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Hound of Rowan (The Tapestry Series, Book 1)
The Second Siege (The Tapestry Series, Book 2)
The Fiend and the Forge (The Tapestry Series, Book 3)
The Maelstrom (The Tapestry Series, Book 4)
The Red Winter (The Tapestry Series, Book 5)
By: Henry H. Neff
My Rating: Four out of Five Stars
Best For: Advanced readers 12 and up

The Tapestry Series: Harry Potter x Fablehaven x X-Men!

Finding quality middle-grade fiction can be a real quest. Too often, books either talk down to young readers or launch them into material way over their heads. It’s a tough balance to strike, but Henry H. Neff’s The Tapestry series nails it. Think of it as a magical mashup: a dash of Harry Potter’s enchanting school setting, the whimsical creatures and hidden worlds of Fablehaven, and a sprinkle of X-Men’s exploration of unique abilities. This series delivers a captivating blend of adventure, mystery, and coming-of-age themes that will resonate with readers.

What’s it about?

Max McDaniels seems like an ordinary kid, but his life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters a mysterious tapestry. Suddenly, he’s thrust into the world of Rowan Academy, a secret school where students hone extraordinary talents. Max finds himself learning ancient languages, wielding elemental magic, and even communicating with mythical beasts. But Rowan Academy isn’t just about fun and games. A sinister force is rising, threatening to engulf the world in darkness. Max and his friends must unravel ancient prophecies, face terrifying creatures, and discover the true potential of their own powers to save the day. The series follows Max and his friends through their years at Rowan as they face increasingly difficult challenges and grow into their roles as protectors of the realm.

What did I love?

The Perfect Middle-Grade Blend: Neff has crafted a series that hits that sweet spot for middle-grade readers. It’s exciting and imaginative, but also deals with complex themes in a way that’s accessible and engaging.
Themes of Friendship and Choice: The Tapestry series explores the power of friendship, the importance of self-control, and the courage it takes to make your own choices, even when they’re difficult. Max and his friends learn to rely on each other, to manage their own powers, and to forge their own paths in the face of destiny. It’s a powerful message about growing up and taking responsibility for your actions.
Rich Lore: The series draws heavily from Celtic mythology, creating a rich and immersive world. While the names and places can be a bit challenging (thank goodness for the pronunciation guide in the back of the books!), they add a layer of depth and authenticity to the story. The audiobook version is also a fantastic way to learn the correct pronunciations.

What didn’t I love?

Stronger Violence: While the violence isn’t gratuitous, there are some scenes that are more intense than I typically expect in middle-grade fiction. Key characters do die, and Neff doesn’t shy away from the emotional impact of these losses.

Sensitive Content

As mentioned above, there are some violent scenes and character deaths. There is one scene in book 5 that mentions a nude women. Not sexual, no description of details.

Should you read it?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a thrilling and imaginative adventure series that explores meaningful themes, The Tapestry series is a must-read. It’s perfect for advanced middle-grade readers who are ready for a story with depth, excitement, and a touch of darkness.

This Dad says The Tapestry Series is best for advanced readers 12 and up.

Happy Reading!