The Ten Riddles of Eartha Quicksmith (Quicksmiths 1) by Loris Owen

What worked:

This book finds a middle-grade boy discovering he has a special ability. Kip learns there’s another kind of energy, like light, heat, and microwaves, called Strange Energies. There’s actually more than one kind of strange energy, and readers don’t know if Kip is more attuned to one type over another. He’s recruited to attend Quicksmiths School of Strange Energy, where he hopes to change his world. To give you an idea of the author’s creativity, Kip arrives at the school via a wormhole. He’s given a Scrambleguard by the head of security, and he talks to a Strange Supercomputer called GENI. The Scrambleguard prevents Kip from revealing any of Quicksmith’s secrets and will scramble his memories if he chooses to leave. Think of GENI like Siri or Alexa, except GENI can be accessed anywhere and verbally interacts like a living being. Mothlike drones follow each student and can change to guide them wherever they need to go.

As with other books involving characters discovering new abilities, Kip teams up with his roommate, who’s going through the same experience. Kip can envision swirls and doodles that show connections to Strange Energy, while time and clocks are Albert’s area of interest. Readers and characters don’t know exactly what the swirls mean, but there’s a sense that they have importance. Two first-year girls offer assistance, but they’re not as close as Albert. Timmi is a shy, inventive genius, so readers won’t be surprised when she produces handy creations. The traditional school bully in this book is called Thag, but he’s a senior with more knowledge and abilities than Kip. Most of Thag’s bullying is usually annoying, but one of his pranks endangers Kip’s life.

The plot focuses on clues left by Eartha Quicksmith 400 years earlier. The riddles lead to the Ark of Ideas, but no one knows exactly what that means. It’s assumed the Ark holds valuable knowledge that can help mankind, and Kip hopes it can help his mother’s health. His sister disappeared on the same day his mother was struck by lightning, and his mother’s brain was seriously affected. Kip and Albert solve several clues before everyone else, but they don’t share their findings with anyone else. They’re afraid Thag will use the information to find the Ark first and claim it for his own fame and glory. A twist is thrown in when Kip and Albert first spot a creepy face, they call it Scarface, staring at them, and they know it has evil intentions. The riddles and characters will keep readers guessing.

What didn’t work as well:

The conflict lacks tension, as the challenges to Kip and his friends primarily come from Eartha’s clues, not a definable foe. Thag and Scarface are complications, but they are consistent concerns. The plot’s resolution defines a clear antagonist that will be an issue in the book’s sequel.

The final verdict:

This book will appeal to readers who love adventures, mysteries, and puzzle-solving. Kip is a likable hero, and his friends are loyal and offer unique talents. I recommend you give this book a shot.