Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire
Ratings6
Average rating3.7
15
Ratings6
Average rating3.7
Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire is the first book in a spellbinding fantasy adventure series by screenwriter John August. Some trails lead to magic. Some lead to danger. As Arlo looked around, the walls of his room began to vanish, revealing a moonlit forest. Only his bed remained, and the frame of his window, through which he saw the girl. The world on her side of the glass was sparkling with silver and gold, like a palace made of autumn leaves. She looked off to her right. Someone was coming. Her words came in an urgent whisper: "If I can see you, they can see you . . . Be careful, Arlo Finch.” Arlo Finch thought becoming a Ranger meant learning wilderness skills, like camping and knots. But upon arriving in the tiny town of Pine Mountain, Colorado, Arlo soon learns there's so much more. His new friends Indra and Wu teach him how to harness the wild magic seeping in from the mysterious Long Woods—a parallel realm of wonder and danger. First he must master the basics, including snaplights, thunderclaps and identifying supernatural creatures. But Arlo Finch is no ordinary Ranger, and this is no ordinary time. A dark and ancient force is sending threats into the real world . . . our world. Through perilous adventures and close calls, Arlo is awakened to his unique destiny—but the obstacles he faces will test the foundations of the Ranger's Vow: loyalty, bravery, kindness, and truth. A Junior Library Guild selection
Reviews with the most likes.
I know it's a middle grade book, but I still would have liked to see Arlo need to proactively figure more out instead of things just happening without effort, understanding, precedent or explanation.
Very fun new YA series! I like that the majority story does NOT hinge on the notion that Arlo is a “boy with a destiny.”
The characters are cute and likable and the overall story is fun and exciting.
Two minor complaints:
- I feel like it's on the short side
- The emotional importance of the race probably should have been played up a little more.
Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this and I can't wait for Book 2!
I really liked this book. The beginning was quite confusing for me in terms of the actual fantasy world, but I understood it a little more the more I read. Arlo and his friends were such likable characters and despite it having some typical tropes (a chosen one who is attacked by an unnamed enemy), I really felt like John August was able to breathe a new life into that trope and make it feel new and refreshing regardless. The cliffhanger at the end makes me look forward to the second book, which I already have a hold on at the library. I definitely recommend this one for people who are looking for a good, middle-grade paranormal/magical fantasy.
While it's a bit reductive, it's hard not to describe this book as “Harry Potter in the woods”. There are a lot of similarities, but only in plot/character archetypes. I think arguing about which is better does a disservice to both books, but the fact that an argument could be made at all says something about the quality of Arlo Finch's first adventure.
I wish Arlo's friends had been rounded out a little more, but Arlo and his family are very well-drawn and complex characters. The writing is really really good. Minor descriptions of things from Arlo just walking down the street are evocative and fun to read, and when the action scenes kick in, they are truly intense.
I'd easily recommend this to anyone, Harry Potter fan or not.
