Magestone (Gemfall Book One) by David Burleyson

What worked:

The immediate, most interesting, aspect of the story arises when Grayson discovers a purple rock in the Oak Wood Forest. This dark, spooky forest is avoided by the people of Tamhaven so Grayson and his friends explore it without their parents’ knowledge. The piece of amethyst is able to mentally communicate with Grayson although Sep and Malina can’t hear it or see is its purple glow. Grayson eventually calls it Pete, but Pete has no memory of its past nor any understanding of the human world. The amethyst is able to see through Grayson’s eyes and it senses what Grayson experiences. This creates a bit of humor when it pleads for Grayson to order “crispy tates” to go with his meat pie. In addition, Grayson’s horse named Oats can’t talk but the author is able to clearly communicate its personality.

The story is set in a medieval culture with Grayson’s crippled father being the town’s blacksmith. Money is tight for everyone so bartering for services and goods is a common practice. The trip to the capital is Grayson’s first time leaving his village and he observes slaves in cages along the way. He’s surprised and upset because slavery is supposed to be against the law. Grayson’s dream is to become a valiant knight in the Royal Guard, protecting villagers across the kingdom from all evils. Students attending the Royal Academy are enrolled in specific guilds and Grayson discovers most of them come from entitled families. Peasants like him are looked down on by many classmates, including Grayson’s roommate, although Grayson manages to develop a couple of friendships including boy and girl twins. His experiences at the Royal Academy aren’t what he expected but he can’t explain what happens to Pete once they arrive in the city.

Grayson is a virtuous, admirable character. He appreciates the sacrifices his father has made in order to afford his son’s tuition at the academy. Even though Grayson’s roommate behaves like a jerk, Grayson is reluctant to return the negative attitude. He never retaliates when he’s the target of embarrassment or mistreatment from schoolmates and he treats everyone with respect. Perhaps it’s due to his humble upbringing, but he appreciates the efforts of the academy’s support staff. Grayson also finds time in his busy knight training schedule to spend time with Oats. He’s just a nice kid trying to live his life with honor.

What didn’t work as well:

The early part of the book confuses me a little as readers become acquainted with Grayson and his two best friends, Sep and Malina. These minor characters aren’t seen again after the first couple of chapters so why is it important to spend time describing Grayson’s budding feelings for Malina?

The Final Verdict:

This book presents an intriguing start to a new series as the author includes unexplained events and characters that will make readers want more. It’s easy to root for Grayson as he tries to uncover the mystery surrounding the magestones. I recommend you give this book a shot as I’m anxious to read the sequel.

Winnie Zeng Vanquishes a King by Katie Zhao

What worked:

Winnie has shaman powers but she needs the overspirit of her deceased grandmother Lao Lao, a former shaman, to access her full abilities. This relationship, called combining, creates a couple of significant twists in the plot. Winnie must learn to create the connection on demand before she’ll be able to face higher levels of evil spirits. Lao Lao is constantly shadowing Winnie and wants to accompany her everywhere but her useful mentoring advice is offset by criticism and nosiness. Plus, Lao Lao’s spirit must remain near Winnie’s pet rabbit so this adds a complication to traveling around town together. To further complicate matters, another shaman named David is Winnie’s classmate and they’ve developed a rivalry and competition. David has his own overspirit, a deceased Chinese emperor named Joe who doesn’t get along with Lao Lao. Winnie and David must combine their shaman talents at times but the results of these collaborations aren’t easy to foresee.

All shamans have uncommon talents to accentuate their magical powers. Apparently, in the first book, Winnie baked moon pies that helped her sense and defeat an evil spirit. This time, she knows the rogue spirits are increasing in numbers and power but she can’t tell where they are. Winnie has a magic cookbook that is somehow able to determine which recipe is needed but all of the other pages are glued shut. Winnie whips up a batch of almond cookies this time and she immediately feels her senses become more acute. She can even use them as weapons. David uses calligraphy as his magical talent while another shaman performs Chinese fan dances to increase her powers.

Winnie has feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt that haunt her throughout the whole book. She defeated the demon in the first book but it seems a large amount of luck was involved. The Spirit Council makes her an official shaman and assigns her to protect the town of Groton, Michigan. One council member voices reservations about her role which only reinforces her insecurities. She struggles to link with her overspirit, David captures more spirits than she can, and the Spirit Council displays a lack of confidence in her by sending another shaman to Groton. This girl is pompous and “perfect” and there’s no way Winnie can match her talents and experience. The author thoroughly communicates Winnie’s trepidations so her ultimate success makes this almost an underdog story.

What didn’t work as well:

Winnie and David are very slow to recognize rogue spirits even though they will be obvious to readers. The characters are given one clue to look for but they immediately seem to forget it. In the end, Winnie thinks she should have noticed the spirits sooner and readers will most likely agree.

The Final Verdict:

The format of the plot will be familiar to young readers as Winnie tries to master her shaman powers. There aren’t too many surprises or twists to the plot although the shamans’ tactics are sometimes unexpected. The author adds a bit of humor through character relationships and dialogue. I recommend you give this book a shot.

Olivia and the Gentleman From Outer Space by Moses Yuriyvich Mikheyev

What worked:

The most obvious aspect of this book is its wholesomeness. As the title states, a gentleman alien named Galax arrives on Earth to take Olivia on an adventure among the stars. Their sole mission is to retrieve the Black Ruby that can heal and repair anything but their motivation is to save Olivia’s father from dying of cancer. Galax calls Olivia the Princess of Blue Earth and refers to her with respectful terms when not using her name. His favorite number is a million billion trillion as he uses it to describe time and distance across the universe, although his spaceship and knowledge of wormholes allow him to travel more quickly than imaginable. Olivia and Galax stop to recuperate on a planet inhabited by women from Earth who do all they can to make the pair comfortable.

The author creates an inventive story based on science fiction and imagination. Galax’s spaceship is able to generate impossible speeds and is almost indestructible. Galax is able to repair and heal almost anything although the effort it takes has its limits. He’s nearing the end of his life-energy so the success of the quest is the only thing that will save him from dying. Galax has a residence on the moon and he shares a story about his meeting with the Apollo 11 astronauts. Olivia is concerned that a trip across the universe will take too long so they’ll never make it back in time to save her father. However, Galax informs her that time works differently in space as time on one planet they visit doesn’t move at all.

What didn’t work as well:

The showdown with the Black Priests in the climax lacks the suspense and uncertainty that readers might expect. The priests are a menace across the universe but the non-violent nature of the story takes the bite out of their threat.

The Final Verdict:

This book shares an entertaining journey into space that’s void of violence, profanity, and suggestive material that’s found in many middle-grade novels. The plot moves quickly resulting in a quick read that will appeal to young readers. 

Hide or Seek (The Superpower Protection Program) by Dan DiDio

What worked:

I’ve read a few books where kids have superhero parents but Nick’s father has been a questionable parent. The summary accompanying this post sums up the plot nicely as Nick and his mom are herded to Crucible where his mom says they’ll be able to live safely. Their handler seems shady and all of Nick’s questions are answered with ambiguity and vagueness. There are no connections to the outside world and Nick finds everything just a bit off. His name is changed to Theo and his former identity as Nick is erased from all digital footprints. The only place Nick exists is in his own mind. Crucible is the place his father wanted Nick and his mother to relocate in case of trouble but something’s amiss.

The initial pages seem like the book is headed toward an action-adventure but it develops into a mystery of sorts. Nick doesn’t like not knowing what’s going on with his life so he’s determined to figure out the secrets surrounding Crucible. Characters frequently warn him that his every move is being watched so it sometimes feels like Nick is a lab rat under the control of an unseen organization. Characters fear punishment when they don’t “follow the script” and it’s unclear which characters are the good guys and the bad guys. Nick’s not even sure if he can trust his new “friends” since they won’t tell him the truth and try to avoid him. The author allows Nick to ponder his new reality throughout the book and doesn’t reveal the true nature of Crucible until the plot nears the end.

The author endows the teenage characters with some uncommon powers. Nick’s temper causes him to become hot and fiery but he has no idea how to control it. Jerry is a curious character because they don’t identify with gender pronouns and are actually three people in one. I won’t elaborate but this character causes Nick a great deal of confusion in the first half of the book. Another boy is able to transport to different locations although his magic comes at a price. A girl is able to absorb and redirect energy, which can come in handy. It’s unknown if the adults have powers but it’s silly to assume none of them do. Mirrors have a special place in the plot and contribute to the eerie atmosphere of Crucible.

What didn’t work as well:

The blurb accompanying the post reveals way more than it should so opportunities for surprise are lost. This book is listed with middle-grade titles on NetGalley, Amazon lists it for grades 3-4, and the main character is sixteen. It can easily be read by middle-grade students since it’s not violent, vulgar, or embellished with sexual moments.

The Final Verdict:

The listings don’t say this book is the first of a new series but I assume that’s the case. It feels like this book is setting the stage for a sequel since there are issues left unresolved. Overall, the mysterious story is entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot. 

The Jump by Brittney Morris

What worked:

This book pushes realistic fiction in a fresh direction. It’s a character versus society plot with an oil company set to build a refinery in Seattle, Washington. A secret, vigilante group called The Order has protested against civil wrongs throughout the country although the main characters don’t understand why they’d bother messing with the school’s fire alarms. These four characters form a group called Jericho and they’re the top team in a clue-solving, scavenger hunt competition. They uncover clues for a new hunt that may change their futures forever.

The members of Jericho form an odd group of outcasts, each with differences that isn’t readily accepted by society. Three of them are of color and racism is an issue, especially later in the story. Spider is transgender, transitioning to become male, and he’s an expert at computers. Jax is the leader of Jericho and an expert at logic and solving puzzles. Yas is an athletic girl with excellent agility and parkour skills. Finally, the book doesn’t specifically say so, but Han seems to be on the autistic spectrum but he’s an expert on the geography of Seattle. They work together with the intention of winning the latest competition but different perceptions of The Order create friction. Yas especially questions the wisdom of admiring the radical group and what it actually represents.

Riddle and puzzle solvers will enjoy the mental aspect of the plot. The Order presents cryptic clues around Seattle with each solution revealing a new riddle. Jericho must interpret evidence from different angles which is where the diversity of their team is valuable. However, Yas senses there’s something different about the new batch of clues but each member of the team is motivated by his or her own situation. Saving the neighborhood and their families’ ways of life are at the core. However, a competing group is right on their heels, sometimes ahead, with its own personal inspirations.

What didn’t work as well:

The cryptic clues may not appeal to all readers but the characters provide thorough explanations after their revelations. The story includes profanity but it fits the characters, setting, and tone of the book.

The Final Verdict:

The evolving dynamics of the characters are the highlight with the race to solve all of The Order’s clues being the driving force of the plot. The author provides hints along the way but a compelling surprise is saved for the end. I recommend you give this book a shot.

Zara's Rules for Living Your Best Life (Zara's Rules #3) by Hena Khan

What worked:

Young readers will be able to identify with Zara’s disappointment. She has big plans to have fun with her neighborhood friends during Spring Break but being sent to her grandparents’ house ruins all of that. Then, her little brother Zayd adds to her frustrations by speaking those annoying words, “I’m bored”. Visiting grandparents can be very enjoyable but Zara’s patience is put to the test with the prospect of spending a week with them instead of her friends. Her irritation grows when her list of interesting activities isn’t readily embraced by her little brother and grandparents. Zara’s mission, and the main conflict of the plot, is to find her grandfather a new hobby that will motivate him and make him more active.

The author includes cultural details in the plot through Zara’s family and her best friend Naomi’s family. Naomi is Jewish and she’s spending the week at her synagogue’s camp in preparation for Passover. Zara’s family is Muslim with her parents’ families living in Pakistan. Her grandparents use Urdu and Punjabi words and phrases (I can’t tell them apart) but they mostly speak English. Readers can get the gist of any unfamiliar terms by using the context of the sentences. Naano, Zara’s grandmother, loves to cook ethnic foods so different Pakistani foods are included. Nana Abu loves her flaky bread called parathas, especially with a sweet paste called halwa spread on it. There’s also a scene with Zara and Naano praying at the mosque.

Zara epitomizes the old phrase, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” She’s very bummed when she can’t play with her friends and her feelings only worsen after her first day at the grandparents’ house. However, instead of complaining and moping around, she focuses on others and strives to make their lives better. The kindness and love she exhibits toward her family make her a character young readers can emulate. Her positivity makes it easy to root her on as she searches for different ways to get her grandparents to try new things. One failed plan only means she’ll need to try something else. Zara’s main goal in life is to make people happy and that includes her little brother!

What didn’t work as well:

Readers looking for drama, conflict, and serious tension will be sadly unfulfilled. Zara encounters highs and lows as she tries to make the best of the Spring Break but she never considers the possibility her plans won’t succeed. She constantly spreads good feelings in everything she does.

The Final Verdict:

The book tells a feel-good story through Zara’s love for her grandparents. Zara is one of the most positive and kind characters you’ll meet and I recommend you give this book a shot.

Desperate Tides, Desperate Measures (Talisman 5) by Brett Salter

What worked:

The author’s sense of humor is a constant in his writing style. Oftentimes, the characters exchange sarcastic comments or playful jests at one another. An elemental named Mander is introduced to the cast of characters and he’s not overly impressed with humans. Rome and Krysta are becoming more affectionate and their friends don’t miss opportunities to make teasing comments. Julian is a Synergist Knight but he exudes fun and excitement whenever conflicts approach. He doesn’t mock his sister or Rome, his dragon brother, as much but he can’t totally stop himself from making amusing remarks.

The plot includes more fight scenes than in previous books as Darkbrand attacks continue to become more frequent and violent. All of the elemental talismans are finally located and creatures from The Void are aggressively trying to collect them. Rome and his alliance of knights and dragons have successfully thwarted those efforts so far but it’s becoming more difficult. The Nocturns that sometimes possess human hosts now wield more devastating abilities and weapons that are even able to penetrate Rome’s dragon scales. Minotaurs still lead bands of Garms against the alliance and they each have unique arsenals and powers. Rome learns the Tyrant King’s plans may not be as random as they first thought and the alliance may actually be playing right into his hands.

Characters are able to overcome their differences and distrust of others and join forces to defeat a common enemy. Since the beginning of the series, Rome and Julian have faced resistance every time they’ve encountered new dragons. The dragons remember the betrayal of humans so they initially abhor the idea of becoming allies again. In this book, the boys meet dragons from the sea whose leader is content to have his followers remain in their protected fortress. Julian’s cousin Jericho, another Synergist Knight, is finally forced to face his sorrow and anger toward his uncle when the two characters come face to face. In the end, all of the Synergist Knights and their dragons possess complimentary abilities that make them impressive, formidable defenders of the planet.

What didn’t work as well:

The resolution sets the stage for the next book as it builds to the series’ climax. I like when books resolve issues before moving on to their sequels but this book ends “mid-spell” and leaves unresolved problems. The next book is sure to present an escalation of excitement that I assume will tie everything together.

The Final Verdict:

The author crafts an action-filled adventure between unlikely allies and a growing force of evil creatures. The blend of drama, humor, relationships, and unexpected twists is sure to entertain young readers. The book is classified as young adult, but middle-grade readers can enjoy it too. I recommend you give this book, and the series, a shot.

The Battle for Verdana (Talisman 4) by Brett Salter

What worked:

A large twist ends the previous book when Julian and Rome lose their powers after being infected by the Dark. I’ve been waiting for the characters to achieve their full potential and now they have almost no powers at all. Rome can still transform his arms to wield the strength of his dragon form and he can still shoot fire from his eyes. However, you know from earlier books that these weapons are of little use when fighting Garms, Minotaurs, and Nocturns. The main goal in this book is for the boys to cement their bond and regain their formidable abilities by properly completing the Great Synergy.

This book continues the pattern in the series as Julian and Rome add allies but the Darkbrands display increases in numbers, power, and frequency of attacks. Rome and Julian travel to the upper northwest of the USA where they’ve noticed a new portal and increased Darkbrand activity. In the past, this evidence has indicated a talisman is near. Readers may remember from book one that few Darkbrands were able to pass through portals from The Void as The Tyrant King is amassing the energy needed for a full-on Darkbrand invasion. Well, with all the monsters popping up in the past two books, it’s not a stretch to predict the ruthless Tyrant King will make an appearance. The series seems to be building to that inevitable climax between Julian, Rome, and The Tyrant King, although it may need to wait until the final book.

Character relationships create different conflicts as Julian and Rome explore new places. Dragons and knights trusted and bonded with each other centuries ago to defeat the Tyrant King but things have changed. A rift between the two races has lingered and the boys meet resistance whenever they encounter new dragons. Dragons distrust human motivations and expect them to eventually succumb to their own desires and turn against dragons. Julian’s father openly thinks all dragons should be slain and readers have been waiting since the first book to find out what will happen when the man discovers his son has bonded with one. Julian and his sister continue to have a contentious relationship while Rome’s feelings for Krysta are growing stronger.

What didn’t work as well:

After reading all of the books in the series so far, the descriptions of the battle scenes are fairly familiar. Clay bowls people over, Jericho fights like a staff-wielding ninja, Krysta expels ice and slashes with her claws and tail, while Rome uses his arms and laser eyes to help. I guess there are only so many ways to describe fight scenes, so perhaps my concern is born out of reading all the books at once. Nevertheless, I’m not too bothered as I’m enjoying the series so far.

The Final Verdict:

I suggest you read the series from the beginning or you’ll miss out on the character relationships and how the conflict with the Darkbrand creatures has been building. This book will appeal to lovers of dragons and fighting as Rome and Julian find monsters everywhere they go. I highly recommend you give this book, and the series, a shot.

Ten Percent Magic by Gina Zapanta-Alder & Michael Alder

What worked:

The story is set in the land of Imagine, a combination of reality and magic at Disneyland. Magic has begun leaking into areas where it shouldn’t be found and there’s no explanation as to why. Much of the plot takes place in New Orleans where Jax and Zoe encounter a mixture of humans, animatronics, and holograms. References are made to cultural aspects of New Orleans as well as various sites in Disneyland that may be familiar to young readers. Traveling between the two locations is a magical and hazardous hike with a dancing clown and mermaids presenting the danger.

Zoe and Jax make an unexpected pair of main characters. They’ve known each other since sixth grade but they can’t be described as friends. Jax still hasn’t found anything to like about his lab partner in the three years they’ve been classmates. Zoe has always thought Jax is a slacker but she gets irritated when he acts more responsibly than her in Imagine. She learns Jax’s family is dependent on his support while it’s clear she’s lacking in many life skills. The pair realize they need to work together in order to rescue missing kids and eventually return home to the world of reality.

The author creates a creepy conflict with a blend of strange characters. Many readers have a fear of clowns so presenting a dancing clown as a threat adds an extra layer of anxiety. The wide popularity of video games is a perfect backdrop for the story as the Game Master is changing human children into avatars. The Game Master’s identity and location are unknown so readers will constantly be on guard for his physical appearance in the plot. A group of mermaids presents a danger for Jax and Zoe as characters will be enchanted and captured if the mermaids say their names.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot quickly takes an unusual turn after the kids meet Ms. Ella. They’re told to travel to New Orleans where they should make written lists of things they need to do, find an apartment, get jobs, and complete a budget to account for their money. It’s unclear why the author takes the story in this direction although Jax and Zoe are able to discover the Game Master’s plans in the process. Also, the text includes mild expletives so be forewarned if that type of thing offends you.

The Final Verdict:

Honestly, this book doesn’t work for me. Requiring characters to create a budget and resumes while getting jobs and finding an apartment seems more of a distraction from the conflict. The plot leaves out some potentially exciting confrontations and the “climax” may leave readers wanting more. Actually, the way the book closes leaves the door open for a possible sequel.

Hoops by Matt Tavares

What worked:

Sports fans will enjoy this story of high school girls forming a basketball team, hoping to win Indiana’s inaugural state championship for girls. Judi is the main character and she’d rather be playing basketball instead of cheering on the sidelines. It highlights the lack of athletic options for girls in the mid-1970s. Young readers can connect with Judi’s imagination as she practices alone on the driveway. She bounces passes off the chimney, fakes out the bush, and dreams of making the game-winning shot. The school has never had a girls’ team and one teammate’s “game” experience is playing on her own driveway against her brothers and parents. Readers will enjoy the journey as the team evolves from nothing into the eventual state champion!

The main conflict is the girls’ fight for equal treatment with the boys. Their first practice is at a nearby elementary school where they discover they have no coach and must practice on their own. They can’t practice at the high school until the evening since the varsity boys, junior varsity boys, and freshman boys use the gym after school. The girls don’t have uniforms and are forced to stick electrical tape numbers to white t-shirts. They must find their own transportation to away games and they must pay for their own meals while traveling. Uniforms (including laundry), transportation, and food are all provided for the boy players. This discrepancy in conduct and policy irks and angers the girls as the plot reflects the true history and feelings experienced during this time in U.S. history.

The athletic director offers society’s contrasting view of the girls’ team. Title IX is enacted by the federal government which provides more athletic opportunities for girls, but it doesn’t provide any support or funding for school districts. The athletic director justifies his decisions by saying the school doesn’t have any extra money and the boys can generate funds by filling the gymnasium with fans. The public is apathetic and doesn’t offer support for the girls since the community barely even knows their team exists. While attitudes are better, many young girls still experience lingering prejudices as they pursue their own athletic and personal aspirations today.

What didn’t work as well:

The book is based on true events and it doesn’t stray too far from non-fiction. The plot is straightforward and doesn’t present any twists or surprises. The girls fight for equal treatment as they chase their dreams of a state championship. The last pages of the book include an “Author’s Note” that explains his inspiration and why he sticks primarily to the actual events and experiences of the girls.

The Final Verdict:

This book offers a motivational story of young girls overcoming societal adversities in pursuit of fulfilling their greatest hope. All readers can learn from this experience and hopefully help to change prejudicial attitudes that still exist. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Book That No One Wanted To Read by Richard Ayoade

What worked:

Okay, we have a book narrating a book, about a book! This fact should prepare you for a witty, amusing story of a book hiding in an old, “fusty-smelling” library that no one has ever read. To be honest, the book and you make up the story as the plot moves along. That’s right, the book decides YOU, the reader, will be a main character! The book has confidence issues and is quite content to never be read. I might compare his feelings to a person who avoids doing something out of fear of failing or disappointing someone. In the end, the plot seems to tell the story of a book becoming a book.

The story is enhanced by pictures, diagrams, and other graphics throughout the book. I’ve never seen fun displayed as an equation, pie chart, bar graph, or line graph. At one point, the plot includes a comic summarizing the various parts of writing a drama including examples featuring a man, his sandwich, and an alligator. There are illustrations depicting the problems with invisibility and different ways to treat books well. A map of the library is accompanied by a myriad of fonts in various sizes that share the many, many sections of books readers can find there.

The book is probably most appropriate for upper-elementary or middle-grade readers due to the offbeat humor. The book has unexpected views of the world due to its point of view as a book. You may have heard the question “If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, did it make a sound?” If a book is never read, is it a book? What is it? Book says they’re living things, not just objects as YOU say. The book creates a new term called bookism, instead of racism, for people who prejudge them or think of books as only objects.

What didn’t work as well:

I appreciate new ways of looking at the world and the humor it creates. The story meanders a bit and it may not seem to have a point or a preplanned direction. It’s all part of the author’s design for the book. However, some young readers may not be attracted to this style and they may find it just plain strange. It works for me though.

The Final Verdict:

This is a humorous, fast-paced story of a book contentedly hiding in the library that eventually discovers a new image. It will appeal to young readers with a tolerance for the unusual and a keen sense of humor. I recommend you give it a shot, especially if you’re in need of a good, quick laugh.

Spy Camp: The Graphic Novel by Stuart Gibbs

What worked:

The plot follows the same storyline as the second book in the Spy School series so it can be a nice introduction to the books, or a fun revisiting for loyal readers. You might want to read the novel first since graphic novels don’t have enough text to fully develop the characters. Ben is the intelligent main character being targeted by SPYDER, the evil spy organization, although he’s not sure why. He has a crush on Erica, a highly skilled classmate at the CIA spy school, and she always manages to pop up and save Ben from perilous dangers. Her father contributes humor since his reputation as a decorated agent is highly exaggerated. He loves sharing tales of his greatness while Erica rolls her eyes and points out the truth and his numerous flaws.

The nice thing about graphic novels is the colorful illustrations help readers visualize the story and characters. Even if you’ve already read the previously published novels in the series, readers can now get a clear picture of what Ben, Erica, and Spy Camp look like. I especially appreciate seeing Woodchuck, the camp director, dressed in his Tarzan-like loin cloth to show he’s a survival expert. Illustrations replace text in many scenes which allows the plot to move more swiftly. This feature is especially appropriate and appreciated when characters are sneaking around or quickly moving from place to place. It helps readers get to confrontations, discoveries, and plot twists faster.

Ben is an unassuming boy caught up in the middle of high espionage. As mentioned, he has no idea why SPYDER wants him so badly but many other agents know his reputation from the previous novel in the series. He helped to stop an enemy mission, although Erica’s dad took all the credit for himself. Ben cares for his friends and will do anything to protect them but his spy skills are mediocre. Readers will connect with him since he’s basically an average middle-grade kid. His empathy for others, his determination to succeed, and his common shortcomings make him a likable main character.

What didn’t work as well:

Character relationships aren’t fully developed in this graphic novel so readers may want to try the full novel too. There’s more to the Ben and Erica dynamic that doesn’t come through in the shorter version and it’s an important subplot in the series.

The Final Verdict:

Young readers will love Ben’s adventures as a blossoming spy as the author adds bits of humor and drama. The inclusion of illustrations in the graphic form enhances the action and helps the action move smoothly. I recommend you give this book a shot! 

Summer of L.U.C.K. by Laura Segal Stegman

What worked:

The author jumps right into the key conflicts starting on page one. Darby is afraid to speak due to her stuttering. Her mother is overly critical with unreasonable expectations and Darby feels like there’s no way to please her. Naz’s father is still living in Morocco, while he’s with his mother who’s pursuing her career as an opera singer. Naz wants his family back together. Justin is dealing with the death of his father and he hasn’t spoken a word in over a month. All three kids are hoping their time at Camp Inch will bring them relief and solace from their troubled lives at home.

The acronym L.U.C.K. refers to the ghost of a man and the name of his former carnival ride business bordering Camp Inch. The music from a calliope draws Darby to an abandoned warehouse neighboring Camp Inch where she first meets the specter. She later returns with Justin and Naz and they hear Leroy Usher’s tale. The ghost needs help with his three estranged children and bringing life back to his carnival and calliope warehouse. In return, Mr. Usher says he can help Darby, Justin, and Naz even though they may not know it yet.

The author infuses tastes of magic throughout an otherwise realistic fiction story. Magic surrounds Leroy Usher although I don’t get the impression that he actually wields it. He accompanies Darby, Justin, and Naz on mystical journeys that show them situations they need to see. Carnival mirrors display images from today and the past that transmit emotional messages to the viewers. Notes from Leroy mysteriously pop up around the camp to motivate the three kids and let them know when they need to sneak away and visit him. Naz holds a paperweight from Mr. Usher that includes an unfinished orange line around its base. The line gets longer as the kids make progress and it acts as a countdown clock to the book’s climax.

What didn’t work as well:

Overall, the problems faced by Darby, Justin, and Naz don’t escalate into the bigger issues I expected. They learn to deal with them and make significant progress due to the magical assistance of Leroy Usher. Their stories aren’t overly intense. However, Leroy’s conflict concerning the future of L.U.C.K. drives the plot and readers will anticipate the climax when prospects for the old warehouse are revealed.

The Final Verdict:

The first half of the book doesn’t knock my socks off with drama but the second half develops into a passionate rollercoaster of feelings. The plot offers surprises as Darby, Justin, and Naz take control of their lives in ways they never imagined possible. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot.

Windy City Ruins (Talisman 3) by Brett Salter

What worked:

This title has more action scenes than the previous books in the series. Rome and Julian are still learning to synchronize their abilities as they face Darkbrand creatures from The Void. Rome is better able to wield his fire dragon powers to inflict damage on their enemies while Julian can now summon his various, mythical weapons almost instantaneously. The fact that he needs to roll a die to access them is unusual but it adds to the charm of the characters. The monsters they face have been presenting escalating strengths and devastation since the first book and that pattern continues. The creatures are seeking out the boys and their allies around the world and it’s only a matter of time before they meet in battle.

The author includes some significant twists to the overall story and hints at more to come. It’s revealed in the previous book that the principal, Mrs. Case, is a wizard but her abilities become much more enhanced in this one. She does something that shouldn’t be possible but it changes the whole paradigm of relationships between dragons and their knights. A seemingly unimportant character from the first book returns but his new role in the plot is very unexpected. Julian’s father has been a snobby jerk since he first entered the picture but the author provides clues that intimate there may be something else hidden beneath his obnoxiousness. It will become clear to readers that Julian and Rome will be facing monumental challenges in the future.

I’ve been wanting Rome and Julian to display more formidable abilities in their confrontations since they talk big but are often knocked around by the monsters. I must reluctantly accept that this probably won’t happen until the series climax. I was wondering why Julian’s sister couldn’t help them properly complete their Great Synergy ritual but I now realize they don’t possess the correct talisman. Their allies always seem to have more advanced powers but they had the talismans needed to bond dragons with their knights. Even though I’ve been anxiously anticipating Rome and Julian’s Great Synergy, I understand the author is creating my anxiety so he’s accomplished his mission. I can appreciate it even though my mind is still distressed.

What didn’t work as well:

Julian’s younger sister Camela joined the series in the previous book and her nagging and demeaning comments were amusing. However, this time their relationship is improving, which is a positive, but readers may miss Camela’s snarky talk. 

The Final Verdict:

As mentioned, this third book offers new twists to the characters and plot with the most significant change lurking until the very end. They bring a freshness to the series and have me anxious to read the sequel so I recommend you give these books a shot.

Tourney of Terror (D&D: Dungeon Academy #2) by Madeleine Roux

What worked:

Zelli is a young, human girl currently living and learning in an academy for monsters. Seeing as how monsters view humans as the most despicable creatures, she must be careful that other students and teachers can’t see through her minotaur disguise. She’s been adopted by two minotaurs which creates an amusing mental image of completely mismatched characters. Zelli is inquisitive and daring as she often seems to be the one character most concerned about strange happenings around, and under, the academy. She’s uncovered some forgotten secrets that spell potential danger and she’s determined to get to the bottom of them.

Zelli is surrounded by good and loyal friends who are aware she’s actually human. They’ll never break her confidence and they trust her judgment, as she trusts theirs. Along with Zelli, the Danger Club is comprised of an owlbear named Hugo, a kobold named Snabla, a mimic named Bauble, and a blink dog named Flash. They have a blend of talents that enabled them to defeat a necromancer named Lord Carrion (another word for dead, putrid flesh) in the first book. Zelli is the leader of the gang, Bauble is the brains, Hugo is the “muscle”, Flash can be a distraction, and Snabla is the daring one. By the end of the book, they’ll add one new club member but two of them will be lost.

I had trouble at times remembering what the characters look like but the book includes illustrations to help. The black and white pictures are detailed and depict various events from the plot. It helps to visualize Zelli’s clunky costume and reinforces the humor of a little girl dressed as a terrifying minotaur. Some characters have extra eyes or other body parts and don’t frequently appear in the story. The illustrations help readers picture the minor characters when they pop up. The narrative and graphics work well together to present the Danger Club’s exciting adventure.

What didn’t work as well:

Readers can probably enjoy this book without reading the first one but some significant events have clearly already happened. It might be nice to read the story of how a human girl ended up attending a school for monsters. Also, Zelli and her friends have already defeated Lord Carrion and they’re being haunted by his mental messages from prison. This book mentions both of these past events but readers may want more details. Solution? Read the first book!

The Final Verdict:

Honestly, the Tourney of Terror in the title isn’t a huge part of the plot other than it brings dragons into the story. The plot moves at a nice pace and action scenes are mixed with solving the mystery of a missing Nexus. Young readers will enjoy the strange assortment of characters and the humor shared between the Danger Club members. I recommend you give this book a shot.