Ronan Boyle and the Bridge of Riddles (Ronan Boyle #1)

This book is hysterical. Perfect read aloud for... basically anyone. If you're a fan of; clever writing, huge imagination, a young nerdish hero and laugh out loudness? You'll love this. Kind of indescribable as far as the plot, due to the fantasticality of it all (word? Well it is now) but trust me, if you have the slightest imagination or funny bone you will love this. Get.it.

I read it aloud to my wife and son over a few days, and we all loved it. I'll admit to being a bit doubtful going in; after all, actor-turns-author doesn't always work out. But Mr. Lennon does a spectacular job, and the story is laugh-out-loud funny and imaginative the whole way through. The "Rowling meets Adams" hype may be overselling things a bit; while their influence is felt, neither the characters nor the plot are as deep in Ronan Boyle as in the works of those authors – not yet, at least. And RB ends on a cliffhanger, at a point that would just be halfway or so through a Harry Potter book, with some seemingly important characters not yet having had a chance to do very much. Presumably, this will be resolved in the (can't come soon enough) sequels. Also, if the publisher thinks Americans know so little of Irish/UK terminology as to have to include footnotes that translate "lift" into "elevator" and whatnot, it's baffling that there isn't a pronunciation guide for the many Irish/Gaelic words that are difficult for some of us to decipher. As far as complaints go, though... that's about it. Minor stuff, ultimately. Ronan Boyle is delightful and highly recommended. We loved it.

This was a very enjoyable piece of work. I expect to see more from Mr Lennon.I especially enjoyed his comical use footnotes, and on several occasions laughed so hard I forgot what I was reading.I also enjoyed how he introduced an annoying character and quickly killed him off. I actually felt a sigh of relief knowing that the annoying boy in the book was dead. I have found that often a character is poorly placed or forced into a book. This particular character was forced in and essentially marched back out in a pleasing way.I'd like to think he enjoyed writing this book, and I truly hope he enjoys writing a second.I think this book would be a great gift for nieces, nephews, and other children who are literate.Lastly, I mispronounced the word shillelagh in my head for the first 3/4 of the book.

Full disclosure: This is my brother's book, although I have to admit I still think it is HILARIOUS! So So funny, well written and entertaining on every level definitely for BOTH kids and adults. My ten year old son is obsessed with J.K. Rowling books, and he says: "Ronan Boyle and the Bridge of Riddles is a funny, unique, and a really cool book. This book is as good as the Harry Potter series, which are my FAVORITE books of all time. I think the leprechaun pickle parlor farting part was really, really, really funny."

Great little book filled with humor and heart. Was a quick and enjoyable read and I look forward to the next one.

Very funny book. I read this with my son & daughter (3rd & 4th grade). They loved it, I thought it was funny, myself. His descriptions were excellent you can really create a visual in the mind, Ronan is an interesting, funny character, very relatable.

My 11 yr old. could not put this book down and was sad the second one isn't yet available. Has lent this to a few friends to read now as well. What an amazing storyteller! So Funny. Perfect sense of humor to capture a young reader! Thank you!

It's like a more fun Irish Harry Potter, pre-movie franchise too so you don't feel like 'have I read this already'? Plus... Thomas Lennon wrote it, so of course buy it ye vast daft eejit.

Great story, can’t wait for next one