I like to consider a book’s hook at the beginning and this book’s
opening is a little different. Dylan’s twelfth birthday is the age when many
characters discover something special about their lives, and he knows what to
expect this year. However, while walking to the ice cream shop, he is compelled
to change his course and enter an old, dismal-looking shop. Later, his father is
drawn to the same shop where he finds an old wooden chest containing an amulet
and a small journal with blank pages. While exploring the chest, his birthday
present, Dylan experiences the same migraine headache and chest pains that have
debilitated his father since he was twelve. To add to the mystery, Dylan and
his father are the only ones who can see the strange pitchfork symbol on the
forehead of the cranky, old woman living as a house guest. Readers will get a
sense of where the plot is headed but the hook will make them curious to read
more.
Dylan has visions of a king being killed in a dungeon and
discovers they can communicate with each other using the blank journal. Dylan
learns he can end the family curse by stopping the evil reign of Mordrid and a
sorcerer named Drucilla. The author emphasizes their cruelty by describing
Mordrid’s love of torturing and how his lead guard Maggotbreath inflicts
ruthless violence on his prisoners. Drucilla secretly plots to get rid of King
Mordrid as her evil magic is an overwhelming force. Dylan’s quest is to recover
two mystical items, a hidden scepter and Drucilla’s wand, and restore King Paul
to the throne.
The supporting cast is a unique blend of characters and
personalities. Dylan is aided by an aging witch whose abilities have seen
better days and readers won’t know what to expect when she casts spells. The
rightful king of Calinore is killed in a prison cell and his soul is now
trapped inside the journal with a pirate called Greybeard. King Paul provides
helpful advice and motivation for Dylan while Greybeard’s soul is cranky,
angry, and has little patience for Dylan. King Paul’s wife and their son have
been changed into talking mice and a former assistant to Drucilla now acts as a
spying sparrow for the queen. King Mordrid’s prison guards are inept, bumbling
buffoons but the head jailer, Maggotbreath, is as malevolent as they come.
What didn’t work as well:
The story shifts settings to focus on various characters but some
of these are unnecessary. It’s most important to follow Dylan, Mordrid, and
Drucilla as they have the most interesting, conflicting subplots. The end of
the book may not be as satisfying as readers would like.
The final verdict:
Young readers will enjoy Dylan’s quest into a magical world of
witches, pirates, and even a dragon. There’s a nice blend of drama, humor, and
suspense as Dylan tries to end the family curse. I suggest you give this book a
shot.
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