This first book in the Zachary Pill fantasy series is over 200 pages of action-packed fun. From conception to completion, the first three books in the Zachary Pill were easily the most challenging yet most rewarding and fun novels that I've ever written. They also took me five years to complete. I could take a few minutes to describe the book to you, but why don't we let the some of the reviewers of the first Zachary Pill trilogy do it for me :-)
Many thanks to Tim Greaton for writing such a brilliant book.
This book is really FANTASTIC and it's written with such a unique writing style. There is no series, that I have read, that I can compare it to. It's both funny and dark at the same time, and I really enjoyed all of the characters, especially Madame Koochie and her "rockets."
Zachary Pill grew up in Boston, but when bats attack and his father suddenly disappears, he is thrown into a whirlwind of danger and magic. From the bats that attack him in Boston, to his forced imprisonment with Madame Koochie and his trips with friends through the nostrils that are just as slimy and gross as they sound, this book is amazing. And to see a wizard boy transform into a dragon was one of my favorite scenes.
I loved this and I'm sure many others will as well. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Read Zachary Pill, The Dragon at Station End. You will definitely not be sorry.
Tim Greaton Sparks Fantasy and Adventure with Verve and Panache,August 19, 2011
The mystery of his father's fate is connected to a Krage, a family rival of sorts. Magic is primary to the family powers and is exercised by magic wands and other implements like magic rings, key to the dad's powers. Time after time creatures like Medusa with snake encrusted hair add depth and background to the story, a kind of secretary. Notable and key is the event with a dragon figure that serves to transform him in a kind of metamorphosis.
If you are looking for a fun read that contains bats, werewolves, wizards, trolls, dragons, creepy flying things that resemble snakes all set in a magical fantasy, this is the book. Zachary Pill reads well as it goes from one fantastical event to the next.
I loved the Boston setting and a myriad of bats in this setting. Sections of Boston remind me of New Orleans especially around Halloween.
Fantastic action packed adventure,October 28, 2011
Zachary Pill is a normal kid, or so everybody thinks. He gets bullied at school and one day has had enough. Zachary saw another kid being picked on and decided to stand up for him and himself. This is the day everything changes. Zachary started to fight back, literally and ended up with a broken arm and bruising all over. His father was called to school and demanded that Zachary not be taken to the hospital. The School was dumbfounded, why would a father not allow his child to go to the hospital? Well, there is a family secret that has been hidden from Zachary; he is a Wizard, well half Wizard. Zachary was taken to a special hospital, where wizards and creatures and beasts go, he was patched up and his arm put in plaster. Everything would be normal again, or will it? Nope, when they arrive home, his father is vague and wouldn't answer his questions. Eating spaghetti for dinner, Zachary looks at his father's plate and sees worms instead of pasta. Surely Zachary was just imagining things because of his injury. Everything went into chaos, bats swarmed the apartment and everything went dark. Zachary could only use his one arm to find his father. There was a brilliant blue light and his father disappeared. Poof, gone!
Zachary is now on a journey to find his father, calls in his Uncle who palms Zachary off onto an old woman that lives in a pigsty, Madame Kloochie. His Uncle too disappears in search for his father. Zachary befriends the kid from across the road, Bret. Together they try to work through his father's belongings and a way to find his father. Zachary is the last Pill on Earth and is being attacked by all sorts of monsters. He must survive and find his father and Uncle.
This book is quite long, but the story is just amazing and I couldn't put it down. Tim really knows how to draw you into the book and I know there will be a lot of Harry Potter fans that will love it. There are just so many amazing things happening that you will have to read it and find out for yourself (the nostrils, they're travelling tunnels for example, hilarious and gross). ~ Katie Turner (The Kindle Book Review)
Prepare for a sleepless night.,October 4, 2011
Zachary Pill seems like a regular boy until he breaks his arm in a bullying incident (Zachary is the victim). Suddenly his world is turned upside down. His injury has triggered a series of magical events that will effect his world and many other mysterious realms, because he is the son of one of the most powerful wizards in the universe! This magical tale will hold you, and wisk you away to the land of...anything's possible! Move over, Harry Potter...Zachary Pill's in town!
In this case at least, the characters and worlds that Tim Greaton introduces us to and develops throughout this book are so offbeat and engrossing that some plot parallels to "that other young wizard" can be easily overlooked.
Zachary himself is a multi-layered character with a lot of heart. I dare say that many readers will immediately be able to relate to him. Aside from his naturally green hair, there is nothing really outstanding about him at the start of the story. As the plot proceeds, he discovers more and more about who is really is. I am not just talking about his magical persona, but also the personal qualities he has within himself that emerge as he is placed in challenging situations. For me, that is the hallmark of a terrific piece of fiction: a protagonist you can connect with and watch grow and change throughout the plot.
There are many other characters introduced in the story. Greaton makes no secret of the fact that this is intended to be a series, and many characters that we meet are not developed. The assumption is that their part will come in future installments. Zachary's sickly best friend Bret and the outrageous and mysterious Madame Kloochie are two characters that stand out here. There is a great deal of foreshadowing of events that are to come in future installments, and Greaton's characters are developed in such a way that makes them intriguing enough that the reader develops a genuine interest in what is going to happen to them beyond this book.
For the most part, Greaton's fantasy elements in _Zachary Pill, The Dragon At Station End_ are simply whimsical figments of his imagination that he has worked into the tale. And that is a large part of the charm. A flying pig, a "porkasis", is just that, a wacky invention worked into the story for the sake of humor and fun. There are many such inclusions on Greaton's part, as well as familiar fantasy entities such as trolls, ghosts, and werewolves. The mix of the familiar with the unexpected really drew me in while reading _Zachary Pill, The Dragon At Station End_.
This book is geared toward the 9-12 year old crowd, but older children and adults who admire escapist fantasy will also find it appealing. If you enjoyed Harry Potter, or are merely a fan of light fantasy, you will likely enjoy _Zachary Pill, The Dragon At Station End_. I'd encourage you not to compare Zachary to Harry, but just enjoy his story on his own merits. I am very much looking forward to Tim Greaton's next installment in this engrossing series.
One thing I really love about this story is how realistic Zachary is. He speaks as I would expect my son would in a similar situation. He reacts to his parents and other adults with sarcasm, annoyance, begrudging obedience, etc. He thinks with the wild imagination of a teen exposed to the unimaginable.
Well, those are some of the things readers are saying. Did I mention the first book in the series is FREE! Thanks so much for taking the time.
'Hope you like your free book. Just click on the first cover above and you can get a copy for any e-reader! :-)
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've read in a while, August 7, 2011
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Zachary Pill, The Dragon at Station End, Trilogy (The Zachary Pill Dragon Magic series - books 1, 2 & 3, 765 pages) (Kindle Edition)
Five StarsMany thanks to Tim Greaton for writing such a brilliant book.
This book is really FANTASTIC and it's written with such a unique writing style. There is no series, that I have read, that I can compare it to. It's both funny and dark at the same time, and I really enjoyed all of the characters, especially Madame Koochie and her "rockets."
Zachary Pill grew up in Boston, but when bats attack and his father suddenly disappears, he is thrown into a whirlwind of danger and magic. From the bats that attack him in Boston, to his forced imprisonment with Madame Koochie and his trips with friends through the nostrils that are just as slimy and gross as they sound, this book is amazing. And to see a wizard boy transform into a dragon was one of my favorite scenes.
I loved this and I'm sure many others will as well. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
Read Zachary Pill, The Dragon at Station End. You will definitely not be sorry.
FREE book here: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/131693
Tim Greaton Sparks Fantasy and Adventure with Verve and Panache,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Zachary Pill, The Dragon at Station End, Trilogy (The Zachary Pill Dragon Magic series - books 1, 2 & 3, 765 pages) (Kindle Edition)
Zachary Pill, The Dragon at Station End (The Zachary Pill Series): It's seldom you see fantasy written with such verve and panache. Greaton delights his readers with a montage, a veritable cornucopia of magical, mystical, supernatural elements incorporated within one novel. The book is loaded with action and fantasy yet Greaton doesn't fail to deliver on the story. Zachary Pill is a typical kid with his share of bruises and bumps from schoolyard altercations. Because of a major problem with bats, a problem so great that the early extermination might have saved his father. The fate of his father is a key question after his disappearance with the bats. Zachary moves in with a Madame Koochie ,an orange haired, brightly dressed caretaker that does nothing and lives in filth. Here he makes a refuge. As the story moves on, the possibilities for his dad are learned and history of the family is attached to a unsuspected background that moves in space and time in a place called PandemonesThe mystery of his father's fate is connected to a Krage, a family rival of sorts. Magic is primary to the family powers and is exercised by magic wands and other implements like magic rings, key to the dad's powers. Time after time creatures like Medusa with snake encrusted hair add depth and background to the story, a kind of secretary. Notable and key is the event with a dragon figure that serves to transform him in a kind of metamorphosis.
If you are looking for a fun read that contains bats, werewolves, wizards, trolls, dragons, creepy flying things that resemble snakes all set in a magical fantasy, this is the book. Zachary Pill reads well as it goes from one fantastical event to the next.
I loved the Boston setting and a myriad of bats in this setting. Sections of Boston remind me of New Orleans especially around Halloween.
Fantastic action packed adventure,
This review is from: Zachary Pill, The Dragon at Station End, Trilogy (The Zachary Pill Dragon Magic series - books 1, 2 & 3, 765 pages) (Kindle Edition)
WOW, I don't know where to begin. This book was amazing. Harry Potter meets How to Train Your Dragon. Loved the story and the world that is created within it, so many levels and creatures and Tim's imagination is just out of this world...Zachary Pill is a normal kid, or so everybody thinks. He gets bullied at school and one day has had enough. Zachary saw another kid being picked on and decided to stand up for him and himself. This is the day everything changes. Zachary started to fight back, literally and ended up with a broken arm and bruising all over. His father was called to school and demanded that Zachary not be taken to the hospital. The School was dumbfounded, why would a father not allow his child to go to the hospital? Well, there is a family secret that has been hidden from Zachary; he is a Wizard, well half Wizard. Zachary was taken to a special hospital, where wizards and creatures and beasts go, he was patched up and his arm put in plaster. Everything would be normal again, or will it? Nope, when they arrive home, his father is vague and wouldn't answer his questions. Eating spaghetti for dinner, Zachary looks at his father's plate and sees worms instead of pasta. Surely Zachary was just imagining things because of his injury. Everything went into chaos, bats swarmed the apartment and everything went dark. Zachary could only use his one arm to find his father. There was a brilliant blue light and his father disappeared. Poof, gone!
Zachary is now on a journey to find his father, calls in his Uncle who palms Zachary off onto an old woman that lives in a pigsty, Madame Kloochie. His Uncle too disappears in search for his father. Zachary befriends the kid from across the road, Bret. Together they try to work through his father's belongings and a way to find his father. Zachary is the last Pill on Earth and is being attacked by all sorts of monsters. He must survive and find his father and Uncle.
This book is quite long, but the story is just amazing and I couldn't put it down. Tim really knows how to draw you into the book and I know there will be a lot of Harry Potter fans that will love it. There are just so many amazing things happening that you will have to read it and find out for yourself (the nostrils, they're travelling tunnels for example, hilarious and gross). ~ Katie Turner (The Kindle Book Review)
Prepare for a sleepless night.,
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Zachary Pill, The Dragon at Station End, Trilogy (The Zachary Pill Dragon Magic series - books 1, 2 & 3, 765 pages) (Kindle Edition)
This book is fantastic! The story never stands still. I was doubtful at first, thinking, "Oh, boy, another Harry Potter read-a-like," but I was rapidly sucked in by the colorful characters and constant action. I shouldn't have taken it with me on a cruise, because if I hadn't, I'd have gotten a lot more sleep. 5.0 out of 5 stars Modern High Fantasy-at it's best!, October 31, 2011
By
Linell Jeppsen (The mountains of Northeast Washington State) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Zachary Pill, The Dragon at Station End, Trilogy (The Zachary Pill Dragon Magic series - books 1, 2 & 3, 765 pages) (Kindle Edition)
Trolls, Orks, Goblins, wizards...Dragons! This marvelous modern-day fantasy has it all.Zachary Pill seems like a regular boy until he breaks his arm in a bullying incident (Zachary is the victim). Suddenly his world is turned upside down. His injury has triggered a series of magical events that will effect his world and many other mysterious realms, because he is the son of one of the most powerful wizards in the universe! This magical tale will hold you, and wisk you away to the land of...anything's possible! Move over, Harry Potter...Zachary Pill's in town!
5.0 out of 5 stars Great fun and characters you care about!, February 25, 2012
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Zachary Pill, The Dragon at Station End, Trilogy (The Zachary Pill Dragon Magic series - books 1, 2 & 3, 765 pages) (Kindle Edition)
I'm going to address the elephant in the room right out of the gate: Yes, _Zachary Pill, The Dragon At Station End_ owes a debt to the Harry Potter series. Downtrodden boy discovers his magical identity and goes on amazing adventures with a male and female friend. Sounds familiar, hmm?In this case at least, the characters and worlds that Tim Greaton introduces us to and develops throughout this book are so offbeat and engrossing that some plot parallels to "that other young wizard" can be easily overlooked.
Zachary himself is a multi-layered character with a lot of heart. I dare say that many readers will immediately be able to relate to him. Aside from his naturally green hair, there is nothing really outstanding about him at the start of the story. As the plot proceeds, he discovers more and more about who is really is. I am not just talking about his magical persona, but also the personal qualities he has within himself that emerge as he is placed in challenging situations. For me, that is the hallmark of a terrific piece of fiction: a protagonist you can connect with and watch grow and change throughout the plot.
There are many other characters introduced in the story. Greaton makes no secret of the fact that this is intended to be a series, and many characters that we meet are not developed. The assumption is that their part will come in future installments. Zachary's sickly best friend Bret and the outrageous and mysterious Madame Kloochie are two characters that stand out here. There is a great deal of foreshadowing of events that are to come in future installments, and Greaton's characters are developed in such a way that makes them intriguing enough that the reader develops a genuine interest in what is going to happen to them beyond this book.
For the most part, Greaton's fantasy elements in _Zachary Pill, The Dragon At Station End_ are simply whimsical figments of his imagination that he has worked into the tale. And that is a large part of the charm. A flying pig, a "porkasis", is just that, a wacky invention worked into the story for the sake of humor and fun. There are many such inclusions on Greaton's part, as well as familiar fantasy entities such as trolls, ghosts, and werewolves. The mix of the familiar with the unexpected really drew me in while reading _Zachary Pill, The Dragon At Station End_.
This book is geared toward the 9-12 year old crowd, but older children and adults who admire escapist fantasy will also find it appealing. If you enjoyed Harry Potter, or are merely a fan of light fantasy, you will likely enjoy _Zachary Pill, The Dragon At Station End_. I'd encourage you not to compare Zachary to Harry, but just enjoy his story on his own merits. I am very much looking forward to Tim Greaton's next installment in this engrossing series.
5.0 out of 5 stars The next great Magic series is already HERE!, November 30, 2011
By
K_Karie (Pacific Northwest) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Zachary Pill, The Dragon at Station End, Trilogy (The Zachary Pill Dragon Magic series - books 1, 2 & 3, 765 pages) (Kindle Edition)
This book has one thrill after another. You barely start to recover from one adventure before there is another! I've never read a Harry Potter book, so unlike other reviewers, I can't compare. In terms of magic and mystery, this book strikes just the right balance. It leaves you craving more. I've literally just finished (like five minutes ago) and my head is reeling with questions and possibilities of where this story might go next. I can't WAIT for the sequel!One thing I really love about this story is how realistic Zachary is. He speaks as I would expect my son would in a similar situation. He reacts to his parents and other adults with sarcasm, annoyance, begrudging obedience, etc. He thinks with the wild imagination of a teen exposed to the unimaginable.
Well, those are some of the things readers are saying. Did I mention the first book in the series is FREE! Thanks so much for taking the time.
'Hope you like your free book. Just click on the first cover above and you can get a copy for any e-reader! :-)
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