Book Feature: Ragesong

For Tween the Weekends this time I wanted to feature a book that I recently read and really enjoyed. I think Tween literature is stuck somewhere between middle-grade and young adult. This is one of those books. The main characters are young enough to be considered middle-grade but some of the concepts presented are older. If your tween likes fantasy-adventures this book is for them!

"When the peaceful kingdom of Fermicia is enslaved by a power-hungry renegade, its only hope lies in a band of unlikely heroes: two children whose musical abilities allow them to harness the power of Ragesong, and their shape-changing guides.  


Jake starts his first day of junior high completely oblivious to the fact that he has been chosen for something incredible. That same afternoon, he learns that he has been marked as one with the power to save an entire kingdom. Through the course of his journey, Jake discovers that his advanced musical abilities are peculiarly connected to a mysterious power known as Ragesong. 

Joined by a shy, young girl with similar musical talents and two Changelings that hold a fierce loyalty to their  homeland and king, Jake must learn to harness this ability in order to survive the dangers of a hostile new world."

"Ragesong is an action-packed thrill ride that is both brilliant and captivating. This story will not let you go until the last page. Simmons has created something magical that teens will call AWESOME!" -Mikey Brooks, author of The Dream Keeper 

I think what made this book such a fascinating read was the character, Jake, and how I was able to connect with him immediately. J.R. Simmons uses a lot of pop culture references, especially nods to music and video games, which I enjoyed. The story was fast paced, engaging, and unique. I especially enjoyed the fantastical bits--the world of Fermicia and the magic systems created. The two Changelings that assist Jake are funny, brave, and heroic. Seriously, tweens, especially tween boys, will LOVE this book.


About the Author: JR Simmons lives in Northern Utah with his wife and 4 boys. He loves spending time with his family and coaching his kids in all of their different sports. He is an avid gamer and is very excited that his boys are picking up on his hobby. JR was recently introduced to triathlons and has since found that he loves the sport. Most nights he can be found either sitting down with a good game or hunched over his iPad writing.

Find out more about J.R. Simmons and his book at: http://jrsimmons3.wordpress.com/

Where to find it: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EN86LR6

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