BIBLIOGRAPHY
Farrey, B. (2012). The
Vengekeep prophecies. Ill. by Brett Helquist. New York: HarperCollins.
SUMMARY
Jaxter Grimjinx is a thief. A terrible thief. His family is
known throughout the provinces as cunning masterminds….except Jaxter. He’s
clumsy and slow and thinks too much. However, when a false prophecy turns true,
it’s up to Jaxter to save his family and his town.
PLOT ANALYSIS
For years readers have read of witches and wizards who come
by their powers naturally. Jaxter is not one of them. Some of his charms are
results of his failures. Farrey refreshes readers with a protagonist who
doesn’t have it all together. Jaxter certainly never thought himself to be the
only hope for his town and family.
Along Jaxter’s journey, he meets some unusual
characters—goblins, fellow thieves, half human jackals, spiderbats. Farrey
introduces readers to a whole new world of supernatural creatures—too many to
keep track of!
Farrey uses Jaxter’s first person point of view to clearly
describe the areas in which he’s traveling. However, some of the characters and
places are so outlandish that they distract the reader from the actual plot. I
was personally so confused the description of a creature that I forgot the
purpose of Jaxter meeting the fellow.
Farrey does not hold back any on the twists and turns of the
plot. Just when the reader thinks Jaxter is finally going to succeed, BOOM!
Another challenge! There does come a point when the independent conflicts come
together and all the loose ends are tied up. Kudos to Farrey for writing in
such detail.
The common theme of good triumphs over evil is intertwined
in several of the conflicts Jaxter faces during his adventure. In the end,
Jaxter learns that his differences are not deficiencies. In fact, they are
strengths that make him unique in his family.
While the original languages and unusual creatures may
confuse readers, The Vengekeep Prophecies
has proven to be a story one must finish. Readers will desire to see Jaxter to
the end of his quest!
AWARDS &
RECOGNITIONS
Lone Star Reading List, 2014
Kirkus Best Children’s Books, 2012
Publishers Weekly
Book Review Stars, 2012
CONNECTIONS
Tapestry
Design a tapestry (digital or physical) depicting an
important year of your life. Use the images to explain the significance.
Animal Adaptations
Create a flipbook with a variety of animals’ front, middle,
and rear areas. Flip the book to create an unusual creature. Write a brief blog
post about your animal and any supernatural powers it may have.
