Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy by Jeff Gunhus

A to Z Challenge
Day 10: J
April 11, 2013

K.E.Nowinsky Reviews:

Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy

The Templar Chronicles, Book 2

Author: Jeff Gunhus

April 11, 2013

The Scoop on the Synopsis

“After barely surviving the onslaught of monsters that tried to kill him the day before his fourteenth birthday, Jack Templar leaves his hometown on a quest to rescue his father and discover the truth about his past. Joined by his friends Will and T-Rex, and led by Eva, the mysterious one-handed monster hunter, Jack sets out for the Monster Hunter Academy where he hopes to find answers to his questions. Little does he suspect that the Academy is filled with dangers of its own, many of them more terrifying than anything he’s faced so far.” (Seven Guns Press, 2013)

Warning!

Something that hooked me into the book was a warning to the reader: monsters are real and just by reading the book we are in danger! Since the chronicles are targeted for middle school level readers, it is an exceptional way of drawing in the age group by telling them not to do something; because of course, they will automatically be drawn to it. Having worked with students within this age bracket I can corroborate that the Monster Hunter series will be a popular read.

The Author behind Jack Templar

Jeff Gunhus spent his childhood in Greece  Cyprus, and Saudi Arabia. Books were a vital part of his Seven Guns Press, n.d.) To learn more about Jeff Gunhus and his good friend Jack Templar, visit http://www.jacktemplar.com/about_the_author

childhood entertainment, since he did not have the luxury of television; he sought his entertainment values through stories that were “the gateway to incredible adventures, fascinating characters and unbelievable discoveries.” (

“As Jack always says, Do your duty, come what may!” (Seven Guns Press, n.d.)

My Examining Elements  

4 out of 5 Stars = Great Read!

The book begins by reintroducing you to Jack Templar, for those of us that have not read the first book. Jack is an orphan searching for answers as to the origins of his destiny, analyzing the mysterious circumstances within his quest for knowledge, and adventure.  Of course it does not hurt that his crush, Eva, is an instructor, but then again, this causes some tension within the ranks. His two friends T-Rex and Will have tagged along seeking this journey of proverbial proportions.

While there were some minor grammatical errors, this was a fun story to read. If you like Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (J.K. Rowling, 2000) then you will certainly enjoy Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy (J.Gunhus, 2013).

Top Ten List: How Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy mirrors Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

10.) Both books are the second installment within the respective series.

9.) Jack Templar and Harry Potter are both tasked with fighting something grand.

8.) Harry survives the attack against the Basilisk. Jack survives against Tiberon, and others for that matter.

7.) Both are pitted against an antagonist: Jack’s adversary is Daniel and Harry’s is Draco.

6.) Harry and Draco compete in the Dueling Club against one another, while Jack and Daniel compete targeting the King of the Black Wolves against one another.

5.) Harry had to rush to find a cure for Hermione and Jack was left to tend to Daniel after an attack.

4.) Jack has two friends, T-Rex and Will. Harry has two friends, Hermione and Ron.

3.) Both the Monster Hunter Academy and Hogwarts holds secrets waiting to be discovered.

2.) Jack and Harry both have the institute’s superior to help. Jack has Master Aquinas and Harry had Professor Dumbledore.

1.) They are both orphans, seeking the answers to their questions, and leaders of their quests.

Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy is a magnificent adventure written by a masterful story teller. I loved the relationship triangle between Eva, Daniel, and Jack. I also enjoyed the connection between Jack and Tiberon. The story might have snippets that remind you of other stories, but it definitely holds its own. As an Amazon Best Seller, Jeff Gunhus has imagined a world of mystery and intrigue, with a believable humanizing protagonist. I am looking forward to the continuing saga of Jack Templar.

References:

Seven Guns Press. (n.d.). Jack Templar Monster Hunter. Retrieved from http://www.jacktemplar.com/about_the_author

Seven Guns Press. (2013). -Amazon Bestselling Author - Jeff Gunhus. Retrieved from http://www.jeffgunhus.com/

Kindle Edition

Buy the Book

 Top Ten List

Top 10 Best Movie Soundtracks to Write To

I always write with a movie soundtrack pumping through my earbuds. I choose atmospheric and emotional music similar in tone to what ever I'm writing that day. Here are my favorites. 

1. Gladiator - Hans Zimmer

2. Lord of the Rings - Howard Shore

2. Harry Potter - John Williams

3. Batman Begins - Hans Zimmer

4. Transformers - Steve Jablonsky

5. Avatar - James Horner

6. Pirates of the Caribbean - Hans Zimmer

7. Inception - Hans Zimmer

8. The Chronicles of Narnia - Harry Gregson-Williams

9. Kingdom of Heaven - Harry Gregson-Williams

10. Crimson Tide - Hans Zimmer

(Jeff Gunhus Top Ten List provided by Girl Who Reads www.girl-who-reads.com)