Seth Adam Smith just recently launched this new book “RIP VAN WINKLE and The Pumpkin Lantern.” You might recognize Smith’s name from a blog post titled “Marriage Isn’t for You” which went viral online and has been seen by over 40 MILLION people and translated into over 20 languages. Seth recently launched his first fantasy fiction novel and from the looks of it, and after reading it, I think it is going to be equally as popular as his wonderful blog posts. If you don’t know about Seth’s story, check out his website here. He shares a lot about his struggle with depression and how he has dealt with it. The book also has an underlying theme for those that have struggled with depression or anyone that finds themselves in the darkness of life, struggling to find their way out.
“RIP VAN WINKLE and The Pumpkin Lantern” is a swashbuckling tale filled with symbolism and themes reminiscent of The Chronicles of Narnia and is influenced by the writings of C.S. Lewis, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Lloyd Alexander. Loaded with humor, action, suspense, and a bit of fascinating American history, The Pumpkin Lantern is also a poignant fable about faith, family, and the power of life over death. This new book is by far my new favorite fantasy fiction novel now! It is very clever and unique and filled with goodness. It is unlike any story I have ever read, and unlike anything I thought I would actually like! I was a little hesitant to start this book because right now I’m kind of into more historical fiction or Proper Romances, so when I saw the cover I thought this book would be more of a kid book and something I wouldn’t really like, but I gave it a try and I am SO glad I did! Here are some of my most favorite quotes…
“There is good and bad in all of us, and as strange as it may sound, there seems to be more good in Goodman than even he knows. You used the lantern to encourage the life still lingering within him. Thanks about it; you gave light to a man who dwells in darkness. From what I understand, that’s the work of the Hallows, isn’t it? to be light in the wilderness. The labor of a Hallow is to bring light to every life, because every life has immense value.”” This plant represents what’s happening inside of you. The world, like the soil, is cold and dark – layered with a history of destruction and death. You were planted in this world to rise above it. Do you not see? The very existence of this darkness gives you the opportunity to become a light to the world. For each of us, there comes a time when we must awaken and become what we were born to become.”
“Perhaps we are not really sinners in the hands of an angry God, after all. Perhaps we are all more like seedlings in the hands of a wise gardener.”
You will love the characters in this book. While reading the book, like in most books, I put myself into it. I learned to love and to hate the characters. At first I didn’t like some, but then could see their crucial role in the story. I loved the bird Nathaniel, and the little child Pearl. My favorite character is probably Feathertop and what he represents! Oh, It’s just SO good!! I could go on about each one of them! All I can tell you is that you should read this book, even if you don’t like fantasy fiction, even if you don’t have time, get this book and read it! It might look like a Halloween book but it’s as much of a Halloween book as Harry Potter is. This book is good anytime, any where!
Age Recommendation from Me:
Now other’s might think think differently but I for sure think this book is for teenagers and older. Maybe Middle school age. If you have a child that doesn’t get scared then your younger children will probably be just fine reading it with you. There isn’t any inappropriate content. It has scary characters in the book, and talks about the undead, and a few gory things. It might be a little too scary for smaller children. I think my daughter would really like this book and also understand the symbolism in the book. My other boys will probably just think it’s a fun story.
Summary of Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern
Summary:
Chased by a vengeful witch, hunted by an undead corpse, and guided by a secretive preacher, a boy must protect a magical lantern that can either save Boston . . . or destroy it.
In October of 1730, young Rip Van Winkle sneaks into a graveyard and comes face-to-face with the ghost of William Blaxton, the first settler of Boston. Warning Rip that the city is in danger, Blaxton gives him a mysterious gift: a pumpkin lantern with power over life and death. Before fading into midnight, the ghost tells Rip to take the lantern to Feathertop, a mythical pumpkin-headed scarecrow.
Pursued by Mistress Hibbins, a witch of terrifying power, and hunted by the nightmarish Midnight Minister, young Rip must rely on the aid of Jonathan Edwards, a stern and secretive preacher, and Nathaniel, a talkative, know-it-all raven. Guided by the magical light of the lantern, Rip races across New England to find Feathertop, save Boston, and become a most unlikely hero!
I received this book in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own.
