Sunday 2 December 2018

Book Review: James Clyde and the Tomb of Salvation by Colm McElwain

                          James Clyde and the Tomb of Salvation
 by
 Colm McElwain 
  
 

Publisher: Self Published
Publication date: 1st November 2018
Series: James Clyde Book #2
Pages: 352
Format Read: Paperback
Source: Copy courtesy of the author

 

Picking up shortly after the events of the first adventure, James Clyde returns with his best friends Ben and Mary Forester to his grandfather’s house in search of a map that will lead them to the Tomb of Salvation – an ancient shrine, where the three diamonds of Orchestra must be returned with the promise of immortality.

James and his company of adventurers journey through treacherous lands fraught with danger and meet many obstacles along the way – dangerous assassins on board a train, the dastardly Gilbert, also known as the ‘man in black’, and even an unlikely encounter with a fabled lake monster.

If they reach the Tomb of Salvation, James knows they will then face their greatest threat, for the tomb is said to be home to a terrifying demon – an entity that has shown no mercy to anyone who has ever entered its lair.

 
James Clyde and the Tomb of Salvation is the second book in the James Clyde series and follows straight on from book one, James Clyde and the Diamonds of Orchestra. You really need to read the first book in the series to get the most from this story.

James and his group of friends must reach the Tomb of Salvation before the evil Queen Abigail. The first to drink from the cup of salvation will receive ultimate power and everlasting life.
In the first book we learn that James has the power to fly and Mary has the power to heal but we are left in the dark as to Ben’s power. In this book we find out Ben’s talent bestowed on him by the diamond. The story is told in both James and Abigail’s POV.
The writing is uncomplicated and the short chapters are perfectly suited to children aged 7 – 11 years. There is lots of light-hearted banter and enough danger and adventure to keep readers turning the pages.

The kids, in the story, act like kids; they laugh a lot, make silly jokes, get scared at times but always venture on. They treat the whole thing like a big adventure, relishing time away from the adults. The adults, unsuccessfully, try to rein the kids in and tell them what to do but generally know that they are capable.

McElwain includes themes of working together, problem solving and decision making culminating in the ultimate question; is power more important than friendship?

The second novel in the James Clyde series will lead you on an action-packed adventure full of mystery, suspense, danger, hope – and, yes, salvation.

I highly recommend this series to Middle Grade readers.


My Rating    4.5/5                   🌟🌟🌟🌟.5 

watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/7V_x8JLJRT0
 
 
photo courtesy of Goodreads




Colm was raised and educated in Monaghan, Ireland. He is a Physical Education and Business teacher and likes reading books, watching films and playing sport.                                                      He has always loved storytelling, whether through literature or film. James Clyde and the Diamonds of Orchestra is his first novel and brings a very fulfilling creative experience spanning a number of years to an end.   




 
 

32 comments:

  1. I enjoy middle grade reads and this sounds like a fun series.
    Gemma @ www.gemmasbooknook.blogspot.com

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    1. It is a fun series. I also enjoy Middle Grade. It's always good to keep up with what the children are reading.

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  2. Looks like this book tests their friendship by the means of rising in power. This one will make a great fantasy read. Plot is on the lines of Harry Potter.

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    1. It was a good read Aparna. I really must read Harry Potter, so many books are compared to it.

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  3. I am not a fan of middle grade. I will however, pass it on to my 12 year old.

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    1. I quite enjoy Middle Grade. A light, easy escape for me sometimes.

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  4. Sounds like a really nice book, great review :-)

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  5. I'll pass this info on to the school librarian

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  6. I am going to tell my eldest grandson about this series. Great spotlight.

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  7. It sounds like a good read. I enjoy middle grade too.

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  8. Oh fun, I love middle grade so I'll have to look into this one. Great review!

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    1. Thank you Melanie. It looks like a few of us are closet Middle Grade readers.

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  9. I've never heard of this book, but it's great to hear of a good Middle Grade book. Too often they're pandering or have unreliable narrators

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    1. This one is Fantasy with danger mixed in with quite a few laughs.

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  10. Have read only few MG books. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Great review!

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  11. We reviewed the first book on the blog, didn't realise the second was out. Great review

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    1. I will have to duck over and read your review. I read the first book long before I started blogging.

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  12. Nice review. Sounds like a good book.

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  13. This sounds like a fun series for tweens! I'll keep it in mind when buying presents.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by Nikki. Books always make a great gift.

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  14. Ohh great review I absolutely love reading Middle Grade books as well and this one looks and sounds absolutely amazingly fantastic. I'm really glad you fully enjoyed this book, thank you so much for sharing your awesome post and for putting this book on my radar.

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    1. Thank you Katiria. I think there are a few Middle Grade readers among us. :)

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  15. It's nice when a self-published book turns out so well! Glad you liked this one.

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  16. Sounds like a great Middle Grade book. I really enjoy when kids actually sound/act like kids in these books, not like an extension of the adult who writes the book. Great review :)

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    1. Thank you Megan. The kids are quiet funny in this book and young readers will definitely relate.

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