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Book Review; The Frogspell Series by C. J. Busby

5 November, 2013

FrogspellAuthor: C. J Busby
Publisher: Templar
Published: 1st Sept 2011
Pages: 160
Format: Paperback
Source:: Library
Add It: Goodreads, Amazon UK

Summary:
 Max Pendragon is probably the worst squire in King Arthur’s kingdom – he’d much rather train to be a wizard instead. So when he accidentally invents a spell that turns people into frogs, it seems his wish might come true.

But events take an unexpected turn when Max enters the Novices’ Spell-Making Competition and finds himself helping Merlin fight an evil sorceress. There’s no way Max’s unpredictable frogspell could be of any use.

Or is there…?

From the very first moment that this book I started, I found myself hooked. Straight away you are thrust into the action as a spell that Max is brewing goes completely wrong due to his pet dragon and he accidentally turns himself into a frog! Just from this, it is clear to see how much fun and adventure is hidden within this book and I think that it is the perfect book for younger children. It has all the qualities needed to entertain you, as well as keeping you interested enough to continue on the series.

cauldron spellsAuthor: C. J Busby
Publisher: Templar
Published: 1st March 2012
Pages: 208
Format: Paperback
Source:: Library
Add It: Goodreads, Amazon UK

Summary:
 Cauldron Spells brings you more thrills, spills and spells in the second book in the Frogspell series of magical Arthurian adventures.

Max Pendragon is not looking forward to attending Morgana Le Fay’s summer Spell School. Not only is his battered cauldron producing slimy sludge instead of perfect spells, but ever since he and his sister Olivia foiled evil Morgana’s plot against King Arthur, they have been wary of her plans for revenge.

Max and Olivia soon discover that Spell School has more in store for them than they ever imagined. With the help of Merlin and a mysterious bard, Caradoc, will they be able to outwit Morgana and save Arthur for a second time?

I have found that the second book in a series is often hard as it must live up to the expectations left by the first as well as leaving expectations for the next book. Fortunately, Cauldron Spell managed to do exactly that. Once again Max, Olivia, Ferocious and Aldophus go on a mission to save King Arthur. This keeps the adventure going, brings in suspence and mystery, and continues the same humour from the first book, making this a perfect second book to this series. By the end of the book, we’re pleased by the turn of events but know that the danger isn’t fully over and are very excited to know what will happen in the next book!

icespellAuthor: C. J Busby
Publisher: Templar
Published: 1st July 2012
Pages: 208
Format: Paperback
Source:: Library
Add It: Goodreads, Amazon UK

Summary:
 Join Max and Olivia for more magical thrills, spills and spells in their third hilarious adventure.

Max and Olivia are loving life in Camelot – not only is Max having magic lessons with the great wizard Merlin, Olivia is finally in training for the Squire’s Challenge. But disaster strikes when Camelot is frozen inside a magical mountain of ice and it’s all Max’s fault!

Can he and Olivia rescue Arthur and Merlin from their icy prison before evil Lady Morgana gets to Camelot and seals their doom?

Once more we’re thrust into the world of this book straight away with Max being taught how to be a better wizard by Merlin. It’s full of excitement and intrigue, and you can’t help but hope that Max is going to master his craft at some point soon. Unfortunately, however, being Max, he ends up doing something wrong and uses his magic to freeze the entire castle, and all the inhabitants inside, including Merlin! This story is full of worry, more adventure, and two children and three animals using their wits, strength, and character to help the adults trapped. It’s fun and full of flair and something that you can just really see younger children loving. Of course, the end once again leaves you wondering what else is to come.

swordspellAuthor: C. J Busby
Publisher: Templar
Published: 1st Jan 2013
Pages: 208
Format: Paperback
Source:: Review copy
Add It: Goodreads, Amazon UK

Summary:
 Max and Olivia have discovered that Morgana Le Fay is plotting to use a mysterious ‘Swordspell’ against King Arthur at the Festival of Chivalry.

They don’t know what the spell is or how to stop it, and Olivia also has her training for the Squire’s Challenge to worry about. But things are made even worse when Merlin is called away unexpectedly, leaving Max and Olivia without his magical protection.

With the help of Sir Lancelot, Sir Bertram and Adolphus the dragon, Ferocious the rat and Vortigern the duck, the Pendragon children must quickly uncover Morgana’s evil plan, before it is too late for Arthur and Camelot.

It is the final tale in this enjoyable series and once more Max needs to protect King Arthur from Morgana Le Fay but he doesn’t have Merlin’s help. He sets of on a quest with his friends to use his wits, magic, and skills to save the King and destroy Morgana once and for all. This was the perfect ending to this series. It was still full of adventure and action, it has adults helping the children, and it finally has an ending that wraps everything up which was fantastic. Of course, you can imagine that this is not really the end of Max’s misfortunes and you can tell he will likely be on many more adventures in his life but that is simply the magic of this ending. All is okay for now but it leaves you feeling the love for all the characters you’ve just read about.

** I received this copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. **

Series Review

Overall this was a series that I found myself truly enjoying. I was immersed in the tales of Max and his friends and couldn’t wait to find out what they would all get up to next! All the characters were truly lovable and believable. I loved how accident-prone Max was, how much Olivia wanted to be a Knight, how much Ferocious was sarcastic and how dopey Aldophous was. I also liked how oblivious King Arthur was and how manipulative Morgana turned out to be. Olivia and Max’s father was entertaining, their mother was adorable, Carodac was amusing and Merlin was a sturdy character but put a lot of trust in Max.

With all these great characters, some amazing adventures and a tonne of humour, it’s no wonder these books are incredibly exciting to read and really bring the child out in you. They reminded me of Disney movies in so many ways and that is just another reason I loved them. So, if you’re looking for a series that is full of great characters, is fun for all the family and just gives you a light-hearted feel, then you should definitely read this one!

Four Stars

faye1

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