Contents:
Which scene was your favorite?
It was the time Jack was in the tree and listening to the hunters talking about him. Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting? Yes, The story drew you in and keep you wanting to find out what happened next. It is better if you read the first book in this series first. The second book develops the characters more and better written. Book 2 The Templar Chronicles, Book 2. Get it free with day trial. Publisher's Summary After barely surviving the onslaught of monsters that tried to kill him the day before his 14th birthday, Jack Templar leaves his hometown on a quest to rescue his father and discover the truth about his past.
No Reviews are Available. Most Helpful Most Recent. Much improvement from the first book. Better than the first adventure book. But man, oh man, this was so much fun! Jack is everything a teenage boy I imagined would sound like. Nothing fazes him — not even the principal turning into a massive scary bat right in front of his eyes. It had action at every turn, bloodthirsty monsters of different sorts coming at Jack on every angle.
I think Jeff sat down one night, enumerated all the stuff nightmares are made of and went with it. But it wasn't convoluted by any means. Plot twists are cool as well and it will not take too much reading time. It was fast paced but oddly timed aptly to go along with the story theme. Recommended for thrill seekers. View all 4 comments. Jun 20, Jamie rated it really liked it Shelves: Quite the introduction to a new series. I can saw up front that this series is very engaging and entertaining. The book has me amused from the very beginning with Jack's warning to all readers.
So you easily feel like a part of the story. Jack is your everyday teen. One day away from his 14th birthday and his whole life is about to go from ordinary to anything but. He meets some strange individuals and it attacked my a monster! Soon he hinds out he is wanted by the monsters more officially known Quite the introduction to a new series.
Soon he hinds out he is wanted by the monsters more officially known as the Creach and now that he is "of age" all bets are off! Few are who they seem to be. Teachers, family, and strangers all play vital roles in the 24 hours this book takes place in. That's right, by the way. This whole book takes place in approximately 24 hours! So even though it is short at just under pages, it has a LOT going on!
Filled with action and adventure! This book is a great Young adult book that even some middle grades can enjoy. That is very rare it seems nowadays. So I loved finding a book I can share with my younger brothers. We get vampires, werewolves, zombies, harpies and more in this book. Jeff Gunhus really delivers us the monster race here! Luckily for Jack, he has some good, loyal friends. Although I wish I had been able to get a better feel for them. Sadly, the book was too short for that. Yet this book is more of a prelude of what is to come it seems. I look forward to continuing the series.
Jan 05, Renee rated it it was amazing Shelves: Here's what we have to say about it: This story is about a boy named Jack Templar who, when he turns 14, turns into a Monster Hunter. Then a bunch of changes start happening in his life. He has to kill all the monsters especially the vampire named Ren Lucray. I wish the cover showed more people other than Jack so I could see what they look like. When I first saw the cover, it looked like Jack was a man, but after I read the story and looked again, I could see that he was a boy.
The main character is Jack Templar who is 13 at the start of the book. I liked the parts where they described the monsters and how there were lots of different kinds of monsters like vampires, werewolves, and zombies. I liked the Warnings at the start of the book and me and my brother even followed them by locking the doors and bolting the windows.
It was sad because they were nice people and they sacrificed themselves. Sometimes I was scared at the monstery parts and the last part the surprising part that I talked about at the start of this review and there were parts that made me sad like when the people died. In this book, it also teaches you that dying is ok. I really, really loved this book and would recommend it to girls and boys about 8 years and older because it has scary stuff and it might be too hard for younger kids to read themselves.
I might also recommend it to someone who wants to be a monster hunter because of the warnings, you might actually need to be one! Hmmm…I think I actually saw a vampire after I read the book. The story contained within the pages of Jack Templar: In short, Jack Templar: Little does he know that his world is about to be turned upside-down as he is preparing to take part in an epic battle of good versus evil. Who knew monsters existed?
This is what author Jeff Gunhus does so well — the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred within the first pages of the book when the narrator desperately tries to warn his audience that monsters are, in fact, real. You are given plenty of warning to stop reading, because if you read the book, you will become a monster hunter too. How well does Gunhus accomplish this? Let me put it this way: No one is who they seem to be, there are many turns in the plot that are completely unexpected, and you really cannot guess how it will end.
We generally only read together snuggled up on the couch before bedtime, but with this book, my kids begged me to keep reading it every spare moment we had. That being said, there is humour interspersed within the more frightening scenes which really helps to relieve the tension in the story. What I can say is that my son 6 is fearless and pretty much nothing scares him. As for appropriateness, every household has different views on this.
I know some kids who were younger than mine when they watched the Lord of the Rings trilogy; yet, it will be a long time before I let my kids watch those movies because I feel that they are very dark and violent and have mature themes. I know some parents who brought their daughter same age as mine to see the movie. My daughter has not seen the movie nor read the books. My personal opinion on this is that every child is different and parents have to make those judgment calls on their behalf. This book was so much fun to read aloud to my kids!
There is a great plot line, magnificent character development, and the right balance between humour and tension to keep you completely captivated as a reader. This book is just as entertaining for adults as it is for kids. Also, I think both boys and girls would really enjoy Jack Templar: Urban Fantasy Reading Level: Middle Grade 12 and up Recommended for: That decided me and I finally decided to go ahead and accept this book for review. Ever have one of those days?
Yeah, s Book Info: Yeah, so have I. This story covers that day with Jack Templar, the day before his 14th birthday. The day that everything changes. I have to say that the devil-werewolf? That freaked me out. When I was really young—before I even went to school—I used to have nightmares about a creature that looked very much like the devil-werewolf was described. I had never even heard of werewolves at that point in my life, so yet another of the mysteries in my life: Be sure to check it out!
There is also a website where you can keep up on Jack Templar while you wait for the next book. Otherwise, you can probably find it in a Google search. I received an e-galley from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Feb 11, Sher A. Hart rated it really liked it Shelves: Jack Templar was a fun and fast read, a page turner the whole way.
It started with a warning and the main character often talked to the audience in Percy Jackson style. The formula certainly works for the target audience, middle grade boys, and I'm sure some younger ones will love it too. I'm pretty sure young girls will like the book almost as much as boys because I once was one--young that is. I'm still female, thanks. I think I've gone soft. What I liked best was the humor. I always love awkwa Jack Templar was a fun and fast read, a page turner the whole way. I always love awkward and unpopular characters, fish-out-of-water experiences, and unlikely matches done well.
Gunhus did all those well. The bully was too typical but Jack's aunt was very cool. Eva was mysterious enough that I want to know her better, and T-Rex was genius. The pretty girl Jack longs for made another great diversion from the norm. I define normal as boring, by the way. Jack Templar was anything but normal, although the emphasis switched from humor to horror once Jack found out he was becoming a monster hunter for his fourteenth birthday. The plot had plenty of twists. The turning points were all in place even though the story was too short to have a saggy middle.
There was some intentional misdirection about a death, not exactly a spoiler in a book full of monsters. I expected someone else to die than the person hinted at, but not the person who did. I'm hard to trick, so score for Gunhus! I want to give separate ratings, one for Percy Jackson readers and another for those who haven't read Rick Riordan's series.
For my taste Jack Templar was a little too violent, but I can't complain I wasn't warned--a lot. The warnings were the only parts I thought should be cut back. They reminded me the author was using Riordan's formula each time, losing points on originality. I would give Jack Templar a 4. As for the target audience, I think 4. It's far too good not to read. Sep 01, Mike the Paladin rated it really liked it Shelves: Look I gave this a 4 star rating but there are some major things I've got to say here. I spent a great deal of time shoving down my annoyance at the writing and the characters.
So remember, this does get a 4 star rating. First, this is a kid's book. To say YA may give a false idea of it. The tone, the writing all of it is just so The "hero" Jack is supposed to be just turning 14 but he sounds much younger at times. Now I have tried to push some of the annoyance back as obvio Look I gave this a 4 star rating but there are some major things I've got to say here. Now I have tried to push some of the annoyance back as obviously this book isn't written for an adult reader.
The idea is one I think will fire the imagination of many young readers maybe primarily boys. There's adventure and lots of action. I think a lot of us this is at least me "found" Harry Potter when our kids read it or we read it with them or even to them. Since then and of course for some of you before I at least have continued to read YA books. My kids have grown but I keep reading YA. Since Harry Potter there have been dozens, maybe hundreds of YA fantasies that take place in schools, academies and so on where "youths" are taught about magic, monsters etc.
So, that's where we're headed here. This book sadly isn't even in the same ball park with Ms. Well I've discussed with other the "first person" viewpoint. Some people say they just dislike it sort of on "spec". Personally I like it when it's a "good" fist person story. This one is at best fair.
Okay no56t great but the idea is good enough and story fast enough that I think young readers will like it. Not right away as I have a lot of books waiting, but I may pick it back up. I can hope the books may age a bit with the readers. I won't count on it, but I can hope. View all 6 comments. Jan 31, Dianne rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Jack is in for the shock of his life! He goes from a normal boy to a super hero on his fourteenth birthday!
Not only is he expected to save the world from evil, he may very well be the last of his kind! Pretty heavy stuff for an orphaned boy who lived with is loving aunt!
Jack and his friends are priceless! They act and react like the kids they are! They talk about things kids talk about, deal with things kids deal with in school! Jack did not start out a hero. He wasn't in the school's top cliche Jack is in for the shock of his life! He wasn't in the school's top cliches, not even close! His take on life is both age-appropriate and comical!
I have recommended this to my grandchildren and several teachers as a book their students will love!! A wonderful way to get kids to learn the love of books! Fun, funny, full of adventure! Thanks for the interest in the book giveaway for Jack Templar Monster Hunter. Check out the new book trailer using the link below. Feb 06, Kate rated it it was ok Shelves: This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for review.
While the writing was a little simplistic for me, and a few of the scenarios were extremely hackneyed, the intended audience of under boys will likely be charmed by Jack's voice and the predicaments he finds himself in. That too-clever framework is a little much, though. The book begins Note: The book begins by warning readers not to read it, and continues by breaking into the action several times to point out little tidbits about monsters, or about when and where to read the book, etc. This framing device could be interesting, executed well, but unfortunately, it's REALLY heavy-handed, and serves more to interrupt the narrative than to supplement and enhance it.
Plus, the end commentary makes it seem as though this is a letter being written Bit of a head-scratcher, that. The premise itself is a fun one - young Jack is about to turn 14, and his aunt who's raised him; his mother died when he was born, and his father a few years later has a special night planned.
Something strange is going on with Jack, though, who's noticing some really rapid physical changes, including enhanced strength, speed, and reflexes. On his way home, he's accosted by a strange old woman Turns out, Jack is the last of a great line of monster hunters, and he becomes fair game the instant he turns The monsters want to torture him, then murder him, ending his line.
There are some clever twists and turns in the story, and some nicely wrought, colourful characters, including Jack's friends Will and T-Rex. The writing and plotting could be a lot tighter, but all the unanswered questions and withholding of information DOES set up Jack's exploration of the monster hunter society in an ongoing series.
The slightly problematic way they're depicted may be more a result of channeling a young teen boy's mindset than anything. For middle-grade readers, this should be a fun, fairly rapid read, with potential for an interesting series to spring from it. The framing device is inelegant and heavy-handed, and the deliberate teasers and withholding of information is a little infuriating, but I can see where it's in service of the overall plot of "Jack discovers he's a monster hunter and must cope with his genetic and cultural heritage" and, well, monsters are fun.
So just run with it, eh? Now, let's get to work. Jack Templar is a refreshing, heroic tale with everything that is best in the modern fantasy stories. Our hero has to face: The beginning is in a funny note and despite warnings that are given you expect a quiet cruise and not the fighting and victims to come. I say this because some scenes are worthy of The Walking Dead Series. Do not worry, it's still a story for young people, but for those that are daring.
He will be happy to try those abilities, but he will have to face also less pleasant consequences, time for readers to receive a new lesson. Jack narrates the events in the same way that secrets are shared between friends, sheltered by night, and his story is truly one that you can read at any age. Dec 17, Nickie rated it really liked it.
Jack is a pretty normal almost-fourteen year old.
He lives with his Aunt Sophie, spends his day in boredom at school, and hangs out with his friends, Will and T-Rex. But as his fourteenth birthday draws nearer, Jack starts noticing some changes.
He chalks it to finally hitting a growth spurt and the extra hours he's been putting in to working out. Then there's the way his principal stares at him. She was always a little creepy before, but now Jack is a pretty normal almost-fourteen year old. She was always a little creepy before, but now? Jack starts noticing some new faces in his small town as well. Jack finally discovers that these changes are all related. He's a monster hunter, descended from monster hunters, and on his fourteenth birthday the monsters around him are finally allowed to take him out.
He'll have to figure out how to fight for his life while trying to fight for what's right. What I liked about this book: This was a well paced, action packed book with a great MG voice. It was reminiscent of the 'Percy Jackson' books -- a great balance of humor, adventure, and just a hint of horror. Jack's character is beautifully drawn, and the down-to-earth narrative style of the book sucked me right in. I felt like I could hear jack conversing with me and telling me to put the book down to keep the monsters at bay!
Some of the monsters are clearly over-the-top psychopaths, but others aren't all bad. It led to more moral dilemmas for Jack, and I'm interested to see where this goes in the next book. What I didn't like about this book: Thankfully, there wasn't too much of this. I also wanted a little more explanation about how Jack was able to so quickly identify and defeat the monsters he fought. He's thrown into a strange world, and while he's gotten stronger, he still hasn't learned about all the different creatures and how to fight them. I had a hard time believing T-Rex wouldn't say goodbye to his grandma.
I think a short, emotional farewell would have worked better. Next week I might do elevenths. If you have a reluctant MG reader on your hands, I would highly recommend this book. It's quick, fun, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I can't wait to read the next Jack Templar installment! Nov 09, Gayle Pace rated it really liked it. This book was written for middle aged children by Jeffrey Gunhus. I'm not a middle aged child but perhaps the book brings out the child in you SO read it and be a child for a while.
The beginning is with an orphan, Jack Smith.
He lives in the little town of Sunnyvale with his Aunt Sophie. Supposedly his parents died when he was an infant. He knows nothing of his past. As with all of us, when we get to be a teen our whole world seems to change. Everything you think is one way turns out to be just t This book was written for middle aged children by Jeffrey Gunhus.
Everything you think is one way turns out to be just the oposite. This book is written so realistic in a lot of ways. You can place yourself as the characters in the book. Jack felt the people around him were monsters, out to get him. Ther is so much surprise and wonderment as to what the turning of the page will bring.
But man, oh man, this was so much fun! Jack survived a contract on his life by the monsters of the world. What I liked about this book: I received a complimentary e-book from Jeffrey Gunhus for this review. Few are who they seem to be.
The monsters seem to exist only in fiction, but do they? There is a truce between monsters and man that children are off-limits until their 14th birthday. Jack finds his heritage and great friends who watch his back. Jack is the center character, orphaned and loveable, but out there are angry monsters just waiting to kill 14 year old Jack. His city is about to come under attack. He finds his legacy from a mysterious girl named Eve.
His legacy is that he is now a Monster Hunter.