Review of The Golden Orb

[Heidi M Simone]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Golden Orb" by G.G Fonbonnet.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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In a world where dwarves and magical objects exist, young Yaroun envisions his future with his fiancée and taking care of his garden. One day, Yaroun stumbles upon a golden orb with great power. Unfortunately, many wish to use and possess this orb for nefarious reasons. Suddenly, this young man’s life turns upside down as he goes on a dangerous and unforgettable journey. Joined by a goldsmith dwarf, Lightstar, the two must rely on each other for safety and learn to trust each other.

The Golden Orb by G. G. Fonbonnet is a middle-grade fantasy that follows the protagonist, Yaroun, and his supporting character, Lightstar, in different adventures. There are three different adventures split up into three parts. These three stories are quick and easy to follow. 

One of my favorite aspects of the book was the beautiful illustrations included. Many chapters included a picture of a character or a place within this magical world. Each one was captivating and added nicely to the book’s plot. Most illustrations were clearly labeled, with vibrant and realistic colors. 

Fantasy is one of my favorite genres, so I appreciated the fantastical aspects included. The power of the golden orb and how it is activated was creative. When I read about the “Underground Eye”, a dwarf sword that can cut through stone, it made me wish to see it in action! The author has very creative and unique ideas.

On the other hand, some parts of the plot could use improvement. For instance, some parts of the book caused the reading to be less suspenseful. One example of this is when werewolves became part of the story. Not only did it seem abrupt, it was also unexpected. It caused me to reread that section to understand what was happening.

Another example is when the author introduces magical objects at a most convenient time when the characters need that specific magical object. In addition, there was a point when a leader was left alone while his companions went to scout the area for potential danger. In doing so, they left their leader with no extra protection. Leaving him alone when there is danger seemed unrealistic, even in a fantasy book.

Lastly, Yaroun’s relationship with his fiancée was very frustrating. It would have been better if the relationship was not part of the story. The only aspect the reader learns from this almost non-existent relationship is how easily Yaroun leaves his fiancée to go on another adventure and barely holds any reservations about doing so.

Considering everything, including the numerous errors I found and the odd placement of the Table of Contents at the end, I find it challenging to rate this book. The illustrations were beautiful, the fantasy elements were fun to read, and the unique golden orb greatly added to the story. However, the several plot points and errors took away from the story. Therefore, I rate The Golden Orb 3 out of 5 stars.

Due to the simple plot and easy-to-follow vocabulary, this book would be better suited for children who enjoy reading middle-grade books. Unfortunately, I caution those who allow their children to read this book due to the grammar that needs improvement and some plot points that need to be tweaked. For those curious about The Golden Orb, I recommend it to individuals who enjoy fantasy elements in a story.

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The Golden Orb
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[Remilekun Kehinde]

it seems like "The Golden Orb" by G. G. Fonbonnet offers a mix of enchanting illustrations and creative fantasy elements, but with some plot inconsistencies and grammatical issues that detract from its overall appeal.

[NetMassimo]

I might be old for this novel and honestly, forced romance annoys me. Also considering the errors, I'm afraid I'm discouraged from reading it despite the author's creativity with the fantasy elements. Thank you for your honest review!

[Boring Pigeon]

Yeehaw, partner! So, I reckon this here book called "The Golden Orb" seems like a pretty good read, but it's got a few quirks. With stunning illustrations and a dash of fantastical elements, it'll surely capture the imagination of them young'uns. However, there's a hitch in the plot - some parts lack suspense and come outta nowhere, like them werewolves. And I can't rightly ignore them errors and odd Table of Contents placement, no sir. So, reckon I'd give it a 3 outta 5 stars. It's best suited for them kids who enjoy middle-grade tales, but parents oughta keep an eye for 'em grammar issues. All in all, it's a decent read, but has its fair share of hiccups. Happy trails! Absorbing narrative, lost myself in the story completely.

[Mercy Ndungu 9]

Your review of The Golden Orb by G. G. Fonbonnet is thorough and well-balanced, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of the book. You provide a clear summary of the plot, setting the stage for readers to understand the world in which Yaroun and Lightstar embark on their adventures.