Book Review: Tools of Prophecy - Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile

Media Type: Print Book
Title: Tools of Prophecy
*Series: Prophecies Series #2
Author: Michael A. Rothman
Publisher: M & S Publishing LLC.
Pages: Paperback; 380
Release Date: August 1, 2012
Source: Publisher / Author
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Intended Reading Group: Middle Grade / Young Adult
Content Screening: Mild Violence
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HDB Rating: 4 Keys to My Heart
Recommended to: Middle grade readers, or lower YA readers, who enjoy an adventurous fantasy story.

Add it on: Goodreads / Shelfari / Amazon / B&N

The TOOLS OF PROPHECY is the second volume in an epic saga which describes a prophecy that has placed the Riverton brothers in the lead roles of a struggle to save their world from being overrun by unspeakable horrors. This destiny requires that they face off with the demons that nearly destroyed their world over five centuries ago.

In the first book, the population of wizards had been practically eradicated by the former tyrant. The Rivertons are now charged with creating an Academy of Magic, recruiting qualified students, and furthering their own training with secrets that have long been held by the reclusive elves.

Despite their youth, a mysterious spirit has engaged them in an epic struggle to gain mastery of their newfound skills, help raise and train two armies, and stay alive long enough for their final showdown with destiny.

The only things that stand in their way are the assassins hired to destroy them and the Demon Lord’s minion who holds a personal grudge and intends to witness the young boys’ deaths.

Heirs of Prophecy left off at a climactic moment, so I was interested to see where Michael A. Rothman would pick up in this sequel. Sure enough, the beginning of Tools of Prophecy whisks readers right back into the heart of the story line. If you haven’t read book one, you’ll still be able to pick things up here. Rothman gives a quick synopsis of what happened before. The Rivertons are back, and with them comes the epic adventure that they set off on before. Danger, magic, mayhem. It’s all here and better than ever.

In this installment the Riverton brothers are more mature, and have a much better handle on their powers. What I loved is the way that Rothman shows their young selves hiding beneath the surface of their older bodies. They are still growing boys in more ways than one, and much of this story shows their progression. The brotherly love between these two is still palpable. It’s interesting to see these two characters in older situations. They are still so sweet!

My one gripe about the first book was that I wanted more world building so that I could immerse myself in the story. I was therefore really happy when I started reading Tools of Prophecy. Where book one was spent mostly building back story, this installment focuses much more on the world itself. This is a darker story, full of twists and turns. It kept me reading fervently. The only thing that kept me from fully falling in love was that there are some slow pieces. I know, I know. Complete opposite of last time. That didn’t stop me from adoring this book as a whole though.

At the end of the day, Tools of Prophecy was an extremely satisfying second book in this series. If you haven’t started Michael A. Rothman’s journey yet, now is a great time to start! You won’t have to wait for the second book. If you have a young reader that is looking for adventure, or even if you are an older reader who feels the same way, this is a book for you. Get ready for an epic journey.

Other books in this series:
Heirs of Prophecy (Prophecies Series #1)

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion.

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