The Hound of Rowan: Book One of the Tapestry

by Henry H. Neff

Book Overview

An imaginative fantasy adventure full of magic, mythology, brilliant new friends, and deadly new enemies . . . Twelve-year-old Max McDaniels lives a quiet life in the suburbs of Chicago--until the day he stumbles upon a mysterious Celtic tapestry. Many strange people are interested in Max and his tapestry, and his discovery will lead him to Rowan Academy, a secret school where great things await him. But dark things are waiting, too. When Max learns...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375838953
• ISBN13: 9780375838958
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Yearling Books
• Length: 448 Pages
• Weight: 0.71 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 7.0"
• Age Range: 8 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 3 to 7

Customer Reviews

engaging and entertaining -- and also smart!

Reading The Hound of Rowan was an utter treat. I kept finding myself transported to Rowan; it truly lives on these pages. The characters are created to be believable, and, with one exception, the character names are well-chosen and not silly or gimmicky. I also really appreciate that this book is literally well written - the grammar is gorgeous without being stuffy or dull (this is a true gift for an English teacher - I will enjoy using Hound as a tool for inspiring student writers). The comparisons to HP are inevitable, but I believe this series stands on its own, and I am so excited to read book 2!

Fantastic Fantasy

Neff's novel captures the imagination from the get go. As I first delved in I thought, "oh no, this is a Harry Potter, clone". This notion was quickly dispelled. As I learned of Max McDaniels and his adventures I was enthralled. Early on Max realizes that he is a "Potential" and faces both exciting and scary adventures while dealing with the day to day of being a teen; such as the first crush and leaving home. One instantly becomes caught up in Max's world. I found myself unable to put the book down until I knew both the fate of Max and his classmates. I am looking forward to the next installment. This is an excellent fanciful adventure. I highly recommend for anyone up for some magical adventures.

Tough to put it down

This is an incredible read. The story of Max's journey blends mythology and art history into a wild ride that explores the relationships of father and son, teacher and student, compatriots, and ultimately heroes. The writing style instantly sweeps both you and Max into a world that is as believable as it is fantastical. This is not for the faint of heart, as darkness is barely held at arms length and the struggle to overcome has just begun. It is, however, for both the young and old. The stage for the second book in the series is set masterfully and one can't help but imagine the trilogy on the big screen.

A "Potential" Best Seller!!!

I picked up this book earlier today and was completely captivated by the end of the first chapter. A rich, vivid and adventurous tale that keeps you turning page after page in anticipation of what is coming next. A few twists and turns, memorable, real characters that you root for, and a fast pace will keep you reading and wanting more. While, there are some similarities to the Harry Potter seriers, this book and (I'm sure the forthcoming books in the series) clearly stands on its own two feet with the ease and polish of a well told tale.