character than his sisters are.Aside from the lovely prose and characterization, I really enjoyed reading about the themes and moral messages in the story. They were very touching! A theme I particularly liked was the overcoming of prejudice towards another species.One more thing: I found Rafe (the mysterious boy Kate meets) very fascinating. :D

Just like the first volume (The Emerald Atlas), this book takes you on a fascinating voyage.I bought the audio version, which is masterly read by Jim Dale.Here's hoping there will be the third part soon.

was very excited to find this book series! i read them digitally on my smart-phone but wanted to add them to my personal library.it's a great youth novel about loyalty, danger and adventure, if that's what you like, this is the book series for you!

es ist der 2. teil dennoch auch eigenständig lesbar. auch dieser teil liest sich wieder spannend! warte sehnsüchtig auf den 3. teil!