I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Three young children must continue a journey of ancient prophecies, faraway lands and dangerous enemies in author Colm McElwain’s “James Clyde and the Tomb of Salvation”, the second in the James Clyde series. 

The Synopsis

Picking up shortly after the events of the first adventure, James Clyde returns with his best friends Ben and Mary Forester to his grandfather’s house in search of a map that will lead them to the Tomb of Salvation – an ancient shrine, where the three diamonds of Orchestra must be returned with the promise of immortality.

James and his company of adventurers journey through treacherous lands fraught with danger and meet many obstacles along the way – dangerous assassins on board a train, the dastardly Gilbert, also known as the ‘man in black’, and even an unlikely encounter with a fabled lake monster.

If they reach the Tomb of Salvation, James knows they will then face their greatest threat, for the tomb is said to be home to a terrifying demon – an entity that has shown no mercy to anyone who has ever entered its lair.

The second novel in the James Clyde series will lead you on an action-packed adventure full of mystery, suspense, danger, hope – and, yes, salvation.

The Review

While notably a newcomer to this series, I found myself thoroughly entertained and invested in this story from the first page. In a complex fantasy world, the author does a fantastic job of crafting layered and addicting mythology for fans of the genre to gravitate towards.

The author has an excellent balance hereof world-building and character growth, each one complimenting the other to create an engaging story. The friendship between James, Ben, and Mary is a heartwarming one, and the overall message of the novel of love winning out over fear and hatred was inspiring to see incorporated into such a rich mythos. I even had moments of connection with some of the newer character’s backgrounds, such as Professor Shaw and his paranormal researcher status, something I myself have become invested in. 

The Verdict

Overall, this was a powerful story. Engaging, entertaining, and magical in its approach, author Colm McElwain’s “James Clyde and the Tomb of Salvation” is a powerful modern YA-level fantasy novel. Action-packed, full of mystery, and an overall whirlwind tale, this is one book you won’t want to miss, so be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Colm was raised and educated in Monaghan, Ireland. He is a Physical Education and Business teacher and likes reading books, watching films and playing sport. He has always loved storytelling, whether through literature or film. James Clyde and the Diamonds of Orchestra is his first novel and brings a very fulfilling creative experience spanning a number of years to an end.