Dragon Slayers' Academy #6: Sir Lancelot, Where Are You? by Kate McMullan

My name is Angus, and my uncle wants Wiglaf, Eric, and me to rescue Sir Lancelot. My uncle just wants the reward gold, and he's not concerned about our safety. Lancelot's under the spell of Morgana, the most powerful witch of all, and no one else has been able to save him. How are three kids supposed to succeed if brave knights have failed? Wiglaf and Eric are determined to forge on, so I guess I can't quit. Hopefully, Morgana won't change us into giant bats or feed us to ugly trolls. 

My recommendation is to read all of the books in this series straight through and treat them like different chapters. Each book can be read in one sitting. The series is funny with silly descriptions, jokes, and situations. The headmaster's greed is the basis for most of the stories, as he uses the students to potentially collect gold. The first two books actually involve slaying dragons, but the others do not. Wiglaf usually saves the day by some strange accident, and that happens again in this book. Give these books a shot if you're looking for humorous stories that can be finished in a short time. 

Drgaon Slayers' Academy #5: Knight for a Day by Kate McMullan

My name is Erica, daughter of Queen Barb and King Ken, but everyone besides Wiglaf knows me as Eric. Girls aren't allowed in the Dragon Slayers' Academy. I'm writing my essay for the "Win a Knight for a Day" contest, and I'm sure to win. Sir Lancelot's been my idol since I was born, I've read his memoir "A Knight Like I", and no one knows more about this brave hero. Of course, Mordred the headmaster wants to get gold from Lancelot's visit, but being in the presence of a Camelot knight is all I want. There's no way I can lose the contest. Or is there?

All of the books in this series are very short, and each can probably be read in one sitting. My recommendation is to read all of the books straight through and treat them like different chapters. The series is funny with silly descriptions, jokes, and situations. Most of the books find Wiglaf saved by some zany twist of fate, although that doesn't happen this time. The author provides obvious hints of a conflict, as the presence of Sir Lancelot creates tension between Wiglaf and Erica. The two best friends team up in the end to resolve the problem. The resolution leads directly into the sequel, Sir Lancelot, Where Are You? Give these books a shot if you're looking for short, humorous stories about knights in training.

Dragon Slayers' Academy #3: A Wedding for Wiglaf by Kate McMullan

My name is Wiglaf, and the headmaster will do anything to get rich. He wasn't happy when I killed two dragons without bringing him their treasures, so now he's sacrificing me into mar...mar... some princess. I fit her three qualifications for a husband: I'm a dragon slayer, I have red hair, and my name starts with the letter W. All I want is to become a dragon slayer, but I don't see any way out of this mar...mar... situation.

I can't say much about the book, since it's very short. My recommendation is to read all of the books straight through and treat them like different chapters. The series is funny with silly descriptions, jokes, and situations. Each book finds Wiglaf saved by some zany twist of fate. The two dragons he killed in previous books were due to accidents. The climax of this book is predictable, but it's still entertaining. Give these books a shot if you're looking for humorous stories that can be finished in one day. 

Kevin Martinez and the Crimson Knights #2: Rise of the Whiteface Order by Mike A. Torres

My friends and I are certain Raven has sent evil, white-faced creatures to Whitefield. They're attacking different boys named Kevin, and it's clear they're searching for me. We're not sure how they were able to leave Derathiel, since Maviel's Mirror opens the only portal between our worlds. However, we've recently learned that the leaves from a crystal plant might be able to open other portals, and this would be disastrous. We must find answers about Raven and his plans, so it looks like we'll be heading back to Derathiel soon. Before dying, Jey gave me a letter saying I need to seek the fallen god of fire named Brealin, so we'll need to find a guide to locate him. Princess Hayla should be able to offer us assistance, although I know she's fighting to save her kingdom. I have Flameclaw to protect us, but it would be very helpful to find the other weapons of the fallen gods. 

You need to read A Game of Mirrors, to fully understand what's going on in the series. The most entertaining aspect is the characters, and there are quite a few main characters. Kevin is THE main character, but his close friends are equally important. They all contribute in their own ways and create their own dynamics to the group. Kevin has a new crush on Olivia, and his discomfort is understandable for a normal seventh grader. Zander is a local bully, and Kevin does all he can to understand and support him in becoming a better person. The presence of the whitefaced invaders creates tension, as it's clear they'll eventually find the correct Kevin. They have overwhelming powers that include changing people into plant-like warriors. Most of this book takes place on earth with short trips to Derathiel. Two of the boys have weapons of the fallen gods, and I expected each book might have a character matched up with a new one. Didn't happen this time. New questions are raised with the introduction of several new characters including Princess Hayla's father, a woman in black, and a baby. I really enjoy books with knights mixed in with a little magic, and this series perfectly fits the bill. I'm looking forward to reading the third book in the series, but alas, I don't know how long I'll need to wait. Update! The author contacted me and said the third book should be out in the Fall of 2021!

Ultraball #1: Lunar Blitz by Jeff Chen

My name is Strike, and I'm the quarterback for the Taiko Miners, runner-up for the Ultraball Championship the past three years. The pressure to win this year is suffocating, since the survival of 3,000 colonists is riding on it. A Dark Sider named Boom showed up out of nowhere, and she's the new rocketback 1 our team needs. Little is known about Dark Siders, and most people see them as traitors. I'm not sure about Boom myself, since she gets very defensive when I ask anything about her past. I don't even know her real name! Add that to the rumors that one of my teammates is being paid to stab me in the back, and my suspicions always focus on her. But what if it's someone else? I trust 

I'm not sure why, but I was determined to finish this book in one day. I like sports so Ultraball pulled me in, but the non-sports problems really held my interest. Nothing extraordinary, but it grabbed me for some reason. It was the story of little guys (the Miner colony) versus domination by the largest, richest colony. Its governor would do anything to win and get richer, including the bribery of Strike's best friend in last year's championship game. He has plans for the Miner colony this year that will doom all of its citizens. The story is broken up into different Ultraball games leading to the championship. The rules are similar to football, but the suits and field make the game very different. There are only five Ultraball suits per team, so you can't play if it doesn't fit. The mystery of which Miner might be taking a bribe takes up much of the plot, and the reveal during the climax is a surprise. Actually, the identity isn't totally out of the blue, but the reason for accepting the money is creative. Who knew losing could be winning? Ultraball will appeal to sports lovers, but everything else makes the book more interesting. I'm not sure where the sequel will go, since Spike has a hard time fitting into the Ultraball suit. The book will surely deal with battling injustice, so I recommend you give the series a shot. 

Legend #2: Prodigy by Marie Lu

June and I had nowhere safe to go after escaping the Republic, so we headed to Vegas in search of the Patriots. My knee was really torn up and needed surgery, and the Patriot doctor replaced it with mechanical parts. However, the Patriots wouldn't help without getting a commitment from June and me, so we agreed to assassinate the new Elector Primo. The plan involved June getting captured by the Republic and hopefully not getting killed in the process. My new role was becoming a Patriot Runner, and I was to be the one who actually fired the shot to kill the Elector. However, things changed. I'm now not sure if June is fully committed to the plan, and I'm wondering if the Elector has gotten into her head. My main goal is getting my little brother back, so am I fully committed? The day of the assassination is quickly approaching, so we'll soon find out. 

You need to read Legend first. The story is told from the alternating points of view of the two main characters, June and Day. June is the former Republic wondergirl who helped the Republic's most wanted terrorist, Day, escape in the first book. Voluntarily putting June in the Republic's custody creates a great deal of tension and suspense, while Day's time with the Patriots shares information about the overall picture of the war with the Colonies. A history of the fall of the United States is included, and the Colonies becoming a bigger part of the plot and action. An interesting development concerns Tess, Day's closest friend and companion from the first book. While Day views her as a sister, Tess's feelings for Day go beyond that. This creates more pressure on Day's emotions, since it appeared Day and June were becoming a couple. The author includes clues opening the possibility of future complications, and it seems the assassination plot is shaky from the start. Conspiracies are revealed, loyalties change, good becomes bad, and evil becomes caring. I enjoyed this book better than the first one, so I recommend you give it a shot. This book is part two of a trilogy, with Champion bringing it to a conclusion. 

Keeper of the Lost Cities #8: Legacy by Shannon Messenger

My name is Sophie, and we're trying to figure out the Neverseen's next moves. They've taken Tam and plan to use his shadow powers against us, but I was still able to use my telepathy to contact him. He said the Neverseen is planning attacks that will directly affect us, and he's been ordered to kill Keefe on sight. We're thinking the dwarves are likely targets for the Neverseen, and the Council wants me to lead a small group of friends to investigate. It's hard to focus on the task without knowing the identity of my parents. I'm unmatchable, and that's pretty important to a teenage girl. It's creating stress for me and is complicating my relationships. If Fitz is my boyfriend (Is he my boyfriend?) then why do I feel funny around Keefe? There are so many questions without any answers!

I really enjoy the concept of the story and the characters' blend of abilities. My biggest dislike is the over-description and detail that causes the plot to move very slowly. The Neverseen are a covert organization that causes problems throughout the series, and Keefe's mom is one of its leaders. The main characters have special talents, but Sophie is different. She was genetically engineered by the Black Swan to have multiple talents, but this makes her parents unknown. Her internal conflict is a major issue and consumes much of the plot, but the Council strongly tells her making the identities known would have tragic consequences. The battle with the Neverseen takes a backseat to Sophie's quest to discover her genetic parents, since characters are usually determined to pursue things they're forbidden from having. The most frustrating thing about this book is the ending has me really wanting to read the sequel, but I don't know if I want to read another slow-moving plot. The first three-fourths of the story is posturing and laying foundation without accomplishing much of anything. Then, the last fourth of the book gets exciting with new revelations and confrontations. Based on other reviews I've seen, my feelings are quite common. I can recommend you give the series a shot if you're a mature reader and don't mind taking your time to finish a book. 

Seventh Grade vs. the Galaxy by Joshua Levy

Wow, Jackson. You never thought things could get any worse after your father got disgraced and fired from the school, PSS118. Who knows what would have happened if I hadn't listened to his secret message to me? How was I to know he'd invented humanity's first rocket capable of faster than light speed, or that he installed the engine in the school? Or that he programmed the computer to give me control of the ship? I guess ignoring the warnings was on me, but I had no idea what the Quarantine was. So now Ari, Becka, and I find ourselves... somewhere. The computer says our location is unknown. The main thing we've learned about this planet is the Minister is in charge, and she forces all of the aliens to love her. We need to find some way back to our solar system and hopefully get help to rescue the rest of the school.

The plot of the book is a little zany, but it's strangely engaging. Ari is the genius friend who does most of the computer stuff, and Becka is the seventh-grade bully/troublemaker with unexpected talents. She fills a role to run the school/spaceship, plus Ari loves her. Jackson's role as leader is due to the fact he's the only one the computer listens to, but he has a lot to learn about actual leadership. Most of the story takes place on Elvid IX, and the Minister is the main antagonist. Humanity's technology is an infant compared to the capabilities of the aliens, and the Minister's power is based on fear and suppressing the rights of everyone. Jackson's dad's rocket power is the target of her violence and creates the conflict for this book and its sequel. The author mixes humor with adventure, as the three kids try to escape Elvid IX. Familiar details are included on this planet, including a seven-hundred story shopping mall that sells everything from shredded hand towels, to dragons, to rocket fuel. The computer and robot lunch ladies don't talk like machines, and the normalcy of alien life is amusing. Imagine a parent going to a pet store to buy a sea monster and reminding the child that he's responsible for taking care of it. Overall, I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would and recommend you give it a shot. It will appeal to lovers of light-hearted space adventures, as it includes some silliness. 

Ghosts of Wierdwood: A William Shivering Tale by Christian McKay Heidicker

My name is Wally, and my life now has purpose. I used to roam the streets of Kingsport as a thief and pickpocket, but I've become a novitiate for the Manor. I haven't learned to use the magic within me, but Sekhmet's still brought me along on a mission to close a Rift between the Real and Fae worlds. We want to figure out how the Order is able to locate Rifts before us. There are new members of the Order we've never encountered before, and they have powers we've never seen. The most disturbing foe is the Eraser. It leaves a void wherever it goes, disintegrating anything or anyone it touches. How do you fight something that can't be hurt? I'm sure Arthur would have some grand idea with one of his stories, but he can't accept that he doesn't have any magic. Stories aren't much help against a real enemy.

You should read Thieves of Weirdwood first, and the sequel Nightmares of Weirdwood will end the trilogy in the spring of 2022. The plot follows the two separate paths of Wally and Arthur in alternating chapters. Arthur's story has a more interesting character angle, as he tries to atone for his past behavior and mistakes. The queen of the dragons still wants vengeance for the death of her son, and she blames Arthur. His behavior hasn't changed much, as he still stretches the truth and takes risks at the expense of others. However, the positives in his character take over as hidden truths are revealed. The most interesting twist to Wally's plot is the presence of his brother Graham. Graham is a seer, and he's working against all of the Manor's plans. Wally is torn between supporting the Manor and keeping his brother's communications secret. As mentioned above, the Eraser presents a formidable foe, as the Manor can't understand how it even works. The conflict seems unsolvable and creates wonderful tension. Overall, I'm enjoying the trilogy and recommend you give it a shot. It requires imagination from readers, as the characters move between real and imaginary worlds. Give it a shot.

The Haunting by Joan Lowery Nixon

I can't believe my parents are actually planning to move into the old Graymoss house that my great-grandmother left to our family. On her death bed, she told me to read her diary that described the evil found inside the house. No one has spent more than a night in the house since the Civil War, because they're terrified away by the evil presence. I admit that I'm curious to spend a night in an actual haunted house, but my parents are planning to adopt a dozen unadoptable kids. My mom is a psychologist and thinks the ghost stories are from active imaginations, so she's not worried at all. However, I still don't see how it's possible for so many people to have very similar terrifying experiences over the decades, even the courageous women in my family's history. I'm nothing like them, but it seems like it's up to me to end the haunting. 

This book was a classic ghost story without any complications. Lia recognized the danger and seemed to be the only one capable of removing the evil presence. The key was trying to figure out what it wanted before it would leave. Lia was a stark contrast from her ancestors, as her grandmother liked to remind her. She loved to read, which her mother assumed created an overactive imagination. The whole plot built up the suspense toward a final confrontation with an evil spirit, but the climax was anticlimactic. I won't say what happened, but it wasn't satisfying. Overall, this book is a nice ghost story for readers not wanting any gore and little intensity. I typically like Nixon's books, and this one was okay. Not great, okay. 

Legend #1 by Marie Lu

No one knows what Dane looks like, but I'll track him down. And then I'll see him die. I can still see his knife sticking out of my brother's chest. Dane's a terrorist, but he's never killed anyone before. So why did he kill my brother? I know Dane must be injured after leaping from a hospital to steal plague suppressant, but he couldn't have needed the medicine for himself. Who is it for? I don't think Dane works for the Colonies, he's surely not a Patriot, but he still finds himself at the top of the Republic's most-wanted list. That will end when I find him. I, June, am the only one who's ever gotten a perfect score on the Trial, and I've completed my training years before anyone else. I will succeed where other soldiers have failed, and I'll avenge my brother's death. It's just a matter of time.

I saw this book in the past and decided to finally give it a shot. It had a futuristic setting in the former United States, and a quarter from 1990 was an ancient relic. Everything was fairly believable, so you won't find anything too wackadoodle. The Republic was now in charge and was at war with the Colonies. It was a corrupt system of government that manipulated "truth" and propaganda to maintain its power. As you might expect, the Republic stifled the freedom of citizens, and Dane found ways to disrupt its plans. The story was told from alternating points of view, as June tried to track down Dane. It was effective technique to understand the motivations and feelings of Dane and June. Dane's terrorist activities took a backseat, as he was focused on finding medicine for his younger brother. June was determined to capture Dane, as her anger and sadness took over her emotions. The plot became a game of cat and mouse between the two main characters. Clearly, the author was going to create complications once June realized the Republic's deceit. The plague was at the center of everything, as it had been going on for years. The book pits man versus society in an exciting story of individuals trying to do what's right. I recommend you give it a shot, and I've already reserved a copy of the sequel, Prodigy, at my local library.

Valkyrie #2: The Runaway by Kate O'Hearn

My name is Archie, and I'm thankful that Gee reaped my soul as I was dying. However, she always seems to find a way to get herself into trouble. I mean, Chicago was almost destroyed because of what she did, so she's on probation with Odin. Odin is now offering her a chance to get back her position as a Valkyrie if she completes an urgent quest. Gee needs to find a banished Valkyrie in Midgard and return her to Valhalla. Odin's given Gee two days to finish the mission, since a war among the realms might erupt at any moment. A couple of problems. The Valkyrie has established a life in Midgard and doesn't want to leave. Secondly, we've discovered a huge secret about the Dark Searchers that has Gee confused and angry. Odin will be furious if he discovers what's happening down here, but Gee doesn't seem to care. That can only spell disaster.

This book has a lot going on, and you need to read Valkyrie first. The series is based on Norse mythology, and Odin isn't known for being understanding, cooperative, or compassionate. Gee, or Frieda as she's known in Valhalla, is the main character, and her empathy for others has a tendency to get her into trouble. She's strong, independent, and doesn't always like to follow the rules. An interesting part of this book is the revelation of how Dark Searchers are chosen, something they don't know about themselves. They are Odin's special force and are feared because of their relentless pursuit of anyone leaving Valhalla without his permission. One of them has a violent vendetta against Gee due to her actions in the first book. The story also reveals unknown siblings that will take over the plot and potentially trigger the war between the realms. Consequently, this book includes a higher level of danger and creates more tension than the prior one. An added level of concern arises from the fact that the touch of a Valkyrie is deadly to humans. Overall, I enjoyed this book very much and recommend you give it a shot. I'm looking forward to the sequel, War of the Realms, and I assume it will end the series. 

Notorious by Gordan Korman

My name is Keenan, and I'm finally recovering from the fatigue and lack of energy that comes with tuberculosis. However, I'm not crazy about living with my dad in a tiny town on the border of Canada and the United States. The only interesting thing here, and a bit annoying, is a girl named Zeedee. She has all kinds of stories about the gangsters who once lived in this town, and I suspect she exaggerates quite a bit. Zeedee has an adorable dog that she ignores, since she thinks someone murdered her first dog. The first dog terrorized everyone here, and I've learned the people still hate the memory of it. Now, Zeedee won't even talk to me, because she thinks I prefer the kids from my school over her. However, I need to find some way to talk to her again because of what I found in the woods. Maybe she hasn't been exaggerating as much as I thought. 

I chose this book because of the author. You can depend on Korman to present an amusing story about an uncommon topic. The story is told by different characters, mostly Keenan and Zeedee, in alternating chapters, so you can read from different points of view. It's mostly about friendship and the problems arising from misunderstanding others. The second half of the book becomes a mystery, as Keenan tries to uncover what really happened to Zeedee's dog. Multiple suspects are presented and investigated, but Korman saves some surprises for later. You won't be totally shocked if you pay attention to the clues. Oh, a treasure hunt also develops as the plot moves along. The story includes a lot of interesting information about famous gangsters, Elliot Ness, and the unique problems created in a town literally split between two countries. Zeedee sees most of her problems arising from being the only kid in town needing to take a boat to Canada to attend school. Keenan helps Zeedee get beyond her misconceptions to possibly mend old friendships. It's inspiring to watch an outsider work to bring a community closer together. Overall, this is a very entertaining book and I recommend you give it a shot. 

Wings of Olympus #2: The Colt of the Clouds by Kallie George

My name is Pippa, and it's been two years since I was banished from Mount Olympus. I've never been one to settle down, so I hate my weaving lessons with Bas's mother. I don't see myself becoming someone else's wife and mother. I still enjoy riding Zephyr even though he's lost his wings, but I never expected to discover he has a son. I'm calling the young winged horse Tazo, but his kind are forbidden from walking on earth. The villagers have discovered Tazo's existence and think he's the cause of Poseidon's wrath. Zeus will know what to do about Tazo, so I must return to Mount Olympus without any other gods and goddesses knowing. I've met an annoying boy named Hero, who insists he's related to Hercules, and I can't get rid of him. However, once we arrived atop Mount Olympus, the only god left was Zeus.

You can probably read this book on its own, since you will learn any needed information from the first book. It's based on Greek mythology with gods, goddesses, and demigods being active participants. Poseidon is an antagonist, as he floods the villagers' crops with saltwater rain and releases his creatures into the stables of Mount Olympus. The author saves some surprises for later in the plot. A highlight is Hero's character, as he's clearly trying to make himself sound more important than reality. He tends to brag, is a know-it-all, and claims to never be afraid. However, he proves to be very loyal and has talents to share. He's a boy with low self-esteem who only wants to be accepted and to feel wanted. It takes Pippa awhile to recognize this. The story moves along nicely and includes bits of tension along the way. The author visits various areas related to Mount Olympus and introduces perilous obstacles. The absence of gods and goddesses gives the story an eerie feel, and the disappearance of the flying horses creates a mystery. Solving the mystery is Pippa's main motivation. Overall, I'm enjoying the series and recommend it for lovers of mythology and horses. The action's not super intense, but the story is entertaining. 

Maya Loop by Lisa Anna-Langston

This blue-haired girl never wanted to leave Baltimore and move to a farm down south in the middle of nowhere. I even planned to leave my grandfather's farm to return "home", although planned probably is the wrong word to use. I didn't have a plan, and visiting the neighbor's house changed everything. I released an Assassin Bug trapped in a jar, and it opened my eyes to a world I never knew existed. Aliens called Landions want to eliminate humans from ever existing, and all they need is the last piece of a water clock to do it. My quest took me below the ground where I was aided by moles with goggles and a Shooptee. However, they said I needed to cross the river alone, and I had to find the Orb Weaver. I had no idea how I was supposed to do either of those things, but I was the only one who could save mankind from extinction.

I received an ARC through BookSirens, and the book exceeded my expectations. The basis of the story involved time travel, although this version didn't view time as moving forward and backward. Many books about time travel can become confusing, but the characters didn't do a lot of time jumping. The Landions wanted to erase humans from ever existing. The author pointed out some negatives of mankind, including the extermination of animal species on earth. It seemed like the idea for the story grew from our habit of killing most insects we find. Maya and her grandmother had special abilities, but Maya was the last person on earth with the ability to save humanity. This made her the primary target for the Landions. She was helped by creatures that often spoke cryptically, so their messages were sometimes a challenge to understand. This actually made them more endearing, as they were willing to break the rules to help Maya. The plot moved along with a blend of adventure, humor, and creativity mixed with absurdity. The climax presented an especially strange resolution to the conflict. Overall, this book was very entertaining, and I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Unwanteds Quests #7: Dragon Fury by Lisa McMann

My name is Florence, and Thisbe has finally finished explaining her support of the Revinir. We were all convinced she had sided with the Revinir, but Fifer confirms it was all part of her plan. I still think Thisbe is hiding something, since I can't understand how her Obliterate spell missed the Revinir. She never misses a spell she's perfected, so I'm not sure that I fully trust her. We're sure the Revinir is planning an all-out attack on our crumbling castle, but we'll hopefully be able to spring a surprise attack. However, the fact remains that none of our spells or weapons have been able to kill her, so how can we end her reign of terror? The answer might be found in the message saying "water" that Thisbe received from her sister.

You should read the whole series to understand the dynamics of all the characters, and there are a lot of characters. This book brings the whole series to a satisfying conclusion, as it even touches on the characters' lives many years after the final battle. The very last chapter addresses characters you might have forgotten. The story builds the suspense for a climactic confrontation with the Revinir's dragon army. In a way, it was anticlimactic, as the twins and Florence had created a detailed plan of attack. They seemed to have considered everything and didn't encounter any significant hiccups. I was expecting a more back-and-forth battle. The characters highlight the book's appeal. The twins are becoming effective leaders, but everything depends on teamwork. If you've read the previous books, you know the team consists of humans, dragons, statues, animals and other creatures. They all have their own personalities, but it's nice to see them uniting for a common cause. The author addresses an often-ignored issue with evil characters in that they're not always entirely evil. Thisbe struggles with knowing the Revinir was once a fragile young girl, so how much punishment is warranted? Overall, you'll definitely enjoy this book if you've liked the others, so give it a shot.

Thieves of Weirdwood: A William Shivering Tale by Christian McKay Heidicker and William Shivering

My name is Graham, and I think I've prepared my brother Wally for his difficult days ahead in the Mirror world. He may not believe what I told him, since I'm currently living in a mental hospital, but he's managed to find his way to Weirdwood Manor. The Manor's staff is committed to keeping Fae creatures from invading the real world and closing any Rifts between the two worlds. I met Wally's friend named Arthur, and I gave him a Golden Scarab to deliver to the Manor. It might have been nice to tell him what it would do, but I didn't want to. Wally has a very important role to play in the battle between Kingsport and Mirror Kingsport, and there's not much he can do about it. His fate has been determined. 

This book presents an innovative world of speculative fiction. Weirdwood Manor hides within the walls of abandoned buildings, and the staff is tasked with rounding up escaped, imaginary creatures. The plot contains mystery, adventure, and humor. Someone has found a way to travel between worlds without Rifts, which shouldn't be possible. The actual antagonists are unclear, and the author finds a way to constantly change our focus. Who's pulling the strings? The story is full of battles with monsters and other creepy things that originate from the imaginations of the Kingsport citizens. This book literally has ideas and stories come to life and gives authors immense power. Wally is the main character, while Arthur tries to become his favorite book character, a Gentleman Thief. Arthur has all kinds of wacky plans and has a talent to persuade others. I didn't originally see Graham as a significant character, but rest assured he plays an important role in the story. The plot offers many surprises with a full range of emotions. The cast of strangers go back and forth with trust, and there is one significant death. Actually, two deaths, but one of them occurred before the book begins. Overall, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, and I recommend you give it a shot.