Official Review: Home Lost by Franz McLaren

TammyO · Post by **TammyO** » 01 Mar 2015, 16:31

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Home Lost" by Franz McLaren.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Home Lost, written by Franz McLaren, is a fantasy novel that transports one into a world where witches, wizards and demons rule. Home Lost is volume 1 of 8 in McLaren’s, Clarion of Destiny Series. Leena, is a 16-year-old hedge witch in training. She happens to come across a magical tree that holds her future destiny. The magical Garlan tree has been known to choose its hero/heroine for thousands of years. This tree deems Leena the chosen one and grants her the power of the Garlan branch.

While on an adventurous exploration in the forest, Leena stumbles upon an overpowering, magnetic force. She tries to pass it, but the energy is too strong. The magical Garlan tree wants her to conquer the evil that threatens nations. While receiving this high honor, the Great Wizard has sent his henchmen to destroy Leena’s village, and also the entire town of Stocksbury. The only thing she finds upon her return, are the 19 charred bodies that the troops have left behind.

With her village destroyed, the entire town in ruins, and everyone she loves gone, Leena finds herself on a quest to find the Great Wizard of Elderon, with the hopes of finding her family. Leena meets several characters along the way. There is the mysterious, Arvin. He holds a bitter resentment for Leena, but she does not know why. Then there’s Darius. He is the handsome knight who comes to the rescue, but Leena later finds out that there is so much more about him that she does not know. Also, Leena has the Garlan branch, but has to keep it a secret until she learns the power it possesses. Feeling vulnerable and alone, Leena wonders if she will ever see her family again.

This novel was a pleasure to read. I enjoyed getting to know all of the characters. Leena is a naïve, young girl who through no fault of her own, is faced with a challenge only a few has ever conquered. Leena confront encounters that a typical 16-year-old would deem difficult. Yet, she never wavers in her determination. In this way, the reader empathizes with her and wants to see her prevail.

The innocent and meticulous way in which the author weaves this tale is very interesting and refreshing. The theme good versus evil is prevalent throughout this story. Also, character development is very good. In this way, I was easily drawn into this fantasy adventure from the very beginning.

Although I really liked this adventure, there were a few things that I had issues with. For example, the transitions between characters and events were not evenly applied. I understood why Darius’ story needed to be told, but the backstory on him encompass a large portion of the book. Also, the reader wants to know more about Arvin’s character. The reader meets him, but never really gets to know him. In addition, I found a few minor errors (3) but it did not affect my overall enjoyment at all.

Considering that this is the first book in this series, I rate Home Lost 4 out of 4 stars! There are many readers who will appreciate McLaren’s style of writing. Also, this novel lays out the building blocks for the rest of the books in the series. McLaren has created characters that the reader can grow to respect. This is a great beginning to an epic adventure. In fact, there are 7 additional books in this series. It is going to be interesting to follow Leena on her journey to discover her destiny.

This endearing novel is a light, fantasy adventure. Therefore, I would not recommend it for those expecting lots of bloodshed and gore. The author may have that planned for later books in the series, maybe not. Nevertheless, Home Lost is a wonderful story. I recommend this novel to those who enjoy an innocent, exciting approach, to a great, fantasy adventure.

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Home Lost
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C S Harper · Post by **C S Harper** » 05 Mar 2015, 18:53

Great review, TammyO! This sounds really interesting. I agree. It is very refreshing to read these types of books without all of the blood and gore. Seven additional books in the series seems pretty lengthy, I don't mind of course if its well worth the read. Would you dedicate yourself to the entire series?

TammyO · Post by **TammyO** » 05 Mar 2015, 21:50

C S Harper wrote:Great review, TammyO! This sounds really interesting. I agree. It is very refreshing to read these types of books without all of the blood and gore. Seven additional books in the series seems pretty lengthy, I don't mind of course if its well worth the read. Would you dedicate yourself to the entire series?

Thanks, CS. There is some blood and gore but it's not too much of it. There is definitely enough to keep readers interested. Seven books is a little lengthy but it is well worth it. I have only read the first book in the series and I will be reading the second in the series as well. Yes, I would dedicate myself to reading them all. As I stated in my review, the first book is like the building blocks for the rest. Do you enjoy reading this genre?

PashaRu · Post by **PashaRu** » 05 Mar 2015, 21:55

Wow, quite an investment to commit to reading the whole series. But thanks for a very nice review, Tammy!

TammyO · Post by **TammyO** » 05 Mar 2015, 22:11

PashaRu wrote:Wow, quite an investment to commit to reading the whole series. But thanks for a very nice review, Tammy!

Thanks, Pasha. Yes, it is an investment. It's really not too bad if you consider that the Harry Potter series consisted of 7 books. If the author is consistent in his writing, I believe this could be a very enjoyable series as well.

gali · Post by **gali** » 06 Mar 2015, 01:16

Sounds good! Thank you for the lovely review.

TammyO · Post by **TammyO** » 06 Mar 2015, 07:12

Thanks, Gali.

C S Harper · Post by **C S Harper** » 06 Mar 2015, 15:50

Thanks, CS. There is some blood and gore but it's not too much of it. There is definitely enough to keep readers interested. Seven books is a little lengthy but it is well worth it. I have only read the first book in the series and I will be reading the second in the series as well. Yes, I would dedicate myself to reading them all. As I stated in my review, the first book is like the building blocks for the rest. Do you enjoy reading this genre?

Yes, I do enjoy reading fantasy novels. Reading your review makes me want to consider this series. Thanks, I'll have to make room for it on my list of books to read when I want to visit the world of wizards and witches.

TammyO · Post by **TammyO** » 06 Mar 2015, 22:07

I am the same way! I could go for months without reading a particular genre. But when the mood strikes me, I am completely engrossed in it again. Sometimes it feels so good just to get caught up in a fantasy world. When I get caught up in it, there is just no turning back. I could complete an entire series such as this one in a week. (Not kidding).

Post by **bookowlie** » 08 Mar 2015, 09:18

Great review! Sci-fi/fantasy is not my preferred genre, but I do love a really good book. Your review makes me want to read this book. I like your comment that the author laid the building blocks for the rest of the series. I like when an author does that, so there is continuity in the series.

TammyO · Post by **TammyO** » 08 Mar 2015, 20:53

Thank you, bookowlie.

I enjoy it when the author writes in this way as well. The reader gets to know the characters very well and the foundation is set for the entire series. As far as the genre goes, I am the exact opposite. I absolutely love sci-fi/fantasy novels! It is my go to genre when I want to get away from reality for awhile.

Alanna1837 · Post by **Alanna1837** » 08 Mar 2015, 21:17

Thanks for the great review. I'll have to add this one to the list to read. Sounds like a great book series. I love sc-fi so this sounds perfect.

TammyO · Post by **TammyO** » 08 Mar 2015, 21:34

Thanks, Alanna. I am a fan as well. This is my go to genre when I want to get away. I can get lost in a good sci-fi/fantasy adventure. When you do read it, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did.

C S Harper · Post by **C S Harper** » 09 Mar 2015, 21:28

TammyO wrote:I am the same way! I could go for months without reading a particular genre. But when the mood strikes me, I am completely engrossed in it again. Sometimes it feels so good just to get caught up in a fantasy world. When I get caught up in it, there is just no turning back. I could complete an entire series such as this one in a week. (Not kidding).

I am kind of like that myself. Life is much too serious. I checked the prices on the books in this series and it appears that they are not too bad. Each book is going for $2.99. I think that's fair. Especially if one is going to invest in the entire series.