The Sword and The Flute by Mike Hamel (review)

The Sword and the Flute (Matterhorn the Brave #1) by
Mike Hamel
Copyright 2007
Living Ink Books - Fiction/Ages 9-12
181 pages

Matthew Horn is a 12-year-old boy who loves to read. While browsing the books in his school library, he notices one book is sticking out farther than the others and tries to shove it back into place. The book resists his efforts, so Matthew's curiousity is piqued. He picks up the book and flips through. There are no words on the pages but the book opens up a time portal and Matt is sucked inside. Renamed Matterhorn and given the sparkling Sword of Truth, Matt is sent on a mission to retrieve a missing flute with a companion who is also a regular guy when not traveling through time and space.

In Medieval Ireland, Matterhorn and Aaron the Baron face their challenge with bravery and determination -- and find out that not everything is as it seems. The first in a series, The Sword and the Flute is a rollicking fine adventure for mid-to-YA readers.

3.5/5 - Very good! Action-packed, quick-paced and surprising.

I made the mistake of reading Holly's review before I wrote my own. Her review is so good, I felt a little at a loss for words, but I must say I think this is a great book for boys who love a good adventure.

Just walked in:

My Custom Van by Michael Ian Black - From Simon & Schuster, via Twitter. I'm not actually familiar with this comedian, but I'll always jump all over the opportunity to read something funny. If I recall right, I believe Black is the humorist who recently had a Twitter battle with Levar Burton to see who could lure more followers.

Half Moon by Douglas Hunter - From Bloomsbury, via Shelf Awareness. A Biography of Henry Hudson. I love reading about explorers and this release is scheduled to coincide with the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's discovery of the river that bears his name. It says he was a "rogue" explorer. Oh, fun. I just love a rogue in a ruffled shirt, don't you?

A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi - Sent by the author. A psychological thriller with a paranormal aspect (a young girl's nightmares become the only clues to a brutal murder), I must admit it was the word "paranormal" that grabbed my attention. The author wrote a nice note in the book and tucked in a recipe from Spice Up Your Life by Bindu Grandhi, as well as a few cards to pass around.

In other news . . .

If you follow me on Twitter, you've probably already heard this, but I can't shut up about the good news. My son proposed to his girlfriend and she said "yes"!! I'm so excited that our little family will be growing!! And, she's an avid reader!!! How cool is that?

Also, it rained today. Everything just pales in comparison with the news of a future wedding, doesn't it? Next up will be my review of Shimmer by Eric Barnes.