T’Aragam by JW Regan

The first novel in the the Max Ransome Chronicles by Jack W. Regan, T’Aragam introduces us to our reluctant hero, Max Ransome.

Young Max Ransome, who watched his father die, killed by marauding phantors, as they swept through T’Aragam at the bidding of the evil wizard Zadok. Barely escaping with his own life, Max is thrust into a whirlwind journey as he races against time to save T’Aragam, the world he loves, from a dark dominion. Can Max overcome the horror of his father’s death and save T’Aragam from the grasping talons of its enemies?

Woven with a charming mix of zany humor and genuine danger, T’Aragam immerses the reader in a world of original characters and tightly-woven plot. Young Max leads the cast and is ably supported by, among others, a faithful medgekin friend named Gramkin, two monster brothers named Doom and Gloom, and an equuraptor named Dresden.  Coupled with quirky supporting characters, such as mercenary Captain Baggywrinkle, Lord Stench, and a perpetually hungry sea serpent named Bob, this cast of characters steps from the pages and pulls the reader into the story.

When Max Ransome’s story crossed my desk, I had never read a young adult book before.  Well at least not a YA that I considered to be in that genre. I was skeptical that it would even keep my attention.  I didn’t read any other reviews on it since I like to go cold turkey when reading books by new-to-me authors.

So I started reading and the first person I meet is a medgekin named Gramkin.  His description reminded me of a hobbit crossed with a dwarf and a touch added cheese addict.  This character is a lighthearted fellow; he warmed my heart and made me smile; so as introductions go that part was not bad.  Then Gramkin runs in to Zohar, the wizard.  They then travel to the castle where Max lives to see Max’s father, Lord Ransome.

While there, Max meets the two and the phantors attack.  Max is forced to grow up a little when his father is killed in the battle, trying to save Max.  Gramkin and Max soon wander and find safety and Zohar. But that doesn’t last long.  Evil follows them and it is named Zadok.  He plans to take over all of T’Aragam.  Max endures torture and more grief when he thinks his friends might not have survived.

But that is not the end of the story, and I am not going to give the rest of it away. But I will say that there are a few other character that are introduced in the story that I think are a hoot .

*cough* Doom *cough*

So as my mother said to me when I was younger, “If you wanna know, then read the book!” The story Jack Regan has woven with Max and his friends is intelligent and witty.  I really enjoyed it and will recommend this series to anyone.

This is a great book for anyone. I even found an Free audio of the book one.

So I started reading and the first person I meet is a medgekin named Gramkin.  His description reminded me of a hobbit crossed with a dwarf and a touch added cheese addict.  This character is a lighthearted fellow warmed my heart and made me smile; so as introductions go that part was not bad.  Then Gramkin runs in to Zohar, the wizard.  They then travel to the castle where Max lives to see Max’s father, Lord Ransome.

While there Max meets the two and the phantors attack.  Max is forced to grown up a little when his father is killed in the battle, trying to save Max.  Gramkin and Max soon wander and find safety and Zohar. But that doesn’t last long.  Evil follows them and it is named Zadok.  He plans to take over all of T’Aragam.  Max endures torture, and more grief when he thinks his friends might not have survived.

But that is not the end of the story, and I am not going to give the rest of it away. So as my mother sais to me “If you wanna know, then read the book!” The story Jack Regan has woven with Max and his friends is intelligent and witty.  I really enjoyed it and will recommend this series to anyone.

About Rayna 7 Articles
I am a engineer and student with three children. I love to read so much that I had to open a book store to support my habit. I love all kinds of genres of books. I have recently been re-reading some older novels, classics, and have been on the hunt for new authors to become fans of.

1 Comment

  1. I got this one for Christmas and it is sitting in my pile of “I wasn’t sure when to read this’ until I accidentally came across this review while searching for something else. After reading the review, I have moved it to my TBR pile. I love quirky stuff and your review has stirred my interest. I have even included it on my list for the 2010 Young Adult Reading Challenge.

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