Published: April 13, 2011
Words: 30,047 (approximate)
Language: English
ISBN: 9781465732828

Short description

Book 1 of the fantasy adventure series. Bullied middleschooler Jack Grayson has always felt as though he doesn't really belong in this world. As it turns out, he's right. He is actually from a magical otherworld called the Now. And now, he must return to the land of his birth to save it from a living abomination that oozes its way across the realm, corrupting the land and enslaving its people.

Extended description

Wherein is chronicled:
Jack’s first contact with the fox-shifter Tija’l;
the attack of the korvidai;
his journey on the back of the silver dragon;
Jack’s vision of the prophecy of Avalani'ra; (Read more) Wherein is chronicled:
Jack’s first contact with the fox-shifter Tija’l;
the attack of the korvidai;
his journey on the back of the silver dragon;
Jack’s vision of the prophecy of Avalani'ra;
the reappearance of his childhood invisible friend, the wyvern, Orange;
Jack’s experience of the horrors of Kra’akal and its cursed citizens;
the repayment of an old debt;
and Jack’s decision about journeying to the Now.

Bullied middleschooler Jack Grayson has always felt like an outsider, as though he doesn't really belong in this world.

Turns out, he's right. He is actually from a magical otherworld called the Now.

Eleven years ago, he was hidden in this ordinary world, switched with a human baby, to protect him from the fairling sourceweaver who killed his parents. And now, he is told, he must return to the land of his birth to save the Now from a living abomination that, even now, oozes its way across the realm, corrupting the land and enslaving its people.

Now, normally, Jack wouldn't believe such a fairytale kind of tale. But it wasn't just anyone who told him; it was a telepathic white fox who suddenly shape-shifted into a human boy with the strangest amber eyes Jack had ever seen.

And frankly, whether Jack believes it or not is irrelevant, because malign forces know it to be true. The boyling has been found, after all these years. And everything he once knew about what is "real" is about to be turned upside-down.
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Tags

young adult, series, prince, ya, imaginative, alchemist, book 1, series books, fox, shamanism, narnia, now, new fantasy, talking animals, young adult fantasy, oz, new series, fantasy action, infant prince, volume 1

Available ebook reading formats

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Reviews

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Review by: Orion Honeywolf on Nov. 09, 2011 :
A+! Character driven, clever, and other worldy. A world exists here that is so foreign to our own, but very close to our hearts' inner landscapes. It is ours and largely speaks of the trouble and times we are currently experiencing: bullies, self-doubt, destruction of the earth, and ruthless leaders. The biggest issue I had with the Now was wanting more, NOW! I can't wait to read the next installments in the series and have all my unanswered questions answered. What will happen next is plaguing me because Jack, Tija'l, and the Now have truly become a part of my daily thoughts and a part of my life.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: Van Veloso on Aug. 27, 2011 :
Truly a wonderful read. The characters were engaging--a great blend of classic archetypes of myth and folklore with a modern sensibility reminiscent of Charles de Lint. The story was epic in feel due in large part to the beautifully rendered landscapes of the created world as well the urgency of the protagonist's mission; epic in a way similar to Tolkien or C.S. Lewis. But despite some of these comparisons, make no mistake, this is a novel that is wholly unique and wholly enjoyable
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Edward Keller on Aug. 20, 2011 :
I read this book with my 12 year old and we both really enjoyed it and are anxious to read the next installment. The story line is captivating and the writing is very visual - a plus for the fantasy world created by the author. Recommended for kids especially those who like fantasy and good adventure tales.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by: Terrence Hollingsworth on Aug. 18, 2011 :
For those readers who feasted on Tolkien and were left feeling a bit undernourished by the Harry Potter books, this series might provide a healthy meal. The world has a richness and nicely evokes a kind of parallel reality...a deft choice is the structuring of the character's names which reminds me of how you could "feel" the character in the Tolkien books through their names. The textures and descriptive narrative are also perfectly pitched for the young adult crowd. I predict that the "Return to Now" series will quickly gather a cult following.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

Review by: Kristine Wyatt on Aug. 17, 2011 :
I loved this book, which surprised me because 1) I have pretty high standards, and 2) I'm not generally a fan of fantasy or science fiction. It is extremely well-written, and the story line is both imaginative and exciting. In fact, I had trouble putting it down and read it in two sittings, ignoring my huge to-do list. I am the director of an elementary school, and I will be buying some copies for the students, as I know they will enjoy it as much as I did and will benefit from its portrayals and message. I absolutely recommend "Return to Now, Book One" for both adults and children.
(reviewed within a week of purchase)

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