This book is awesome!  It keeps the intensity flowing all through the story.  A great read for fantasy fanatics.
—Jonathan D. Age 13

My husband and I have been reading this series together.  We both love it and agree that this book was non-stop action. We couldn't put it down and cannot wait to read "The Tenth City."
—Jaime D. Age 25

Wow, I just finished the book, and I love it. Who doesn't like the Land Of Elyon, or Alexa and her adventures? It’s a great book!
—Erin M. Age 11

It was one of those I’m on the edge of my seat and can't calm down books. It was great.
—Tori S. Age 13

This book is great. I could hardly put it down. I can't wait until I get the next book.
—Kathleen E. Age 13

Beyond The Valley Of Thorns is an extremely thrilling sequel to The Dark Hills Divide. There are many twists and turns that you didn't expect and you learned a lot of new information that is helpful in the coming third book! I can't wait for the third book to come out so I can get it!!
—Chelsea G. Age 13

A great book! It's funny, has excitement as fear, and again, a great book!
—Madeline V. Age 10

Mr. Carman,  I love your books!  I’ve sent you an email already. Please write more books of the Elyon series.   I would be the world’s happiest child if you did.
—Aaron R. Age 8

Beyond the Valley of thorns is one of my all time favorites
—Frances N. Age  9

I loved this book! I found that this book has an amazing story of adventurous girl.
—Leah Z. Age 11

I love the first book and the second book. I’m just hoping to get the third now.
—Pauline C. Age 10

This book is totally awesome like the first. While a little hard to get into it is a page turning adventure like the first one and while it just drops you off at the end it is also one of my favorites of all time and I am DEFINATELY keeping this series for my kids to read!
—Crystal E. Age 13

I thought that it was very suspenseful and it really hooked me.
—Dawn R. Age 11

I loved Beyond the Valley of Thorns. It made me feel so close to Alexa
Daley I even used it for a book report of mine. They make me feel happy and heartbroken when I finished it. I wish Patrick Carmen would make another Land of Elyon called 'Up to the Heavans' about When Alexa misses Warvold so much, she asks Elyon to take her to Heaven. Book 2 was the best. I'm already on book 3!!!
—Laura I. Age 11

I loved this book as well as the first and third. I LOVE all of the books!
I hope that Mr. Carmen will continue to write more Land of Elyon books. I want to know more secrets of Elyon!
—Sarah S. Age 13

Though not as good as The Dark Hills Divide, I was very impressed with Beyond the Valley of Thorns. Filled with adventure, mystery, and surprises, it was a great read. The most surprising part was the end, but I won't give that away! Trust me, if you've read the first book, continue on and read this book, too!
—Olivia M. Age 12

Excellent book for young readers who like fantasy adventure.
—Emily S. Age 11

I love your book! It is so good. That book is the right type of book for me. I am reading the second book for a book report in my class!
—Jen A. Age 12

A very good book, not a lot of action but special in its own way, absolutely love-it!  ;)
—Taylor K. Age 12

I loved this book! It was so adventurous and suspenseful! I just wanted to read it again, and again, and again. I just can't wait to read the third book. I want to see what happens to Alexa next.
—Julianne O. Age 11

This is one of the best books I've read in like forever!!! This is top on my list!!
—Ashley P. Age 13

I loved this book and the first!!! I can't wait to read the third one. I couldn't put the 2nd book down. I read it in a two-day period. That is the same time as I finished the first one.
—Taylor G. Age 12

It is a really exciting book and you just don't want to stop.
—Nicole M., 12

When I sit down to read it I never want to put the book down. It keeps me on the edge of my seat. An example of when I was on the edge of my seat was when Alexa and Yipes were in the cave and they heard the voice of John, who they didn't know at the time.
—Sarah G. Age 11

This book rocks! I LOVE it! It has all the signs of a perfect book of adventure, action, and suspense.
—Nicole M. Age 11

This is the most amazing trilogy ever, and The Valley of Thorns added a great touch to the adventure! Great job, Patrick Carman, I can't wait until you release books three: The Tenth City.
—Katie W. Age 11

This book was truly a battle of wits for Alexa and also a battle of strength and courage! This book kept me reading it my whole vacation! The description is so realistic! I was able to visualize everything! It was also a journey that tested Alexa's emotion and feeling. I can't wait for the next one!!!
—Shannon N. Age 12

This is without a doubt the bet book I have ever read! I have always wanted to talk to animals and reading about a girl my age that could do that was amazing. A special note to Patrick Carmen: PLEASE WRITE HEAPS MORE BOOKS ABOUT ALEXA!
—Rebecca P Age 12

Pat,
First of all, thank you for putting your wonderful story to paper.  I’m certainly not in your expected demographic.  I’m a 35-year-old female adventurer.  I have been looking forward to "Valley of Thorns" since I picked up and enjoyed "Dark Hills."  It has been so heart warming to read about a fellow female adventurer in a world where there are few.  Here’s to a new time when girls can be leaders and adventurers too!
—Tamie J Age 35

I've read both books in less than a week, and am now waiting for book 3. I know it's technically a kids book, but so is Harry Potter. I rated these books a 9 instead of a 10 because they were too short. Very good series. Will have my children read them too.
—Sue M. Age 44

I think this is a great story and really pulls you into the midst of it.  It has an air of mystery about it.
—Caitlin M. Age 18