Review by Gnome -- The Elf Brief by Jordan David
2 posts
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Elf Brief" by Jordan David.]
[rbc=4]id139104-125[/rbc]
The legendary North Pole complex sits exactly where one would expect it, as far north as possible. Noel works in the list department where he cross references the famous naught and nice lists. One day Noel receives summons to visit Santa Christo's office. Noel learns that he is to document the transition to the new Santa's reign. He jumps in feet first and soon begins to learn more about the North Pole than anyone realizes there was to learn.
Anyone would expect a book about Santa and his elves to be a children's book, but The Elf Brief effortlessly bridges the gap to a young adult novel. Jordan David builds a very in depth world with layers beyond what one would expect a child to follow. There was enough predictability for a children's book, yet there was also enough mystery to keep an adult invested in the story line. I could easily see parents picking up the series in the same way that Harry Potter blurred age lines.
I could not find many errors, but a final edit could have smoothed out some of the questionable moments. The book spends the first half stressing a divide between the human and elf worlds. Near the end of the book certain elves are suddenly taking pictures. There is also a moment where Noel wishes he had brought a camera with him. I also counted more than 4 jarring instances where the author slipped into a passive voice. In each case the rest of the paragraph contained a lot of active language. This included one sentences that switched from active voice to passive mid sentence. The book appeared to be professionally edited. One last edit could have helped to make the passive language feel intentional rather than overlooked.
I rate The Elf Brief 4 out of 4. Jordan David has developed a complex and interesting world for Noel to discover. The deep mysteries of the North Pole could keep any lover of fantasy or young adult novels engaged. I would highly recommend The Elf Brief and eagerly await my chance to read the next book.
******
The Elf Brief
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The legendary North Pole complex sits exactly where one would expect it, as far north as possible. Noel works in the list department where he cross references the famous naught and nice lists. One day Noel receives summons to visit Santa Christo's office. Noel learns that he is to document the transition to the new Santa's reign. He jumps in feet first and soon begins to learn more about the North Pole than anyone realizes there was to learn.
Anyone would expect a book about Santa and his elves to be a children's book, but The Elf Brief effortlessly bridges the gap to a young adult novel. Jordan David builds a very in depth world with layers beyond what one would expect a child to follow. There was enough predictability for a children's book, yet there was also enough mystery to keep an adult invested in the story line. I could easily see parents picking up the series in the same way that Harry Potter blurred age lines.
I could not find many errors, but a final edit could have smoothed out some of the questionable moments. The book spends the first half stressing a divide between the human and elf worlds. Near the end of the book certain elves are suddenly taking pictures. There is also a moment where Noel wishes he had brought a camera with him. I also counted more than 4 jarring instances where the author slipped into a passive voice. In each case the rest of the paragraph contained a lot of active language. This included one sentences that switched from active voice to passive mid sentence. The book appeared to be professionally edited. One last edit could have helped to make the passive language feel intentional rather than overlooked.
I rate The Elf Brief 4 out of 4. Jordan David has developed a complex and interesting world for Noel to discover. The deep mysteries of the North Pole could keep any lover of fantasy or young adult novels engaged. I would highly recommend The Elf Brief and eagerly await my chance to read the next book.
******
The Elf Brief
View: on Bookshelves |
Like Gnome's review? Post a comment saying so!
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