About the Book
The seven teens, who's lives were turned upside down in Curse of the Spider King: The Berinfell Prophecies Series - Book One
, when they found out they were actually royal Elf Lords, come into their own in Venom and Song. They are now a part of Allyra, whether they want to be or not, and are rising to the roles they have been destined for, as they learn how to use their unique and individual gifts they have been given (like air walking and fire coming from hands.
, when they found out they were actually royal Elf Lords, come into their own in Venom and Song. They are now a part of Allyra, whether they want to be or not, and are rising to the roles they have been destined for, as they learn how to use their unique and individual gifts they have been given (like air walking and fire coming from hands.The Spider King is still after them and it's only in the unraveling of the Rainsong, that the Elven race can be saved. Of course, the mystery isn't easy to solve. . . there are obstacles in their way including someone bent on their destruction--who is supposed to be one of their guardians.
My Thoughts
I said it with Book 1 and I'll say it with Book 2 . . . these books need to be put into movie form, plain and simple. Put in the right Director's hands, and they could be made into a move that rivals those of Lord of the Rings.
However, even if they are never made into media format, Batson and Hopper write with such vivid imagery, reading the books themselves are their own spectacular experience. Venom and Song was no different than it's predecessor in that area, and if anything, was even better in literary style.
Although parts of the book are not original (humans finding themselves in a parallel realm to earth and finding certain gifts have been bestowed upon them. . . themes common with fantasy books) they are written in a new way, making the Berinfell prophecies their own strong series in the fantasy world.
The writing is detailed and there is a lot of it (!) making Venom and Song
a book to savor and slowly enjoy. No easy breezing through this book! (which makes it an excellent book, in my humble opinion). At times the characters do become hard to keep track of, simply because there are so many, but a guide at the front helps with quick reminders of who is who in the story line.
a book to savor and slowly enjoy. No easy breezing through this book! (which makes it an excellent book, in my humble opinion). At times the characters do become hard to keep track of, simply because there are so many, but a guide at the front helps with quick reminders of who is who in the story line. As a parent and reviewer of popular children/teen fiction, I am pleased with the covert, yet pervading theme of the series--teenagers finding their destiny, oftentimes when they felt in the past they had no purpose or uniqueness to call their own. While reality is, teens today aren't going to find out they are Elven Lords, they all have a destiny to fulfill and the Berinfell Series will tug at that longing in it's readers. Therefore, these books are more than entertainment. . . they are a catalyst for stirring the soul into wondering, "What is my gift? What was I created for?" That alone, makes this book worth reading. . . the authors just happen to make it an excellent read in addition to the soul intrigue!
It was an exceptionally easy task to give a 5 out of 5 rating. This is a series will remain on my bookshelves for all of time, for all of my children to read in coming years.
