Dysfunction to healing

Ask Him Why

By Catherine Ryan Hyde

Paperback: 332 pages

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (December 15, 2015)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1503948900

ISBN-13: 978-1503948907

Approximate Lexile: 1000

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Ruth and her little brother, Aubrey, are just teenagers when their older brother ships off to Iraq. When Joseph returns, uninjured, only three and a half months later, Ruth is happy he is safe but also deeply worried. How can it be that her courageous big brother has been dishonorably discharged for refusing to go out on duty? Aubrey can’t believe that his hero doesn’t have very good reasons.

Yet as the horrifying details of the incident emerge, Joseph disappears. In their attempts to find him, Ruth and Aubrey discover he has a past far darker than either of them could imagine. But even as they learn more about their brother, important questions remain unanswered—why did he betray his unit, his country, and now his family? Joseph’s refusal to speak ignites a fire in young Aubrey that results in a disastrous, and public, act of rebellion.
The impact of Joseph’s fateful decision one night in Baghdad will echo for years to come, with his siblings caught between their love for him and the media’s engulfing frenzy of judgment. Will their family ever make their way back to each other and find a way to forgive?

My Thoughts:

As always, I read others reviews before writing my own. I get where some people are coming from. This is not about plot, this is about characters and family dynamics. Why would you give a book a poor review because it didn’t provide the “cliffhangers” you thought it should have? I don’t get it.

 

Okay, off the soapbox now. This is the first book I have read from this author, although I have a couple of others on my Kindle. I primarily know her, of course, from Pay it Forward, a film I love and use in some of my high school classes. From what I can tell, Hyde focuses on broken people and broken relationships, and how those people and relationships achieve at least some measure of healing.

 

And that’s what this book is about. Yes, the parents, particularly the father, come from the stock box of Horrid, Self-Centered Parents. The mother, however, changes as the book moves from past to present telling.

 

While Joseph’s mutinous action is the impetus for the action of the book, he himself is a minor character, and passes through the book relatively unchanged. The true focus of the book is his younger siblings. They are each scarred, both by their family dynamic and the social repercussions of Joseph’s action. I think Hyde’s recounting of what happens to them in their school and community because of their brother rings true, given today’s media-fed society in which people snap to instant judgement of those around anyone who, in their eyes, errs.

 

Characters along the way, as well as a healthy dose of time, help both Aubrey and Ruth along. Ruth heals much more easily than Aubrey does. Aubrey is particularly hurt by his brother’s actions, and is dysfunctional well into adulthood, while Ruth is able to achieve a fairly normal life and family.

 

Oddly, along the way, no one asks Joseph why he did what he did—hence the title of the book—and his answer, when the question finally comes up, helps the rift between him and Aubrey to finally heal.

 

Based on this book, I think I’m going to enjoy reading others by this author. It was a fairly quick read for me.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Dysfunctional family. Minor cursing. Disobedient kids. Social ostracism. Discussions of suicide.

 

Who Would Like this Book:

Older teens and up. Male or female. Those who like stories about people, redemption, healing, families.

 

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Small town life. Books required!

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend

By Kristina Bivald

Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (January 19, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 149262344X

ISBN-13: 978-1492623441

Approximate Lexile: 930

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Broken Wheel, Iowa, has never seen anyone like Sara, who traveled all the way from Sweden just to meet her book-loving pen pal. When she arrives, however, she finds Amy's funeral guests just leaving. The residents of Broken Wheel are happy to look after their bewildered visitor―there's not much else to do in a dying small town that's almost beyond repair.

 

You certainly wouldn't open a bookstore. And definitely not with the tourist in change. You'd need a vacant storefront (Main Street is full of them), books (Amy's house is full of them), and...customers.

 

The bookstore might be a little quirky. Then again, so is Sara. But Broken Wheel's own story might be more eccentric and surprising than she thinks.

 

A heartwarming reminder of why we are booklovers, this is a sweet, smart story about how books find us, change us, and connect us.

 

My Thoughts:

This is a book about reading books. The author has obviously read a lot of books, and loves them. It shows.

 

The plot is a little bit predictable, but the characters are lovely. The protagonist, Sara, might be my least favorite; although she grows and changes, she is still a little bit passive in how she allows events to happen to her. The secondary characters, however, are a lot of fun! Grace, Caroline, George—each is unique and, while quirky, a believable part of small town life.

 

The book reminded me somewhat of The Guernsey Potato Peel Pie and Literary Society as well as another book that I just can’t put my finger on. (I, too, have read a lot of books.)

 

The writing is unremarkable, although honestly, at the end, I felt like there were some pages missing from the advanced reader e-book I have. The resolution just suddenly happened. Or had happened, without my really seeing it happen. I had a distinct “Huh?” moment.

 

Overall, it’s a fun, quick little read, perfect for those times when you don’t want to feel challenged.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

The town has a gay couple; bisexuality is also discussed. One f-bomb, other minor cursing. Some characters have children out of wedlock. Drinking. Sex, but not described in detail.

 

Who Would Like This Book:

Those who love to read, especially those who have read widely. Chick-lit fans, although it doesn’t really read like, say, Shopaholic. People who like strong characters and small towns. Probably mid-teens and up.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Dean Koontz does it again

Ashley Bell

By Dean Koontz

Hardcover: 576 pages

Publisher: Bantam; First Edition / First Printing edition (December 8, 2015)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0345545966

ISBN-13: 978-0345545961

Approximate Lexile: 1540

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

The girl who said no to death.

Bibi Blair is a fierce, funny, dauntless young woman—whose doctor says she has one year to live.

She replies, “We’ll see.”

Her sudden recovery astonishes medical science.

An enigmatic woman convinces Bibi that she escaped death so that she can save someone else. Someone named Ashley Bell.

But save her from what, from whom? And who is Ashley Bell? Where is she?

Bibi’s obsession with finding Ashley sends her on the run from threats both mystical and worldly, including a rich and charismatic cult leader with terrifying ambitions.

 

My Thoughts:

First, let me just put it out on the table: I like later Dean Koontz more than early Dean Koontz, and I like Dean Koontz better than I like Stephen King. (Patiently waiting for some people out there to stop throwing things at me.)

 

Let me explain. What disturbs me about King, at least in early King, because it’s been a long time since I’ve read any (I must say, I still love The Stand), is that with King, the book usually ends with the Evil Thing lurking in the shadows, ready to make a comeback. King seems to be convinced that humanity is, at its core, bad.

 

Koontz on the other hand, does not. In his earlier works, my favorite is Strangers, and it is a good example of his belief that humanity is good and can become better. Koontz’ recent work, such as The City and Innocence seems to be based even more on this belief.

 

Ashley Bell takes a bit of a turn from that.

 

This book is no different from others of the author’s work in its elevated vocabulary and complex sentence structure. It is not a book for a struggling reader. Like his other work, the protagonist of this one, Bibi Blair, is maybe a bit too bright and shining, a bit too good to be true. But also like other protagonists, she has some flaws. She has past events that she can’t—or won’t—remember, and they may be a part of her problem as she tries to find, and save, the mysterious Ashley Bell.

 

I’m not going to spoil this for you. There’s a MAJOR plot twist. Once you see it, you can think back and see the little trail of breadcrumbs that Koontz left to get you there. There’s been enough said about it in other reviews (I always read the one-star reviews before I write my own), and I think some people found the resolution to be “unexplained”. I think they didn’t read closely enough. It is explained, but it is complicated.

 

Unlike many other Koontz novels, this one ends with a hint that the antagonist could return.

I read this book in two days—and it’s finals week, so that’s saying something.

Possible Objectionable Material:

Violence. References to sex, though nothing is shown. Cruelty. One character is severely disfigured. Some minor curse words, but no F-words. Intense scenes while trying to escape from bad guys.

Who Would Like This Book:

Those who are able to suspend their disbelief about the supernatural/paranormal. Those who like personal journeys. High school and up. Dean Koontz fans, of course. The protagonist is female, but this book should be accessible to either gender.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Rapunzel, Un-Disneyfied

The Golden Braid

By Melanie Dickerson

Series: Medieval Fairy Tale Romance

Hardcover: 320 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 17, 2015)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0718026268

ISBN-13: 978-0718026264

Approximate Lexile: 940

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Rapunzel can throw a knife better than any man. She paints beautiful flowering vines on the walls of her plaster houses. She sings so sweetly she can coax even a beast to sleep. But there are two things she is afraid her mother might never allow her to do: learn to read and marry.

Fiercely devoted to Rapunzel, her mother is suspicious of every man who so much as looks at her daughter and warns her that no man can be trusted. After a young village farmer asks for Rapunzel’s hand in marriage, Mother decides to move them once again—this time, to the large city of Hagenheim.

The journey proves treacherous, and after being rescued by a knight—Sir Gerek—Rapunzel in turn rescues him farther down the road. As a result, Sir Gerek agrees to repay his debt to Rapunzel by teaching her to read. Could there be more to this knight than his arrogance and desire to marry for riches and position?

As Rapunzel acclimates to life in a new city, she uncovers a mystery that will forever change her life. In this Rapunzel story unlike any other, a world of secrets and treachery is about to be revealed after seventeen years of lies. How will Rapunzel finally take control of her own destiny? And who will prove faithful to a lowly peasant girl with no one to turn to?

 

My Thoughts:

As I’ve pretty well established by now, I love retold fairytales. This one adds a lot to the Rapunzel story. Sorry, Disney fans, there is no magical healing power, nor is there a smoldering Flynn Rider (sorry, Eugene). Nonetheless, Dickerson’s Rapunzel has drive and determination, just as the Disney version does, even if she does lack a frying pan.

Those familiar with either the source material or the Disney version know that “Mother” Gothel isn’t Rapunzel’s true mother, and it’s Rapunzel’s discovery of this and return to her rightful home that are a large part of the story.

Escaping her oppressive “mother”, Rapunzel takes the initiative to learn to read and become a worker in the castle kitchens, in part thanks to Sir Gerek, with whom she has a somewhat uneasy relationship that, of course, turns into something more. Naturally, there are obstacles to the happy ending, but they are realistic in the context of the both the story and the genre.

Dickerson also examines ideas of faith and forgiveness in the telling of the story.

Description is good, and Dickerson makes a point of doing her research and being true to her chosen period. Characters are strong and complex, which I like. Gothel seems to really want to protect Rapunzel, despite her (Gothel’s) craziness; she’s not just a baddie.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

If you don’t like discussions about God and faith, this may not be the book for you. Dangerous situations. Discussions of murders that took place in the past. Abduction and imprisonment. Violence. Babies born out of wedlock. Mild romance, but doesn’t go past kissing. Rapunzel basically runs away from home.

 

Who Would Like This Book:

Fans of fairy tales, romance, and medieval times. It’s probably of more interest to girls than boys, though I hate to over-generalize. Probably ages 10 and up.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.

 

Baba Yaga Brought to Life

The Door by the Staircase

By Katherine Marsh

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Grade Level: 3 - 7

Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion (January 5, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1423134990

ISBN-13: 978-1423134992

Approximate Lexile: 910

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Twelve-year-old Mary Hayes can't stand her orphanage for another night. But when an attempted escape through the stove pipe doesn't go quite as well as she'd hoped, Mary fears she'll be stuck in the Buffalo Asylum for Young Ladies forever.
            The very next day, a mysterious woman named Madame Z appears at the orphanage requesting to adopt Mary, and the matron's all too happy to get the girl off her hands. Soon, Mary is fed a hearty meal, dressed in a clean, new nightgown and shown to a soft bed with blankets piled high. She can hardly believe she isn't dreaming!
           But when Mary begins to explore the strange nearby town with the help of her new friend, Jacob, she learns a terrifying secret about Madame Z's true identity. If Mary's not careful, her new home might just turn into a nightmare.
            Award-winning author Katherine Marsh draws from Russian fairytales in this darkly funny middle-grade fantasy novel.

 

My Thoughts:

Perfect for middle-graders, this combination of retold fairytale with “plucky orphan finds a home” story hits all the right notes. Mary is likable for her initiative and cleverness, but her longing for a place to belong keeps her from being all sunshine and happiness. Likewise, her friend Jacob is a steadfast friend with a special desire of his own—and loyal Mary takes on the task of helping him to achieve it. Better still, with Jacob’s help, Mary is able to turn the usual ending for Baba Yaga’s adoptees to something new that benefits them both.

Full of heart and the idea that family is what we make it, this book offers some scares, some silliness, and a lot of heart.

The writing is accessible, with rich language, good description, and strong characters. Just as important for me, the editing was well done, too!

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Some dangerous situations. Magic, both of the stage and real variety. Children disobey adults.

 

Who Would Like This Book:

Those who, like me, enjoy retold fairytales. The suggested age range is appropriate. Those who like characters with grit. Boys and girls alike.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

A Second Chance

The Bronte Plot

By Katherine Reay

Paperback: 352 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (November 3, 2015)

ISBN-10: 1401689752

ISBN-13: 978-1401689759

Approximate Lexile: 1010

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Lucy Alling makes a living selling rare books, often taking suspicious liberties to reach her goals. When her unorthodox methods are discovered, Lucy’s secret ruins her relationship with her boss and her boyfriend, James—leaving Lucy in a heap of hurt and trouble. Something has to change; she has to change.

In a sudden turn of events, James’s wealthy grandmother, Helen, hires Lucy as a consultant for a London literary and antiques excursion. Lucy reluctantly agrees and soon discovers Helen holds secrets of her own. In fact, Helen understands Lucy’s predicament better than anyone else.

As the two travel across England, Lucy benefits from Helen’s wisdom as Helen confronts ghosts from her own past. Everything comes to a head at Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, where Lucy is reminded of the sisters’ beloved heroines who, with tenacity and resolution, endured—even in the midst of impossible circumstances.

Now Lucy must face her past in order to move forward. And while it may hold mistakes and regrets, she will prevail—if only she can step into the life that’s been waiting for her all along.

 

My Thoughts:

The title is somewhat deceiving; I was expecting some mystery, maybe even something DaVinci Code-esque. That is not what this book is about.

Instead, it is the story of a personal journey. Lucy feels shaped by her past, specifically, her father’s abandonment and seeming disinterest in her life. Her father was a con man, and Lucy engages in some less-than-honest practices herself.

This is not what I’d call a romance novel, although romance does play its part, and almost immediately. In fact, it’s when the romance ends because of Lucy’s dishonest dealings that the real story begins.

Lucy, with help from Helen, learns to forgive herself and let go of her past. I don’t think it’s giving anything away for me to say that. It’s how she gets to that point that will keep the reader engaged.

While not an overtly Christian book, the themes of forgiveness and redemption will definitely resonate.

Lucy’s struggles hit home with me (my parents split when I was young, too, and my dad wasn’t present much in my life), and I found her quite relatable and real. Her obsession with books was also real to me! (No kidding, right?) Other characters were also well-drawn and believable.

Travels in the English countryside just make me homesick for my biennial visits to my grandparents; the descriptions were spot on for me.

Possible Objectionable Material:

If there was any cursing, it was so mild as to not make an impression on me. Obviously, dishonesty is a major theme here. Adult people drink adult beverages. Really, this is a pretty mild book.

 

Who Would Enjoy this Book:

Book lovers, those who believe in second chances, those who like Britain. There’s no reason to say men wouldn’t  like it, but it definitely leans to stereotypically female sensibilities. Definitely appropriate for high school readers, maybe even mature middle-schoolers.

 

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC!

Friday means fun!

Friday Barnes: Girl Detective

By R.A. Spratt

Age Range: 8 - 12 years

Series: Friday Barnes

Hardcover: 272 pages

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press (January 19, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1626722978

ISBN-13: 978-1626722972

Approximate Lexile: 1050

Publisher’s Blurb:
Imagine if Sherlock Holmes was an eleven-year-old girl!


    When Friday Barnes, girl genius, solves a bank robbery, she uses the reward money to send herself to Highcrest Academy, the most exclusive boarding school in the country―and discovers it's a hotbed of crime!
    Soon she's investigating everything from disappearing homework to the terrifying Yeti haunting the school swamp. But the biggest mystery yet is Ian Wainscott, the handsomest (and most arrogant) boy in school who inexplicably hates her. Will the homework be found? Can they ever track down the Yeti? And why is Ian out to ruin her?


My Thoughts:
    This was a lot of fun! Though I’m nowhere near as well-read, knowledgeable, or socially awkward as Friday, she reminds me enough of me at that age. My eight-year-old daughter is just at the young end of the age range for this book, though certainly at the right reading level. Like Friday, she is the family surprise baby; unlike Friday, we pay lots of attention to her! In a few months, I am definitely going to introduce her to Friday!
    Admittedly, some of the situations are a bit outlandish, but that’s part of the fun. It’s no more outlandish than, say, Pippi Longstocking, and less so than A Series of Unfortunate Events.
    There are many sly references tucked in for the adults, as well. I am four times the top of the suggested age range, and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Maybe it’s also because I’m a teacher, so some of the descriptions of teachers at Friday’s boarding school were quite amusing to me.
    Friday solves many small mysteries on the way to the biggest mystery—the Swamp Yeti. The pacing in this book is perfect, with lots of action, and just enough rests to make the action fun rather than annoying. It’s also well-edited—yay!—and the descriptive passages are easy to visualize.
    Also good to note is that Friday develops emotional depth as the book progresses. Her character is allowed to be vulnerable and open to new friendships, and even to develop a crush (without it being sappy).


Possible Objectionable Material:
    Mild violence. Crime. Kids sneaking out at night and disrespecting authority. Dishonesty.


Who Would Like this Book:
    The suggested age range is a good start. The 1050 Lexile means it might be challenging for the lower end of that range. There is a girl on the cover, but boys shouldn’t be afraid of this book; Friday’s adventures and emotions transfer well, and there are plenty of male characters too. Kids who enjoy solving mysteries in the Encyclopedia Brown vein will probably like this one.


Thank you, NetGalley, for a fun read!

 

Special Abilites, and Scary Bad Guys

 

The Hidden Gifted Series

By M.L. Roble

Book 1: The Magician’s Doll

Series: The Hidden Gifted (Book 1)

Paperback: 318 pages

Publisher: M.L. Roble (February 1, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0988421313

ISBN-13: 978-0988421318
Approximate Lexile: 8201

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

Twelve-year-old Natalie has a lot to handle this school year, what with the bullies and the sudden development of her rather unusual abilities. But a circus is approaching, a storm is brewing, and with them comes the arrival of Beausoleil the Magician, his daughter, Louisa, his mysterious doll, and Natalie's biggest challenge yet!

The Magician's Doll sparks readers' imaginations with a tale of magical discoveries, profound friendship, a battle against evil, and the growth that comes with facing your fears and accepting who you are.

 Book 2: The Worlds Traveler

Series: The Hidden Gifted (Book 2)

Paperback: 260 pages

Publisher: M.L. Roble (December 1, 2015)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0988421348

ISBN-13: 978-0988421349
Apprixomate Lexile: 820

Publisher’s Blurb:

 Life on the run from madman Martin Reimer gets in the way of everything.

For fourteen-year-old Phillip, it has meant having to stay hidden, unable to use his gift of moving through maps to search for his missing father. But the arrival of a stranger named Delroy brings unexpected opportunity, for Delroy is a man with the ability to travel worlds hidden within our own, and he was sent by Phillip's father. Now Phillip will do everything he can to find his dad, even if it means tricking Delroy into helping him, or a quest through those hidden worlds.

Even if leaving home means Martin can now find him.

Follow in the adventures of Phillip Stone and Natalie Bristol in this sequel to the award-winning book The Magician's Doll!

My Thoughts:

There are many series that deal with groups of people who have special abilities that the rest of us lack. This series approaches it in a way I haven’t encountered before. The abilities vary from person to person, and they extend from the standard clairvoyance/telepathy/telekinesis/precognition vein. Some of the abilities Robles gives his characters are fascinating, such as the ability to have whatever you need by simply drawing it and pulling it out of your picture. (Too bad I can’t draw.)

That’s the high point. The low point is that—and maybe this is because I’m an adult reading work that is meant for middle grades—the protagonists, Phillip and Natalie, disregard adult advice, warnings, and even commands time and time again. They have the classic “I am the only one who can make things right” mindset, and their actions frequently put others in danger. Drives. Me. Nuts.

Natalie is the focus of the first book, and she and Phillip both are rocked by many revelations about their lives. This sets them on a path to fighting evil powers.

That path continues in the second book, in which Phillip is the focus.

Secondary characters are interesting; I especially like Delroy. Ullbipt is adorable.

Unfortunately, there are frequent trope incidents, like when Phillip has the chance to destroy a source of power for one of the baddies, but doesn’t, or when there are frequent acts of self-sacrifice for someone else—even though the victim urges that the sacrifice not take place and it does, in fact, make things worse.

Of the two books, I preferred the second one, although the first chapter was completely unnecessary. It did nothing to advance the plot, and what little it revealed about the growth of Phillip’s and Natalie’s talents was easily covered later on. The author acknowledges a friend who told him of the setting, and it seems that it was just something cool that got stuck in there just because.

Speaking of abilities, Natalie is a little too good to be true—she has remarkable powers of her own, AND is able to use and enhance the powers of those nearby. Obviously, it’s going to be all on her to defeat the bad guys, although probably not alone. Of course, that’s going to be complicated, but I won’t spoil it by saying why.

I will definitely read the continuation of this series. I hope that the kids will mature and get enough sense to stop doing stupid things that put them and others into danger and, instead, work with the adults for the benefit of all.

Hey, a parent’s gotta dream, right?

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Disobedience galore. Kids roaming unaccompanied. “Magical” powers, if you are bothered by such things. Some violence and lots of danger, threatened and acted upon.

 Who Would Like These Books:

People who like fantasy, struggles between good and evil. Focus is equally weighted between boys and girls, although there are more male characters overall. The protagonists are early teens, and that’s a good market for these books.

 

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARCs.

Back to Camelot

The Camelot Inheritance Series

By Rosie Morgan

Book 1: The Golden Sword

Series: The Camelot Inheritance

Paperback: 198 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 4 edition (March 21, 2014)

ISBN-10: 1497402247

ISBN-13: 978-1497402249

Approximate Lexile: 1080

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

          Arthur Penhaligon is under the illusion that he’s just an ordinary skateboarder but, unknown to him, his destiny is calling and it involves a sword - of the legendary variety. Skateboarding might have to take second place.

Arthur and his friends find themselves sucked into an epic world of magic, mystery and danger.

A world where people travel through time, animals take control, and where rivals are willing to resort to murder.

Myth and legend, fantasy and adventure have never seemed so real, or so dangerous.

Excalibur is waiting.

The Golden Sword is a teenage adventure fantasy, packed full of mystery, for boys and girls age10 and up.

Book 2: The Time Smugglers

Series: The Camelot Inheritance

Paperback: 274 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 2 edition (July 20, 2014)

ISBN-10: 1500531626

ISBN-13: 978-1500531621

Approximate Lexile: 1080

 

Publisher’s Blurb:

          Arthur Penhaligon is a skateboarder (usually). He also happens to be a Guardian, knighted by Excalibur.

It’s been a year since Arthur and his friends first met a shape-shifting cat and defeated a murderous rival intent on stealing Arthur’s birth-right.

But now, far below the Cornish hills, the deep magic is stirring again - summoning Arthur’s enemies to the contest for Cornwall’s crown.

It’s time to get back to the challenges of time-travel and the undeniable reality of myths and legends.

On a Cornish path a tiny, green-stone dragon stretches a claw.

In a churchyard a carved angel tests his wings.

And at sea an emerald-encrusted pocket watch chimes once… and slips through time.

Camelot is calling; Excalibur is waiting… and an epic world of magic, mystery and danger beckons.

 

My Thoughts:

My first thought is not kind: This author has no concept of how commas work. The higher Lexile on this series is in large part due to runon sentences that would benefit from the use of commas to separate the phrases and clauses. When she does use commas, they’re where a semi-colon is necessary.

So much for the highly technical part of this review.

As a fan of Arthurian myth and modern-day adaptations, I enjoyed the overall premise of this series. The narrative suffers from a lot of long descriptions of what’s happening or what characters are feeling and an occasional lack of action and showing emotion through dialogue and action.

Much of the main trio’s discovery of unfolding events is through overhearing adults talk. They seem to figure out very little through their own initiative. Indeed, the protagonist, Arthur, rather passively accepts his role as Guardian of Wales, as do his friends of their own parts in the preservation of their country.

Speaking of main trio—a boy who is the chosen one. His best friends, one goofy male and one smart female—who also have roles to play in defeating evil. Sound familiar?

The author obviously loves her homeland. I may even be (very distantly) related to her, given that my Morgan ancestors emigrated from Wales in the 1600s. Her artistic representations at the beginnings of chapters are lovely.

While middle-grade literature doesn’t need to be super-sophisticated, the narrative here is just a little too basic to be really engaging. I will probably read others in the series, because I hate to leave a story unfinished, but I am not sure I would recommend that anyone go out of their way to find these.

 

Possible Objectionable Material:

Children in perilous situations. Some frightening bits—especially the Crow Man. Children occasionally disobey adults. Fantasy elements, if you are opposed to such things. No cursing.

 

Who Would Like This Book:

Fans of Arthurian myth, those who enjoyed the Harry Potter group dynamic. While the protagonist is male, Tamar is definitely a strong female character. There are many other female characters, both good and evil. People who can disregard poor conventions and storytelling and just enjoy the plot. It’s aimed at 10-14, and I’d say that’s about right.

 

Thank  you, NetGalley, for the advance reader e-books.