Book Title: Josh Anvil and the Pivotal Weapon (Josh Anvil Series Book 2)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 353
Author: Bruce E. Arrington
Date Published: 16 May 2013
Age Level: 10 - 18
Teen/Young Adult Fantasy Adventure
Josh and Troy find themselves in a strange tropical world, far from home. They’ve come to explore a new planet, excited for what wonders await them. But it doesn’t take long before they are on the run from the aliens who conquered this world. In their attempts to help Anton find his family, Josh and Troy find themselves immersed in a terrible war that has spanned millennia.
Josh and Troy find their abilities change with each new planet they land on. If they can figure them out and use them in time, they just might make it out alive. It’s up to them to help the humanoids and then escape back to Earth before they are stranded forever.
Weaved in YA fantasy and science fiction with elements of action and comedy, Josh Anvil and The Pivotal Weapon follows the other-world adventures of two high school freshman with extraordinary powers.
Review:
Josh Anvil and the Pivotal Weapon by Bruce E. ArringtonMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This is the second book in the Josh Anvil Series. I loved it!
Josh Anvil is a fantastic character. I liked him very much. He is a smart and curious fourteen year old. Unfortunately, he doesn't see himself the same way. He has low self-esteem, which is caused by his dyslexia and being bullied at school. However, he is an excellent story teller and basketball player, has a vivid imagination and incredible powers thanks to the aliens that saved him after an accident in the swamp where he lives. (Read book 1 to find out how that happens). But he's about to embark on a journey full of danger and adventure. Can he save his planet from a vengeful alien?
I have been wanting to read this book for some time (ever since I read the first book in the series, Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door, way back in 2013). Unfortunately, due to my long reading list, I have only now been able to get to read it. I must admit, it was worth the wait!
This story continues on from the end of the first book and I was quickly drawn back into the tale. *Minor Spoiler Alert!!* Josh and his best friend Troy are sucked through a portal and find themselves on an alien planet or five. Here, they find themselves facing several challenges and making new friends, as well as enemies. This story is just as fast paced and exciting as the first book. There are several twists and turns, and a few surprises that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The descriptions of the planets visited and the characters on them are vivid enough for me to picture them with ease. I also liked meeting Kodi, Lonnie, Libby, Jana, Axel, Sadie and Marty, who are humanoid aliens from the different worlds that Josh and Troy visit, plus a few others that bring this story to life. There is also a surprising familial reunion in a twist I didn't see coming. I found myself in tears on more than one occasion, and in shock at the end of one scene. I couldn't believe that what I had read was true, so had to re-read that part. Once it sunk in, I felt like bawling like a baby! Luckily, I managed to control my sobs long enough to keep reading. I liked reading the scene where Josh learns how to fly an alien spacecraft. It made me giggle! In fact, there are several scenes of comic relief, courtesy of Josh's friend Troy. He has a laid-back attitude that belies that he takes things seriously, but he does have a serious side which I admired. He is also incredibly brave and faces several dangers that most fifteen year old boys would never dream of with grace and good humour. This book took me on a roller coaster ride of emotion. When I reached the end of the book I felt sad, but this was only because I wanted to keep reading! I am now looking forward to continuing this series by reading the third book, Josh Anvil and the Gathering Storm, as soon as possible.
Bruce Arrington has written an exciting fantasy adventure. I love his fast paced writing style and the flow is wonderful. I would definitely read more of his books in the future.
I highly recommend this book to young readers aged 10-18, but I also recommend this book to adults who love to read YA fantasy books filled with action, adventure, danger and aliens. - Lynn Worton
View all my reviews
Bruce Arrington wrote the first three installments of the teen Josh Anvil Series, and other fantasy stories for children, teens and young adult readers. His 15 years as a wildlife biologist, and his current endeavors in teaching have helped pour creativity into his stories. Currently, Bruce lives in Oregon with his family and several spoiled pets.
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