The Seven Swords: Otherworld Chronicles, Book 2
Series continues with more action, adventures, and battles.
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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 Otherworld Chronicles #2: The Seven Swords is an action-packed adventure story with battles against all manner of fanciful creatures, including evil dragons and saber-toothed tigers. One character cruelly cruelly steps on an elf, killing him. The battles are similar to the first-person video games that Kay and Artie are obsessed with. There's some blood and gore as well as injuries, but in general the violence is mild. Some scenes with monsters and creatures are disturbing, such as a rat attack during a visit to an old crypt in the Otherworld. Artie and his group are attacked by dozens of rats that pour from every hole and dig their claws into Kay's scalp -- nightmare material for some readers. Artie and his brother, Dred (short for Mordred), are actually clones that were created by the evil Lordess Morgaine from the DNA of the original King Arthur's parents. Dred finds Morgaine's lab, where he discovers giant test tubes full of children, partial children, and other assorted humans and monsters. This grotesque imagery may be too much for some readers. Qwon's kidnapping by Morgaine is unsettling, as is Qwon's attraction to her jailer, Dred. This might be too mature for some readers.
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What's the Story?
In this second book in the Otherworld Chronicles, King Artie and his knights must find seven magical swords to save the world. These swords are scattered around the world, and each quest to find one presents a new adventure and danger. Also chasing the swords is the evil Lordess Morgaine, who has created Artie and his twin brother in a laboratory from the DNA of the legendary King Arthur's parents. Once Morgaine has the sword Excalibur, she can kill Merlin and take over the world. The action is nonstop as Artie and his knights encounter all types of mythical and ancient creatures, including dragons, monsters, and fairies, in this blend of old and new Arthurian tales. iPads and camo-clad knights are as important as ancient aurochs and Numinae, the forest lord.
Is It Any Good?
This novel continues the action and adventure from the first book, and the fast-moving quest to find the Seven Swords will keep viewers engaged. Character development takes a back seat to the action. That said, the characters are funny, wisecracking teens who rise to the challenge to save the world. Ultimately, this is a fun read that will attract lovers of fantasy and maybe lure a few gamers off their consoles.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why there is so much violence in media. Does it enhance the experience for the reader/viewer? Is it necessary for the story?
How does Nils Johnson-Shelton's modern King Artie and his knights compare to the King Arthur in more traditional stories? Try sampling some other King Arthur legends (such as the books listed on this page) or look up the origins of King Arthur on Wikipedia.
Families can talk about what teens learn from video games. Can some games be educational and informative as well as entertaining?
Book Details
- Author: Nils Johnson-Shelton
- Genre: Adventure
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date: January 2, 2013
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 368
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
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Merlin
Fresh take on legendary wizard is fun, if not truly magical.
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Wizardology: The Book of the Secrets of Merlin
The surprisingly dry secrets of wizardry.
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The Squire's Tale
Delightfully warmhearted Arthurian tales.
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Here Lies Arthur
Exciting but darkly cynical view of Arthur legend.
For kids who love fantasy and adventure
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