Gorgon – a new book in the WhipEye Chronicle series

About the Book

Title: Gorgon (WhipEye Chronicles Book #2) | Author: Geoffrey Saign | Publication Date: September 1, 2015 | Publisher: KiraKu Press | Number of pages: 316 | Recommended age: 10+

Summary:

WhipEye—Book 1—2015 WINNER International Book Awards

WhipEye—Book 1—2015 WINNER Outstanding Children’s Fiction

WhipEye—Book 1—2014 Top Choice LitPick.com

Samantha and Jake have two days to save their poisoned parents, and only Gorgon—the cruel and scheming leader of Amazon Lessers—can help them. But Gorgon is planning to destroy KiraKu, and he pits Sam against Jake. Worse, Sam feels controlled by the supernatural staff, WhipEye, and Jake gains a dangerous weapon. Can their friendship survive its greatest test? Can Sam and Jake stop a war and save their parents? Mysterious creatures, dragons, and Gorgon force them into a life or death adventure that some will not survive……a thriller about love, nature, wildlife, intuition, and trusting yourself…

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My Review

After reading WhipEye last year, the second I knew there was a blitz to review the second installment of the series, I was there! The first book is not only full of magic and fantasy, but it is a very well thought-out and endearing coming-of-age novel for tweens.

I delved deep into the WhipEye world with Gorgon, where Sam and Jake have to save KiraKu once more from the power-thirsty Gorgon, a charismatic Lesser. Sam and Jake get propelled into this new adventure by upping their stakes: if they don’t figure out a way to bring Gorgon the jewel that will grant him absolute power on earth and destroy KiraKu, both their parents will die. I found the drama of this stakes a little too extra-dramatic for my taste, but I understand that the kids needed a big push in order to undertake another huge adventure.

Gorgon is less about the coming-of-age part, and more about the fantasy and the friendship relationship between Samantha and Jake. I personally would have preferred to focus more on the fantasy of the world and the developing of the bond between Sam and Jake, as I felt that just put too many strains on the main character. Not only does Samantha need to save her father, about to become an orphan, but now she also is at odds with her best friend and newly found buddy from the first book. It might be just me, but I just wish it had had a little more breathing room on this super-high-stakes-break-neck-adventure piece which is the second book. In the end we are left with a big cliffhanger, which I hope will resolve on the next installment of the series.

I did enjoy the read, and I’m looking forward to the next book… but Gorgon is just not as amazing as the first book was. However, I would not hesitate to recommend this series to any tween with a love for fantasy and the environment.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own

The Early Buzz About the Book

“This fast moving, action packed adventure will certainly keep young readers enthralled, it certainly did me! The characters are well developed and relatable to the book’s intended audience.” ~ Susan D., Amazon

“Very well written, and easy to follow story for young teens. I recommend this book!!!” ~ Mary H., Goodreads

“Much like the first book, this is well worth the read.” ~ Lenita G., Amazon

About the Author: Geoffrey Saign

Geoffrey Saign can often be found looking for interesting critters, and magic, while swimming, snorkeling, sailing, or hiking in the woods. His passion for nature and wildlife led to WhipEye (Winner, 2015 International Book Award; Winner 2015 Outstanding Children’s Fiction, Top Choice LitPick.com), and previously his nationally endorsed book, Green Essentials: What You Need to Know About the Environment, as well as his books African Cats and Great Apes. He has a background in biology, assisted in field research with hummingbirds and humpback whales, and sailed as far away as Australia. With more than twenty years of experience working in special education, he has taught adults and children everything from sailing to novel writing. He won the Shabo Award. in 2010. He lives in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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