The Luck Uglies #2: Fork-Tongue Charmers audiobook

Luck Uglies 2 - The Fork-Tongue Charmers is a delightful follow up to the first book in the series. These books take me back to that sense of excitement and wonder I first felt when I fell in love with reading. Filled with adventure, courage, friendship, and charm, this book is a delight for all ages. Prepare to be transported to the world of Drowning and brace yourself to plunge into the hearts of Rye and her friends. I simply could not put this book down, nor did I want to. When you find yourself reading at inappropriate times, you know a book is truly great.

Disclaimer: While I aim to be unbiased, I received a copy of this for free to review.I’ve already reviewed the first book in The Luck Uglies series, and I’ve also interviewed Paul for the blog – I’m a big lover of The Luck Uglies series, and I make no secret of it. In fact, there’s an interesting story behind this – I usually don’t talk much about the actual process of speaking to PRs and receiving books for review because it’s honestly not that interesting. But I had a lovely e-mail from someone who I’d already spoken to before who’d noticed my review of the first Luck Uglies book and was in a position to send me the second one – how good is that?Anyway, I explained before how Paul’s world is one of the most instantly realistic fantasy worlds that I’ve come across, and the characterisation is great as well. I can’t say too much about what to expect here because I suspect a lot of you won’t have read the first book either, but we’re looking at probably the best young adult series to feature a teenaged protagonist since Phillip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. Encouragingly, both series were written by men and featured a strong female protagonist, too.In this book, you’ll see a lot of characters that you know and love from the first series, and you’ll also get to travel outside the Village of Drowning to the Isle of Pest, for the first time. There are lots of new folks to get to know too, including distant family members of the O’Chanters and a whole new set of villains for Riley and her family to deal with it.One thing that I noticed in the first book and that continued here, is the fact that Harmless, the principle badass in this story, doesn’t show up too often. In fact, in keeping with his character, you never know where he is, what he’s doing or whether he might show up, and he has this knack of showing up only when he’s needed, a bit like Gandalf. In fact, he’s effectively the Gandalf or the Dumbledore of the series, despite the fact that he’s younger, he can’t do magic and he relies on his twin swords to get him out of trouble. But he’s got the wisdom, and he’s also got the father figure status, so what more do you need?I can’t rave enough about the Luck Uglies books, and I think Durham did a fantastic job of continuing things with his notoriously difficult second book. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

This second book in the Luck Uglies series continues the rollicking story of Rye and her family and friends. With a new lawman in town, Rye and her family have been targeted as outlaws. It doesn’t help that Harmless, the High Chieftain of the Luck Uglies, is her father. When her mother’s shop is burned to the ground, they take refuge in the inn that belongs to one of Rye’s best friends family where lawlessness is already embraced. But that safety is breached as the soldiers march upon it and Rye and her family are sent across the sea to the safety of the Isle of Pest. It is where Rye’s mother and father first met and where her mother’s father still lives. But Pest will not be the safe haven that they are looking for as they are pursued there as well, putting the entire island in danger. It is up to Rye to figure out what exactly is going on and who the new lawman actually is.Durham has written another great read for middle graders. He has a knack for creating stories that are fast-paced and wildly exciting. At the same time, his feel for world building is impeccable. Here he creates a new island world for readers to explore even as he continues the story of Drowning and its people. The new island has its own quirks and Durham builds it with such skill that they all make sense and feel natural.Rye grows even further as a heroine in this second book. Her pluck, courage and grit show on every page. She is clearly the daughter of her parents, who people who don’t back down or ever cower, though they face enemies in different ways and styles. Rye’s relationships with people continue to be the heart of the story from her dear best friends to her budding relationship with her grandfather. It is these moments that add depth to the book.A great second book in a marvelous series, I can’t wait to see what happens next and neither will young readers. Appropriate for ages 9-12.

I am so glad I got the first two books, in the Luck Uglies series, at the same time. I fell in love with book one and couldn’t wait to start book two. Dishonour Among Thieves is just as brilliant as book one, if not better.We, once again, join our heroine, Rye, as she battles through challenges and more in Village Drowning. Soon Rye finds the need to travel further afield, making the journey even more exciting, as we follow her antics, problem solving and courageous battle to stand up for those around her, and ultimately get to the bottom of just what is happening in Village Drowning and with the Luck Uglies.In this second book, we see Rye grow even more, as she learns to fight for what she believes in. She has grown from a regular teen, with a fear of jumping from roof to roof, to a leader and hero among those around her. She leads them through the murky waters and fights to give them what they deserve. She grows in strength and resolve, as she makes big decisions and faces the consequences. The secondary characters also gain more depth, creating an even more realistic world.The world, especially Village Drowning and the island, are extremely realistic. The author has, once again, created a depth and detail in the surrounds that really gives you the opportunity to feel as though you are a part of the world. The description are aimed at the correct age level, but still provide a deep enough detail to give a full picture.The pace of the book is perfect. It is fast, wild and extremely exciting. It is perfect for the age group, keeping their minds connected with the journey Rye is taking and really giving them a great adventure to get stuck into.Overall, I think this is an excellent MG (9-12) read, but it is also great for older readers, as it is engaging and fun.

Another fabulous entry in this series! It's official, The Luck Uglies has become a new favorite series and I have Paul Durham to thank. Do you love action and adventure? Are you a fan of courageous heroines and all manner of mischief? If you are, trust me when I say that this series is for you. This is the type of story that stills my MG loving heart. I love exploring new places, and Durham hasn't disappointed me yet. If you've read my review of the last book, you already know that I'm a huge fan of Rye O'Chanter. She's scruffy, mischievous, and full of that fire that I just can't get enough of. Rye is a quick on her feet, and smart as a whip. I think my favorite part about Rye though is how much she loves her family and friends. She's loyal to the end, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect what's important to her. Throw in a whole cast of well built, intriguing characters? You have my utter devotion. Where the last installment of this series had me wishing for a bit quicker pace, this one moves at a perfect clip. Action sequences are interspersed with introductions of new characters. Best of all, this time Durham whisks the readers away from Village Drowning and into a whole new part of Rye's world. I was giddy as I traveled along with our motley crew of characters. Witty banter, devilish schemes, I ate it all up and was eager for more. Yes friends, I'm not ashamed to admit that I have a new favorite series. Whenever a second book manages to keep me engrossed, I find myself with big expectations for what comes next. I truly can't wait for more of the O'Chanters! They're absolutely brilliant.

I don't think I have ever rated a sequel this high. I have a theory that sequels are not as good as the first book due to deadlines. Paul has decimated that theory. I loved this book as much as the first and cannot wait for the next one. The characters are well developed and brought to life with precise, clear, and captivating language and detail. I was never bored and it was one perilous adventure after another. I purchased 2 copies for my library as this is a winner. Perhaps more authors should take to writing in abandon chicken coops!

Once again, an awesome read! Loved The Luck Uglies: Fork-Tongued Charmers. And once again, I read WAY past my bedtime because I couldn't put it down. Curse you, Mr. Durham! Why must you be so entertaining?!? Now I'm tired. AND I have nothing to read because I had to read it all. So... next one, please!

Check out my blog, One Man Book ClubThe Value of a Star: Ratings ExplainedBoo-ya.I just read all three books in The Luck Uglies series.I wish I had a bell to ring.Or a standing ovation to give.Maybe just start cheering until I lose my voice?I would...but that'd be awkward.I'll have to settle for a book review.Middle-grade is so hard to write for. It has to be accessible for children who want to be thrilled, but aren't ready to be thrilled. Usually, this means middle-grade books are dumbed down so much they become--well--dumb. That's why I get excited when I discover an excellent middle-grade series...because it's so hard to write right! (See what I did there?)A talented author can do it.Paul Durham did it.The Luck Uglies is excellent. The series is very well written and easy to read. The story is exciting. The action gets your heart racing. The heroes are regular kids who do brave things even though their scared. The bad guys are rotten. The creatures are spooky. The main character is an 11-year-old girl who's smart and strong, but also clumsy and stubborn. The importance of family. Honor. Keeping your word.All while being content appropriate and accessible to young readers. Girls will love it. Boys will love it. Parents will love it. Adults who aren't parents that like middle-grade fiction? Yep, you too.BTW, the names in these books are wonderful. Best use of creative naming I've ever read. Seriously.Thanks Paul Durham. You've won yourself a fan. What's next?RING-A-LING-A-LING-A-DING-DING-DING[Slow clap, getting to my feet...clapping faster...faster..now cheering...AAAAAHHHHH!!!]Lost my voice.Happy reading!

The Luck Uglies sequel has arrived. In case you missed the first one, Luck Uglies are a secret society. In the prequel readers were introduced to Rye O’Chanter and her fight to save her town from Bog Noblins which were swamp creeping beasts, with the help of the Luck Uglies, of course.Rye was brave as ever on the night of Silvermas with Good Harper Killpenny, who drove the mud sleigh filled with all the coins collected from villages to give to the poor, when they encountered a band of mysterious robbers. Rye learned that she was face to face with a Luck Uglie known as Slinister. This group of bandits is known as Fork Tongued Charmers and Slinister is their leader. They wear masks, put black soot on their lips and around their eyes, in addition to, splitting their tongues as a sign of commitment. Rye is recovered from the woods by her father, Harmless, who is the High Chieftain of all the Luck Uglies. Harmless took Rye to the familiar Grabstone, her father’s secret place on the cliffs off the shore. During the storm a family friend, Folly, is discovered cold and wet on the rocks. Folly told them about recent events that brought her out into the storm to warn them. Rye’s mothers shop had been burned and her family considered to be outlaws. They stay with Folly and her family at their crowded inn. Eventually forced to leave, Rye and the group journey to Pest, the place where her mother and father met and where she will see her grandfather again. Once there, Rye sees vast poverty and fighting amongst the villagers. Rye is worried about her father and the fact that Luck Uglies are loathed by the people of Pest. After spotting ships from the shore, Rye knew she and her group would have to come up with a plan to fight and defeat the soldiers and the Fork Tongued Charmers.Author Paul Durham has created another exciting adventure readers will enjoy. Mystical characters and a fight for freedom and justice will have readers engaged. This fast paced read is great for a classroom read-a-loud. Each chapter also has wonderful black and white illustrations that give insight to the reader. The back of the book has “A Seafare’s Guide to Mumbley-Speak and Other High Isle Chatter, which is similar to a glossary of terms. Parents and teachers will want to add this to their list of recommended reads.

The FORK-TONGUE CHARMERS by Paul Durham is the second book in THE LUCK UGLIES fantasy series. In this episode, a new constable in Drowning forces Rye to escape on a pirate ship to the Isle of Pest. Lies and deceit once again make it difficult to know who to trust.The poem at the beginning of the book will once again draw readers into the world of Slade. While not as suspenseful as the first book, Durham continues to build an interesting world for his many colorful characters. Some young readers may have difficulty following the plot’s many twists and turns, however the exciting conclusion will keep them interested.The glossary at the end of the book titled “A Seafarer’s Guide to Mumbley-Speak and Other High Isle Chatter” provides useful descriptions of new additions to The Luck Uglies world including Belonger, Intuitives, and Uninviteds.Filled with engaging heroes and villains, this series will be a hit with middle grade readers. The attractive series book covers make them a great choice for a book display focusing on this popular new fantasy series.To learn more about the author, go to http://www.pauldurhambooks.com/.Published by HarperCollins, the book is available is on March 17, 2015. Reviewed using an Edelweiss ARC.

This is the second book in the series, I have read book 1 and really liked it so was eager to start this one.I liked Rye, she reminds me a lot of me when I was a child, quite a rebel. The Luck Uglies although being outlaws I did like them, they were only sticking up for themselves and their people really. This book was just as exciting as the first with lots of action and adventure, not so much magical things going on but all the same it was a great read.The characters were developed more in this book so we got to know more about them and Rye is a strong and loveable heroine.This children’s fantasy has been written very well and I am sure children that read it will love it.I have enjoyed this series.

Another fun and adrenaline-filled adventure for Rye and friends. This time she gets to learn a lot more about her parents and more than she wants to know about the Luck Uglies.I'll be waiting for the next one.

A great "can't put down" fantasy!

This series is now one of my very favorites. Eagerly awaiting the next one!

This is the middle installment in an altogether spectacular trilogy. I won the third part of the trilogy (Rise of the Ragged Clover) in a Giveaway some time ago. One falls in love with Rye O'Chanter and her friends and relations in the first book. The affection only grows deeper as one gets to know the characters better while following them on their adventures. This time around we join the cast as they sail to the Isle of Pest. Surprises and twists abound as we learn more about the background behind the goings-on in the first book and the backstory of Rye's family. There is mystique and danger on the high seas and trickery and mischief. What more could a middle-grader (or a seemingly adult reader) wish for? Again, my only disappointment is that it's only a trilogy. The easy-going writing style allows one to get immersed in this world. Sadly, then one starts missing the characters and imagining what shenanigans Lottie will get to when she is a bit older.....

This is one of my favorite book series, and is probably one of the most underrated and underappreciated books out there. Paul Durham has created such a wonderfully whimsical world, a beautiful blend of Celtic culture and a unique fantasy world of Durham's own design. Rye is one of the most relatable and fun protagonists I have seen in a while. And Harmless? Definitely one of the most bad@$$ characters I've come across in literature. There was a while where I feared that the high regard I held this series in was one that would not transfer into adulthood. But I reread this in my adulthood and found that the magic had not gone; in fact, I noticed things I would never notice when I was a child. One of my all-time favorites; I highly recommend to ANY human being... EVER.