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100 Cupboards #2
Dandelion Fire
Henry York never dreamed his time in Kansas would open a door to adventure, much less a hundred doors. But a visit to his aunt and uncle's farm took an amazing turn when cupboard doors, hidden behind Henry's bedroom wall, revealed themselves to be portals to other worlds. Now, with his time at the farm drawing to a close, Henry makes a bold decision--he must go through the cupboards to find the truth about where he's from and who his parents are. Following that trail will take him from one world to another, and ultimately into direct conflict with the evil of Endor.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published December 8, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 790 reviews
June 21, 2008
First, I am a completely unobjective super-fan of both ND Wilson and this book. I did marry the boy (whose words I loved) and he did dedicate the book to me (so, in a way, he bought these five stars). But he's not on goodreads, so I can say whatever I want (right?). I enjoyed it immensely, especially everything to do with the faeren. I'm most curious how it will strike fans of 100Cs since I really am too close to the story to see it in its own right.
I just finished my first (gripped, laughing, crying) read of the ARC (though I heard it read chapter by chapter as it was written) and I'm reading it a second time to our son. It makes a good read-aloud since he writes to the ear.
I couldn't settle on a favorite quote but a poem I can do...
"Bacon, bacon's all I'm takin'
Tap the ale, pour out the wine
You bring ten hens what all are layin'
And I, my love, will slice the swine."
--Eli Fitzfaeren
I just finished my first (gripped, laughing, crying) read of the ARC (though I heard it read chapter by chapter as it was written) and I'm reading it a second time to our son. It makes a good read-aloud since he writes to the ear.
I couldn't settle on a favorite quote but a poem I can do...
"Bacon, bacon's all I'm takin'
Tap the ale, pour out the wine
You bring ten hens what all are layin'
And I, my love, will slice the swine."
--Eli Fitzfaeren
May 12, 2009
I read this in its various permutations in manuscript, but this was my first post-publication read through. This is simply an outstanding book. As the author's father, I can be allowed my little biases. But, also as the author's father, I must be recognized as being in possession of front row seats. When it comes to his gift for writing, Nate is going to make a big dent. I can hardly wait to tell you what is happening with Notes from the Tilt-a-Whirl.
January 9, 2010
I almost never post reviews of subsequent titles in a series but this one was so much worse than the 1st, I have to post my review.
In the second installment of 100 Cupboards, Henry discovers that he is a 7th son with magical abilities, which forms a dandelion mark on his hand. Henry’s cousin Henrietta decides to adventure through the cupboards and her family follows her. A battle of good verses evil ensues. Though the idea of cupboards with hidden worlds is appealing as is the cute flying creature (raggant) sent to mysteriously find Henry, there are many faults with this book. First, the writing is extremely choppy and confusing - actions jump so much it is difficult to understand what is going on. Second, characters are quickly introduced (and almost all end up being related) with little motivation for their benevolent or malevolent actions. Henry and Henrietta are annoying and unsympathetic main characters. Other faults include a bizarre violence/indifference towards animals and a strange attitude of slavery. Purchase where the first was extremely popular though this is a good example of the poor execution of an interesting idea.
In the second installment of 100 Cupboards, Henry discovers that he is a 7th son with magical abilities, which forms a dandelion mark on his hand. Henry’s cousin Henrietta decides to adventure through the cupboards and her family follows her. A battle of good verses evil ensues. Though the idea of cupboards with hidden worlds is appealing as is the cute flying creature (raggant) sent to mysteriously find Henry, there are many faults with this book. First, the writing is extremely choppy and confusing - actions jump so much it is difficult to understand what is going on. Second, characters are quickly introduced (and almost all end up being related) with little motivation for their benevolent or malevolent actions. Henry and Henrietta are annoying and unsympathetic main characters. Other faults include a bizarre violence/indifference towards animals and a strange attitude of slavery. Purchase where the first was extremely popular though this is a good example of the poor execution of an interesting idea.
May 2, 2016
The second in this trilogy was even better than the first. That's a rare feat. Usually book two in a trilogy id the weakest, but this was excellent. Wilson's imagination and sorry-telling are at his peak.. I especially love how he writes villains. They are hateable precisely because he writes evil as evil and not as something to be desired. The villains make the heroes that much more likable. In all, a wonderful story.
Want to read
July 14, 2020Oops. I ought to have read this ten years ago. Now I don't at all recall the first book.
Maybe I'll try Wilson's other series instead.
Maybe I'll try Wilson's other series instead.
March 1, 2021
Wilson is one of the most powerful story tellers of our day.
March 28, 2020
In all honesty, I feel bad giving Dandelion Fire one star only because it's one of those books that I've wanted to read for years.
I was debating whether to give it two, because even when I usually don't like a book I'll give it an extra star for one good thing that I liked, but I just can't with this one. It might just be me, but reading this felt like dragging myself through gravel- it was kind of a gross experience and I just wanted it to stop. Though the characters were not all the same, every single one was one dimensional, dry, and some sort of copy of another character (Henry and Henrietta; Frank and Fat Frank; I was like "is it that hard to come up with names?"). They in no way had the ability to push the story along and therefore made me indifferent to anything that happened to them.
The idea of this story is creative, but I won't acknowledge it solely because it was not executed in a way that I liked. It had elements that are worthy of a fantasy novel- faeries, new worlds, wizards, and magic, but all of these things seemed like they were shoved into the book rather than written with as much precision as possible. It was like this author was trying too hard to make a classic middle grade fantasy that would blow up on the New York Times Bestselling list, like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. I haven't read Harry Potter, but I know that a couple of characters in this book were almost direct copies of those from the series- Henry, for example, had a burn mark that was a symbol of his heritage, *ahem* Harry *ahem*, and there was also some random faerie named Ron. The main villain in this book reminded me of Snape, but I wouldn't know enough to compare them.
Even though I'm running low on books that I own and I'm unable to go to the library (#quarantined), I'm sure I would find more joy out of re-reads than I would finishing this series.
I was debating whether to give it two, because even when I usually don't like a book I'll give it an extra star for one good thing that I liked, but I just can't with this one. It might just be me, but reading this felt like dragging myself through gravel- it was kind of a gross experience and I just wanted it to stop. Though the characters were not all the same, every single one was one dimensional, dry, and some sort of copy of another character (Henry and Henrietta; Frank and Fat Frank; I was like "is it that hard to come up with names?"). They in no way had the ability to push the story along and therefore made me indifferent to anything that happened to them.
The idea of this story is creative, but I won't acknowledge it solely because it was not executed in a way that I liked. It had elements that are worthy of a fantasy novel- faeries, new worlds, wizards, and magic, but all of these things seemed like they were shoved into the book rather than written with as much precision as possible. It was like this author was trying too hard to make a classic middle grade fantasy that would blow up on the New York Times Bestselling list, like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. I haven't read Harry Potter, but I know that a couple of characters in this book were almost direct copies of those from the series- Henry, for example, had a burn mark that was a symbol of his heritage, *ahem* Harry *ahem*, and there was also some random faerie named Ron. The main villain in this book reminded me of Snape, but I wouldn't know enough to compare them.
Even though I'm running low on books that I own and I'm unable to go to the library (#quarantined), I'm sure I would find more joy out of re-reads than I would finishing this series.
July 30, 2022
Just as magical and good and deeply stirring as the first time I read it.
These characters laugh from their gut, loving family and home and goodness with a fierce love that burns hotter than a dandelion’s life. Evil is unapologetically evil, and good is so very good.
This book also has one of my absolute favorite endings ever.
”Your life is your own, your glory is your glory, but you will lose it if you keep it for yourself. Grasp it for the sake of others.”
Content: violence, creepiness, a few mentions of confusing spirituality, very infrequent mild language (a**, d**n, b**tard, misuse of the Lord’s name)
These characters laugh from their gut, loving family and home and goodness with a fierce love that burns hotter than a dandelion’s life. Evil is unapologetically evil, and good is so very good.
This book also has one of my absolute favorite endings ever.
”Your life is your own, your glory is your glory, but you will lose it if you keep it for yourself. Grasp it for the sake of others.”
Content: violence, creepiness, a few mentions of confusing spirituality, very infrequent mild language (a**, d**n, b**tard, misuse of the Lord’s name)
June 15, 2009
so, i loved the first book (100 Cupboards) because the concept of there being hidden cupboard doors in an attic behind which different worlds existed was completely fascinating and a great hook. in the sequel, the author splits the main family up into three different lines (two characters each go into a world and everyone else tries to follow them and they all end up in different places) and i was left feeling VERY confused with no clear sense of which world I was in from chapter-to-chapter, WAY too many auxillary characters to keep straight (or to care about when they got killed) and WAYYYYY too much abstract magic-going-on-in-the-character's-head type of writing. Very disappointing sequel. Luckily, there's no cliff-hanger, so maybe there won't be a third?
December 15, 2018
ugh, Brandon, why did you take so long to read this?
Regardless, it's amazing. I hadn't been reading much that I really liked when I started it, and it just reminded me what it felt like to read a really fabulous book. The descriptions bring not just the storyworld, but also our real world to life in vibrant, convulsing color. Henry grows up into a little man (but still has that big heart) and I just love it. Even Henrietta learns to shut up and think things through every once in a while. There's just so much hope in this story. So much light and innocence to fight against the evils of the storyworld (and our real world too).
I'll take the fire of the dandelion every time.
Regardless, it's amazing. I hadn't been reading much that I really liked when I started it, and it just reminded me what it felt like to read a really fabulous book. The descriptions bring not just the storyworld, but also our real world to life in vibrant, convulsing color. Henry grows up into a little man (but still has that big heart) and I just love it. Even Henrietta learns to shut up and think things through every once in a while. There's just so much hope in this story. So much light and innocence to fight against the evils of the storyworld (and our real world too).
I'll take the fire of the dandelion every time.
October 11, 2022
One of my favorite fantasy books only second to the the Lord of the Rings.
“Sometimes standing against evil is more important than defeating it. The greatest heroes stand because it is right to do so, not because they believe they will walk away with their lives. Such selfless courage is a victory in itself”. Nd wilson
“Sometimes standing against evil is more important than defeating it. The greatest heroes stand because it is right to do so, not because they believe they will walk away with their lives. Such selfless courage is a victory in itself”. Nd wilson
July 5, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
I liked this one more than the previous one, although it still suffered from pacing and was a lot longer than the first book. But a lot of things happen and you find out a LOT about Henry's past. While the first book mostly took place in the "real world", much of this book took place in the worlds/dimensions behind the doors. I'm still not sure I followed everything, and it doesn't help that there are many similar or identical names used (Henry, Kansas, Henry, Henrietta, Frank, Francis, etc.) and I had to double-check constantly that I knew who was being talked about. But I still enjoyed the story and I definitely want to find out what happens in the third book. I thought Henrietta was more bearable this time, but honestly, she and Anastasia are still kind of annoying to me. What I liked was that her adventure was mostly separate from Henry's so that you had a chance to see them both figure out their part in the story without constantly bickering with each other. I have since learned the first book has been targeted for a movie and I can definitely see how this story could translate to the screen. It should be interesting to see if this movie ever makes it into production.
I liked this one more than the previous one, although it still suffered from pacing and was a lot longer than the first book. But a lot of things happen and you find out a LOT about Henry's past. While the first book mostly took place in the "real world", much of this book took place in the worlds/dimensions behind the doors. I'm still not sure I followed everything, and it doesn't help that there are many similar or identical names used (Henry, Kansas, Henry, Henrietta, Frank, Francis, etc.) and I had to double-check constantly that I knew who was being talked about. But I still enjoyed the story and I definitely want to find out what happens in the third book. I thought Henrietta was more bearable this time, but honestly, she and Anastasia are still kind of annoying to me. What I liked was that her adventure was mostly separate from Henry's so that you had a chance to see them both figure out their part in the story without constantly bickering with each other. I have since learned the first book has been targeted for a movie and I can definitely see how this story could translate to the screen. It should be interesting to see if this movie ever makes it into production.
October 3, 2019
So very good. The first book lead into and set up this one and it went so far. I loved it and couldn't believe the crazy imagination Wilson had in order to come up with this. I can't wait to read the next one
May 14, 2011
This book started a little slow for me. Henrietta was infuriating, Henry was being rather thick, and the plot lines began to get rather complicated without anything really happening.
However, I was rewarded for my perseverance, as the different events begin to point towards each other and the characters began to really make progress, both internally and externally. Despite my earlier misgivings, I became attached to almost all of the characters, and it greatly simplified things to realize certain characters and places were closely related.
My main gripe would be the too-easy resolution of several ongoing plot issues. Henry becomes inexplicably confident and eloquent, leading the way and making split-second decisions where no such skill had really been showing before. And a certain someone is released and returned out of nowhere, and the nature of his imprisonment, release, and travel is never fully explained. Also, there really aren't enough casualties. Not that I wanted anyone in particular to go, but the writing really made it clear that things were on the brink of disaster, and everyone was required to give their all. There were too many people who should have had it a lot worse off at the end, at least in some superficial way.
However, I was rewarded for my perseverance, as the different events begin to point towards each other and the characters began to really make progress, both internally and externally. Despite my earlier misgivings, I became attached to almost all of the characters, and it greatly simplified things to realize certain characters and places were closely related.
My main gripe would be the too-easy resolution of several ongoing plot issues. Henry becomes inexplicably confident and eloquent, leading the way and making split-second decisions where no such skill had really been showing before. And a certain someone is released and returned out of nowhere, and the nature of his imprisonment, release, and travel is never fully explained. Also, there really aren't enough casualties. Not that I wanted anyone in particular to go, but the writing really made it clear that things were on the brink of disaster, and everyone was required to give their all. There were too many people who should have had it a lot worse off at the end, at least in some superficial way.
December 17, 2018
Fantastic. Looking forward to reading The Chestnut King!
May 9, 2022
Dandelions are magic.
November 16, 2020
On a future re-read I think I would enjoy it a lot better, once I get used to the fast-paced action. It's been a long while since I finished a book so fast...gripping and wonderful at times.
January 30, 2023
3.5?
This was kind of weird, but it was also really good. I'm really not sure what to rate it :) I got pretty confused during it, but that might have been because I listened to it and kept getting distracted. There definitely were some weird things going on and I didn't understand a lot of it, but it was still a good story, and I'm excited to see what happens in the next one!
This was kind of weird, but it was also really good. I'm really not sure what to rate it :) I got pretty confused during it, but that might have been because I listened to it and kept getting distracted. There definitely were some weird things going on and I didn't understand a lot of it, but it was still a good story, and I'm excited to see what happens in the next one!
May 10, 2024
would 100% read again!! enjoyed it more than the last one but thats great, every good series gets better as it goes! I recommend it for more mature readers, like, 10 and up.
October 18, 2023
Dandelions are officially cool. Love this series!
Content:
Violence
*Note: magic plays a role in the plot
Content:
Violence
*Note: magic plays a role in the plot
August 29, 2017
I liked this one better than the first, but overall i'm not terribly impressed.
There's just so much going on that isn't explained. Names of people, places, and concepts are thrown around a lot, but despite their implied importance, the book never explains why it's so important that Henry hasn't been christened, or that he's -- or why is such an important person, anyway.
Most of the problems i have with this book can be tied to that lack of understanding, really. Without a working knowledge of the magic system, the villain doesn't feel like a real threat, the peril of the good guys can't be measured, and whatever way is used to secure victory doesn't feel meaningful. Without depth to the characters, there's no investment in them, no worry about their safety or relief in their survival. Without enough world-building, these other places don't feel real, and what happens to them is of no concern.
A different problem i have is excessive characters. The new villain was threatening for not even the first half of the book, then he became nothing more than the weapon through which the main villain was threatening the characters. Zeke, Richard, and the police sergeant had their moments of usefulness, but on the whole didn't do much for the main plot. It would have been nice to spend more time with other characters, ones more important to the plot who hadn't been developed enough for me to care about them.
Like the first book, i started losing interest once the major action began, and for the same reason: too many characters, many of whom were not developed enough to be cared about, against a villain of unclear power, and action that i couldn't picture. Some of that is no doubt my own fault, as i have a bad tendency to skim-read when things start picking up, but if i'm truly invested in what's happening then i go back and re-read to make sure that i'm following what's going on. That wasn't the case here.
I still plan on reading the third book. It would be unrealistic to expect it to make up for everything i didn't like in the first two, but perhaps it can end on a reasonably solid note.
There's just so much going on that isn't explained. Names of people, places, and concepts are thrown around a lot, but despite their implied importance, the book never explains why it's so important that Henry hasn't been christened, or that he's -- or why is such an important person, anyway.
Most of the problems i have with this book can be tied to that lack of understanding, really. Without a working knowledge of the magic system, the villain doesn't feel like a real threat, the peril of the good guys can't be measured, and whatever way is used to secure victory doesn't feel meaningful. Without depth to the characters, there's no investment in them, no worry about their safety or relief in their survival. Without enough world-building, these other places don't feel real, and what happens to them is of no concern.
A different problem i have is excessive characters. The new villain was threatening for not even the first half of the book, then he became nothing more than the weapon through which the main villain was threatening the characters. Zeke, Richard, and the police sergeant had their moments of usefulness, but on the whole didn't do much for the main plot. It would have been nice to spend more time with other characters, ones more important to the plot who hadn't been developed enough for me to care about them.
Like the first book, i started losing interest once the major action began, and for the same reason: too many characters, many of whom were not developed enough to be cared about, against a villain of unclear power, and action that i couldn't picture. Some of that is no doubt my own fault, as i have a bad tendency to skim-read when things start picking up, but if i'm truly invested in what's happening then i go back and re-read to make sure that i'm following what's going on. That wasn't the case here.
I still plan on reading the third book. It would be unrealistic to expect it to make up for everything i didn't like in the first two, but perhaps it can end on a reasonably solid note.
January 15, 2021
Very entertaining. Besides being a skilled writer, Wilson has an incredible imagination—I was blown away with the arrow concept. Some readers may be confused with the details surrounding the naming/christening ceremony, but that's part of the appeal for me—it's new and fresh and exciting, and that makes it attractive. The final conflict (in this book) revolves around Henry's reaching the city of Hylfing (where his family is), and Darius's wizard attack on it.
Listened to the audio version (9780375838842) in October 2016, so I've "read" it twice.
Ch. 8 (p. 130): grudge-hunger (cf. Ch. 10, pp. 153, 155)
167: dandelion fire (see pp. 19–20 and 66–67)
Ch. 12?
Ch. 19 (p. 308): everything is magic
Ch. 13 (p. 225): prayer
Ch. 25 (p. 412): Ps. 23
Ch. 28 (p. 462): naming something does not equal understanding it
Listened to the audio version (9780375838842) in October 2016, so I've "read" it twice.
Ch. 8 (p. 130): grudge-hunger (cf. Ch. 10, pp. 153, 155)
167: dandelion fire (see pp. 19–20 and 66–67)
Ch. 12?
Ch. 19 (p. 308): everything is magic
Ch. 13 (p. 225): prayer
Ch. 25 (p. 412): Ps. 23
Ch. 28 (p. 462): naming something does not equal understanding it
April 30, 2010
Our family just blazed through the advanced readers copy of Dandelion Fire. Not because we were in a hurry but because we couldn't put it down. Ranging from ages 5 to 40, we all loved it. Our youngest boy loved the creepy factor, our 10 year old daughter loved Henry's (and Henrietta's) character growth, our oldest son the power gained by Henry and the quirkiness of Frank the Fat Fairy. My husband and I enjoyed all of the above as well as the fun Biblical allusions, being reminded of the magic in the everyday, and the "family vacation" that we all experienced in our living room.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2018
It took me forever to get through this book because of school, but it was well worth it!
This was a very good addition to the 100 cupboards series. I am not sure if I liked it more or less than the first book. For some reason I can't give this five stars, but it was a great fantasy book filled with lots of action, funny parts, and overall awesome structure. N.D. Wilson is a very skilled author and I am looking forward to the last book.
I would highly recommend this book!
Thank you N. D. Wilson for another great book!
This was a very good addition to the 100 cupboards series. I am not sure if I liked it more or less than the first book. For some reason I can't give this five stars, but it was a great fantasy book filled with lots of action, funny parts, and overall awesome structure. N.D. Wilson is a very skilled author and I am looking forward to the last book.
I would highly recommend this book!
Thank you N. D. Wilson for another great book!
October 30, 2022
This quote by a side character is worth the price of the book: "Sometimes standing against evil is more important than defeating it. The greatest heroes stand because it is right to do so, not because they believe they will walk away with their lives. Such selfless courage is a victory in itself."
July 13, 2017
I enjoyed the second half of this book even more than the first book in this series. Very fun read.
June 25, 2020
While I liked this book, there is W A Y more in this book than the first one. And a lot of it is confusing. Okay, most of it is confusing. SO. MANY. CHARACTERS.
There were parts I liked very much and I am looking forward to the third one. I do hope that there aren't as many characters in that one. WHEW.
There were parts I liked very much and I am looking forward to the third one. I do hope that there aren't as many characters in that one. WHEW.
February 18, 2019
Sometimes an audiobook just doesn't work. My listening sessions were too disjointed and I was lost and out of the flow before I knew it. Beautiful bits in the middle, but I can't say I know what's going on. DNF the series.
July 1, 2019
I liked this one better than the first. The first book just introduces you to the characters and lays down a thin bit of the story. In this book the characters grow in maturity and connection with other. The story thickens and becomes more lovable. Off to read number 3
June 11, 2020
This book had a lot more jumping between characters throughout the book. It was fun to be reading along and then the next paragraph switches to another character and their conflict.
I already have my bookmark in the third book. This series is awesome!!
I already have my bookmark in the third book. This series is awesome!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 790 reviews