“I am Ichabod Crane, born in the year 1747. It seems this is the year 2013 Anno Domini, and I have been given new life—how, I know not; why, I know not. I will discern the truth—if, that is, I can keep my head.”

This book is basically Ichabod Cranes retelling of season 1 of Sleepy Hollow, spiced with amusing reflections on modern day phenomenon and memories from his life during the American Revolution and his life with his wife Katrina.

It was nice to read about events from the first season, it freshens up my memory a bit, but at the same time it was a bit dreary going through events that has already happened. I liked best, without doubt, Crane's musings over modern day things like showers, clothes, baseball etc.

This is definitely a book for fans of the tv show Sleepy Hollow, also a good way for people that have missed the first season and instead started with season two to get into the story.

2.5 stars

I received the book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review. ( )

I enjoy Tom Mison's portrayal of Ichabod Crane on the TV show Sleepy Hollow, so when I saw that The Secret Journal of Ichabod Crane was available on Blogging for Books I was happy to give it a try! I hoped that a written version could live up to the personality that Tom has infused the character with, a noble, resourceful and intelligent man who is baffled by the modern day yet also intrigued with it. He is also very opinionated on the things that seem ridiculous to him, offering historical refutations on why those things make no sense. These diatribes are always a humorous highlight. Those characteristics are what interest me, and what would have to carry a book purported to be his journal. I'm happy to report that it did this!

The Secret Journal... is a great review of the first season of the television show, as Ichabod relays the story of his awakening, meeting Abigail, and coming to understand that they are the two witnesses that must save the world from Moloch and the Four Horsemen. It is also filled with interesting historical happenings that were going on in Ichabod's own time and of course all the asides on modern things that we've come to expect and love from him. The internet, cell phones, current fashion and clothing styles, cars, movies, all of these things he embraces or rejects to varying degrees and brings back to mind those funny moments in the show. There are many "taped in" articles and other findings, drawings of maps and puzzles, and some explanations of different ciphers that may have been used at the time. I can't speak to the validity of any of these historical facts and secret codes, it is a supernatural/fantasy show after all, but in the fantastic there is perhaps a grain of truth at times, and it fits in well with the story. His affection for Abbie and her sister and all their companions comes through, making him that much more real and human.

All in all, I feel that fans of the show will definitely enjoy this addition to the world of Sleepy Hollow, that recounts the first season from Ichabod's point of view without just being a retelling of what we've already seen. The Secret Journal... would likely be confusing for those who have not watched the show, but may just be interesting enough to prompt them to give it a try, if for no other reason than to see our hero in action, in spite of (or maybe because of) his clothes and mores being hopelessly out of date! ( )

This journal follows the episodes of the tv show. So, for those who don’t watch this show, it may not be for you. However, for those that do, it’s a great chance to get an inside look at Ichabod Crane. The makeup of the book itself is fantastic. It has photos seemingly taped in, the journal entry fonts are fantastic, and the glimpses into the past from Ichabod’s perspective add a lot.

I think because it’s directly associated with the show, this will do one of two things. It’ll either limit the potential audience for those interested, or it’ll gain new audience for the show itself. For that, I felt that it’s more of a marketing tool than an extension of Ichabod. I don’t watch the show, and I can’t say I’m any closer to it now. I really thought the concept was there, but the delivery followed to closely to a dramatic tv show with things being tied up too quickly for each new mystery.

Thank you to edelweiss for the review copy! ( )

A little slow, more details on his life, backgrounds, assumes you are watching the show ( )

The Secret Journal of Ichabod Crane, by Alex Irvine, is exactly what it sounds like. It takes place during the first season of Sleepy Hollow (the Fox tv show), starting with Ichabod's imprisonment in the first episode and ending partially through the last episode. This book includes Ichabod's thoughts on the events of the show and recollections of his life during the Revolutionary War era. It also contains small tales from his life that aren't in the show, as well as drawings done by Ichabod, newspaper clippings, and police files.

The book is very well written. There are few (if any) grammar/spelling mistakes. Irvine did a great job of capturing Ichabod's personality. All of the entries seem to be things that Ichabod would actually think or say. In addition, as the book progresses, there are small changes in Ichabod's thinking and writing that reflect how he has changed throughout the show, as he has assimilated to his life in the present era. The author clearly researched, not only the tv show, but the history of the Revolutionary War era. The book includes tidbits of information that are historically accurate, yet most people would never hear about in their history classes. The files, drawings, newspaper clippings, etc., allow the reader to delve deeper into the characters and events of the show. There is even a code at the end of the book that, when cracked, gives (what I believe are) small hints at what is coming in the second season. The only possible downside I can see to this book is that one needs to be familiar with the show for it to make sense. Ichabod does not recap everything that occurs, rather he gives a brief description of what is happening and his thoughts. This is a plus for those who have seen the episodes and do not need to be given a play-by-play, but could be confusing to those who have never seen Sleepy Hollow. However, as the book is written for fans of the tv show, most of the audience should be familiar with the book and, therefore, should not be confused. In all, I'd say that this is a wonderful book and anyone who loves the tv show should definitely take the time to read it.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Blogging For Books program in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Liked it! It was a recap of season one, but it was nice to hear Ichabod's thoughts on everything.
( )

A recap of season one of the TV show Sleepy Hollow from Ichabod Crane's perspective. The author definitely nailed the aura of Crane and Lt. Mills. There are some "extras" included as well. I loved the Aliens reference and Crane's diatribes about the modern world are hilarious. Don't expect any new info. If you watched the show, then you know what's going to happen; but if you're a fan, then check this book out. Recommended for Sleepy Hollow fans.

I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review. ( )

THE SECRET JOURNAL OF ICHABOD CRANE was a fun read and a great refresher for the first season of Sleepy Hollow. Written in diary form, the book follows the episodes closely, while sometimes giving more details or background information about what was happening.

The character of Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow is very smart and clever with a wonderfully dry sense of humor, and I thought the author of this book captured his essence perfectly. It was interesting to hear his inner thoughts about the craziness he’s been sucked into, not just the epic battle against evil, but also the weird modern world he has to live in. His journal includes curious maps, documents, drawings, and such, which were fun to study up close.

This is an enjoyable and well-written book for Sleepy Hollow fans, and I’m hoping that more of Crane’s journals are released.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through the Blogging For Books program in exchange for an honest review. ( )