Esoteric Book Review:
It took me forever to read this book, even though it has been sitting waiting for me to read I just didn’t for one reason or another. So when I finally picked it up over the past weekend I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was a very enjoyable and very much an unputdownable read!
The author’s style is quite naive in places, but that is part of the joy and besides this book is all about the story which is magical and mystical, mysterious and fun.
This is a unique work of fiction which transports the reader into another world. As such I would recommend it to all lovers of magical fiction!
Review by Herbwoman for the Esoteric Book Review, June 15, 2009
Pagan Book Review:
“This is a peculiar little collection of stories for adolescent readers (and I mean peculiar as a very good thing!). They center around the adventures of the Rhythm Maiden, a river spirit, and her family, some of whom travel quite a ways away in their journeying. It’s a mythos created by the author, but in the grand tradition of complex mythologies that include a good deal of symbolism, as well as the ability to carry cultural values and teachings. The stories are set in a faerie-tinged fantasy world where magic is as common as the air you breathe–but has consequences as well!
The rhythm of the stories, if you will, reminds me very much of mythologies from cultures where the oral tradition is the primary form of communication. This sometimes makes them a little odd to read, particularly when it comes to the dialogue between characters. However, when read aloud, the cadence makes a lot more sense (which also makes subsequent reading better as well). While the book is meant for middle-grade readers, most of them could be told to younger children as well (there are a few with a bit of material, such as allusions to domestic abuse, that may be a bit much for the really young ones). .. And, as an adult, I found the stories to be an excellent break from the more serious nonfiction reading I do for school and so forth!…”
Five pawprints out of five. by Lupa, Pagan Book Review, March 7, 2009
The following reviews appear on Amazon.com:
4.0 out of 5 stars Fun fantasy for teens, December 19, 2011John Orlando’s charming and engaging book for late-grade-schoolers to middle-schoolers proves that his own inner child is alive and well. In “The Drums of Legenderry” a cast of very long-lived elfin characters unifies a series of episodes, traveling desert kingdoms, foiling giants, and gamboling through enchanted forests over thousands of years. Orlando puts his own contemporary spin on familiar fairy tales, while adding some cleverly devised myths of his own. Find out how human beings acquired our sense of rhythm, why the willow tree weeps, and how the stars and planets came to be. The tone of the tales ranges from solemn and mysterious to laugh-out-loud wacky.
4.0 out of 5 stars Love these characters!, November 23, 2011These tales are infectious, where you think about the characters and their travels throughout the day after reading. Yes, it’s probably written for kids, but the tales present life challenges that most anyone can relate to – even if those in the story are not only people but elfs, giants, faeries, and spirits. Lots of magic, myths, and food for the imagination.
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful!, November 16, 2011The Drums of Legenderry is part fantasy, part fable, part myth, and all charming. The magical landscape and clever characters in these stories are sure to appeal to kids’ imaginations, and the hints of lessons learned through adventure are sure to warm parents’ hearts.
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliantly imaginative, November 15, 2011The Drums of Legenderry is a deeply imaginative book, chock-full of wild adventures and magic. My favorite characters are the tricksters, Jocco and Shado, with their brilliant illusions and knack for getting into trouble. But who wouldn’t also love the Rhythm Maiden herself? If you want to immerse yourself in a vivid otherworld, with its own characters, adventures, and challenges, this is the book for you. And let’s not forget that it’s filled with music — magical drumming. Highly recommended for kids who love mythological stories.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Rhythmical Adventure, November 14, 2011A fascinating and very imaginative quick read. The drum and water rhythms entice the reader into a magical world of elfin spirits, giants and the village people who interact with them. Characters often act to care for and help each other. A fun and meaningful book !!
5.0 out of 5 stars Magical, November 1, 2011Fantastic story for children with loads of positive messages and magical imagery. Could be your child’s newest favorite bed-time read!
5.0 out of 5 stars Drums + Kids = Life, October 31, 2011A beautiful, fun book that brings drums and kids together. Drums come from the heartbeat first – what a great thing for young people to read.
4.0 out of 5 stars Enter a Whole New Realm, October 30, 2011The Drums of Legenderry is fun and imaginative. It’s a book kids can grow with–from you reading the stories aloud to the kids reading them themselves, as the collection is sure to become a family favorite.
5.0 out of 5 stars Magic world, October 29, 2011I reread “the Drums of Legenderry” again over the last few days. Good, imaginative… Builds a magic world that is a good break from our own, with great lessons for children. This book could plant dreams.
5.0 out of 5 stars Ralph Carlson, October 29, 2011Reading this fiction was a wonderful journey for me and full of surprises. It’s not only good reading for young adults but for us adults as well. Take the journey.
