The Vengekeep Prophecies

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.