The Wakefield Princess (Kevin Martinez and the Crimson Knights) by Mike Torres

What worked:

The book blends the medieval and modern worlds as the characters pass through a portal into Derathiel. The efforts of Kevin, Matt, and Jake in this kingdom are necessary to protect lives in the modern world. Kevin already wields a powerful sword called Flameclaw while Jake possesses a war hammer called Tombstone. Battle scenes find the boys striking down enemy creatures with their godly weapons and Matt finally earns a spear called Diamondpeak from Whispawn. The weapons will be put to good use as the friends battle the Whiteface and an army of rebels seeking to overthrow Princess Hayley. Whispawn’s brother is Zaron, now called Raven, and he’s the main antagonist threatening both worlds. However, a mysterious woman emerges later in the book and she should play a larger role in the sequel.

The connection between Derathiel and the modern world creates questions and mysteries for readers to ponder. First off, how and why are the worlds connected? Kevin is prophesized to be the protector of an infant child but she lives in a trailer park with a school bully. While searching for Diamondpeak, Matt finds the picture of a young girl in an ancient tome who could be the twin of a crush he has back in school. How is it possible for her picture to be in this other world when the boys just recently discovered its existence? The second half of the book shifts to the modern world as problems in both dimensions converge.

The author adds subtle humor throughout the book during light-hearted moments. The boys tease each other as kids typically do and this carries over into Derathiel. Kevin and Matt are a little sensitive when it comes to discussing girls they like. It’s comical when the characters contrast how girlfriends are found in the different worlds. A large, friendly brute named Bruce says it’s customary in the north of  Derathiel to “barge into her hut” and take a girl he likes while the boys say they’d go to jail in their world for doing that. The bully insists he needs to protect Kevin, even if Kevin doesn’t want his help, so their exchanges can be amusing.

What didn’t work as well:

You’ll need to read the previous books first. Old characters reemerge in the plot without reminders of their past experiences and relationships and previous events may be fuzzy. Perhaps readers new to the series won’t be bothered by this style but it doesn’t work as well for me.

The final verdict:

The conflict between the Crimson Knights and the forces of evil escalates and plots from the separate worlds begin to merge. The book will appeal to lovers of medieval times and action=filled stories and I recommend you give it a shot.