Beyond the Valley of Thorns (Review)

The sinister forces in Land of Elyon have not died away just yet, and it’s up to the young Alexa Daley to save the Land of Elyon and maintain peace. Beyond the Valley of Thorns, published in 2005 by Patrick Carman and Orchard Books is yet again full of thriving events. Suspense fills every moment of Alexa and her friends’ adventure, along with a very special surprise at the end! I believe that this book is even better than the first book since this adventure proves to be a greater challenge than the last book and the new characters are very interesting and well-described.

Alexa’s new adventure soon began after Yipes gave her an old envelope from Thomas Warvold. From there, she again ventured on to the Dark Hills, and gained the last Jocasta. Alexa’s companions and Alexa herself traveled west, far away from Bridewell only to discover their path, the Valley of Thorns, to be full of monstrous giants. With the help from the giant - Armon, Alexa and her friend navigated through the Valley of Thorns and arrived at an old clock tower. They formed new friends and contemplated a plan to overthrow the tenth Victor Grindall. But most importantly, they have to prevent Grindall and his master’s malicious plans to destroy Elyon and bring darkness to the Land of Elyon.

Although this book’s plot is not very complicated, there still includes an extraordinary astonishment in the end (which I cannot tell you). Most part of the book is simply just escaping difficulties and heading for safely, but there are some events where Alexa and others triumph in their battle against the giants. Moreover, Patrick Carman’s creative ideas result the events to be original. The characters are also intriguing, and their personalities are well-described by Carman. Although the events in the book move by quickly, but I think it fits along with the plot with the rhythm of rushing. The simplicity of Beyond the Valley of Thorns makes it all the more enjoyable.

Beyond the Valley of Thorns is another refreshing book with a simple plot containing a huge surprise. Alexa must travel beyond the Valley of Thorns to prevent Elyon of being destroyed. Carman’s descriptive characters again bring the book to life as if you were observing every movement of the adventure. Beyond the Valley of Thorns is an exceptionally unique book and I strongly recommend it for others to read – both adults and children.