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Josh Anvil #1
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door
Josh grew up in the outskirts of Baton Rouge, with its majestic cypress marshes and turtle-filled swamplands. School is overly challenging because of his severe dyslexia, and now he is only days away from plunging into his worst nightmare as a high school freshman at East Eagles High. After his school-quitting-plans go south, Josh finds his escape in the backwaters of the family property. But what he discovers in those dark cypress shadows will alter the course of his life and everyone around him, forever. Weaved in teen/YA fantasy with elements of action and comedy, Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door captures the trials of a high school freshman with powerful abilities at his command.
- GenresFantasyMiddle Grade
482 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2012
2 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
About the author
Bruce E. Arrington
31Ìýbooks70ÌýfollowersBruce Arrington authored 16 books (36 if you count the foreign languages), including children’s illustrated Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth Birthday Wish books. He wrote the Josh Anvil series, about a teenage boy who gets overcharged by unique abilities. And then there’s the Phalanx Blood Series about a guy named Bernard (not his real name) whose blood is the envy of the pharmaceutical world. The Legend of Skaluni and The Legend of Kalaj take you to another world with tribes, superstitions, and monsters. His first book of the Fallen Powers series is about a prince lost in a world of goblins and shapeshifters. He also wrote a futuristic screenplay about an Amish youth who has visions of himself saving the President of the United States from assassination while trying to dodge the draft. Bruce likes to take average, everyday characters, and upend their lives through unusual and powerful circumstances. He remembers having a vivid imagination and using a typewriter to start putting short stories together when he was young.
Bruce graduated from Oregon State University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science. From there, he worked in wildlife biology in North Dakota, Oregon, and Florida for about 15 years. After that, he taught in a small charter school for 16 years, and during that time his first published writings were published. He went on to earn his master’s degree in physical education and currently teaches PE to elementary school students. His latest thrill includes ziplining in the tropics of Costa Rica and Mexico.
Bruce graduated from Oregon State University in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science. From there, he worked in wildlife biology in North Dakota, Oregon, and Florida for about 15 years. After that, he taught in a small charter school for 16 years, and during that time his first published writings were published. He went on to earn his master’s degree in physical education and currently teaches PE to elementary school students. His latest thrill includes ziplining in the tropics of Costa Rica and Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 11, 2015
Free-wheeling teen fantasy
Very much an unfettered middle grades fantasy framed in a soft SF context, in Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door young teen imagination runs wild. Bruce Arrington does an impressive job of writing from and for the perspective of a fourteen year-old Josh Anvil.
The story is set in Louisiana and revolves around the central character, his family, friends and enemies. I don't think it's too much of a spoiler to say that through strange circumstances Josh acquires a set of unusual powers. The book explores those powers, and the mysterious fires which are being set in the Baton Rouge area. While the main story follows the discovery and development of Josh's powers, there is a parallel story in unravelling the mystery of the fires, as well as a little romance and some consideration of values. The challenges which Josh faces increase in difficulty and complexity in the course of the book.
I loved Arrington's presentation of the impact of dyslexia: tne coupifion wakes life bifficnlt for Josn! The writing style is entirely appropriate and very easy to read. The story does require substantial suspension of disbelief, particularly from an adult reader, because of the somewhat unrealistically accepting responses of the adults in the story - but this is because it is a book for younger teens, and I believe that the same factor will make it even more enjoyable for this target readership. There are some - very rare - editing flaws, but the book is presented to a professional standard. Readers should note that this story is clearly the first in a series and ends on a cliffhanger. The book can still be enjoyed on its own, as Arrington ties up enough of the ends of this first story to satisfy most readers.
This is beautifully executed teen escapism which will engage young people, and I would strongly recommend it for readers aged 12-16 or thereabouts.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest and objective review.
Very much an unfettered middle grades fantasy framed in a soft SF context, in Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door young teen imagination runs wild. Bruce Arrington does an impressive job of writing from and for the perspective of a fourteen year-old Josh Anvil.
The story is set in Louisiana and revolves around the central character, his family, friends and enemies. I don't think it's too much of a spoiler to say that through strange circumstances Josh acquires a set of unusual powers. The book explores those powers, and the mysterious fires which are being set in the Baton Rouge area. While the main story follows the discovery and development of Josh's powers, there is a parallel story in unravelling the mystery of the fires, as well as a little romance and some consideration of values. The challenges which Josh faces increase in difficulty and complexity in the course of the book.
I loved Arrington's presentation of the impact of dyslexia: tne coupifion wakes life bifficnlt for Josn! The writing style is entirely appropriate and very easy to read. The story does require substantial suspension of disbelief, particularly from an adult reader, because of the somewhat unrealistically accepting responses of the adults in the story - but this is because it is a book for younger teens, and I believe that the same factor will make it even more enjoyable for this target readership. There are some - very rare - editing flaws, but the book is presented to a professional standard. Readers should note that this story is clearly the first in a series and ends on a cliffhanger. The book can still be enjoyed on its own, as Arrington ties up enough of the ends of this first story to satisfy most readers.
This is beautifully executed teen escapism which will engage young people, and I would strongly recommend it for readers aged 12-16 or thereabouts.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy for an honest and objective review.
May 27, 2014
Imagination in search of a story
Title: Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door
Author: Bruce E. Arrington
Genre: Children's Fantasy
Length: 100,000 words (estimated)
Reviewer: Pearson Moore
Rating: 2 stars
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door contains humor, a likeable protagonist, and imaginative scenarios. Roughly 60 percent of the pages of this book portray various celebrations of Josh Anvil's creations, allowed by his early encounter with a small band of aliens. Smiling faces abound, with parties and fun for all on virtually every page--but this is because the pages of this writing exercise lack a substantive problem for 14-year-old Josh to solve. To put it bluntly, there is no story here.
There are brief incidents in which Josh is challenged, and he even ends up in the hospital a couple of times. But because he is limited only by his imagination, he never gets too deep into trouble. If things get really bad, he merely dreams up a dragon or a giant marshmallow man to whisk him or his friends out of harm's way. If he has a report to give on the Civil War, he brings a flesh-and-blood Confederate soldier to class. If his mother is tired of doing housework, he snaps his fingers and makes a maid appear--a woman whose only desire is to clean. A page or two of semi-conflict leads to ten or twelve pages of roller coaster rides and islands in the sky and Candyland-like magic dragons. But 10-year-old boys don't want magic dragons anymore, as Peter Yarrow's timeless song attests. Little boys grow up, and by the time they're ten, they want mysteries to solve, problems to think about. They will find no problems or mysteries or any other kind of boy-stuff in the pages of this writing exercise. Little girls will be equally disappointed. I don't know of any ten-year-olds anywhere who are not bored out of their skulls while playing Candy Land. They might gain some pleasure from reading this exercise to their four-year-old sisters and brothers.
A real challenge finally arrives about 88 percent of the way through the exercise, in the form of the aliens who gave Josh his powers. But the clash is too little too late to rescue the several hundred pages before it.
There are no characters in this book. We might have been able to consider Josh a character, but he is nothing more than a conduit for exploiting abilities any boy would like to possess. There are caricatures, not characters. Mrs. MacBeth teaches English, Mrs. Pye teaches math, Justin Hoop is the basketball coach, and you've probably already guessed that Mr. Bunsen teaches science. Barty Stool, one of Josh's friends, is brought into the story only because he suffers constipation--which Josh cures, of course.
Children of a certain age can appreciate this kind of humor, and it is for this reason I rate these writings at two stars, not one or 1.5 stars. This is a one-star writing exercise with occasional bits that will be of interest to young children. As an adult, knowing that I could have been doing something useful or enjoyable rather than reading this tedious material, I found myself bored, disappointed, and sad. How many children will be lured into purchasing this volume in hopes of being entertained?
There are fully engaging books for 9 to 12-year-old children. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen was one of my son's favorites. My personal favorite is Hannibal's Elephant Girl by Ariion Brindley. In fact, of the more than 1200 stories I've critiqued at Critique Circle, Hannibal's Elephant Girl is my favorite. Though told at a 4th grade level, I found myself enjoying every page. The fact is, I've read dozens of stories suitable for 10-year-old children that are intriguing, fun to read, and tell a real story. Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door tells no story, has no characters, and tells me nothing of a child's dreams or motivations or interests.
2 Stars
Title: Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door
Author: Bruce E. Arrington
Genre: Children's Fantasy
Length: 100,000 words (estimated)
Reviewer: Pearson Moore
Rating: 2 stars
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door contains humor, a likeable protagonist, and imaginative scenarios. Roughly 60 percent of the pages of this book portray various celebrations of Josh Anvil's creations, allowed by his early encounter with a small band of aliens. Smiling faces abound, with parties and fun for all on virtually every page--but this is because the pages of this writing exercise lack a substantive problem for 14-year-old Josh to solve. To put it bluntly, there is no story here.
There are brief incidents in which Josh is challenged, and he even ends up in the hospital a couple of times. But because he is limited only by his imagination, he never gets too deep into trouble. If things get really bad, he merely dreams up a dragon or a giant marshmallow man to whisk him or his friends out of harm's way. If he has a report to give on the Civil War, he brings a flesh-and-blood Confederate soldier to class. If his mother is tired of doing housework, he snaps his fingers and makes a maid appear--a woman whose only desire is to clean. A page or two of semi-conflict leads to ten or twelve pages of roller coaster rides and islands in the sky and Candyland-like magic dragons. But 10-year-old boys don't want magic dragons anymore, as Peter Yarrow's timeless song attests. Little boys grow up, and by the time they're ten, they want mysteries to solve, problems to think about. They will find no problems or mysteries or any other kind of boy-stuff in the pages of this writing exercise. Little girls will be equally disappointed. I don't know of any ten-year-olds anywhere who are not bored out of their skulls while playing Candy Land. They might gain some pleasure from reading this exercise to their four-year-old sisters and brothers.
A real challenge finally arrives about 88 percent of the way through the exercise, in the form of the aliens who gave Josh his powers. But the clash is too little too late to rescue the several hundred pages before it.
There are no characters in this book. We might have been able to consider Josh a character, but he is nothing more than a conduit for exploiting abilities any boy would like to possess. There are caricatures, not characters. Mrs. MacBeth teaches English, Mrs. Pye teaches math, Justin Hoop is the basketball coach, and you've probably already guessed that Mr. Bunsen teaches science. Barty Stool, one of Josh's friends, is brought into the story only because he suffers constipation--which Josh cures, of course.
Children of a certain age can appreciate this kind of humor, and it is for this reason I rate these writings at two stars, not one or 1.5 stars. This is a one-star writing exercise with occasional bits that will be of interest to young children. As an adult, knowing that I could have been doing something useful or enjoyable rather than reading this tedious material, I found myself bored, disappointed, and sad. How many children will be lured into purchasing this volume in hopes of being entertained?
There are fully engaging books for 9 to 12-year-old children. Hatchet by Gary Paulsen was one of my son's favorites. My personal favorite is Hannibal's Elephant Girl by Ariion Brindley. In fact, of the more than 1200 stories I've critiqued at Critique Circle, Hannibal's Elephant Girl is my favorite. Though told at a 4th grade level, I found myself enjoying every page. The fact is, I've read dozens of stories suitable for 10-year-old children that are intriguing, fun to read, and tell a real story. Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door tells no story, has no characters, and tells me nothing of a child's dreams or motivations or interests.
2 Stars
April 4, 2013
Josh Anvil, the 14-year-old Louisianan who is the hero of this middle-school fantasy, is a boy with a serious case of dyslexia and some very special skills. Initially, his skill is in storytelling in a group of his peers (boys only) who meet to compete. After a near fatal accident and mysterious encounter in the swamp near his home, he acquires skills that allow him to create living creatures, even humans. Meanwhile, his father and his best friend Troy’s father are firemen dealing with a number of destructive arsons in town.
Writing and reading a work intended for middle-school aged children can have its own challenges. As for evaluating it, well, what I like or dislike about it and what a 12 year-old may like or dislike will probably be different things. I can only pretend to think like a 12 year old, and readers of this review might want to keep that in mind.
What I find likeable: the imagery throughout is creative and extremely colorful. A lot of it would make for stunning illustrations and animation. Josh and his family and friends have tons of good, clean fun with it and they are all likeable people for the most part. Josh’s dyslexia is treated sympathetically and although he has problems in school he does the best he can with some mild encouragement from his parents. Josh and his friends are engaging young people with distinctive voices.
I especially like the opening scene in which avid fisherman Josh hooks Junior, the family’s cat, with a cast over land (avid and a bit thoughtless, but he's a teen). Josh pulls a bit and Junior retaliates. Josh, who proves here and later in the story that he has empathy for animals and that they respond to him, ends up quickly reconciling with Junior and we find out that Junior is okay. A relief all around. I especially liked the juxtaposition of Josh's carefree-teen carelessness and his later concern for Junior.
I found it a little disturbing when Josh’s mother smirks when he confesses to irresponsibly creating 4 pretty girls in Taco Bell and Josh’s father snickers (I think it was a snicker � there’s entirely too much smirking, snickering, and laughing at non-funny things going on) when he hears that Josh’s gorgeous math teacher seems to have an inappropriate crush on Josh. But then the whole novel is from Josh's point of view, which can mean that what he sees in his parent's reactions are by no means the whole story.
When a book in a series such as this first Josh Anvil book ends with what appears to be the beginning of another major adventure that’s tolerable, but the problem here was that the arson fires, the ongoing major problem facing the city of Baton Rouge throughout the story, resolve only with an identification of the perpetrators. The reason behind the fires � their significance � remains unknown. It’s possible that might be revealed in the next book, but it’s an unsatisfying climax in this one.
I recommend Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door to those who can ignore some of the things that bothered me and accept it as the light, fun romp it was intended to be. That might very well be most early teens and I hope that they can identify with Josh and have a good time with his adventures.
I received a gift copy of this book in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal review. This review underwent a partial revision due to some revisions in the story that cleared up some ambiguities and confusion.
3.5 stars on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. 4 stars on Amazon based on scale intent.
Writing and reading a work intended for middle-school aged children can have its own challenges. As for evaluating it, well, what I like or dislike about it and what a 12 year-old may like or dislike will probably be different things. I can only pretend to think like a 12 year old, and readers of this review might want to keep that in mind.
What I find likeable: the imagery throughout is creative and extremely colorful. A lot of it would make for stunning illustrations and animation. Josh and his family and friends have tons of good, clean fun with it and they are all likeable people for the most part. Josh’s dyslexia is treated sympathetically and although he has problems in school he does the best he can with some mild encouragement from his parents. Josh and his friends are engaging young people with distinctive voices.
I especially like the opening scene in which avid fisherman Josh hooks Junior, the family’s cat, with a cast over land (avid and a bit thoughtless, but he's a teen). Josh pulls a bit and Junior retaliates. Josh, who proves here and later in the story that he has empathy for animals and that they respond to him, ends up quickly reconciling with Junior and we find out that Junior is okay. A relief all around. I especially liked the juxtaposition of Josh's carefree-teen carelessness and his later concern for Junior.
I found it a little disturbing when Josh’s mother smirks when he confesses to irresponsibly creating 4 pretty girls in Taco Bell and Josh’s father snickers (I think it was a snicker � there’s entirely too much smirking, snickering, and laughing at non-funny things going on) when he hears that Josh’s gorgeous math teacher seems to have an inappropriate crush on Josh. But then the whole novel is from Josh's point of view, which can mean that what he sees in his parent's reactions are by no means the whole story.
When a book in a series such as this first Josh Anvil book ends with what appears to be the beginning of another major adventure that’s tolerable, but the problem here was that the arson fires, the ongoing major problem facing the city of Baton Rouge throughout the story, resolve only with an identification of the perpetrators. The reason behind the fires � their significance � remains unknown. It’s possible that might be revealed in the next book, but it’s an unsatisfying climax in this one.
I recommend Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door to those who can ignore some of the things that bothered me and accept it as the light, fun romp it was intended to be. That might very well be most early teens and I hope that they can identify with Josh and have a good time with his adventures.
I received a gift copy of this book in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal review. This review underwent a partial revision due to some revisions in the story that cleared up some ambiguities and confusion.
3.5 stars on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. 4 stars on Amazon based on scale intent.
July 29, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest, nonreciprocal review of a colleague's novel.
This fantasy novel follows the adventures of 14-year-old Josh who, along with the usual trial and tribulations of being a teenager, develops mysterious powers after an encounter with alien beings. The story is set in Louisiana and the author's vivid depictions of various areas clearly reveal his fondness for this part of the country.
We are introduced to a host of characters from Josh's family, to his friends and their families, and to an odd assembly of teachers (well I guess most teachers seem odd to their teenaged students). This is one of several areas in the book where, as an adult reader, I had to remind myself of the book's intended young audience and the genre of the novel. In several instances the adults conducted themselves not as one would expect, but rather as teenagers would like them to act in their ideal or fantasy worlds. For example, is there a 14-year-old boy who wouldn't want to have his parents' permission to drive around town in his own MX-5 Miata, unsupervised, having just a learner's permit? The adults generally came across as a very lenient, overly consenting, and unconventionally trusting of youthful judgement; but then again this is a "fantasy" novel for teenagers.
On the other hand, the teenagers' dialogue and actions � strange and ill-advised as they were � were believable. Any concerns about the credibility of the characters were put away each time the author carried us to the fantasy land that grew more magical with the ever growing extent of Josh's imagination and powers.
I did struggle with a few sections that didn't seem to make sense. For instance, if your high school has a school uniform policy it shouldn't be surprising that all the students are wearing the uniform or necessary for the uniform to be repeatedly described. And it seemed odd that the school cafeteria would be allowed to sell expired milk. But again, these may be the exaggerated perceptions of rebellious teenagers and younger readers may relate well to them.
Given that the novel is set in the present time, it was strange that all of the incredible events the townspeople were experiencing weren't trending on social media and that the National Guard weren't on hand at the first sightings of mythical creatures on American soil.
I found some of the descriptions of minor characters and events too long, as they didn't seem to play into or add to the plot of the story. While it's possible this background is necessary for the sequel, it did have me racing through some of sections of the book eagerly anticipating the next leap into the author's beautifully described fantasy world. Arrington does have a gift for narrating make-believe settings and this may keep young readers fixed to every word from beginning to the end.
This fantasy novel follows the adventures of 14-year-old Josh who, along with the usual trial and tribulations of being a teenager, develops mysterious powers after an encounter with alien beings. The story is set in Louisiana and the author's vivid depictions of various areas clearly reveal his fondness for this part of the country.
We are introduced to a host of characters from Josh's family, to his friends and their families, and to an odd assembly of teachers (well I guess most teachers seem odd to their teenaged students). This is one of several areas in the book where, as an adult reader, I had to remind myself of the book's intended young audience and the genre of the novel. In several instances the adults conducted themselves not as one would expect, but rather as teenagers would like them to act in their ideal or fantasy worlds. For example, is there a 14-year-old boy who wouldn't want to have his parents' permission to drive around town in his own MX-5 Miata, unsupervised, having just a learner's permit? The adults generally came across as a very lenient, overly consenting, and unconventionally trusting of youthful judgement; but then again this is a "fantasy" novel for teenagers.
On the other hand, the teenagers' dialogue and actions � strange and ill-advised as they were � were believable. Any concerns about the credibility of the characters were put away each time the author carried us to the fantasy land that grew more magical with the ever growing extent of Josh's imagination and powers.
I did struggle with a few sections that didn't seem to make sense. For instance, if your high school has a school uniform policy it shouldn't be surprising that all the students are wearing the uniform or necessary for the uniform to be repeatedly described. And it seemed odd that the school cafeteria would be allowed to sell expired milk. But again, these may be the exaggerated perceptions of rebellious teenagers and younger readers may relate well to them.
Given that the novel is set in the present time, it was strange that all of the incredible events the townspeople were experiencing weren't trending on social media and that the National Guard weren't on hand at the first sightings of mythical creatures on American soil.
I found some of the descriptions of minor characters and events too long, as they didn't seem to play into or add to the plot of the story. While it's possible this background is necessary for the sequel, it did have me racing through some of sections of the book eagerly anticipating the next leap into the author's beautifully described fantasy world. Arrington does have a gift for narrating make-believe settings and this may keep young readers fixed to every word from beginning to the end.
April 2, 2019
Josh Anvil is a likable protagonist who mysteriously gains strange powers and uses those to help his friends, and get out of difficult situations. Because he basically has whatever power he wants when he wants it, there isn't much conflict in the story, no solid story goal, and I would have preferred a bit more detail about how he got his powers. Also, while I believe this is the first book of a series, readers like at least some payoff and wrapping up of a major question or conflict at the end of one book. This book ends on a cliffhanger, which may be a turnoff for some readers.
The main character though, was a likable kid, and the book was a clean read, which I always appreciate.
The main character though, was a likable kid, and the book was a clean read, which I always appreciate.
July 24, 2019
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door by Bruce E. Arrington is a middle-grade, sci-fi adventure set in the Louisiana swamp and surrounds.
Josh is an ordinary fourteen-year old with severe dyslexia. His greatest ambitions are to win the trophy at the storytellers� club, ditch school, and attract the attention of Kirsten (a hot volley-ball player in his grade). That is, until he has an accident in the swamp and suddenly acquires god-like powers and the complications in his life escalate. In the meantime, an arsonist is setting fires around Baton-Rouge and people are getting hurt.
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door was an enjoyable read. I liked the interaction between Josh and his best friend, Troy. Josh's powers are cool, as are the dragons, and there are many great scenes with action or humour. The books are squarely aimed at male teens (while Josh's mom is a strong character, all the females are side characters and/or in supporting roles) and school, teachers and classes figure large in the story.
I liked that there were follow-through consequences to Josh's actions and that he had think things through. While the story kept my attention and was easy to read, I found it a bit longer than I expected & initially I keep expecting a 'portal to another world' to appear (given the mention of Cypress Door in the title). There is a portal but it is much later in the book. The book uses an omniscient narrator and more than once I felt Josh sounded more like a jaded 40-year-old than a teen in his reflections on women and people in general. There is an exciting finale where some, though not all, is explained, . This is followed by the start of another adventure with cliff-hanger cut-off to entice you into the next book.
Overall - an entertaining middle-grade adventure with dragons and powers.
Josh is an ordinary fourteen-year old with severe dyslexia. His greatest ambitions are to win the trophy at the storytellers� club, ditch school, and attract the attention of Kirsten (a hot volley-ball player in his grade). That is, until he has an accident in the swamp and suddenly acquires god-like powers and the complications in his life escalate. In the meantime, an arsonist is setting fires around Baton-Rouge and people are getting hurt.
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door was an enjoyable read. I liked the interaction between Josh and his best friend, Troy. Josh's powers are cool, as are the dragons, and there are many great scenes with action or humour. The books are squarely aimed at male teens (while Josh's mom is a strong character, all the females are side characters and/or in supporting roles) and school, teachers and classes figure large in the story.
I liked that there were follow-through consequences to Josh's actions and that he had think things through. While the story kept my attention and was easy to read, I found it a bit longer than I expected & initially I keep expecting a 'portal to another world' to appear (given the mention of Cypress Door in the title). There is a portal but it is much later in the book. The book uses an omniscient narrator and more than once I felt Josh sounded more like a jaded 40-year-old than a teen in his reflections on women and people in general. There is an exciting finale where some, though not all, is explained, . This is followed by the start of another adventure with cliff-hanger cut-off to entice you into the next book.
Overall - an entertaining middle-grade adventure with dragons and powers.
July 23, 2015
Originally posted on 80booksblog.com
Did you ever play the “What If� game as a kid? You and a friend sitting around letting your imagination run wild, creating worlds and creatures. Inevitably it turns into a storytelling session where you feel like you are in the world you created. It’s an exhilarating feeling.
In Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door you get that same feeling.
Set in a suburb of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Josh has to understand his powers very quickly. During a showdown for champion in the StoryTellers Club Josh accidently creates giant spiders when telling a Louisiana myth. He chalked that up to a weird coincidence. It isn’t until he accidently creates a dragon that burns down the cafeteria does he realize what he can do. He soon learns that he has to be very careful when he speaks. Besides the spiders, big dragons, mini dragons, horses, people, and cats and mice he creates 5 teen girls with the peculiar names: Chloe, Zoe, Doe, and Floe. All his creations are there to help him in some way and are at his beck and call.
The names for the teachers at Josh’s school are also hilarious and you can tell Bruce Arrington had fun coming up with them:
Principle Les Moore
English teacher Lana MacBeth
Social Studies teacher Ella Vader
Basketball coach Justin Hoop
Spanish teacher Pepe Roni
Music teacher Melody Screech
Math teacher Mrs. Pye
Science teacher Mr. Bunsen
This story is action packed as Josh and his best friend Troy escape police, bullies, aliens, reporters, and the government. I like reading how the character uses his imagination to create beings and floating islands to enhance the lives of those he cares about. He even creates a safe haven for his creations. He truly cares for all his creations.
I also like that this YA story has a strong parent presence. In most YA books, children and teens with no parents are trying to save the world. But Josh and Troy have parents who love them and are a huge party of the story. The parents are there to guide, love, and protect Josh and Troy. Josh and Troy still make foolish decisions but that’s what kids are supposed to do. Their parents are there to help them and discipline them when they do.
Besides the main plot of Josh’s creative powers there are subplots of arsonists destroying the town, bullying, and teen love. My favorite subplot is Josh using his powers to heal. As a punishment for using his powers in the wrong way he is tasked with going to the hospital (a place he loathes) to heal sick and dying kids and adults. Josh is scared and worried at first but he soon realizes that he is helping people and seeing the grateful look on their faces is all he needs. However, the reader does learn that when Josh heals someone he is giving a piece of himself to them and those people start developing powers of their own. I am hoping the rest of series goes deeper into this plot line.
As always, a few questions came up while reading (Spoilers!):
Question: Why were the aliens trying to burn down the town? I never understood this.
Question: What was the point of creating a Confederate soldier? Was it just to get him into detention and bond with his music teacher? Was it to bring in the old adage, “with great power comes great responsibility?� Was it so he would be punished and sent to the hospital to heal people? I feel like the author could have come up with a better way to accomplish the end result.
Overall, this is a great book. The story and the action kept me reading late into the night and sneaking a few chapters here and there while at work. It’s one of those books that makes you want to binge read the entire series in a single seating.
Did you ever play the “What If� game as a kid? You and a friend sitting around letting your imagination run wild, creating worlds and creatures. Inevitably it turns into a storytelling session where you feel like you are in the world you created. It’s an exhilarating feeling.
In Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door you get that same feeling.
Set in a suburb of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Josh has to understand his powers very quickly. During a showdown for champion in the StoryTellers Club Josh accidently creates giant spiders when telling a Louisiana myth. He chalked that up to a weird coincidence. It isn’t until he accidently creates a dragon that burns down the cafeteria does he realize what he can do. He soon learns that he has to be very careful when he speaks. Besides the spiders, big dragons, mini dragons, horses, people, and cats and mice he creates 5 teen girls with the peculiar names: Chloe, Zoe, Doe, and Floe. All his creations are there to help him in some way and are at his beck and call.
The names for the teachers at Josh’s school are also hilarious and you can tell Bruce Arrington had fun coming up with them:
Principle Les Moore
English teacher Lana MacBeth
Social Studies teacher Ella Vader
Basketball coach Justin Hoop
Spanish teacher Pepe Roni
Music teacher Melody Screech
Math teacher Mrs. Pye
Science teacher Mr. Bunsen
This story is action packed as Josh and his best friend Troy escape police, bullies, aliens, reporters, and the government. I like reading how the character uses his imagination to create beings and floating islands to enhance the lives of those he cares about. He even creates a safe haven for his creations. He truly cares for all his creations.
I also like that this YA story has a strong parent presence. In most YA books, children and teens with no parents are trying to save the world. But Josh and Troy have parents who love them and are a huge party of the story. The parents are there to guide, love, and protect Josh and Troy. Josh and Troy still make foolish decisions but that’s what kids are supposed to do. Their parents are there to help them and discipline them when they do.
Besides the main plot of Josh’s creative powers there are subplots of arsonists destroying the town, bullying, and teen love. My favorite subplot is Josh using his powers to heal. As a punishment for using his powers in the wrong way he is tasked with going to the hospital (a place he loathes) to heal sick and dying kids and adults. Josh is scared and worried at first but he soon realizes that he is helping people and seeing the grateful look on their faces is all he needs. However, the reader does learn that when Josh heals someone he is giving a piece of himself to them and those people start developing powers of their own. I am hoping the rest of series goes deeper into this plot line.
As always, a few questions came up while reading (Spoilers!):
Question: Why were the aliens trying to burn down the town? I never understood this.
Question: What was the point of creating a Confederate soldier? Was it just to get him into detention and bond with his music teacher? Was it to bring in the old adage, “with great power comes great responsibility?� Was it so he would be punished and sent to the hospital to heal people? I feel like the author could have come up with a better way to accomplish the end result.
Overall, this is a great book. The story and the action kept me reading late into the night and sneaking a few chapters here and there while at work. It’s one of those books that makes you want to binge read the entire series in a single seating.
March 22, 2013
Excellent fantasy for middle schoolers.
I really enjoyed this book and it kept me entertained for nearly a week. Of course, the fact that the main character gets fantastic, nearly limitless powers is a fun element and the way Josh chooses to use his powers makes me wonder what I would do differently if I had powers like that.
The StoryTellers Club, an amusingly formal organization similar to the Toastmasters where members dress up in suits to camp out in one of the kid's back yard for their story telling finale, provides a clever twist. One of Josh's powers is activated when he tells stories, causing trouble early on when he tells a story about ancient spiders that once lived in the local swamps only to have them come to life during his story.
But it isn't all fun and games. His parents support him and try to teach him to use his powers for unselfish ends by having him volunteer at the hospital, probably my favorite part of the book, though it probably wasn't a good way to keep him safe from public attention. His activities quickly catch the attention of the media and eventually the government. Besides that, it bothers me that Josh can create people who end up doting on him, cleaning house or acting as handyman caretaker for the family. After the first time, I expected his parents to tell him that was unacceptable; it's what I would have done, too close to creating indentured servants. Sure, they were happy servants, he built that into them when he made them, but I still think it was an abuse of power that his parents should have discouraged (and they definitely didn't).
Underlying the story, the city of Baton Rouge is on fire as serial arsonists targets buildings across the city and Josh's and his friend Troy's fathers are constantly called away to fight them. It's a mystery which I don't think is ever completely explained, although the culprits are identified. Perhaps in the next book. I don't think the mystery of the fires or the casual approach Josh and Troy took to figure out who was responsible is as much the focus of the book as the description implies. It supported some of the things going on, provided some element of danger, but failed to really drive the characters in any way until the very end, and even then it was kind of out of nowhere.
Overall, I liked the story, enjoyed the juvenile interplay between the characters, and loved Josh's quirky creations and good deeds. I think this book would be a good bet for someone in the range of 12-15 years old.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal review.
I really enjoyed this book and it kept me entertained for nearly a week. Of course, the fact that the main character gets fantastic, nearly limitless powers is a fun element and the way Josh chooses to use his powers makes me wonder what I would do differently if I had powers like that.
The StoryTellers Club, an amusingly formal organization similar to the Toastmasters where members dress up in suits to camp out in one of the kid's back yard for their story telling finale, provides a clever twist. One of Josh's powers is activated when he tells stories, causing trouble early on when he tells a story about ancient spiders that once lived in the local swamps only to have them come to life during his story.
But it isn't all fun and games. His parents support him and try to teach him to use his powers for unselfish ends by having him volunteer at the hospital, probably my favorite part of the book, though it probably wasn't a good way to keep him safe from public attention. His activities quickly catch the attention of the media and eventually the government. Besides that, it bothers me that Josh can create people who end up doting on him, cleaning house or acting as handyman caretaker for the family. After the first time, I expected his parents to tell him that was unacceptable; it's what I would have done, too close to creating indentured servants. Sure, they were happy servants, he built that into them when he made them, but I still think it was an abuse of power that his parents should have discouraged (and they definitely didn't).
Underlying the story, the city of Baton Rouge is on fire as serial arsonists targets buildings across the city and Josh's and his friend Troy's fathers are constantly called away to fight them. It's a mystery which I don't think is ever completely explained, although the culprits are identified. Perhaps in the next book. I don't think the mystery of the fires or the casual approach Josh and Troy took to figure out who was responsible is as much the focus of the book as the description implies. It supported some of the things going on, provided some element of danger, but failed to really drive the characters in any way until the very end, and even then it was kind of out of nowhere.
Overall, I liked the story, enjoyed the juvenile interplay between the characters, and loved Josh's quirky creations and good deeds. I think this book would be a good bet for someone in the range of 12-15 years old.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest, non-reciprocal review.
April 15, 2013
Josh Anvil, a 14 year old boy from Louisiana, goes canoeing one day in the swamps and comes upon aliens who accidentally bestow upon him super powers. Within days Josh is able to materialize dragons, people, islands in the sky, as well as heal the injured and sickly. However it takes his parents to show him how best to use these powers. When the story opens, his home town of Baton Rouge is being ravaged by fires. An arsonist is causing havoc throughout the city and his father and best friend, both whom are firefighters, have been injured. Josh uses his powers to heal the men and that is the plot line I expected the story to take off from. However that ends up being a back-story which simmers for a good portion of the novel. The main thrust of the story revolves around how Josh learns and develops his powers. The author has no shortage of creative ability in developing the supernatural aspects of his tale much to the delight, I’m sure, of his teen readers. But to me the supernatural has much more impact when contrasted against the natural world. And the more natural and believable the world around him, the more believable are the fantasy elements. It’s here that this aspect and some inconsistencies work against the tale. For example, Josh is a member of a story-telling group and faces a competition to be named the best story teller. But when the other boys gather, they are awarded their ranks instead of having to compete.In another chapter two 18 year old policemen find Josh in a field and draw their guns on him for no apparent reason. Later on an FBI agent kidnaps and tortures him to get some information. These turns may seem dramatic to young readers but unless there is a context for them or they are based upon somewhat realistic motivations, they lose their punch. Toward the end, Josh’s friends develop super powers as well but how they came upon them is never really explained. Characters are written in and dismissed, adding little impact to the overall story. The chapters also seem self-contained making the book more episodic rather than plot driven. What I mean is, problems arise and are solved in each chapter. I would have liked to have seen a dramatic thread that pushes the protagonist into his journey and leads the reader through each chapter making us want to know what happens next. The author certainly sets up a number of interesting avenues for the protagonist to investigate including the arson plaguing his city and tracking down the aliens who are planning some type of nefarious action. That much is great stuff for young readers.
July 8, 2013
This was a fun book to read!
The first thing I loved was the fantastic imagery. Mr. Arrington is a very visual writer, and that totally clicked with me.
Josh is a completely relatable character. He's real, has real faults, real issues, real...uh, personality quirks, but he deals with all of that in stride. And when he does something stupid (which happens), he handles it with a sense of under-dramatic maturity (for a young teen) that I found refreshing. The secondary characters have lives off the page, and you can tell without their lives interfering with the telling of the story. That's one of the great things about a visual writer. They're able to catch the non-verbals better than an auditory or kenetic author.
I will say that one reason this book only gets four stars is that I don't think all the right non-verbals were captured. There was a lot of smirking. Hey. I just deleted a lot of nodding, shrugging and sighing. So I can't say anything. I know this. But! Because I just went through that exercise, it was something I picked up on. There were a few emotional transitions that felt like sudden shifts and I was like, "Whoa! What just happened there?" As a reader, it felt like a sudden dip in maturity, but I'm pretty sure the characters were just fine. We just missed a transitory non-verbal, or that the wrong one was captured.
The plot was fun. It reminded me of Season 1 of Supernatural. You know. Each episode had it's own plot. They're chasing a ghost. Adventure, adventure. Snark, snark. Ghost gone. End credits. It wasn't until the last few episodes that I was like, "Oh, hey. There's a plot to the season. Wow. When did that happen?" The plot on this book kind felt the same way for me. With as well as all the chapters were woven closed, it was a little disturbing to me that the point behind the fires wasn't buttoned up. That's probably for another time. I understand that, but I didn't like the way it just hung out there.
So. Was Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door a fun read? Heck yeah! Was it unique? With the complete lack of hormonally depressed teenage girls who "can't get the right boy", yes. It was refreshing! Should you read it? Yes. I say definitely yes!
The first thing I loved was the fantastic imagery. Mr. Arrington is a very visual writer, and that totally clicked with me.
Josh is a completely relatable character. He's real, has real faults, real issues, real...uh, personality quirks, but he deals with all of that in stride. And when he does something stupid (which happens), he handles it with a sense of under-dramatic maturity (for a young teen) that I found refreshing. The secondary characters have lives off the page, and you can tell without their lives interfering with the telling of the story. That's one of the great things about a visual writer. They're able to catch the non-verbals better than an auditory or kenetic author.
I will say that one reason this book only gets four stars is that I don't think all the right non-verbals were captured. There was a lot of smirking. Hey. I just deleted a lot of nodding, shrugging and sighing. So I can't say anything. I know this. But! Because I just went through that exercise, it was something I picked up on. There were a few emotional transitions that felt like sudden shifts and I was like, "Whoa! What just happened there?" As a reader, it felt like a sudden dip in maturity, but I'm pretty sure the characters were just fine. We just missed a transitory non-verbal, or that the wrong one was captured.
The plot was fun. It reminded me of Season 1 of Supernatural. You know. Each episode had it's own plot. They're chasing a ghost. Adventure, adventure. Snark, snark. Ghost gone. End credits. It wasn't until the last few episodes that I was like, "Oh, hey. There's a plot to the season. Wow. When did that happen?" The plot on this book kind felt the same way for me. With as well as all the chapters were woven closed, it was a little disturbing to me that the point behind the fires wasn't buttoned up. That's probably for another time. I understand that, but I didn't like the way it just hung out there.
So. Was Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door a fun read? Heck yeah! Was it unique? With the complete lack of hormonally depressed teenage girls who "can't get the right boy", yes. It was refreshing! Should you read it? Yes. I say definitely yes!
February 19, 2014
While this is not the genre I usually read, I got swept up completely in Josh Anvil's adventures.
As this story of a not-so-ordinary-anymore teen unfolds, Arrington's wonderful description really transports you to all the places that Josh goes: the swamp, East Eagles High, the island that he creates. Because the description is so strong, the story is something that you could easily see playing out on some sort of screen.
I thought the main set of characters in the book -- Josh, his parents, sister and friend Troy -- were all extremely well-written characters. The relationships between characters -- in particular Josh and his dad, Josh and his best friend, and Josh and his little sister Candace -- were all very believable.
In addition to the fantasy and adventure elements of this book, the story hit on a lot of topics that many kids today face: being bullied/picked on, parents getting separated, struggling in school and wanting to drop out. To me, Josh was kind of the perfect teen hero after he got his powers. He still wanted his crush to notice him. He still wanted to be popular. He still struggled with his dyslexia. One of my favorite lines was after Josh got a note from his crush that he couldn't read and he said: “Why can’t my � powers � heal what’s wrong with me?� It just showed that even though he had powers and could do all these incredible things, he was still just a regular kid with problems of his own.
The one thing that I found to be a little silly were the teachers' names: Ella Vader, Pepe Roni, Miss MacBeth, Justin Hoop. I thought they seemed a little juvenile, even for an audience of middle schoolers/preteens.
I'm clearly not the target audience for this book, but I found it very entertaining. I think members of Arrington's target audience will want definitely want to go on an adventure with Josh Anvil.
(Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
As this story of a not-so-ordinary-anymore teen unfolds, Arrington's wonderful description really transports you to all the places that Josh goes: the swamp, East Eagles High, the island that he creates. Because the description is so strong, the story is something that you could easily see playing out on some sort of screen.
I thought the main set of characters in the book -- Josh, his parents, sister and friend Troy -- were all extremely well-written characters. The relationships between characters -- in particular Josh and his dad, Josh and his best friend, and Josh and his little sister Candace -- were all very believable.
In addition to the fantasy and adventure elements of this book, the story hit on a lot of topics that many kids today face: being bullied/picked on, parents getting separated, struggling in school and wanting to drop out. To me, Josh was kind of the perfect teen hero after he got his powers. He still wanted his crush to notice him. He still wanted to be popular. He still struggled with his dyslexia. One of my favorite lines was after Josh got a note from his crush that he couldn't read and he said: “Why can’t my � powers � heal what’s wrong with me?� It just showed that even though he had powers and could do all these incredible things, he was still just a regular kid with problems of his own.
The one thing that I found to be a little silly were the teachers' names: Ella Vader, Pepe Roni, Miss MacBeth, Justin Hoop. I thought they seemed a little juvenile, even for an audience of middle schoolers/preteens.
I'm clearly not the target audience for this book, but I found it very entertaining. I think members of Arrington's target audience will want definitely want to go on an adventure with Josh Anvil.
(Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
January 12, 2015
Three CHEERS for Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door!
Bruce Arrington has written a splendid debut young adult novel. As I'm sure you all know, I am a huge fan of science fiction; whether it is YA, adult or even MG. This book did not disappoint and I am so glad I got the opportunity to review Josh Anvil! Full of magic, adventure and even a little mystery, this is a fun and charming book, with an outstanding main character. Quite a few things set this story apart from others in it's genre. First and foremost being Josh. His character is so well written and really brings a smile to your face. Most importantly, he is real and relatable for young adult readers. Having struggled with dyslexia his whole life, he has more than his share of teenage problems to deal with. When he is saved by an alien race and somehow gains powers, life gets even more complicated. I enjoyed the fact that although Josh becomes a superhero of sorts he is still a kind hearted, down to earth teen. His has a loving and supportive family that at times can get on his nerves. He learns lessons along the way and you get to see him grow as a character.
I enjoyed the originality of this book! Josh's power allows his stories to come to life--he can create anything living. He also has a healing touch. This is where the author's creativity really shines through. The circumstances that ensue due to Josh's power are entertaining and often comical. I loved the floating island that he creates for his dragons to live on!
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door had a little of everything you want from a sci-fi adventure. The ending leaves you eager for the next big chapter in Josh's life. I definitely recommend this book for all the sci-fi lovers out there. Although, it is a book that could be enjoyed by anyone. Keep 'em coming Bruce!
Bruce Arrington has written a splendid debut young adult novel. As I'm sure you all know, I am a huge fan of science fiction; whether it is YA, adult or even MG. This book did not disappoint and I am so glad I got the opportunity to review Josh Anvil! Full of magic, adventure and even a little mystery, this is a fun and charming book, with an outstanding main character. Quite a few things set this story apart from others in it's genre. First and foremost being Josh. His character is so well written and really brings a smile to your face. Most importantly, he is real and relatable for young adult readers. Having struggled with dyslexia his whole life, he has more than his share of teenage problems to deal with. When he is saved by an alien race and somehow gains powers, life gets even more complicated. I enjoyed the fact that although Josh becomes a superhero of sorts he is still a kind hearted, down to earth teen. His has a loving and supportive family that at times can get on his nerves. He learns lessons along the way and you get to see him grow as a character.
I enjoyed the originality of this book! Josh's power allows his stories to come to life--he can create anything living. He also has a healing touch. This is where the author's creativity really shines through. The circumstances that ensue due to Josh's power are entertaining and often comical. I loved the floating island that he creates for his dragons to live on!
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door had a little of everything you want from a sci-fi adventure. The ending leaves you eager for the next big chapter in Josh's life. I definitely recommend this book for all the sci-fi lovers out there. Although, it is a book that could be enjoyed by anyone. Keep 'em coming Bruce!
June 1, 2013
Josh Anvil is a great kid. He loves his family, loves animals, loves fishing. He struggles with dyslexia and hates school. Then he becomes a superhero.
There are numerous delightful moments in this book; I especially enjoyed the folk stories and tall tales woven into the text, and they're part of the book's theme, too--you'll see why! I loved the Louisiana setting, especially the cypress marshlands. Overall, the characters are quirky and charming.
Although aimed at an older age bracket, Josh Anvil reminded me of the Edward Eager books, where children discover magic, and then get in complicated trouble with it. Josh handles his new powers with as much skill and discretion as any 14 year old would do, but that's not saying a lot.
I want to go back and see if all the teachers and other bit-part adults in the book have funny and punny nanes. I know I missed a few, before I realized that I had to say them out loud.
Since Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door is meant for middle-grade readers, I'm not part of the target audience. There were moments when the wish-fulfillment felt a little strong for my tastes. I'd roll my eyes and say to myself: "His parents are okay with his doing what?" But, back when I was a kid, that wouldn't have bothered me a bit. I'd have been daydreaming about having the same powers that Josh did. And the roller-coaster was spectacular! (I don't want to give away too much, but let's say that the whole place where the roller-coaster was, was spectacular.)
Overall, this book was a pleasure to read, filled with imagination. For me, it did not reach the top tier of 'children's books that are just as good for adults', but very few children's books do.
I was given a free copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
There are numerous delightful moments in this book; I especially enjoyed the folk stories and tall tales woven into the text, and they're part of the book's theme, too--you'll see why! I loved the Louisiana setting, especially the cypress marshlands. Overall, the characters are quirky and charming.
Although aimed at an older age bracket, Josh Anvil reminded me of the Edward Eager books, where children discover magic, and then get in complicated trouble with it. Josh handles his new powers with as much skill and discretion as any 14 year old would do, but that's not saying a lot.
I want to go back and see if all the teachers and other bit-part adults in the book have funny and punny nanes. I know I missed a few, before I realized that I had to say them out loud.
Since Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door is meant for middle-grade readers, I'm not part of the target audience. There were moments when the wish-fulfillment felt a little strong for my tastes. I'd roll my eyes and say to myself: "His parents are okay with his doing what?" But, back when I was a kid, that wouldn't have bothered me a bit. I'd have been daydreaming about having the same powers that Josh did. And the roller-coaster was spectacular! (I don't want to give away too much, but let's say that the whole place where the roller-coaster was, was spectacular.)
Overall, this book was a pleasure to read, filled with imagination. For me, it did not reach the top tier of 'children's books that are just as good for adults', but very few children's books do.
I was given a free copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2015
The youth will love reading about Josh Anvil's adventures.
Although I don't belong to Josh's age bracket, his adventures never fail to remind me of my youth. From ordinary day to day activities with his family, friends, and school, anyone can relate to Josh. Of course, not everyone can conjure dragons and spiders, and heal people who are on the verge of death, but we all yearn for some magic in our lives. And those who have brilliant imaginations will be able to live a magical life.
This is the type of book that gets kids to love reading. I think parents should encourage their kids to read this because a good book( like this) promotes a love for reading. In Josh's case, it's story telling. He loves stories, but he is dyslexic. It takes a great deal of effort to read a book, but it's worth the effort because he loves the stories anyway.
I think what's important when you're trying to establish a fantasy book for this generation is that you include the element of school. That makes it easier for them to relate with the characters - they have boring and weird teachers, never ending homework, bullies, etc. Oh, and the names of the teachers in Josh's school are hilarious.
What I loved most about this is the well-emphasized setting. From start to finish, you'll know what it's like to live in Louisiana.
There were some elements that were dragging. And some action scenes that were kind of short-lived. Anyway, I still have a lot of questions, and I think I need to read the sequel(s) to know the answers.
April 11, 2019
As a former fourteen-year-old boy (almost sixty years ago) and as a former child/adolescent psychologist (almost thirty years ago), Bruce Arrington’s Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door has my unofficial seal of approval. The story is about fourteen-year-old Josh and his mysterious power to create living things, such as dragons, a giant lumberjack and an organic roller coaster. Mysterious evil forces also abound, keeping the pace smashing from one adventure to another.
The story keeps the reader’s interest with forgivable flaws in realism, after all, this is a fantasy. Part of the fantasy are Josh’s parents, who among other things, casually accept their son’s new powers and his ill-designed adolescent desires. Ratio of adolescent logic (or what passes as logic at that age) and adult moralizing is around 12:1, which is about perfect.
A few weaknesses stand out. More description about the destruction of strange fires would have made them more real. Josh’s troubles with dyslexia should have received more story time. Also, dividing the chapters slightly differently would have created more cliff-hangers. And worst, the story is peppered with italicized word for emphasis, enough to feel like a slap in the face with each occurrence. Two or three per book are enough, here there seemed to be two or three per page. Ouch.
Overall, a good story, well written for the audience with a perfect ending. Number two in the series should be a good one.
The story keeps the reader’s interest with forgivable flaws in realism, after all, this is a fantasy. Part of the fantasy are Josh’s parents, who among other things, casually accept their son’s new powers and his ill-designed adolescent desires. Ratio of adolescent logic (or what passes as logic at that age) and adult moralizing is around 12:1, which is about perfect.
A few weaknesses stand out. More description about the destruction of strange fires would have made them more real. Josh’s troubles with dyslexia should have received more story time. Also, dividing the chapters slightly differently would have created more cliff-hangers. And worst, the story is peppered with italicized word for emphasis, enough to feel like a slap in the face with each occurrence. Two or three per book are enough, here there seemed to be two or three per page. Ouch.
Overall, a good story, well written for the audience with a perfect ending. Number two in the series should be a good one.
June 8, 2019
Sometimes being omnipotent kinda stinks
Josh Anvil is your typical American teenager until something happens. He ventures out on his canoe trying to figure out how to tell his family that he's leaving school but, after he is found unconsious, he suddenly realizes that he has the power to alter the nature of reality just by making up the story. But even though he can conjure dragons, a floating island paradise and a housekeeping staff for his parents, he must contend with all the trials and tribulations that come with being teenager including sports, being popular and trying to get the cute girl to go to homecoming.
Also there's someone setting fire to his entire town. That's also happening.
Josh Anvil and the Cyprus Door is a fun, light-hearted romp through a time in a person's life where even superpowers don't seem to help all that much. It has almost a Saturday Morning Cartoon feel to it as the rest of the world oddly takes the appearance of dragons and miracle healing in stride. Josh has to navigate their first few months of high school with only the occasional dragon attack that burns down the cafeteria. The adults are mostly clueless, the teachers are completely off their nut (which is probably close to reality) and Josh and his friends are just trying to make sense of the world which is getting harder as things get weirder. There are some tense, action-packed scenes where Josh and his best friend, Troy, encounter some real danger but even those have a touch of light-hearted playfulness to them.
A couple of things stood out for me. First, the narrator, at times, tries to get a little too clever at times. Most off the time it adds to the light, playful mood of the novel, it sometimes crosses into obnoxious and very occasionally makes some scenes hard to understand.
Second the story doesn't so much build toward the ending as much as the story meanders for a while until the ending just happens. I won't go into too much detail to avoid spoilers other then to say that the whole question of who or what is setting fires to half of Baton Rouge is left in the background until the very end, which is strange because it appears to be a centeral conflict of the book but it is only addressed a couple times before the big climax.
For me personally this a three star book, but I will give it four because a lot of what put me off was personal preference. I'm just not much a fan of YA especially when it centers a lot around high school antics, the mood and tone often annoyed me and I had trouble getting over the idea that dragons suddenly appeared and the entire population didn't misplace their poo poo. That being said, I can see why the author made the choices he did, the writing is solid and I could see a much younger version of myself digging the crap out of this book. It is a fun, sometimes slightly irreverent, highly playful, book that would appeal to younger readers or anyone looking for that light energy in their life.
Josh Anvil is your typical American teenager until something happens. He ventures out on his canoe trying to figure out how to tell his family that he's leaving school but, after he is found unconsious, he suddenly realizes that he has the power to alter the nature of reality just by making up the story. But even though he can conjure dragons, a floating island paradise and a housekeeping staff for his parents, he must contend with all the trials and tribulations that come with being teenager including sports, being popular and trying to get the cute girl to go to homecoming.
Also there's someone setting fire to his entire town. That's also happening.
Josh Anvil and the Cyprus Door is a fun, light-hearted romp through a time in a person's life where even superpowers don't seem to help all that much. It has almost a Saturday Morning Cartoon feel to it as the rest of the world oddly takes the appearance of dragons and miracle healing in stride. Josh has to navigate their first few months of high school with only the occasional dragon attack that burns down the cafeteria. The adults are mostly clueless, the teachers are completely off their nut (which is probably close to reality) and Josh and his friends are just trying to make sense of the world which is getting harder as things get weirder. There are some tense, action-packed scenes where Josh and his best friend, Troy, encounter some real danger but even those have a touch of light-hearted playfulness to them.
A couple of things stood out for me. First, the narrator, at times, tries to get a little too clever at times. Most off the time it adds to the light, playful mood of the novel, it sometimes crosses into obnoxious and very occasionally makes some scenes hard to understand.
Second the story doesn't so much build toward the ending as much as the story meanders for a while until the ending just happens. I won't go into too much detail to avoid spoilers other then to say that the whole question of who or what is setting fires to half of Baton Rouge is left in the background until the very end, which is strange because it appears to be a centeral conflict of the book but it is only addressed a couple times before the big climax.
For me personally this a three star book, but I will give it four because a lot of what put me off was personal preference. I'm just not much a fan of YA especially when it centers a lot around high school antics, the mood and tone often annoyed me and I had trouble getting over the idea that dragons suddenly appeared and the entire population didn't misplace their poo poo. That being said, I can see why the author made the choices he did, the writing is solid and I could see a much younger version of myself digging the crap out of this book. It is a fun, sometimes slightly irreverent, highly playful, book that would appeal to younger readers or anyone looking for that light energy in their life.
December 4, 2017
Josh just wanted to go fishing with his dad and quit school. One day, he ventures across the swamp intending to go to town, but something about his familiar resting place was different. For a moment he had feared himself lost, but all the markers indicated this was the place, and yet at the same time, it wasn't. That day marked the beginning of change. Josh had always loved telling stories, it was not only a much loved family tradition, but a hobby for him as well. Something strange has happened to him, now, whenever he spins a tale it comes to life before his eyes, and this makes him very interesting indeed. With that kind of power at their disposal the fate of countries could be spun, but he has another gift as well, one of healing. Soon, those seeking to exploit him for their own gains emerge, and they will stop at nothing. What will become of a boy whose passion is in telling stories, when the tales he weaves are brought to life? Find out in Bruce E Arrington's Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door (Volume 1)
I really enjoyed the descriptive nature of Bruce E Arrington's writing style. Having never been to Louisiana it was brilliant to get such a vivid impression. Reading Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door will whisk you away on a magical adventure of the likes ancient fables are spun, there is an old phrase, the gift of the gab, well Josh's gift takes this expression to a whole new level. I completely adored the cast of characters and the role appropriate names really made me chuckle. Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door is packed with great dialogue, and I had such a lot of fun reading this. The comradery between friends, even rivals is believable. Whilst perhaps written for a young adult audience there's a great crossover so mature adults would appreciate it too. I really enjoyed this, imaginative, gripping, suspenseful, and most importantly fun story. As the first book in the series I'm looking forward to reading the next. A brilliant book beginning to end, I'm eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
I really enjoyed the descriptive nature of Bruce E Arrington's writing style. Having never been to Louisiana it was brilliant to get such a vivid impression. Reading Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door will whisk you away on a magical adventure of the likes ancient fables are spun, there is an old phrase, the gift of the gab, well Josh's gift takes this expression to a whole new level. I completely adored the cast of characters and the role appropriate names really made me chuckle. Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door is packed with great dialogue, and I had such a lot of fun reading this. The comradery between friends, even rivals is believable. Whilst perhaps written for a young adult audience there's a great crossover so mature adults would appreciate it too. I really enjoyed this, imaginative, gripping, suspenseful, and most importantly fun story. As the first book in the series I'm looking forward to reading the next. A brilliant book beginning to end, I'm eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
June 11, 2019
Josh Anvil is a teenage boy just trying to get through life until he mysteriously obtains some extraordinary abilities. While these abilities allow him to create wonderous things, they oftentimes bring about their own set of problems, including a dragon he speaks into existence during English class. Some people around him are impressed, while others are frightened. It’s a heavy burden for any teenager, but especially for a boy who isn’t exactly popular. Josh goes through the normal pains and troubles of a teenager-crushing on the most popular girl in school and dealing with bullies-but he also has deeper issues like dealing with dyslexia and a best friend whose parents are in the midst of a nasty divorce.
The book is sometimes humorous. I especially loved the part in the beginning about Josh’s struggle to go fishing and the unending battle with breaking poles and an angry cat. It also grows very serious at times, like when Josh is “sentenced� to community service at the hospital by his parents after he gets into trouble. I especially loved some of the descriptions of places and actions. The writing was at times reminiscent of Ray Bradbury (The Halloween Tree in particular). Because of that, I seriously considered giving the book 5 stars, even though it was a little long for a YA book. The only thing that changed my mind about it was the explanation of where Josh’s powers came from near the end of the book. I won’t spoil the ending, but suffice it to say, the genre it seemed to turn to left me disappointed.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I think that Bruce Arrington shows tremendous promise as a bestselling author with wonderful descriptive powers and amazing ability to turn a phrase. I certainly recommend this middle grade fantasy.
The book is sometimes humorous. I especially loved the part in the beginning about Josh’s struggle to go fishing and the unending battle with breaking poles and an angry cat. It also grows very serious at times, like when Josh is “sentenced� to community service at the hospital by his parents after he gets into trouble. I especially loved some of the descriptions of places and actions. The writing was at times reminiscent of Ray Bradbury (The Halloween Tree in particular). Because of that, I seriously considered giving the book 5 stars, even though it was a little long for a YA book. The only thing that changed my mind about it was the explanation of where Josh’s powers came from near the end of the book. I won’t spoil the ending, but suffice it to say, the genre it seemed to turn to left me disappointed.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I think that Bruce Arrington shows tremendous promise as a bestselling author with wonderful descriptive powers and amazing ability to turn a phrase. I certainly recommend this middle grade fantasy.
June 5, 2019
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door, by Bruce E. Arrington, is a middle-grade fantasy adventure filled with magic and fun. It’s also the story of a young dyslexic teen as he struggles to build and understand relationships with friends, family - and navigates high school. In other words, this is a story that will resonate with young readers and the daily issues they are facing, and it will also allow them to enter into a world with magic - and dragons!
As a fan and writer of fantasy, I was more than happy to fly through the pages of Josh Anvil as he develops superhero powers and begins to use his creativity to change his environment. But what I thought shone even brighter than the “big�, magical moments were the small ones. Arrington sets his story in the swamps of Louisiana - not far, in fact, from where I currently live. He captured the bayou in a realistic, positive light that made me feel akin to the land and waters around me. This gave Josh’s character, and also his story - a secure feeling of place and also showed how adept Arrington is at description. For younger readers, though, the humor, magic and fantastical creatures (yes, dragons!) will likely be what keeps them turning the pages. And, to be sure - they did for me as well.
If you or a young reader you love is a fan of fantasy, laughs and rollicking adventure, check out Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door. It’s got heart, belly laughs and fun down in the bayou - and a heaping spoonful of magic to boot.
As a fan and writer of fantasy, I was more than happy to fly through the pages of Josh Anvil as he develops superhero powers and begins to use his creativity to change his environment. But what I thought shone even brighter than the “big�, magical moments were the small ones. Arrington sets his story in the swamps of Louisiana - not far, in fact, from where I currently live. He captured the bayou in a realistic, positive light that made me feel akin to the land and waters around me. This gave Josh’s character, and also his story - a secure feeling of place and also showed how adept Arrington is at description. For younger readers, though, the humor, magic and fantastical creatures (yes, dragons!) will likely be what keeps them turning the pages. And, to be sure - they did for me as well.
If you or a young reader you love is a fan of fantasy, laughs and rollicking adventure, check out Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door. It’s got heart, belly laughs and fun down in the bayou - and a heaping spoonful of magic to boot.
May 29, 2019
In this MG fantasy, Josh starts off living a pretty ordinary life in Louisiana. Fishing. Cicadas. Days with his cat. I loved the vivid descriptions. You can really taste the swamp air, see cat hair tangled in fishing line, and picture the charred pancakes in the kitchen. Ah, sisters. I really liked the portrayal of dyslexia, and some of the real stressors a boy Josh’s age might go through, like having a firefighter father burned as an arsonist plagues the area. Josh suddenly finds he has strange powers and uses them to help his friends and himself. This results in some crazy stuff like Civil War soldiers, and dragons! It also leads to some comical scenarios. Author Bruce Arrington had some really funny passages, and moments of hilarious dry, wit. This lighthearted read was fun. There were just a few scenes where I wondered if paring back might have made for even tighter pacing, however, this was a small quibble and readers who enjoy humor will appreciate this fine tale!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
June 25, 2015
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This is a fantastic science fiction/fantasy story! I loved it!
Josh Anvil is a fantastic character. Unfortunately, he doesn't see himself the same way. He has low self-esteem, which is caused by his dyslexia and being bullied at school. He is also an excellent story teller! I liked him very much.
This is wonderful and exciting read for young teens. I was completely swept away by the tale! It has two of my favourite things, aliens and dragons. This is a slightly unusual mix, but the author has created an amazing story that allows the imagination to run wild! Set in Baton Rouge, the story catapults the reader into an adventure like no other I have read before! Josh's powers are amazing; they made me jealous! The dragons are cute (for lack of a better word!), and this story made me wish that they were alive! There is also Josh's best friend, Troy, who is also a fantastic character! I loved his attitude and his wit! Some of his comments made me laugh! However, there is also danger being faced by the residents of Baton Rouge. Fires are being set, and Josh finds himself in a fight against a deadly foe. I struggled to put this book down! The descriptions of places and people made the book come alive! There are some amazing scenes that I loved, but I think the best ones are on the island. I loved the rollercoaster, but would be terrified to try it out for myself! The ending has an amazing cliffhanger, and I am now looking forward to reading the next book to find out what happens next!
Bruce Arrington has written an exciting fantasy adventure, but he also highlights the issue of dyslexia. I think that this is a more common problem than has been reported. Not having dyslexia myself, I cannot pretend to understand what it is like to live with it. However, I can understand how frustrating it must be for sufferers. People like Josh (and my nephew, who has been diagnosed with dyslexia) need more understanding and patience, not ridicule and bullying. I am glad that the author has made his characters have faults and flaws, because that is how we, as humans, are; The characters come alive because of these faults. Kudos to the author!
I highly recommend this book to young readers aged 12-16, but I also recommend this book to adults who love to read YA fantasy books filled with dragons and/or aliens. - Lynn Worton
This is a fantastic science fiction/fantasy story! I loved it!
Josh Anvil is a fantastic character. Unfortunately, he doesn't see himself the same way. He has low self-esteem, which is caused by his dyslexia and being bullied at school. He is also an excellent story teller! I liked him very much.
This is wonderful and exciting read for young teens. I was completely swept away by the tale! It has two of my favourite things, aliens and dragons. This is a slightly unusual mix, but the author has created an amazing story that allows the imagination to run wild! Set in Baton Rouge, the story catapults the reader into an adventure like no other I have read before! Josh's powers are amazing; they made me jealous! The dragons are cute (for lack of a better word!), and this story made me wish that they were alive! There is also Josh's best friend, Troy, who is also a fantastic character! I loved his attitude and his wit! Some of his comments made me laugh! However, there is also danger being faced by the residents of Baton Rouge. Fires are being set, and Josh finds himself in a fight against a deadly foe. I struggled to put this book down! The descriptions of places and people made the book come alive! There are some amazing scenes that I loved, but I think the best ones are on the island. I loved the rollercoaster, but would be terrified to try it out for myself! The ending has an amazing cliffhanger, and I am now looking forward to reading the next book to find out what happens next!
Bruce Arrington has written an exciting fantasy adventure, but he also highlights the issue of dyslexia. I think that this is a more common problem than has been reported. Not having dyslexia myself, I cannot pretend to understand what it is like to live with it. However, I can understand how frustrating it must be for sufferers. People like Josh (and my nephew, who has been diagnosed with dyslexia) need more understanding and patience, not ridicule and bullying. I am glad that the author has made his characters have faults and flaws, because that is how we, as humans, are; The characters come alive because of these faults. Kudos to the author!
I highly recommend this book to young readers aged 12-16, but I also recommend this book to adults who love to read YA fantasy books filled with dragons and/or aliens. - Lynn Worton
September 2, 2013
Josh Anvil is a typical teenager until a not-so-typical encounter with aliens gifts him with superpowers. Cue a roller-coaster ride of a story as Josh is yanked out of his typical school life into unwanted limelight.
What worked in this story is that for me, the author succeeds in getting inside the mind of a 14-year old protagonist and making him totally believable. His actions are authentic, and sometimes frustrating and illogical to the adult reader - but hey, that's not quite the target audience for this book. I appreciated the courageous introduction of Josh's dyslexia. At one point I thought, 'the author is really having fun here' as his imagination stretches and fizzes and pops off in unexpected directions, and that for me is a strong recommendation for this story. The opening scene is especially memorable and the book picks up pace throughout. The superpowers are explored and played with; I also enjoyed the treatment of family/friends, they certainly don't always get on, but they add to the story.
I felt the plot suffered in two respects - firstly, I found some of the high school material too lengthy. I found myself wanting to skip those sections to get to the good bits, of which there are plenty, but they made the high school material seem bland in comparison. Secondly, it is hard I think to generate and sustain tension when the main protagonist has apparently unbridled power. Crisis situations are too easily raised and resolved and I fear some readers might feel the lack of a driving tension in the story. The analogy might be of swimming in many small waves, but no huge ones.
However, all told, a fun story and one I am glad I got to read. I received this book in exchange for for a non-reciprocal, honest review.
What worked in this story is that for me, the author succeeds in getting inside the mind of a 14-year old protagonist and making him totally believable. His actions are authentic, and sometimes frustrating and illogical to the adult reader - but hey, that's not quite the target audience for this book. I appreciated the courageous introduction of Josh's dyslexia. At one point I thought, 'the author is really having fun here' as his imagination stretches and fizzes and pops off in unexpected directions, and that for me is a strong recommendation for this story. The opening scene is especially memorable and the book picks up pace throughout. The superpowers are explored and played with; I also enjoyed the treatment of family/friends, they certainly don't always get on, but they add to the story.
I felt the plot suffered in two respects - firstly, I found some of the high school material too lengthy. I found myself wanting to skip those sections to get to the good bits, of which there are plenty, but they made the high school material seem bland in comparison. Secondly, it is hard I think to generate and sustain tension when the main protagonist has apparently unbridled power. Crisis situations are too easily raised and resolved and I fear some readers might feel the lack of a driving tension in the story. The analogy might be of swimming in many small waves, but no huge ones.
However, all told, a fun story and one I am glad I got to read. I received this book in exchange for for a non-reciprocal, honest review.
September 8, 2016
Poor Josh. Not only does he possess special powers, but no one seems to understand him. He is classified as having a learning disorder. Already I like him. I like characters who have problems and are less than perfect. Also he likes to fish. Nice to see a kid who is stuck on something other than a computer.
Josh's powers provide him with an opportunity to mess with our three dimensional reality. Who doesn't want to do that? It gives readers an opportunity to imagine what that what would be like. The supernatural power aspect reminds me of the old I Dream of Jeannie TV series where Barbara Eden, as a genie, who could do whatever she wanted. I fell in love with this premise when I was about seven years old. Even though she had a male master.
The teachers names made me smile: Mr Bunson, the science teacher; Mr. Hoop, the basketball coach; Mrs Pye, the math teacher. At first I thought that was a little over the top, then thought it rather endearing—kids would probably find it humorous.
Ultimately the power of young adult fiction rest with its readers, young adults. As adults it is difficult to ascertain what kids will like versus not.
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door will appeal to adventure addicts who like a sci-fi twist.
Josh's powers provide him with an opportunity to mess with our three dimensional reality. Who doesn't want to do that? It gives readers an opportunity to imagine what that what would be like. The supernatural power aspect reminds me of the old I Dream of Jeannie TV series where Barbara Eden, as a genie, who could do whatever she wanted. I fell in love with this premise when I was about seven years old. Even though she had a male master.
The teachers names made me smile: Mr Bunson, the science teacher; Mr. Hoop, the basketball coach; Mrs Pye, the math teacher. At first I thought that was a little over the top, then thought it rather endearing—kids would probably find it humorous.
Ultimately the power of young adult fiction rest with its readers, young adults. As adults it is difficult to ascertain what kids will like versus not.
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door will appeal to adventure addicts who like a sci-fi twist.
November 22, 2013
A fun read for young adults and grown-ups alike! The first in a series aimed at middle-schoolers, Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door is reminiscent of the Percy Jackson stories and tells the tale of dyslexic fourteen-year-old Josh who receives super powers from aliens he meeting while canoeing in a swamp in Louisiana. I won't describe the powers for fear of spoilers, but I will say that it's a very imaginative super power that the author pulls off deftly. The story is exciting, the bad guys are very bad, and Josh is a likable young hero. The story does drag a bit in scenes set at Josh's school, put mostly the plot moves around at a nice pace that'll keep you turning the page to find out what happens next. Definitely recommended for young adults readers, and enjoyable for us full-on adults as well.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for am honest, non-reciprocal review.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for am honest, non-reciprocal review.
July 9, 2013
Josh Anvil is a great read for teenagers around 14. I’m 14 but it can keep the attention of readers even 11 to 18 .It keeps your interest throughout the whole book and his little twists that add to the subplots. Josh Anvil is an average kid in high school but it’s never been easy for him, he has dyslexia. When hes out in his cypress tree swamp finds what looks like aliens. He takes a closer look and falls out of his boat. He hits head drowns and his dying. One willing alien saves him but there are side effects. When he tells stories it comes to life. Now the head man of the aliens wants him dead but with the help of his friends and family he fights him off and still keeps up in school. Josh Anvil is a very exciting and fun story.
April 9, 2019
At story start we’re introduced to Josh Anvil an average 14 year old teen who struggles in school. He lives with his parents Chris and Emily and little sister, Candy near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After a foray into the swamp near his home where he is knocked unconscious he’s gifted with special powers which he needs to learn to harness for good and not evil.
The story starts out slowly, almost too slowly, introducing us to Josh and his life. If the reader can push past this they will be pleasantly surprised as the story unfolds into an amazing adventure of good versus evil. Toss in a couple of dragons, conjure up girl bodyguards and a marvelous “safe place� and you’ve got a good modern day fantasy book.
The story starts out slowly, almost too slowly, introducing us to Josh and his life. If the reader can push past this they will be pleasantly surprised as the story unfolds into an amazing adventure of good versus evil. Toss in a couple of dragons, conjure up girl bodyguards and a marvelous “safe place� and you’ve got a good modern day fantasy book.
July 9, 2019
Actual Rating 3.5
A fun, creative story but probably lacking the necessary depth of narrative and characters to fully interest older readers. A little too reliant on telling and doesn't really explore the moral ramifications of its main plot device (being gifted with the sudden ability to create life.)
A fun, creative story but probably lacking the necessary depth of narrative and characters to fully interest older readers. A little too reliant on telling and doesn't really explore the moral ramifications of its main plot device (being gifted with the sudden ability to create life.)
September 22, 2014
Great story! Can't wait to read the follow up book.
August 24, 2024
Suspend your disbelief! Or at least send it to detention on a Saturday�.
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door is the first book in a series, illustrating the fast-paced, incredible journey of fourteen-year-old Josh Anvil of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I strapped on my Young Adult reader mind and dove head-first into the world of this story.
Josh Anvil is a seemingly normal 14-year-old boy navigating the usual coming-of-age challenges, along with the social obstacles of high school. As if that isn’t enough to handle, a strange accidental encounter with aliens while canoeing in the swamp resulted in Josh acquiring incredible powers.
What if at age 14 you had the power of creation? Anything you imagined could become real? Who hasn’t daydreamed out the classroom window during a boring class and silently wished a dragon would just incinerate part of the school so everyone could go home early? I know I have! Josh has this ability; his daydreams, whims, and purposeful wishes can all become reality with his newfound powers.Ìý
But of course, everything has its price. Initial popularity and adulation turn to unwanted notoriety and the consequences arise. Not only does Josh have to learn what his new abilities even entail, but he also learns that he is responsible for those creations—as well as their actions.
Once these creations walk (or fly) among us, there’s no way to hide them or predict exactly what they’ll do. When the media and FBI get wind of it all, Josh knows this has become much bigger than the idea of a boy who can make wishes come true and stories come to life.
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door is the first book in a Young Adult Fantasy series that follows Josh and his friends entangled in an incredible adventure that reaches beyond the world he’s always known.
I really enjoyed this book, even as an “Adult reading YA Fantasy,� and if this book were available when I was 12-15 years old, I definitely would have enjoyed the vast, detailed world and characters it depicts. The action is fast, and the dialogue between the characters is also quick and plentiful, reflecting the typical conversations of youths of that age, which makes it all the more relatable.
I enjoyed the clever names for the teachers, remembering how we used to give teachers clever names of our own if they didn’t already have one. I also enjoyed the atypical setting in the Louisiana Bayou, namely Baton Rouge. It’s a setting that isn’t the norm for novels in general, let alone YA Fantasy, and it’s clear the author did his homework on the local culture and stories in creating this story.
I look forward to the day my 8-year-old niece is ready for this series. All in all, it was a truly fun, well-paced read and an enjoyable return to the middle/high school daydream worlds of my own youth.
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door is the first book in a series, illustrating the fast-paced, incredible journey of fourteen-year-old Josh Anvil of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I strapped on my Young Adult reader mind and dove head-first into the world of this story.
Josh Anvil is a seemingly normal 14-year-old boy navigating the usual coming-of-age challenges, along with the social obstacles of high school. As if that isn’t enough to handle, a strange accidental encounter with aliens while canoeing in the swamp resulted in Josh acquiring incredible powers.
What if at age 14 you had the power of creation? Anything you imagined could become real? Who hasn’t daydreamed out the classroom window during a boring class and silently wished a dragon would just incinerate part of the school so everyone could go home early? I know I have! Josh has this ability; his daydreams, whims, and purposeful wishes can all become reality with his newfound powers.Ìý
But of course, everything has its price. Initial popularity and adulation turn to unwanted notoriety and the consequences arise. Not only does Josh have to learn what his new abilities even entail, but he also learns that he is responsible for those creations—as well as their actions.
Once these creations walk (or fly) among us, there’s no way to hide them or predict exactly what they’ll do. When the media and FBI get wind of it all, Josh knows this has become much bigger than the idea of a boy who can make wishes come true and stories come to life.
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door is the first book in a Young Adult Fantasy series that follows Josh and his friends entangled in an incredible adventure that reaches beyond the world he’s always known.
I really enjoyed this book, even as an “Adult reading YA Fantasy,� and if this book were available when I was 12-15 years old, I definitely would have enjoyed the vast, detailed world and characters it depicts. The action is fast, and the dialogue between the characters is also quick and plentiful, reflecting the typical conversations of youths of that age, which makes it all the more relatable.
I enjoyed the clever names for the teachers, remembering how we used to give teachers clever names of our own if they didn’t already have one. I also enjoyed the atypical setting in the Louisiana Bayou, namely Baton Rouge. It’s a setting that isn’t the norm for novels in general, let alone YA Fantasy, and it’s clear the author did his homework on the local culture and stories in creating this story.
I look forward to the day my 8-year-old niece is ready for this series. All in all, it was a truly fun, well-paced read and an enjoyable return to the middle/high school daydream worlds of my own youth.
May 20, 2019
Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door is a fun and imaginative story that ultimately overstays its welcome with too much stuff.
While you won't find a single bad idea in here ---- it feels like 10 pounds of plot in a 5-pound bag.
The biggest issue I had with Cypress Door, though (aside from the lack of a real antagonist or even a climax), is that it gives so many of these aforementioned great ideas top billing. The exception is the beautifully muted subplot about dyslexia that showed really impressive restraint from the author. It's skillfully weaved into the story and drives a lot of the main character's actions.
In a series of chapter-length episodes, the titular Josh Anvil (plus a small cast of supporting characters) discover and enjoy the benefits of Josh's powers. The origins of these newfound powers are left mysterious until nearly the very end of the book, and I gotta say, I found their long-awaited reveal to be somewhat anticlimactic, vague, and... convenient.
Still, it's the journey that matters, not the destination, and there's a ton of journeying in Cypress Door. Adult readers might find their suspension of disbelief tested by the some of the bizarre decisions made by the grown-ups, but their sometimes illogical choices move the story along and younger readers will likely enjoy it.
I listened to the audio book, which was narrated by the author. While you won't find any bells and/or whistles in the production, the recording quality was stellar. His tone is pleasant, his pace and character voices are consistent, and I didn't notice any background noise in the recording. He does make several mistakes and several times got halfway through a sentence before pausing and starting over, but these little goofs only added to the charm of the production. My only real gripe was that his pace was slooooooooooooooooow (the audio book is over 16 hours long!) but I realized about halfway through that Audible allows you to speed up the playback. 1.5x speed seemed perfect.
While you won't find a single bad idea in here ---- it feels like 10 pounds of plot in a 5-pound bag.
The biggest issue I had with Cypress Door, though (aside from the lack of a real antagonist or even a climax), is that it gives so many of these aforementioned great ideas top billing. The exception is the beautifully muted subplot about dyslexia that showed really impressive restraint from the author. It's skillfully weaved into the story and drives a lot of the main character's actions.
In a series of chapter-length episodes, the titular Josh Anvil (plus a small cast of supporting characters) discover and enjoy the benefits of Josh's powers. The origins of these newfound powers are left mysterious until nearly the very end of the book, and I gotta say, I found their long-awaited reveal to be somewhat anticlimactic, vague, and... convenient.
Still, it's the journey that matters, not the destination, and there's a ton of journeying in Cypress Door. Adult readers might find their suspension of disbelief tested by the some of the bizarre decisions made by the grown-ups, but their sometimes illogical choices move the story along and younger readers will likely enjoy it.
I listened to the audio book, which was narrated by the author. While you won't find any bells and/or whistles in the production, the recording quality was stellar. His tone is pleasant, his pace and character voices are consistent, and I didn't notice any background noise in the recording. He does make several mistakes and several times got halfway through a sentence before pausing and starting over, but these little goofs only added to the charm of the production. My only real gripe was that his pace was slooooooooooooooooow (the audio book is over 16 hours long!) but I realized about halfway through that Audible allows you to speed up the playback. 1.5x speed seemed perfect.
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