Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light (Clifton Chase Adventures)

"Clifton Chase" belongs on your bookshelf - young or old - right along with Tolkien and Grimm. And if you're looking for a perfect gift this season for young adults or those "grown ups" (I am one) who love to lose themselves in an engaging epic, Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light will not fail you! I write books for a living and was nonetheless blown away by the accomplished presentation of Clifton Chase. If that sounds trivial, consider that we now live in an age of digital publishing where the burden is more than ever on the consumer to separate the chaff from the wheat - and this one is all wheat! More importantly, Ms. Engle's perfect execution preserves the wonderful milieu she creates so you are simply living the tale and nothing shatters that illusion. But at it's core, Clifton Chase is an immediately engaging, light, and wonderful journey which will keep you turning pages, romance your imagination, and very subtly teach you as well. I have no "stock in the company," I am honestly excited about the book and wanted people to know. This one's a winner - buy it, give it as gifts, read it to your children, keep it with your classics. You and your children's children will be glad you did!

I wanted to read the book as a fellow SCBWI member, but quickly became a fan and truly couldn't put it down! I have never been a time-travel lover, but Clifton changed my attitude toward that genre. The story was an emotional roller-coaster for Clifton, and this was an interesting aspect that the author handled very well. It also works for boys or girls, and all ages-not an easy thing to pull-off for any author, but Ms. Engle does it with style. Perhaps a sequel soon?

I enjoyed reading about the adventures of Clifton Chase a normal boy with an amazing life thanks to an old arrow he finds. The arrow sends Clifton on a quest that includes time travel, dwarfs and kings. It is fast paced and very well written. This book held my interest even though I am well past the target age. I am sure it will do the same for you.

Very good book!

Review first posted at Girl Who Reads. A free copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. For some reason, Clifton was chosen out of all the other middle schoolers to a land of magical creatures and two princes. Clifton returned the arrow and went back home to a normal life, but he had to go back when he found out the princes were locked in Droffilc tower by the King. Enlisting the help of the magical creatures and the princess, Clifton hoped to help the princes and find out why the Arrow of Light had chosen him. Geared toward middle-grade readers, this portal fantasy sends Clifton from a Florida schoolyard archery contest between rivals to meeting the dwarf Dane and his wife Liv in York, England. King Richard III is who they’re all afraid of, the first clue that Clifton was sent back to the past until he finds out he’s in 1485. The princes are Edward and Richard, and their sister is Elizabeth Tudor. Those are all historical figures, and the boys were locked in the Tower of London and never seen again. Just being in the past means that Clifton has the opportunity to change history. Clifton is hardly the perfect hero, as he and Ryan were picking on each other and got into a fight in gym class. He refuses the call to adventure, and would rather stay home where he is relatively comfortable than to fight a potential war. Understandable, but if he does that, we don’t have a book to read. He has to learn the meaning of loyalty, friendship, and duty, and it’s definitely a hard lesson to learn. There are fight scenes, from helping the princes break out of the tower to being with the merpeople to being in the midst of battle against King Richard III. Any ordinary boy would fear it, and rightfully so. But he rises to the challenge in the story and ultimately learns that fighting for its own sake isn’t worth it. Defending others and restoring justice are much worthier goals to follow.

The truth is this book is not very good... not by a long shot..because this book is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC and FANTABULOUS!! It;s a whimiscal tale full of heart and humor and action. There is something so compelling about a young hero or heroine who is bullied or underappreciated and must go on a journey of self discovery.. it never gets old.. For me it never does and never will!! I love the moment where he meets the lovely dwarves and he tells them where he is from.. love that. a Fantastical world and Clifton is from Florida.. For me a lovely throwback to John Carter.. VIRGINAAAAAAAA (points if you got that reference.) this book is written with such love and care and geek love. I love the married dwarves. Reminds of the kind beavers from Narnia. and I sense a moment from the Jaden Smith Karate Kid.. trying to overcome adversity and fear to become great. After reading so many great books I think its amazing when you can enjoy a story and there are passages that make you smile or near tears and to add icing on top of the cake can make you think of another tale that made you feel that. Jaimie Engle is a treasure. Okay I say about Jeff Goldblum and Bryce Dallas Howard and many others but it still remains I am always grateful to have met her. She loves to write and she loves to share and listen to what makes stories fun and inspiring. When you talk with Jaimie she makes you feel proud to enjoy the things you love about all things geek and to own that. It is truly magical to read a story and she has truly enjoyed and when you meet her she is the real deal 2020 i have realized how many books and more speak truth to power and the flaws in the world.. Dashner..collins.. roth.. Lucas..Crtichton.. angie thomas.. etc. Avatar the last airbender. I feel now more than ever the arts matter thew power of words matter. Stories about heroes fighting for truth justice and the American Way where people of many colors are all in.. Jaimie exudes a force for good and she is bound to go higher further faster in marvelous territory So yeah its a pretty awesome read .and her social media is gold I STAN HER..

What a grand story in Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light by Jaimie Engle. I haven't read work from this author before, and I enjoyed this story. This author brings the story to life. The characters had a lot of depth, and were very real, and fit within this fantastical story. Clifton Chase was chosen, and he doesn't take that lightly, even though he's in middle school. Packed with mystic, magic and new worlds and it takes the reader on a superb adventure. This story takes the reader through time along with Clifton Chase, and it's a fun, but majestically filled adventure. This author has a great imagination. The thrills and intrigue is written clearly. Definitely an unpredictable story, my favorite kind! It's fun, and entertaining, and there are parts that bring the story to life. This author's characters develop and interacts well with the other characters, and other beings. I can't wait to read more of Clifton Chase and his arrow of light adventures. Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I look forward to reading many more titles by this author. I received this book to read and give my honest and unbiased review. ~Amy's Bookshelf Reviews

Clifton Chase is an average seventh grader with a greater than average talent with a bow, and the latest target for bully Ryan Rivales. When Clifton finds a dusty old wooden arrow in the back of his closet, he takes Ryan's bet to see who can hit a bullseye, the old junk arrow against a brand new compound bow. Ryan nails the bullseye, but the junk arrow flies far wide of the target, sailing out of sight into the sandy dunes. When Clifton finds the arrow, he is shocked to find that it's glowing. When he picks it up, it transports him back in time to 1485 England, right in the thick of the War of the Roses. Brought back to rescue Prince Edward and Prince Richard from their evil uncle King Richard III, Clifton is aided by a host of mythological creatures and historical figures, and hunted by powerful enemies seeking control of the powerful Arrow of Light he carries. Clifton must learn the true meaning of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice to activate the Arrow of Light and face the evil king in the past, and his own bully in the future. Content: Drug Content: G - Some guards at a tower are all rather drunk. Nothing you wouldn't see in Sleeping Beauty. Violence: G - Even in battle scenes, there's not a lot of blood, but several characters are killed. Someone is eaten by a Sea Monster. Language: G - squeaky clean. Adult Content: G - This is Middle Grade fiction. The only adult thing that happens here is some preteen angst and a brief kiss. Christian content: This is a clean MG fantasy, and isn't saturated with any overt references to God. Several times the main character prays for help, and multiple characters rely on God to aid in their time of need. Self Sacrifice and protecting the weak are strong themes, righting injustices and dealing with bullies are central to this work also. Final analysis: This was a wonderful delve into the past, well-spiced with mythical creatures like dragons, sea monsters, mermaids, giants, and dwarfs. Just the right mix of fantasy, history, and life lessons to make for an enthralling book every MG boy would enjoy. Several characters were deeply drawn, and the issue of bullying is dealt with well. Fast paced, high stakes, gripping, humorous, Five Stars! *I received an electronic copy for an honest review.