Quick Take

Jack is amazed to have caused an earthquake. He is thirteen, after all, and only a bard-in-training. But his sister, Lucy, has been stolen by the Lady of the Lake; stolen a second time in her young life, as he learns to his terror. Caught between belief in the old gods and Christianity (790 AD, Britain), Jack calls upon his ash wood staff to subdue a passel of unruly monks, and, for his daring, ends up in a knucker hole. It is unforgettable -- for the boy and for readers -- as are the magical reappearance of the berserker Thorgil from a burial by moss; new characters Pega, a slave girl from Jack's village, and the eager-to-marry-her Bugaboo (a hobgoblin king); kelpies; yarthkins; and elves (not the enchanted sprites one would expect but the fallen angels of legend). Rarely does a sequel enlarge so brilliantly the world of the first story. Look for the conclusion in The Islands of the Blessed in 2009.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: The Land of the Silver Apples (Sea of Trolls, #2)

Introduction

"The Land of the Silver Apples" is the second book in Nancy Farmer's "Sea of Trolls" series. In this installment, Jack, a bard-in-training, embarks on a quest to rescue his sister Lucy, who has been stolen by the Lady of the Lake. Along the way, he encounters a variety of mythical creatures, including hobgoblins, elves, and kelpies. Farmer's writing is known for its rich world-building and attention to historical detail, making this series a favorite among fantasy lovers.

About Nancy Farmer

Nancy Farmer is an American author born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1941. She grew up in a hotel on the Arizona-Mexico border and attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon. After joining the Peace Corps and traveling to India, Farmer settled in Berkeley, California. She has written nine novels, three picture books, and numerous short stories. Her works have been translated into 26 languages and have received numerous accolades, including the National Book Award for "The House of the Scorpion" and Newbery Honors for "The Ear, the Eye and The Arm."

Analysis of Views

Expanded Worldbuilding: Readers appreciate the way Farmer expands the world of "The Sea of Trolls" in "The Land of the Silver Apples." The introduction of new characters, such as Pega and the Bugaboo, adds depth to the story and creates a more immersive experience for readers.
Engaging Characters: The characters in the book are praised for their development and growth throughout the story. Readers find themselves invested in Jack's journey as he learns to control his emotions and navigate the complexities of his world. The introduction of Thorgil from the first book adds a sense of continuity and familiarity to the story.
Mythology and Legends: Farmer's incorporation of mythology and legends into the book is a highlight for many readers. The inclusion of elves, hobgoblins, and other mythical creatures adds a sense of magic and wonder to the story. The way Farmer explains these creatures and their place in the world is praised for its density of information and ability to captivate young readers.
Suspenseful Plot: The book's plot is filled with suspenseful moments that keep readers engaged. Readers appreciate the unexpected twists and turns that keep them on the edge of their seats. The earthquake that Jack causes early in the book sets the stage for a thrilling adventure that keeps readers hooked until the end.
Historical Ties: The historical ties to Britain in 790 AD add depth to the story and provide readers with a unique perspective on the time period. Farmer's attention to detail in incorporating historical events and beliefs into the narrative is highly appreciated by readers who enjoy learning while reading fantasy novels.

Reasons for Recommendation

Expanded Worldbuilding: The expanded worldbuilding in "The Land of the Silver Apples" makes it a compelling read for fans of fantasy novels. The introduction of new characters and the exploration of different mythical creatures add depth to the story and create a more immersive experience for readers.
Engaging Characters: The characters in the book are well-developed and grow throughout their journey. Readers find themselves invested in Jack's development as he learns to control his emotions and navigate his world. The return of Thorgil from the first book adds a sense of continuity and familiarity to the story.
Mythology and Legends: Farmer's incorporation of mythology and legends into the book is a highlight for many readers. The inclusion of elves, hobgoblins, and other mythical creatures adds a sense of magic and wonder to the story. The way Farmer explains these creatures and their place in the world is praised for its density of information and ability to captivate young readers.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Connection: Some readers found it difficult to connect with certain characters or feel invested in their journey. While most readers appreciate Jack's development, some feel that certain characters lack depth or fail to resonate with them emotionally.
Plot Meandering: A few readers felt that the plot meandered too much at times, leading to confusion or disengagement from the story. Some felt that certain parts dragged on or lacked direction, making it difficult to stay engaged with the narrative.

Conclusion

"The Land of the Silver Apples" by Nancy Farmer is a highly recommended sequel to "The Sea of Trolls." With its expanded worldbuilding, engaging characters, mythology, suspenseful plot, and historical ties, it offers a captivating reading experience for fans of fantasy novels. While some readers found it challenging to connect with certain characters or feel invested in their journey, overall, "The Land of the Silver Apples" is praised for its ability to transport readers to a magical world filled with wonder and adventure.