The Pearl of Anton
Clumsy but exciting high fantasy.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that there is some gory fantasy violence.
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What's the Story?
Young Jason Del, heir to the royal family of Trinity since the death of his older brother Theda, leaves his family and travels across his world to recover items of power spoken of in prophecy before he must face Pure Evil in the Final Contest for the survival of the Races of Trinity. Accompanied by his Ethan Teacher and a mysterious Warrior out of legend, he seeks the fabled Pearl of Anton, which alone can help him gain the confidence, courage, and wisdom to face his enemy. But the enemy knows of the prophecies too, and will stop at nothing to end his quest.
Is It Any Good?
First-time Gene novelist Del Vecchio, an expert in "kid-marketing," follows the standard formula of high fantasy in this amateurish novel. An unlikely hero, aided by various magical races and items, reluctantly undertakes a quest that will build in him the courage and wisdom he will need for a climactic confrontation with Evil. Variations on the theme here include the involvement of the gods who created the world in the story, and the trapped souls of ancestors who were unable to ascend to heaven.
Adults will notice the inadequate writing, derivative plot, and awkward construction. Kid fantasy fans won't care about that: They'll enjoy the story, which gets considerably more exciting, as well as more gory, in the second half, when adults who have made it that far will get caught up enough in the story to stop noticing the writing.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the author's ideas about weaknesses becoming strengths and the relationship of pure evil to pure good. There also are some interesting religious ideas, including the nature of and reason for evil in the world.
Book Details
- Author: Gene Del Vecchio
- Genre: Fantasy
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company
- Publication date: July 25, 2004
- Number of pages: 256
- Last updated: September 23, 2015
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