Review
"Although Mull packs quite a bit into this initial installment, he skillfully mixes the capricious logic of dreams with high stakes and constant danger. The intriguing premise, strong world building, and numerous twists make this a real page-turner."
-- "Publishers Weekly (starred review)"
"Keith Nobbs' narrative style is a perfect match for Mull's latest fantasy adventure. When a group of unsuspecting sixth graders, led by Cole, visits Spooky Lane on Halloween, they're kidnapped and taken to another dimension, where they're sold into slavery. Nobbs captures the essence of each character so thoroughly that listeners will feel like they're old friends, especially Cole, whose voice spans the emotional spectrum, giving him a true heroic presence. Also notable is the chipper tone of the talking Happy Face. Nobbs nimbly navigates the story's roller-coaster pace. His dynamic performance is amplified by expertly timed sound effects and booming monster voices, all of which sets a high standard for future installments."
-- "AudioFile"
"The plot contains many twists and turns, but each new encounter is fashioned to outdo the previous one."
-- "School Library Journal"
"Brandon Mull has done it again...The Five Kingdoms series starter plunges us into a refreshing new realm where monsters, magic, and surprises seem to be the rule of the day. A Barnes & Noble editor's recommendation."
-- "Barnes & Noble, editorial review"
"Everyman Cole doesn't know much about the fantastical, flying-castle-filled Outskirts, but he's ready for adventure and eager to learn. Mull's ample world building only adds even more dimension to Cole's noble quest. Mull has a built-in audience for this new fantasy adventure series, and fans of the Fablehaven and Beyonders series will not be disappointed."
-- "Booklist"
"The creator of the Fablehaven series gets his newest venture off to a literal flying start...Mull gives his protagonist opportunities aplenty to demonstrate courage, quick wit, and a talent for teasing. He also lays inventive twists on magical gear and workings and crafts such oddball monsters and settings that even a native-born character complains at one point, 'I keep waiting for this to get less weird, and it keeps not happening.' From the evidence, readers may consider that a promise from the author. Sequels are certain, and they should be welcomed by all who like plenty of 'odd' in their odysseys."
-- "Kirkus Reviews" About the Author
Brandon Mull is the author of the New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling Beyonders and Fablehaven series, as well as the bestselling Five Kingdoms, Candy Shop Wars, and Dragonwatch series. He resides in Utah, in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and four children. Brandon’s greatest regret is that he has but one life to give for Gondor.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Sky Raiders
