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Available
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Series
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Publication
Random House
Description
After glimpsing a hint of his destiny in a mysterious tapestry, twelve-year-old Max McDaniels becomes a student at Rowan Academy, where he trains in "mystics and combat" in preparation for war with an ancient enemy that has been kidnapping children like him.
User reviews
LibraryThing member SunnySD
If you can overlook the fact that this book revolves around a young boy who unexpectedly discovers that he has special magic abilities and ends up at a secret boarding school with other "Potentials" with various talents. That said school has a unique game (Euclidean soccer), is inhabited by strange
There are a few - minor - differences from the Potter books - the Potentials don't use wands or staffs. Max has a living parent (who's a Muggle - sorry, a regular, untalented person). And the mythos of the story seems to be based a bit more in Irish folktales than its inspiration. Oh, and it's set, at least for the most part, in the United States.
But aside from those details, it's pretty obvious where the author took his inspiration from. And unfortunately, although it's readable, it's too easy to draw comparisons. Too bad.
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and magical creatures, has its own town (with a magical sweetshop), and reshapes itself to the needs of its occupants, it's not a bad story, albeit incredibly derivative (can you say Harry Potter?)There are a few - minor - differences from the Potter books - the Potentials don't use wands or staffs. Max has a living parent (who's a Muggle - sorry, a regular, untalented person). And the mythos of the story seems to be based a bit more in Irish folktales than its inspiration. Oh, and it's set, at least for the most part, in the United States.
But aside from those details, it's pretty obvious where the author took his inspiration from. And unfortunately, although it's readable, it's too easy to draw comparisons. Too bad.
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LibraryThing member dghudson
This book was okay. Very derivative of Harry Potter, but with some fun and interesting things of its own. I tried to get my 9-year-old Harry Potter obsessed daughter to read it though, and she said she "didn't understand it." It will be interesting to see what other kids think of it.
LibraryThing member RebeccaS
Every year on the anniversary of his mother’s disappearance Max and his father visit the Art Institute of Chicago. Only this year Max’s life undergoes a dramatic change after a tapestry comes to life under his gaze. He suddenly finds himself accepted into the Rowan Academy, a secret and
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definitely Hogwarts-like school for children of magical abilities. Though not particularly gifted in more common magical abilities Max does find himself possessing the ability to amplify his own physical capabilities. As he hones this magical ability Max must face his destiny as a leader in the struggle against the evil Astaroth. So this first book was very Harry Potter like, but really there are a ton of book out there that are Harry Potter like (even before Harry Potter!). It wasn't the best book I had ever read, and I didn't love the characters; but it was interesting and I could see kids liking it who enjoy Fantasy novels that have the poor boy becoming great. The second book really stood out in this series, so you really have to read this first book in order to enjoy the second one. Show Less
LibraryThing member tapestry100
In Henry H. Neff's The Hound of Rowan: Book One of the Tapestry, we are introduced to Max McDaniels, a thirteen year old boy who stumbles upon a room in the Chicago Institute of Art where he finds a strange tapestry, whose pictures seem to move and produce music. After discovering the tapestry, he
Setting aside the inevitable HP comparison, I found myself enjoying this book immensely. The book follows Max's first year at Rowan, where he discovers that he may be in possession of powerful magic. There is a great, ancient evil that was thought destroyed but may not be, and a legion of followers who are working to help the ancient evil regain control. There are several other similarities to HP; Max turns out to be extraordinarily good at the school's chosen sport; he has the possibility of having a huge amount of power at his disposal that he is unaware of; the school becomes his safe haven from the Enemy; the town next door is privy to the secrets of the school, and the students are allowed to spend some of their free time there; there is even a kind-hearted giant who the kids befriend (in this case, a reformed ogre who works in the kitchens); there are some other similarities to HP, but revealing those would give away some of the story. For as much as the book does seem to mirror HP, there are just as many differences within the story to make it stand on its own; Max loves his family and doesn't want to stay at the school; the magic is tied directly to ancient Irish lore rather than a more fabricated background; there is also some science tied in with the magic behind the school, so while I can see where people would jump to the conclusion that Neff is trying to create his own version of HP, I just can't see it that way. He is trying to create a world that is entirely his, and just so happens to be using some of the same techniques that JK Rowling herself borrowed from other stories to create hers; because in all fairness JKR didn't come up with these ideas all on her own. She's just become really famous for it.
I'm giving it 4 stars because Neff knows how to move his story along and ties up the plot lines nicely, leaving just enough questions to make the sequel worthwhile. I would like to see fewer plot devices akin to HP; while I understand that it is hard to not compare YA books to HP these days, there did seem to be a few too many similarities. Neff has proven that he can create a world all his own, now I'd like to see him take it further in his own direction.
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finds a note in his pocket telling him to expect a visitor who happens to work for Rowan Academy, a school that specializes in nurturing the talents of kids with special abilities. Setting aside the inevitable HP comparison, I found myself enjoying this book immensely. The book follows Max's first year at Rowan, where he discovers that he may be in possession of powerful magic. There is a great, ancient evil that was thought destroyed but may not be, and a legion of followers who are working to help the ancient evil regain control. There are several other similarities to HP; Max turns out to be extraordinarily good at the school's chosen sport; he has the possibility of having a huge amount of power at his disposal that he is unaware of; the school becomes his safe haven from the Enemy; the town next door is privy to the secrets of the school, and the students are allowed to spend some of their free time there; there is even a kind-hearted giant who the kids befriend (in this case, a reformed ogre who works in the kitchens); there are some other similarities to HP, but revealing those would give away some of the story. For as much as the book does seem to mirror HP, there are just as many differences within the story to make it stand on its own; Max loves his family and doesn't want to stay at the school; the magic is tied directly to ancient Irish lore rather than a more fabricated background; there is also some science tied in with the magic behind the school, so while I can see where people would jump to the conclusion that Neff is trying to create his own version of HP, I just can't see it that way. He is trying to create a world that is entirely his, and just so happens to be using some of the same techniques that JK Rowling herself borrowed from other stories to create hers; because in all fairness JKR didn't come up with these ideas all on her own. She's just become really famous for it.
I'm giving it 4 stars because Neff knows how to move his story along and ties up the plot lines nicely, leaving just enough questions to make the sequel worthwhile. I would like to see fewer plot devices akin to HP; while I understand that it is hard to not compare YA books to HP these days, there did seem to be a few too many similarities. Neff has proven that he can create a world all his own, now I'd like to see him take it further in his own direction.
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LibraryThing member lunanshee
On the aniversery of his mother's dissapearence, Max and his father visit Chicago's modern art museum, where Max's life is changed forever. In an hidden room Max sees a tapestry that comes to life under his gaze. Max is an Apprentice and is accepted into Rowan Acadamy, a special boarding school
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where Apprentices are trained to fight the Enemy. At Rowan, Max learns how to utilize his new found abilities and re-evaluates what he thought he knew about the world and his place in it. A war is coming, the Enemy is on the move and somehoe Max's destiny is tangled up with the furture of Rowan and its guardians. Reader's cannot help but compare this book with the Harry Potter series, since it is a adolescent boy who discovers he has magic powers. However, Neff has delivered a superbly crafted, highly imaginative work that only superficially shadows Harry's first adventure. Max and the other characters are well-crafted and the reader is given tantalizing glimpses of the inner workings of various characters throughout the book. Magic is approached in an atypical manner. No wands or magic words, just will and thought and training, which is a nice change of pace. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy magic and the battle between good and evil. I look forward to Neff's next novel. Show Less
LibraryThing member TeenBookReviews
On the aniversery of his mother's dissapearence, Max and his father visit Chicago's modern art museum, where Max's life is changed forever. In an hidden room Max sees a tapestry that comes to life under his gaze. Max is an Apprentice and is accepted into Rowan Acadamy, a special boarding school
Show More
where Apprentices are trained to fight the Enemy. At Rowan, Max learns how to utilize his new found abilities and re-evaluates what he thought he knew about the world and his place in it. A war is coming, the Enemy is on the move and somehoe Max's destiny is tangled up with the furture of Rowan and its guardians. Reader's cannot help but compare this book with the Harry Potter series, since it is a adolescent boy who discovers he has magic powers. However, Neff has delivered a superbly crafted, highly imaginative work that only superficially shadows Harry's first adventure. Max and the other characters are well-crafted and the reader is given tantalizing glimpses of the inner workings of various characters throughout the book. Magic is approached in an atypical manner. No wands or magic words, just will and thought and training, which is a nice change of pace. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy magic and the battle between good and evil. I look forward to Neff's next novel. Show Less
LibraryThing member LCourtnier
A very bad Harry Potter reborn in America copy. Yes there are students. Yes there is a very prestigious school...in New England (It came over from Ireland). Yes there are strange beasts. I'm halfway throught the book and haven't read about hardly any magic. No character development. Max simply does
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whatever he is told and (surprise surprise!) gets in trouble for it. It's one step above a Harry Potter knock off at least the author moved the setting to another country and the bad wizard are clearly defined as "the enemy". Show Less
LibraryThing member mjsbooks
Has some of the same elements that made Harry P. so popular: the discovery of hidden magical talents, a special school, and a myriad of diverting characters. If the writing never quite comes to life like the best of this genre, it is still a good new series to recommend.
LibraryThing member sensitivemuse
It’s hard not to compare this with Harry Potter. However the stories are somewhat similar you just can’t help it. There are definitely some aspects of the book you often wonder to yourself if you’re just reading another version of Harry Potter. However there are some aspects of the book where
The storyline is interesting and although it has magical elements and mythology into the plot, there is no hidden magical world. The magic just stays hidden and the faculty of the academy do what they can to cover up chaotic moments with perfect excuses. It does work well and the charade is well played. What I did enjoy is the care of animals which is part of the school curriculum, and when the pairing of the animals to the students was described, I thought that was an interesting read. There was a lot of emphasis and description on the Academy itself - which was nice to read because although it is set in the real world, the school was like a different place altogether.
The story also tends to take a little darker turn than usual especially towards the climax of the book. It does get more interesting and the action is well done, the emphasis on Celtic mythology is mentioned and adds a nice little spin to the book. The Prophecy bit is a little tedious and overdone, but is to be expected to keep the series going. The arc with Max’s mother is what keeps me curious about this series. There’s obviously more to that part and I hope it will tie in nicely as the series progresses.
Character-wise, Max was all right. There wasn’t anything to dislike about him and his nemesis, Alex is your typical jerk. Max also has his own little circle of friends but neither of them really stood out for me. Although I thought David was rather interesting. Mum and Bob are the ones that stand out the most (the kitchen staff). I thought they provided the comic relief and were a fun read. I also liked the relationship between Max and his father. I thought it was nice to see a parent character play such a main role into the main character’s life. It’s something I don’t usually see in these kinds of novels and it’s definitely a nice change to see.
So, with this book you’ll either like it. Or absolutely hate it. Those that are absolute Harry Potter purists should not read this book. The similarities are VERY close and there are many (quite a lot actually) and reading it would probably make your blood pressure pop. However readers that are looking for something that is similar to the Harry Potter style should pick this book up. It’s good enough for me to continue reading this series, however there should be more effort on the author’s part to make things different and think of new creative ways to move the plot ahead. It doesn’t look good if the book is a total rehash of ideas that have already been thought of.
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the similarities end and there is a difference between the two books after all.The storyline is interesting and although it has magical elements and mythology into the plot, there is no hidden magical world. The magic just stays hidden and the faculty of the academy do what they can to cover up chaotic moments with perfect excuses. It does work well and the charade is well played. What I did enjoy is the care of animals which is part of the school curriculum, and when the pairing of the animals to the students was described, I thought that was an interesting read. There was a lot of emphasis and description on the Academy itself - which was nice to read because although it is set in the real world, the school was like a different place altogether.
The story also tends to take a little darker turn than usual especially towards the climax of the book. It does get more interesting and the action is well done, the emphasis on Celtic mythology is mentioned and adds a nice little spin to the book. The Prophecy bit is a little tedious and overdone, but is to be expected to keep the series going. The arc with Max’s mother is what keeps me curious about this series. There’s obviously more to that part and I hope it will tie in nicely as the series progresses.
Character-wise, Max was all right. There wasn’t anything to dislike about him and his nemesis, Alex is your typical jerk. Max also has his own little circle of friends but neither of them really stood out for me. Although I thought David was rather interesting. Mum and Bob are the ones that stand out the most (the kitchen staff). I thought they provided the comic relief and were a fun read. I also liked the relationship between Max and his father. I thought it was nice to see a parent character play such a main role into the main character’s life. It’s something I don’t usually see in these kinds of novels and it’s definitely a nice change to see.
So, with this book you’ll either like it. Or absolutely hate it. Those that are absolute Harry Potter purists should not read this book. The similarities are VERY close and there are many (quite a lot actually) and reading it would probably make your blood pressure pop. However readers that are looking for something that is similar to the Harry Potter style should pick this book up. It’s good enough for me to continue reading this series, however there should be more effort on the author’s part to make things different and think of new creative ways to move the plot ahead. It doesn’t look good if the book is a total rehash of ideas that have already been thought of.
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LibraryThing member connie.sung
This is a story about Max McDaniels, and how he does in his boarding school. Well, that's the basics. The story starts as Max and his dad goes into an art museum to celebrate his mom's birthday. (Apparently, she disappeared a long time ago... this has GOT to play a role somewhere...) On the way to
This is a good book, with interesting ideas. With Max being a reincarnation(?) of Cuchulain, (Something in Irish myth...) he could do magic without being called that (aka: the "Spark"). Well, the books have it's ups and downs. One cool thing was that the Irish in the book is REAL. The cover is kinda cool too, because all those little pictures? They tell parts of the story. They also have clever twists, like Alex Munoz trying to murder Max, because he apparently hates Max THAT much. (Everyone know they were rivals, but no one would expect that he would go THAT far...) All in all, it's a great book.
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the museum, Max saw a strange man, with, what looked like a dead eye (that's white). While escaping from that man, he sees a mysterious tapestry (other people say the tapestry has the Cattle Raid of Cooley on it. Tain Bo Cuailnge, as it's called). This is where Max's journey begins. He gets a letter requesting that he goes to a school called Rowan. In the school, he makes friends, rivals/enemies, and gets new abilities (amplifying, aka: superspeed). Later, when scrubbing the deck with enemy/rival Alex Munoz, he gets captured by the Enemy (aka: monsters intent on destroying the world). They later use his blood to reawaken the demon/evil thing Astaroth. With a little help from the White Eyed Guy (going by Ronin) he saves some kids that've been kidnapped and gets help.This is a good book, with interesting ideas. With Max being a reincarnation(?) of Cuchulain, (Something in Irish myth...) he could do magic without being called that (aka: the "Spark"). Well, the books have it's ups and downs. One cool thing was that the Irish in the book is REAL. The cover is kinda cool too, because all those little pictures? They tell parts of the story. They also have clever twists, like Alex Munoz trying to murder Max, because he apparently hates Max THAT much. (Everyone know they were rivals, but no one would expect that he would go THAT far...) All in all, it's a great book.
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LibraryThing member mhhacker
"A Harry Potter Read-Alike"
I can’t wait for The Tapestry series, Book 2, to continue the story of Max, a modern child infused with “Old Magic.” I love The Hound of Rowan by Henry H. Neff because it is truly a “Harry Potter read-alike” in a thoroughly enjoyable way! To give you an idea of
The unexpected awakening of magic: Snakes escaping the zoo / Viewing a mysterious Celtic tapestry in the Chicago Art Institute
First contact with magical representative: Hagrid, the Groundskeeper / Nigel, the Recruiter
School: 7 yrs at Hogwarts / 6 yrs at the Rowan Academy
Wise guide: Dumbledore / Ms. Richter, Director of the the Academy
Weird kitchen help: House elves / reformed hag and ogre
Fantastical elements: Magical animals
Special Abilities: Using wands and spells / Ability to “amplify” natural talents
School rival: Malfoy / Alex
Enemy: Voldemort / Dark magic of Astaroth, long thought to be dead but really imprisoned in a painting!
I can’t wait for The Tapestry series, Book 2, to continue the story of Max, a modern child infused with “Old Magic.” I love The Hound of Rowan by Henry H. Neff because it is truly a “Harry Potter read-alike” in a thoroughly enjoyable way! To give you an idea of
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the similarities I did a quick list, using key themes and ideas from HP:The unexpected awakening of magic: Snakes escaping the zoo / Viewing a mysterious Celtic tapestry in the Chicago Art Institute
First contact with magical representative: Hagrid, the Groundskeeper / Nigel, the Recruiter
School: 7 yrs at Hogwarts / 6 yrs at the Rowan Academy
Wise guide: Dumbledore / Ms. Richter, Director of the the Academy
Weird kitchen help: House elves / reformed hag and ogre
Fantastical elements: Magical animals
Special Abilities: Using wands and spells / Ability to “amplify” natural talents
School rival: Malfoy / Alex
Enemy: Voldemort / Dark magic of Astaroth, long thought to be dead but really imprisoned in a painting!
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LibraryThing member morandia
Honestly, I thought as I began that this would be a Harry Potter knockoff, but it really was its own book. Great storyline. I really enjoyed it
LibraryThing member MadameWho
An inventive, often surprisingly dark take on the "Magic Boarding School" genre. The plot was somewhat muddy and lacked a strong through-line, and suffered from a generic bully and a shadowy villain revealed too late in the book. Still, I enjoyed it enough to seek out the sequels.
LibraryThing member patriciau
During an annual museum trip with his Dad, Max McDaniels discovers he has potential. But his “potential” is not your normal everyday kid potential. Nope. Max’s potential is magical, and a chance encounter with a golden threaded tapestry in the museum opens up a whole new world for the boy.
The Hound of Rowan is awash in mythology, both modern and ancient, and Neff pays tribute to Those Who Have Gone Before. There are plenty of similarities to Harry Potter — the impetuous boy destined to save the world, the magic school, odd creatures, the village sweet shop — but there is a welcome and refreshing blending of imagery from other sources as varied as The Dark is Rising, Half Magic, The Mabinogion, Star Trek, Tron, and even Bedknobs and Broomsticks! I was particularly taken with the “Courses” students are required to master that use a concept similar to Star Trek: the next generation holodeck mashed up with the psychedelic bing-bing of Tron. The courses run “scenarios” that teach the students things like strategy and agility. And of course, the obligatory school sports game — not Quidditch but Euclidean Soccer — played remarkably like the soccer game on the Island of Naboomboo in Bedknobs & Broomsticks.
The copy I read was an advanced reading copy, and as expected there were a few things that needed to be fixed. I hope the final version provides a better characterization of David, Max’s roommate, as well as the backstory for Ronin (think Sirius Black). On the whole, however, Hound of Rowan is a total and complete romp, well worth your time, and highly recommended for grades 4 and up.
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Max eventually ends up at Rowan, an exclusive school for other Potentials, but not after being attacked by an odd little woman with hard, sparkly eyes. Once at school, Max discovers a number of pronounced talents — he can Amplify like nobody’s business (picture Superman’s quick trip around the Earth to turn back time when Lois dies on that highway in Superman: the Movie) and bears an odd similarity to Cuchulain, the Hound of Ulster from Irish mythology. As expected, a darkness is rising, and Max and his roommate David appear to be the duo that will save the world. Despite their efforts, however, the Darkness (in this case, Astaroth) does rise again, opening the door for more adventures.The Hound of Rowan is awash in mythology, both modern and ancient, and Neff pays tribute to Those Who Have Gone Before. There are plenty of similarities to Harry Potter — the impetuous boy destined to save the world, the magic school, odd creatures, the village sweet shop — but there is a welcome and refreshing blending of imagery from other sources as varied as The Dark is Rising, Half Magic, The Mabinogion, Star Trek, Tron, and even Bedknobs and Broomsticks! I was particularly taken with the “Courses” students are required to master that use a concept similar to Star Trek: the next generation holodeck mashed up with the psychedelic bing-bing of Tron. The courses run “scenarios” that teach the students things like strategy and agility. And of course, the obligatory school sports game — not Quidditch but Euclidean Soccer — played remarkably like the soccer game on the Island of Naboomboo in Bedknobs & Broomsticks.
The copy I read was an advanced reading copy, and as expected there were a few things that needed to be fixed. I hope the final version provides a better characterization of David, Max’s roommate, as well as the backstory for Ronin (think Sirius Black). On the whole, however, Hound of Rowan is a total and complete romp, well worth your time, and highly recommended for grades 4 and up.
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LibraryThing member HeatherLINC
This book never really grabbed my attention. I found Max to be an unworthy protagonist, not only did he deceive his father but he had quite a temper and was extremely immature and irritating. However, I did like Max's room mate, David. He was by far a much more interesting and likeable character.
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Will not bother with any more books in this series. Show Less
LibraryThing member shadrach_anki
The Hound of Rowan is an enjoyable first novel, following in the literary footsteps of many boarding-school stories (magical or otherwise). There are a few rough spots in the writing/storytelling, but overall this is a solid book.
LibraryThing member I_breathe_fantasy
This book would have quickly gained favor with me if I had not already read it. Then however, it was called Harry Potter. It comes complete with the school of magic, a group of three freinds, one of which who stars in the popular wizarding sport of the day, and a evil side to magic including a
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character much like lord Voldemort. There is even a gamekeeper the kids often visit. The only imaginative things in this book were the room the boys slept in and their pets, which are an interesting array of magical creatures that are kept in a pen in the grounds. Past that this is Harry Potter in new clothes. Oh, and welcome back Mr. Parry Otter. Show Less
LibraryThing member spiritedstardust
This is extremely reminiscent of Harry Potter - not as well written but still a nice tale of magic, battles and adventure
Subjects
Awards
Texas Bluebonnet Award (Nominee — 2010)
Original publication date
2007