A forbidden journey. A secret agenda. A mysterious object.
When Thutter McClutter, a young Glade-dwelling shrew, willingly decides to break the ancient Code and cross into the shadowy darkness of the great Woode, he is certain that seeing the mysterious Solkreat is the goal. But as he and his friends near the curious Creature, another agenda is exposed. One of the adventurers wants the magic hogseye. The wicked and powerful Beastmonger is nearby, however, and he also covets the enchanted object; what’s more, he will stop at nothing to get it—not even murder.
The Taming is a story about friendship, lasting faith, and willing sacrifice. It is the first book of the Refuge Chronicles, an epic tale of Light’s battle with Darkness.
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REVIEWS
From Forever Booklover Blog
The Taming is a delightful book from start to end that offers an intriguing, enjoyable main character, villains that appear fresh and original, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The author managed to keep the pace fast from start to end, and with the short chapters, I just had to keep on reading. There’s never a dull moment.
I look forward to reading the next installment of the Refuge Chronicles.
http://foreverbooklover.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/book-review-the-taming/
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From Bookaholic Ramblings Blog
In The Taming, young shrew Thutter and his friends play the main role. They’re an interesting bunch, and Thutter makes for a hero who is at times hilarious, and at times surprisingly heroic. The book is filled with mystical creatures like the Solkreat who has a magic hogseye, a “hero-maker” dangling from its neck. Then there’s the villain, The Beastmonger, who is trying to steal the object as well. The ancient conflict between Light and Darkness plays a major role in the book, and Thutter must learn to believe in himself if he ever wants to defeat the Darkness.
In typical fantasy style, the distinction between Light and Darkness is quite large, and the hero struggles with understanding his purpose. The book is ideal for middle graders though. The writing style is suitable for the audience, and the wide cast of interesting creatures will not disappoint any middle grader.
I had a blast reading, and I’m sure the book can be enjoyed by both middle graders and older audiences.
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From The Book Daily Blog
Great story, with a few interesting twists I hadn’t seen coming. It’s written toward a younger audience (tweens and middle graders) but as an adult, I enjoyed it as well. It sounds like a great book to read with your kids, if you have any.
Thutter McClutter is pretty hilarious. Not just his name, but his actions, and basically everything about him. The book is light fantasy, and it always borders between being serious and being hilarious, which is a mix I’m sure kids will love.
An interesting start to a promising series.
http://thebookdaily.wordpress.com/?s=the+taming&submit=Search
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From I Heart Reading Blog (excerpted)
With a main character named Thutter McClutter, you know you’re up for some hilarious scenes. The Taming is a middle grade fantasy that will appeal to older audiences as well, and reminded me of classics like Narnia, The Neverending Story, and even the Wizard of Oz.
The Taming balanced solid writing and a fast pace, and mixed it together into a pleasant read…
…this book was an excellent read. Definitely for middle graders and older though – the writing is too complicated for a younger audience. Middle graders who struggle with reading may get challenged as well, but they’ll probably succeed with a little help. For a middle grader who loves reading, this book is ideal though.
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From Feathered Quill Book Reviews
For all glade-dwellers it is widely known that leaving the protection of the Glade is forbidden as terrible dangers await anyone who leaves. However, Thutter McClutter, who is just a small young shrew, finds himself doing that very thing accompanied by three companions, Scruffy (a mouse), Plumpkin (a rat), and a wise old friend named Patch (a mole). From the beginning it is clear that Scruffy is the instigator of this so called “adventure,” but Patch knows that something is not right and takes it upon himself to watch over Thutter. These four travelers set off to find the mysterious creature called a Solkreat, for this animal is something that few have the opportunity to behold. However, with each step of this journey danger is around every corner and it becomes increasingly clear that seeing a Solkreat was not the intended goal of this quest. Scruffy is hiding something, but continually skims the truth of why he talked his friends into coming on this adventure, but some secrets will not stay hidden for long.
As the four friends dodge danger, and escape evil creatures, it becomes clear that an unknown force is helping them along their way. This adventure suddenly becomes anything but as events start to unfold that point to the unrelenting conflict between good and evil. The four weary travelers are thrown into a dangerous battleground that will test them to the absolute limit. Fortunately for Thutter, Patch is there to help him and being the wise mole that he is, slowly decides that Thutter needs to learn exactly what his role is in the protection of the Glade that they all call home. With Patch’s wisdom thrumming through Thutter’s young mind he quickly becomes aware of what his role is and realizes that he is now a part of something bigger than he could have ever imagined.
From the very first page I was intrigued with this story and continued to be completely caught up in it until the very last word. Each chapter is filled with adventure, danger, mystery, friendship, and strength that will have the reader transfixed. An unlikely hero combined with the ongoing struggle between the powers of good and evil set the stage for an amazing story! Instantly I found myself sympathizing with young Thutter as he worked to understand the dangers around him, Patch’s words of wisdom and the inner battle that is within him. That inner conflict that everyone goes through at one point or another trying to find their place and role in the world is shown amazingly well through this character. Atticus Krum does an exquisite job of giving the reader a story that shows what can happen when time is taken to listen to the voice deep inside each of us and follow the path that we were meant to take.
Quill says: This is a wonderfully intriguing and truly inspiring tale!
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Cassidy Crimson’s blog
The Taming is an intriguing novel mixing fantasy with characters kids can easily relate to, and highly imaginative creatures. The writing is sublime, and with great attention to detail. The Beastmonger is a powerful opponent, and Thutter is an interesting protagonist. He must find his own true strength, and hold on to his beliefs. It’s an endearing book, ideal for young kids, and young adults alike.
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Hollow Readers Blog
Jilly’s thoughts: Writing was okay. The originality of the book surprised me though. Thutter McClutter – what an awesome name! And the setting was definitely intriguing too. Can’t wait for the sequel.
Mel’s thoughts: A bit too heavy on trying to rely certain virtues to kids, but once I got passed that, I enjoyed it. Thutter is a great main character.
Lanie’s thoughts: Out of my way! I’m going out to slay a fierce Beastmonger! Or well, do something else. Hah. Well anyway, my little brother (he’s a middle grader) and I, both loved the Taming. Great writing, awesome characters, amazing plot. Keep the fun going!
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Endazzled Reading Blog
A delightful middle grade fantasy story for kids who love the imaginative and fantastical. “The Taming” is the first book in a series, and immediately shows the author’s talent for creating characters that seem authentic and real to kids. Thutter McClutter is an enigmatic protagonist, and one kids will probably relate to.
The writing is great, and the characters are refreshing. The plot is imaginative, and highly entertaining. A great book for fantasy fans, and kids who like fantasy.
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Editor Charlene
The Taming is an interesting novel for kids and middle graders. The characters are funny and entertaining, especially main character “Thutter McClutter” – what a hilarious name. The story is also filled with all kinds of subtle messages teaching kids right and wrong, and to believe in themselves and in a higher power.
The cover is quirky, but I’d prefer some more action, especially since the book has plenty of action scenes. It was an easy, quick read, enjoyable for adults, but certainly highly entertaining for kids.
http://editorcharlene.wordpress.com/
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Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers’ Favorite
The Taming (The Refuge Chronicles) (Volume 1) by Atticus Krum is an intriguing fantasy and adventure story with some nice morals for children. Thutter and his three friends have reason to undertake an adventure after the appearance of a mysterious Creature just beyond the Hollow, bearing a shiny object. Leaving the glade is breaking the Code, but these four critters decide to take a trip to see the live Solkreat. One of Thutter’s friends wants the magic hogseye which dangles from the Creature’s neck. Apparently he is not the only one who has his eye on it. The Beastmonger, a wicked slitherer, also wants it and it will do anything to covet it. But it is believed that only one person can steal it; a certain young shrew. Now the Elders know about this and they have their own plans for Thutter. Will the young shrew believe in them and will their plan succeed?
The book is excellent and, with all its twists and turns in the plot, it is a fast paced and compelling read. The Elders Three have a dominant role in the story where they guide Thutter at every stage. With its whimsy, mystery, humor, fantasy, intrigue and suspense, this book has a challenging plot that will stimulate readers. The narrative is descriptive and detailed, making the scenes aesthetic and appealing. The Christian undertones blend well with the fantasy and adventure plot. It is a book that will also appeal to adult readers.