The Sangreal Trilogy #2

The Sword of Straw

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Embark upon a quest rife with magic, wonder, and forces as dark as midnight. . . .

Parallel universes and grave danger are nothing new to Nathan Ward. During his last mission, he risked life and limb to retrieve the Grail for safekeeping. But Nathan’s adventures are just beginning. Lately his dreams have been transporting him to a desolate city whose people have fled—save for a sickly king and his daughter, Princess Nell. In their decaying hilltop castle, they live in the shadow of a terrifying curse inflicted by a sword that holds within its gleaming metal an ancient demon conjured by the universe’s most powerful wizard. It is a sword that brings death to anyone who dares to draw it from its sheath.

But the king is dying, and the legend claims that only a stranger can save him . . . and that this stranger alone is destined to awake—and defeat—the dark evil in the sword. But who among mortals and spirits could ever imagine that a boy materializing into alternate worlds still dressed in his pajamas could be the chosen one . . . the one entrusted with the long-lost plan to retrieve the Grail relics and save a dying cosmos?

320 pages, Paperback

First published November 1,2005

This edition

Format
320 pages, Paperback
Published
March 28, 2006 by Del Rey
ISBN
9780345460806
ASIN
0345460804
Language
English

About the author

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She has also written under the pseudonyms of Jan Siegel, and Jemma Harvey.

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 11 votes)
5 stars
4(36%)
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3 stars
3(27%)
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11 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
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Average But Enjoyable

Life is often filled with experiences that are neither extraordinary nor disappointing. They are simply average, yet still enjoyable in their own way.


For example, a typical weekend might involve waking up at a reasonable hour, having a simple breakfast, and then going for a walk in the park. The weather might not be perfect, but it's not too bad either. The scenery in the park is pleasant, with green grass, colorful flowers, and chirping birds.


After the walk, you might meet up with some friends for a casual lunch at a local diner. The food might not be gourmet, but it's filling and tastes good. You and your friends chat and laugh, sharing stories and catching up on each other's lives.


In the evening, you might stay home and watch a movie. It might not be a blockbuster, but it's an entertaining flick that keeps you engaged. You relax on the couch, munching on some popcorn, and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching a movie.


These average experiences may not seem like much, but they add up to a fulfilling life. They remind us that happiness doesn't always have to come from grand gestures or extraordinary events. Sometimes, the simplest things in life are the most enjoyable.

July 14,2025
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The second book in the Greenstone Grail trilogy takes readers on an exciting new adventure.

The main character, who we have come to know and root for in the first book, continues his crucial mission with unwavering determination.

What makes this installment truly captivating is the addition of new and interesting characters. They bring fresh perspectives, motives, and storylines to the table, enriching the overall narrative.

The author has been careful not to simply repeat the formula or events of the first book. Instead, he/she has crafted a unique and engaging story that builds on the foundation laid in the previous installment while also taking it in new and unexpected directions.

Readers will be on the edge of their seats as they follow the main character's journey and discover the secrets and mysteries that lie within the pages of this thrilling second book.
July 14,2025
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The second installment of The Sangreal Trilogy is an exciting continuation of the story. Nathan is on a mission to retrieve the second item, which is a sword. He has managed to discover its location and also comes across a beautiful princess, Nell, whose family the sword rightfully belongs to. Meanwhile, Nathan's friend Hazel is using her witchcraft to make a boy fall for her. Back at school, Nathan has to deal with a bully. But is there more to this bully than what initially meets the eye? Could someone be trying to steal the Grail from Uncle Bartlemy's house? Nathan's mother is also worried as she realizes her son is in danger. Can Nathan successfully recover the sword and assist Princess Nell's family? This book maintains the same captivating energy as the first one. There are still references to other works of fantasy and science fiction, adding an extra layer of depth. Additionally, there are some obvious setups that are sure to be resolved in the final book, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what's to come.

This book is a must-read for fans of the series and lovers of fantasy and adventure. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, with its engaging plot and well-developed characters.
July 14,2025
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I wasn't at all impressed by this story.

I have never been a fan of any of the novels Hemingway wrote under the pseudonym Jan Siegel. However, when I first read The Greenstone Grail, I thought it was a promising start to this series.

It seemed to hold great potential, with an interesting premise and engaging characters. But as I delved deeper into the story, I quickly realized that this promise remained unfulfilled.

The plot became convoluted and the pacing slowed down, making it a struggle to finish.

Despite my initial hopes, The Greenstone Grail failed to live up to its potential and left me disappointed.
July 14,2025
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Nathan's decision not to express his love for Princess Nell was truly a wise one.

Love is a complex emotion, and in a situation like this, where there might be many implications and consequences, it is crucial to think carefully before acting.

By withholding his feelings, Nathan may have been protecting himself from potential heartbreak or disappointment.

Moreover, he might have considered the princess's own feelings and circumstances.

Perhaps she was not ready for a declaration of love, or maybe there were other factors that could have made their relationship complicated.

Nathan's wisdom in this regard shows that he is a thoughtful and discerning person.

He understands the importance of patience and restraint when it comes to matters of the heart.

In the end, only time will tell if his decision was the right one, but for now, it seems that he has made a choice that is in his best interests.
July 14,2025
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I have a great passion for the first installment of this series. It truly captivated my heart and imagination. The sequel also managed to hold my interest and was equally enjoyable. However, when it came to the third one, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment.

After such a remarkable buildup throughout the previous two parts, the ending of the third installment felt rather lackluster. It didn't quite live up to the expectations that had been set. The story seemed to lose some of its momentum and the conclusion felt rushed and not as satisfying as it could have been.

Despite this, I still appreciate the overall concept and the journey that the series took me on. I just wish that the third part had been able to deliver a more powerful and fulfilling ending to what was otherwise a great series.
July 14,2025
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An Unusual Fantasy Book


This is an unusual fantasy book that, despite still conforming to the common trope of 'a young boy with some family issues who has very special talents and saves the world/universe', manages to stand out. The characters in this book are well-developed and complex. Each one has their own unique personality, motives, and flaws, which makes them feel real and relatable. The writing is also of a high quality. The author has a great command of the language and uses it to create vivid and engaging descriptions of the settings, events, and emotions. The story is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat, and the pacing is just right, never feeling too slow or too rushed. Overall, this is a great fantasy book that is well worth reading.

July 14,2025
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This is yet another lovely book within this series.

The writing remains robust, with the characters being truly charming and the action unfolding at a brisk pace.

Although the story wasn't as comprehensive as that of the previous or the next book in the series, it still managed to be a highly entertaining novel.

The author has once again done a great job of creating a world that readers can easily get lost in.

The characters are well-developed and their relationships add depth to the story.

The action scenes are exciting and keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Overall, this is a great addition to the series and one that fans will surely enjoy.
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