When Henry H. Neff published the second book of his Tapestry series, Kirkus Reviews proclaimed that "young readers will clamor for more." With The Fiend and the Forge, Neff unveils his most riveting adventure yet. Astaroth has claimed the Book of Origins, and the world is thick with goblins and trolls. The land needs a hero, so Max McDaniels sets out from the relatively safe confines of Rowan into the nightmare landscape beyond-but whether he fulfills his destiny or falls to the blight plaguing mankind is far from certain.
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"Don't be fooled by the beginning of the first book (The Hound of Rowan) in Henry H. Neff's "The Tapestry" series into thinking this is just another Harry Potter imitation. Yes, it starts off with a 12-year-old boy finding out that he has magical talents qualifying him to attend a special school, Rowan Academy. But the story goes in a very different direction from what's expected, and in Book 2 we're deep into Irish myth. Only a relatively small portion of this book takes place at the school, instead taking us to Spain, then to the Black Forest, then to Faerie (or the land of the Sidhe). Not just for kids, this series will capture the interest of anyone who enjoys complex mythological tales with a grounding in our own contemporary real world."
— Sheila (5 out of 5 stars)
" I'm really liking it so far there is a lot of action and the McDaniel's family is in for a shock. You learn things you never would have guessed. AND there is going to be another one! It is AWESOME better than the Hound of Rowan. For those of you reading and you don't understand who the Hound or the Sorrcerer is The Hound is Max and David is the Sorrcerer. "
— Ashley, 2/12/2014" This book was really good with lots of action. I didn't expect the ending. The first book is still my favoirte. "
— Stacey, 2/5/2014" This book was great. Neff really took this story that seemed like a copy of the Potter series and really did his own thing here. I don't think I ever thought that this seemed familiar or anything. Great read and I highly recommend reading this series. "
— Dave, 2/1/2014" This series started off pretty slowly for me ... seemed like a poor copy of HP and for the life of me I could not understand why book one made it onto our state award list. BUT ... the more I listened to book two the more I got involved in the story and invested in the characters. Looking forward to reading book three! "
— Angie, 1/28/2014" Better than the first, a nice quick read that pulls you in. I particularly like the author mixing in old Irish (and other) mythology with his own world. "
— Zoran, 1/24/2014" I gave it 4 stars for the average family rating - as the kids really enjoyed it (although we did, too). The author hit it just right for the boys age 10&up range, although Lucy enjoyed it despite lack of a strong female protagonist. I enjoyed the tie in to Celtic myth - which I have learned was all accurate to real Celtic sagas (now that I finished my Celtic history book!). I doubt too many kids know the Celtic myths and get those connections, but I don't think it's terribly important to the general flow of the book. It adds a little intellectual side for the adults listening in. "
— Heather, 1/18/2014" The story didn't seem as well developed as in the first book, and if felt rushed. I am interested to see where the author goes for the third book. "
— Lisa, 1/5/2014" This book has more action and answers questions that the first book brought up. This book also develops David Menlo's role in helping bring down the enemy. One thing that I really like about this book is that it is about team work. There isn't just one hero. "
— Wendy, 12/28/2013" I would give this book 3 1/2 stars if I could....I liked it better than the first. However, for both books, the endings were too sudden and not detailed enough. "
— Kim, 12/16/2013" I liked this - though not as much as the first. It would be helpful to read the first again. "
— Larissa, 12/14/2013" I finally felt like I was getting to know the characters and could not put it down. "
— Melanie, 12/6/2013" I knew Neff had somewhere interesting to go. Yes, the similarities are there in the beginning, but once it gets going, it veers off in a completely different direction. I really liked it. "
— Shasta, 11/19/2013" Second book in the Tapestry series. Very imaginative. Part fantasy, mixed with mythology and sci-fi. I enjoyed it and will highly recommend this series. "
— Marianne, 10/27/2013" I liked this. It was more adventurous and fast paced than the first! Good Read "
— Jill, 10/7/2013" Listened to this one. I've really enjoyed this series. It's very Harry Potter-ish. The reader does such a good job! Can't wait for the 4th one to come out later this month. I wonder how long it will take for the audio version to come out. "
— Anndee, 9/29/2012" Pretty good junior fantasy series, but I think the characters are too one dimensional to keep my interest. "
— Christine, 9/21/2012" This book wasn't as good as the first but still good. I got a little confused at what was happening in the middle of the book. "
— Kaden, 8/5/2012" Once I got into the story it was great! The ending really took me by surprise! "
— Tersa, 7/26/2012" it's really corky, the end has a twist like never before and it keeps you waiting for the next book. "
— Nehas, 6/24/2012" Couldn't put it down...this really is a good series. "
— Bryan, 6/4/2012" I listened to this book only a few weeks ago and can't really remember much about it--- I guess that is not a good sign. "
— Annette, 4/27/2012" One of my all time favorites!!! The author needs some help on his transitions, but it's still fantastic! "
— Robyn, 2/23/2012" I think that this book is very good, but a little complicated, make sure you can follow it better than the first one, its a little complex, full of riddles, and of course, romance and action, i give this book five stars and two thumbs up! "
— Tayler, 10/17/2011" This second book moves away from the Harry Potter type and takes a life of its own. This book covers a lot of ground. I am looking forward to reading the third one. "
— Ragan, 7/10/2011" How can a teenage boy save the world from evil? Read on! "
— Kkenny, 5/31/2011" Love , Love , Love! Can not wait until the 4th one comes out. "
— Melanie, 3/21/2011" Brilliant third installment to this action/adventure/fantasy juvenile fiction. Great grwoth in the main character and a wonderful cliff-hanger ending. Waiting for number 4!!! "
— Kkenny, 3/14/2011" One of the most godly books I have ever read. There is only one problem, the book starts as if you are reading them with five minutes afterreading the last! Other than that it has perfect plot and perfect plot twists. Even in the boring parts it was still fun! Overall 10/10 "
— Ruy, 3/3/2011" I cannot wait until book four comes out this fall! I'm really enjoying this series. "
— Pam, 2/17/2011" Best one yet but I can't believe I have to wait until fall 2010 for the next one; That sucks big time. "
— Mindy, 2/10/2011" I thought the ending was quite clever and not at all what I expected. Too bad we have to wait so long to see the next book! The ending was a bit of a cliffhanger... "
— Jen, 1/6/2011" This is a great series, though I was a little surprised by the calling demons type twist. Still a great science fiction series that has definitely departed from the harry potter similarities. Great for YA. "
— Allison, 12/23/2010" Really amazing series! Intriguing, imaginitive, and fun "
— Danielle, 12/16/2010" So far this is the best book in the series "
— Elizabeth, 11/20/2010Henry H. Neff, a former history teacher, has written and illustrated six acclaimed fantasy books for children, including the five-book Tapestry series and Impyrium. The Witchstone is his first novel for adults. When he’s not writing, you’ll find Henry at home in New Jersey with his wife, their two sons, and a pair of rescue pups. For more information, please visit HenryHNeff.com.
Jeff Woodman is an actor and narrator. He is a winner of the prestigious Audie Award and a six-time finalist. He has received twenty Earphones Awards and was named the 2008 Best Voice in Fiction & Classics, as well as one of the Fifty Greatest Voices of the Century by AudioFile magazine. As an actor, he originated the title role in Tennessee Williams’ The Notebook of Trigorin and won the S. F. Critics’ Circle Award for his performance in An Ideal Husband. In addition to numerous theater credits on and off Broadway, his television work includes Sex and the City, Law & Order, and Cosby.