Review: The Eyes of the Desert Sand by Edwin Wolfe

Author: Edwin Wolfe

Publisher: Aauvi House Publishing Group

Page Count: 301 pages, ARC

Date Published: January 11th 2012

Find it on Goodreads: The Eyes of the Desert Sand

Source: A copy was sent to me by the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review.
 

How many parents would believe their thirteen year old son who told them that two vampires and a hooded stranger had tried to abduct him? Strange thing is, young Ethan Fox is convinced his parents, George and Betsy do believe him. Could it have something to do with the mysterious poem he wrote in his sleep? Or maybe it has something to do with his past, the past he cannot remember before his eighth birthday. Something strange is afoot, and it is about to turn Ethan's world upside down.While vacationing with his parents, to get away from the crazy events of the previous two weeks, Ethan encounters a young girl named Haley Hunt who he is strongly drawn to... and the feeling is mutual. Together, Ethan and Haley are lured to The Residence, home of the Caretakers, an organization of intelligent beings sent to earth to nurture the human race and protect them from un-earthly influences.Armed with special abilities, including the power to evolve any earthly creature, the Caretakers take in their unexpected guests. They have been watching young Ethan Fox, and are curious as to why the Grimleavers, their mortal enemy on earth, would want to abduct a young human child. Together, Ethan and Haley journey to magical worlds, make new friends, and help the Caretakers unravel the stories greatest mysteries. Along the way, they learn that the Caretakers have been here since the beginning of human history and have played a key role in shaping human lore. In their world, vampires, werewolves, trolls, and even Medusa herself really do exist but have been kept hidden from the human world around them. Ethan is the key as they ultimately discover the Grimleavers true intentions, to unlock the four portals to the elemental worlds of the Chrysalis.

My Thoughts: The author has such a fantastic imagination. It's incredible. 


This is a really original story. The author put so much thought and detail into it and it really paid off. But the writing could have used some work. I think this book would be more suited for a younger audience, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. 


Ethan Fox is different from all of his friends.  He's an adventurous kid, who prefers to be outside than inside playing video games. He's close with his parents, but they're very secretive when he tells them he was almost abducted by vampires. He also had no memory from before he was eight years old and wrote a very strange letter in his sleep. When Ethan and his parents go on vacation to the beach, he meets Haley, a girl with amnesia. The begin to walk together and Ethan comes across a strange blue and yellow rabbit. The rabbit leads the two to a rabbit hole and they find a staircase leading in. They take the stairs and suddenly their lives become much more dangerous and exciting as they meet the Caretakers and everyone in this mysterious new world. 

Wolfe's world had a Alice in Wonderland feel to it. It was kind of confusing but it felt like it was supposed to be. The characters were all very unique and interesting. There were so many creatures in this strange world that we've both heard of and haven't. They were all extremely neat and made me want to learn more. There were so many different characters, creatures, inventions and settings and that kept it interesting even when the plot was a little bit slower. Because it's a first book, we have to learn all about the characters and the world but it was so cool and intriguing that I didn't mind if it got a little bit boring. By the end, the book was filled with action and adventure and it kept me hooked. 


The only thing I'd like to mention on a bad note was the writing. I felt the writing to be very simple and at times awkward. But that is almost expected, considering this is a debut novel. I think think this book would have been better suited for younger middle grade readers, as the prose is pretty easy to read and straight-forward. I got past the errors because of the incredible story, but I would have liked to know more about Ethan, as most of his dialogue was explaining the story and setting, not how he was or felt. But the story is intricate and well thought out and I applaud Mr. Wolfe's amazing imagination. I will be looking forward to the next book! If you like books filled with mystery and intrigue, be sure to check out The Eyes of the Desert Sand! Don't let the cover fool you into thinking this isn't a great book, because it is. 


Happy reading!
~Kristy