About the Book
Title: Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse (Zoe & Zak Series, Book #2)
Author: Lars Guignard
Publishers: Fantastic Press
Publication Date: September 9, 2013
Pages: 340
Recommended Age: 8+
Summary
Zoe and Zak are back in India. Again. And this time they're attending Moonstock Himalayan Boarding School, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school itself is a little strange. Students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and angry parrots monitor the halls. And even when they manage to get used to the wildlife, the food is absolutely terrible. But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun, too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe's roommate goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly through the clouds on their magic carpet to learn that the two of them have been chosen yet again. This time they've been asked to lift the Yogi's Curse. It's not going to be easy. Zoe and Zak don't even know what the Yogi's Curse is let alone how to lift it, but like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them. Now, if they're going to save the day, Zoe and Zak are going to have to fool the monkey guards, avoid the nasty parrots, and maybe even develop a supernatural ability or two. Because lurking beneath Moonstock is a powerful new enemy. And if Zoe and Zak can't stop him, nobody can.My Personal Review
Zoe and Zak and the Yogi's Curse was entertaining and full of adventure! And I highly recommend it as part of your children's book collection!As a parent, I look for books that not only are fun and entertaining for my kids to read (if they aren't, then it's like pulling teeth out of their mouth to get them to finish it), but also ones that teach them values and morals. This creatively written adventure, fantasy story (which is full of many twists and turns) will make the reader think more deeply (there is quite a mix of problem-solving, which today's kids could value from). The topic of trust came up quite often. That is who should Zoe and Zak trust and who shouldn't they trust. This is a topic I'm always trying to get my kids to think about. And Lars Guignard was able to tackle such an important parenting topic with fun and zest. In addition, he brought in another theme about how bad luck may possibly be good luck in disguise. I enjoyed following this theme as I read the story because I'm a true believer that even bad things can somehow end up a positive. We live in some tough times. This story left me believing that any thing is possible--even elephants flying which happens in the Yogi's Curse. Kids need hope. They need creativity. They need to believe. Zoe and Zak and the Yogi's Curse does just that.
The only con that I found while reading this story was how detailed it was. I felt as if sometimes Zoe (who narrated the story) gave too much detail in her description of areas and events for her age. Other than that, I think this is a great read for a tween and teen!
Purchase
Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (Audiobook)
The Buzz
"I have a 10 year old son who is an avid reader!! He loves books, (but he's picky too) he loved Harry Potter and Percy Jackson. He was so excited to read the 2nd book in this series! When I presented him the first book he was not sure he would like it but changed his mind quickly, then when I heard about the 2nd book being released he almost jumped out of his chair! (no exaggeration) He is anxiously awaiting the 3rd book! I would say that any child who enjoys fantasy/adventure books should read this series! It is a well written page turner! It's a fun story that adults can even enjoy the storyline without getting bored! According to my son, 'every kid should read this series'. " ~ 5-Star review from SavyGreenSaver, Amazon
"I loved this book, even as an adult reading it. I was completely sucked into the plot and was constantly finding myself staying up "just a little longer" to read one more chapter. Different twists and turns in the book have you constantly guessing who is behind what and who Zak and Zoe can trust. I could definitely see myself being involved in this series as a middle schooler considering how much I enjoyed it even now. Another thing I liked about it is if you missed the first book, you could still follow along with this one and not be lost." ~ 5-Star review from Staci, Amazon
"Lars Guignard has done a fabulous job with this series. I loved the `Ghost Leopard' & love this one even more. For late-elementary to middle school age readers, you can't beat this series. It's fun and fast-paced. Even my picky fifth grader enjoyed every page. There are bits of magic thrown in keep the action exciting. Mr. Guignard has a brilliant imagination & readers are blessed that he's chosen to use it for YA fiction. If you've yet to read the first installment in this series, do yourself a favor and read these books back to back. Don't limit it just to kids! Adults will have a blast reading these too!" ~ 5-Star review from Liz Terek, Amazon
About The Author: Lars Guignard
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Lars Guignard[/caption] Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the Zoe and Zak series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard, Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse, and Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple. He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he dodges bears and cougars while hiking & skiing the magnificent Coast Mountain Range. For news about new releases, please join his email list here: Zoe&ZakAdventures@gmail.comBlog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
The Yogi's Curse Blog Tour Schedule (2013/2014)
December 15December 16
December 17
December 18
December 19
December 20
December 22
December 24
December 26
December 29
December 30
December 31
January 2
January 3
January 5
January 6
January 7
January 8
January 9
January 10
January 11
January 13
January 14
** Be sure to look for the upcoming Blog Tour for Book 3 in the Zoe and Zak Series, "Tiger Temple" coming January 15, 2014. **
Thank you for your great review of Yogi's Curse Melissa. I really like how you discussed the two themes in particular: "trust" and "luck". It's been so interesting to see the different things that the blog tour hosts walk away with after reading the book. We are essentially vetting books for our children and it's so important that the underlying values in the book are ones we can endorse with our children. Thanks so much for taking part in the Yogi's Curse Blog Tour.
ReplyDeleteRenee, I really enjoyed Lars' story. Very very creative. Almost could become a fairy tale folklore.
DeleteCan I ask a question that has been bothering me for some time.
ReplyDeleteIs it true that we have control over our destinies or is it true that our fate is pre ordained?
I mean, is life what we make of it or is life written in stone so no matter what we think and do we follow a set path?
How do experts feel about this?
Thanks if you can offer advice
Truthfully, I think there is a mixture of destiny and self-creation. The more you believe and visualize, the more you can create! Hope that helps and wishing you a great start to your New Year!
DeleteThanks for your review of the Yogi’s Curse, Melissa. I’m glad the story left you believing anything possible. I think that’s a great way to approach life. Be sure to check out book three, Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple. There are some themes you might find interesting in it too. Thanks again and happy reading!
ReplyDelete