Carlousia: The Passing of the Guard by E. G. Carter

Title: Carlousia: The Passing of the Guard
 
Author: E. G. Carter

Publisher: iUniverse

Published Date: November 17, 2011 

Buy on Amazon: Paperback / Kindle 

Author Website:  

www.carlousia.com/

Synopsis:

Eddie Caskitt is filled with relief. The worries of moving into a new neighborhood, making friends, and starting a new school have been weighing him down. But after spending just a few minutes with the kids of Drayton Woods, Eddie realizes that the adventurous summer he was hoping for might just happen after all. Eddie hopes all the fun he anticipates will ease the pain of knowing his grandfather is dying. 

 

With his last bit of strength before he passes away, Eddie's grandfather whispers that he has left something for Eddie in his barn-and that the tall tales he has been telling Eddie for years are true. With the help of a magic bracelet he finds inside a secret hole in the barn, Eddie and his two new friends, Dan and Scotty, enter a portal where they are suddenly thrust into roles guarding the world of Carlousia. Now the boys must conquer fear, outwit predators, unfold betrayal, and overthrow evil-all while pretending everything is normal at home. 

 

In this extraordinary adventure, three boys take a wild, coming-of-age journey that intertwines risk, honor, loyalty, and the kind of danger that unfortunately may lead to unimaginable loss.

My Thoughts:

 
E. G. Carter's novel, Carlousia: The Passing of the Guard, is a coming of age story that will grab the attention of boys and girls everywhere.  Carlousia can be classified in the Modern Children's Fantasy genre because it takes place in an imaginary world with unusual beings.  The novel really has it all: action, adventure, good vs evil, and a new and exciting world.  What makes it better is that the story is told from the point of view of 10 year old Eddie.

Eddie grew up with his Grandfather telling him stories of his crazy adventures in make-believe Carlousia.  Eddie hung on every word of his grandfather's stories.  However, on Pop's deathbed he made a secret confession to Eddie: all of his tales of Carlousia were real and it was up to Eddie to take up the family legacy and become the next Guardian of Carlousia.  After being led through a secret portal by his protector, Wahhaha, Eddie found himself in the library of Torgy, a Chosen one whose job was to support the Guardians.  Here, Eddie learned that he came from a long line of Guardians and it was his turn to save the inhabitants of Carlousia from an evil dictator that was intent on destroying first Carlousia, and next- our world.  

Eddie quickly realized that he was going to need help and recruited his two best friends, hesitant Dan and outgoing Scotty.  The three boys make several journeys to Carlousia in order to learn the ways of the people and prepare to battle in a war that they will be leading.  For the first time Carlousia does not have one Guardian, they have three.  Carter does an excellent job in creating a realistic bond between the boys.

Carlousia struck me as a cross between Lewis' The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Pullman's His Dark Materials series.  The three boys are 10 years old as they leave their home in small town America and travel to Carlousia.  However, as they exit the portal they instantly become 16 year old men.  Having the mind of a 10 year old but body of a teenager, Eddie soon realizes that many things are different in Carlousia.  Eddie realizes that in order to save the world of Carlousia he is going to need to fight his fears and trust his friends.  

With my experience as an elementary school teacher, I believe Carlousia is an excellent read-aloud for fifth graders and up.  There are many lessons that children can take from Carlousia and the constant action will leave the kids begging for more.  Additionally, Carter does a great job in creating characters who value loyalty and friendship.   

E. G. Carter's, Carlousia: The Passing of the Guard, is a fresh fantasy story that I definitely recommend to lovers of Children's Lit.  Carlousia is full of imaginative people, places, and objects that children, as well as adults, will find fascinating.  Carlousia will definitely go on my bookshelf so that I can read it to my daughter in a few years!  I look forward to the next installment in this great series!

E. G. Carter

 E.G. Carter has provided me with a complimentary copy of his book, Carlousia, for the purpose of review.