Official Review: Ethan Fox and the Eyes of the Desert Sand

[kandscreeley]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Ethan Fox and the Eyes of the Desert Sand" by E. L. Seer.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Ethan Fox doesn't remember his past before the accident. The story is that his parents were in a cult, which is how he came to have strange symbols tattooed on his hands. He now lives with his foster parents, George and Betsy Fox. On vacation, he meets a girl named Hayley who doesn't seem to remember who she is or where she came from. As they are walking along the beach, a blue rabbit with yellow polka dots leads them down a strange staircase to a new world. Will the two come to find out who they really are? What is this strange world they find themselves in?

Ethan Fox and the Eyes of the Desert Sand by E. L. Seer is technically classified as a children's book, but I would put it in the young adult category. The author recommends this for ages 9 to 12. While it's a clean story with little violence and no language, it's more complex than elementary (or even most middle school) children would be able to handle. I would recommend it to teenagers or adults who enjoy puzzling over complex fantasy worlds.

I enjoyed the exceptional creatures the author created. For example, there's something called a copycat. Among other talents, it can copy almost anything its owner desires but will return to normal after its name is spoken three times.

The characters, likewise, were interesting. I most enjoyed Irvin, a mimic who's constantly spouting something nonsensical. As a mimic, he can shapeshift into almost anything. Plus, he's a good cook. Unfortunately, it was difficult to get to know the characters well because so many were introduced so quickly. The sheer number of characters in the book is mind-numbing, which leads to my main complaint.

The speed with which the reader is introduced to this new world is problematic. Within the span of only a few pages, we meet all sorts of new creatures and explore a giant castle full of wonders. It happened too quickly for me, leaving little time to absorb the descriptions in order to fully understand or picture the scene.

In fact, I spent most of the book confused. Just when I was getting a handle on one setting, the story would be moving in an entirely different direction. Not only is there the main castle, but there are also ruins, an underwater city, a forest, an old west town, and more. Honestly, it made me want to stop reading the book.

Because the story tried to do too much in too few pages, I couldn't give the book a perfect score. Therefore, I rate Ethan Fox and the Eyes of the Desert Sand 3 out of 4 stars. I've also given it this rating because it's inappropriate for its intended audience. However, it was interesting to read. If I wasn't trying to review it, it might have been easier to sit back and enjoy the ride. This is why I didn't give it a lower score. The author has a great imagination, and I would love to see a few of the settings and elements of the plot expanded upon. If the excess were removed, this would be a book I would read over and over.

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Ethan Fox and the Eyes of the Desert Sand
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[Kennedy NC]

The enticement of a new world is one that regularly gets me excited. Great review.

[Peace Odii]

When your parents are suspected to be in a cult, what else is left for you?

[Janet Kimetto]

I enjoyed reading your review. It's unfortunate that the story couldn't fit well into one book, especially since it's obviously interesting. Thanks!

[Josephe-Anne]

Wow! This sounds like a very complex and creative story. It's unfortunate that the story does not seem appropriate for the intended audience. Hopefully, the author will do some revisions by expanding on the plot and integrating the characters better into the narrative. Although, even with the flaws, I am still interested in reading this book.

Thank you for an excellent review!

[kandscreeley]

The enticement of a new world is one that regularly gets me excited. Great review.

New worlds can be fun and exciting. I just wish this one was explored more thoroughly. Thanks.

[kandscreeley]

When your parents are suspected to be in a cult, what else is left for you?

Well, the story is so much more than that. So many new places and creatures. It's fun. Thanks.

[kandscreeley]

I enjoyed reading your review. It's unfortunate that the story couldn't fit well into one book, especially since it's obviously interesting. Thanks!

I just think the author should have restrained himself some. Less places explored more thoroughly. It was still interesting, though. Thanks.

[kandscreeley]

Wow! This sounds like a very complex and creative story. It's unfortunate that the story does not seem appropriate for the intended audience. Hopefully, the author will do some revisions by expanding on the plot and integrating the characters better into the narrative. Although, even with the flaws, I am still interested in reading this book.

Thank you for an excellent review!

Yes, it's still worth reading. I'm sure it would be better if you aren't trying to follow every detail for a review. Thanks.

[Mbrooks2518]

Not sure I want to spend most of the book confused, but it seems like an interesting read. Thanks for the thorough and honest review!

[kandscreeley]

Not sure I want to spend most of the book confused, but it seems like an interesting read. Thanks for the thorough and honest review!

It just jumped too quickly from one world and creature to the next. It's a fun concept. I hope the author develops it further. Thanks.

[Becca Olsson]

I can’t decide if this sounds interesting or confusing. It might be both, but either way I’m intrigued to know about the creatures and the children’s past. Thanks for the great review

[kandscreeley]

I can’t decide if this sounds interesting or confusing. It might be both, but either way I’m intrigued to know about the creatures and the children’s past. Thanks for the great review

I understand. It is kind of both. I just wish things had been explored more in depth. Thanks.

[Chigo Nwagboso]

Wow! This book seems intruiging with an interesting storyline. I'm already imagining and wishing a have a pet like copycat. Thanks for an insightful review.

[kandscreeley]

Wow! This book seems intruiging with an interesting storyline. I'm already imagining and wishing a have a pet like copycat. Thanks for an insightful review.

Yes, a copycat would be nice. It was an interesting story. Thanks.