Official Review: The Asquinn Twins Come To Forest Lake

EmunahAn · Post by **EmunahAn** » 21 Sep 2017, 03:47

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Asquinn Twins Come To Forest Lake" by Grace Brooks.]

2 out of 4 stars

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Stories written for young readers are always among the books top on my list. When I saw the cover of this particular book, I was automatically fascinated.

The Asquinn Twins Come to Forest Lake is a story about the Asquinn Twins, Martin and Martha, who accompany their parents as their father moves the family from Aberystwyth, Wales to Forest Lake, Canada, to follow his life’s mission and answer to his calling of spreading the Gospel. The twins are anxious and excited to leave the only home that they have ever known.

As they travel to Canada, the family encounters opposition and they are forced to continue their journey as they look for a place to settle. The Asquinns are excited when they arrive in Forest Lake and they soon set up their home.

As Mr. Asquinn sets up the Church, the initial meetings are only attended by few congregants. This, however, does not deter him. He continues to preach and spread the Gospel passionately and with time the Church grows steadily. Martin and Martha start school and go on to make new friends and with time, Forest Lake starts feeling like home.

Their life is not without challenges. Conrad Cameron, a distant relative of the Asquinns, seeks to destroy them through the use of witchcraft. Throughout the book, there is a constant strain between the two families.

The book’s main focus is the presentation of the two perspectives of spiritual life that include evil and good and the constant conflict between these two forces. Grace Brooks’ intention is to present the reality of evil and let the reader understand and feel its impact. The book is a work of fiction written with a particular focus on young readers who may be seeking to understand the contrast between good and evil.

As I began reading The Asquinn Twins Come to Forest Lake, I was immediately captivated by the way the story began with the Asquinn family preparing to leave their home and embark on a journey that would change their lives. However, the author failed to maintain this grip of suspense on me and as the story progressed, it turned out to be monotonous and uneventful. Most of the scenes to me were mostly predictable.

Some parts of the book really confused me. An example is the abrupt introduction of Conrad Cameron into the story and his sudden exit from the scenes in the story he appears. As the antagonist in the story, I felt that the author did not sufficiently develop his character. Unfortunately, other key characters are also poorly developed.

Too many aspects that make a good story are lacking in the book, it felt like the author wrote the book in a hurry. Too many grammatical errors are also contained in the book. Yet I feel that The Asquinn Twins Come to Forest Lake has great potential. The author could have easily spun most scenes into action that could easily compel any reader. There are also possible avenues in the book that the author could have exploited to develop each key character.

Despite what the book lacks, Grace Brooks maintains a consistent theme of the constant clash between good and evil, throughout her narration. The story also contains important values that the reader can emulate such as courage, kindness even in the face of cruelty, and consistency in faith. I, therefore, rate the book 2 out of 4 stars.

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The Asquinn Twins Come To Forest Lake
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Amagine · Post by **Amagine** » 25 Sep 2017, 06:10

I read this book before and I completely agree with you, especially about the antagonist. He wasn't developed enough and wasn't a good antagonist at all.

Great Review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 25 Sep 2017, 07:22

It sounds like there needs to be some editing. Once that takes place, it will be a really good story. I hope the author takes your advice. Thanks for the review.

Zelinda · Post by **Zelinda** » 25 Sep 2017, 15:57

Thanks for your reveiw. Good job. I couldn't help feeling apprehensive about the book as I read your review. I have a hard time with "evil" particularly when it is presented to young children, so I don't know if this is one I would want my grandchildren to read. Maybe I'm like the proverbial ostrich, but I just don't want to impose a life view that dwells on evil. I don't know if this does or not, but I probably won't read it to find out.

kimmyschemy06 · Post by **kimmyschemy06** » 29 Sep 2017, 04:59

The premise sounds very promising. Too bad, though, about the overall execution of the book. Good job on the review.

GPM · Post by **GPM** » 29 Sep 2017, 08:08

I also liked the cover. The beginning of the story is also interesting but it is sad to know that the antagonist's character was not developed, as with his scenes. Hope the author considers editing the book becausecit has potential.

Cloe101 · Post by **Cloe101** » 29 Sep 2017, 11:47

It really sounded good, I hope the author will listen to your advice

geoffrey ngoima · Post by **geoffrey ngoima** » 29 Sep 2017, 12:07

Sounds like it needs a bit of improvement and it'll be perfect

EmunahAn · Post by **EmunahAn** » 30 Sep 2017, 04:47

Amagine wrote:I read this book before and I completely agree with you, especially about the antagonist. He wasn't developed enough and wasn't a good antagonist at all.

Great Review!

Thanks Amagine. I had a lot of hope when I began reading the book which quickly declined. I still think though that the book has good potential.

-- 30 Sep 2017, 04:49 --

kandscreeley wrote:It sounds like there needs to be some editing. Once that takes place, it will be a really good story. I hope the author takes your advice. Thanks for the review.

Thanks Kandscreeley. I hope she does too.

-- 30 Sep 2017, 04:52 --

Zelinda wrote:Thanks for your reveiw. Good job. I couldn't help feeling apprehensive about the book as I read your review. I have a hard time with "evil" particularly when it is presented to young children, so I don't know if this is one I would want my grandchildren to read. Maybe I'm like the proverbial ostrich, but I just don't want to impose a life view that dwells on evil. I don't know if this does or not, but I probably won't read it to find out.

Hi Zelinda, thank you for reading my review. The writer's style is too aggressive when writing about evil which may not be very appropriate as you have noted.

-- 30 Sep 2017, 05:00 --

kimmyschemy06 wrote:The premise sounds very promising. Too bad, though, about the overall execution of the book. Good job on the review.

Thanks Kimmyschemy06 for reading the review!

-- 30 Sep 2017, 05:04 --

GPM wrote:I also liked the cover. The beginning of the story is also interesting but it is sad to know that the antagonist's character was not developed, as with his scenes. Hope the author considers editing the book becausecit has potential.

I hope so too GPM

-- 30 Sep 2017, 05:06 --