The Mirrorwood by David Fagan

What worked:

The premise of the story is ingenious, as the Mirrorwood’s Blight infects twelve-year-old Fable in a strange manner. She takes on the face of whomever she touches, although she’s learning to control it a little better. Most books might see this as an opportunity for a demented character to steal faces for evil purposes, but this author doesn’t go that route. Blighthunters are searching for and executing the blighted, but Fable is distraught over how she’s forced to borrow the faces and energy of her family in order to stay hidden. The story evolves into Fable’s quest to locate the source of the cursed magic in the Mirrorwood and end the Blight forever.

The quest is complicated as the source of the blight is unclear. Stories told by people outside of the Mirrorwood tell of the king’s son being replaced by a demon prince. This prince’s evil magic corrupts the area surrounding the castle until it’s contained by a wall of thorns. Fable meets a god-like character called Mirachne of the Dawn who tells Fable what happened and how Fable can slay the demon prince. However, Fable meets some other characters who cause her to wonder about the truth behind the curse. Surely, she can trust Mirachne, the Subtle Power known as Mistress of Dreams and Delight, because everybody knows the Bannon is the Subtle Power known for deceit and chaos. Then there’s Fable’s cat called Moth who constantly warns her that the Powers play games with humans and don’t care what happens to them. This uncertainty provides conflict and tension for readers to enjoy.

Fable is accompanied by a young blighthunter named Vycorax, and the opposing girls make an unlikely pair. They each spend much of the story seeking to understand who they are and who they want to be. Vycorax has sworn to be her father’s apprentice as a hunter and is motivated to avenge her sister. However, she’s not a cold-blooded murderer and isn’t able to kill Fable when she has the chance. Fable has never had her own face, so she wonders about her true image. Taking on the looks of others muddles her ability to understand herself, and she questions if she’s truly an evil blightborn as everyone believes. Ending the curse may offer her a chance for self-discovery.

The Final Verdict:

There must be a balance between pain and peace. Self-realization is a theme, as several characters are forced to face the truth about themselves. Their true selves are found under their skin, not in their appearances. Fable’s kindness and selflessness make her an admirable character that allows her to connect with readers. The story is creative and engaging, and I highly recommend you give this book a shot.

Cave in the Rock (Folktellers Excerpts from an Unknown Guidebook #2) by Josef Bastian

What worked:

The Folktellers are the most powerful characters, although they don’t cast spells or wield super abilities. They travel to different dimensions and times, but their impact comes from their Guidebooks and telling stories. They’re sent on missions to locate people and tell them stories that they need to hear. Their tales are recorded in leather-bound books, and these Guidebooks become the focus of the plot. Shadow People are the Folktellers’ nemeses, although they’re scattered across the dimensions. However, they’ve stolen a Guidebook, and its information might lead them to a portal across all dimensions. Opening the portal will allow them to unite and form a formidable army that will wreak chaos.

The book switches focus between three main characters: Wendy, Aaron, and Jake. Wendy’s primary mission is to protect the portal from the Shadow People, but she’s only recently become a Storyteller. It seems like she understands the gist of it, but much of her learning is on the job. She thinks she’s found a mentor, but that relationship becomes complicated. Eddie Little Bear joins the cast and shares information about Native American culture while helping Wendy navigate the Cave in the Rock. Aaron’s Storytelling character presents a subplot, as he’s struck by a cruel spell that is slowly killing him. Jake searches for the cure but time is running out, as Aaron’s body will succumb to the spell in a matter of days.

The potential within books is a major theme, as the Guidebooks are the powerful tools wielded by the Storytellers. The stories are used to inspire readers and listeners and help them with their problems and everyday lives. Wendy’s book contains many strange-sounding chapters, but there’s always one that fits her situation. Each book is connected to a key that acts as a homing device and opens up new possibilities. The key to Wendy’s Guidebook proves to be a game-changer.

What didn’t work as well:

References are made to events from the first book in the series, but there are still unanswered questions. The Shadow People don’t have distinct physical features, don’t talk, and don’t interact with characters unless they’re attacking. It’s clear they’re dangerous and should be stopped, but they’re vague antagonists. However, this book can still be enjoyed without reading the prior one. It’s not recommended, but it can be done.

The Final Verdict:

Books hold the key to the past and the future. The concept of Folktellers managing books as supernatural tools is novel, although the books themselves are the star of the show. The characters perform the tasks, but the Guidebooks and Transit portal seem to be in control. The overall story is very entertaining, and I’m anxious to read the sequel. I recommend you give this book a shot!

The Shadow Prince (Shadow Prince #1) by David Anthony Durham

What worked:

The story is set in Egypt and shares information about its history, mythology, and culture. Ash grows up as an orphan in a small village along the Nile River and his job is to clean the canals in the irrigation system. Solar energy is widely used as the god Lord Ra shines his power down to earth each day. The irrigation system, sunboards, and some flying vehicles are all driven by the sun. Ash travels to the capital city of Memphis on a sunbarge where he enters a trial of tests to determine which twelve-year-old will become the shadow prince. The pharaoh, gods, and goddesses are part of the council overseeing the contest to decide which candidate will defend the prince for the rest of his life. All of Ash’s challenges are based on Egyptian gods and mythology.

The story addresses different forms of prejudice, tolerance, and bullying. In Ash’s village and the capital city, the wealthy look down on peasants as lesser humans. He’s bullied by the son of a wealthy merchant at home, and the son of a politician during the trial demeans him at every opportunity. Some characters believe the pharaoh is too sympathetic to the poor, and his willingness to negotiate with other countries displays weakness. These people have resolved to do what it takes to maintain a wide disparity between the wealthy class and everyone else. Ash doesn’t feel this way, and he accepts the range of personalities and backgrounds among the candidates for shadow prince.

Most of the story is told through Ash’s eyes with periodic chapters sharing the covert plans of the prince’s brother Rami and the god of chaos named Lord Set. These chapters share their plans to interfere and describe their tenuous relationship. The candidates to become Rami’s shadow prince all perished, so his younger brother Prince Khufu will become the pharaoh’s successor if Ash or someone else succeeds this time. Rami and Set scheme to kill all of the candidates during the new trials, so Rami will remain the crown prince. This subplot grows throughout the book and is sure to continue in the sequel. The chapters told from Ash’s point of view reveal his insecurities, quick-thinking, and compassion for others that make him such an admirable character. He often finds inspiration from remembered words shared by his mentor.

What didn’t work as well:

Two characters cheat, and worse, throughout the trials and are never caught. One of them is even rewarded time after time due to the ignorance/blindness of those running the trials. While this behavior is infuriating, it stokes readers’ emotions and develops additional drama in the story. The end result is a plot that will captivate readers.

The Final Verdict:

Trust yourself and your abilities. This book feels very similar to Rick Riordan’s stories, as Ash is an underdog human battling gods and mythical monsters. It combines adventure, tension, humor, and action to present a story that’s sure to become a middle-grade favorite. I highly recommend you give it a shot.

 

The Grave Thief by Dee Hahn

What worked:

The idea of deepstones is introduced early, and they supposedly hold magical powers. Spade finds one while robbing a corpse, and he begins to notice it emitting light at various times. It’s easy to predict that Spade possesses an ability that will manifest itself later in the book. His uncle has told him many stories over the years, and Spade begins to realize that the mages and monsters he’s heard about might actually exist.

The author describes the Woegan stalking and killing people, but none of the main characters have actually seen it. Readers can anticipate its appearance at any time, as every strange sound in the forest might be the monster. The monster is conjured from magic, and the queen suspects she knows the mage responsible. Spade’s release from the dungeons, and his younger brother’s freedom, are dependent on him successfully retrieving a darkstone from the moors. The fact that none of the queen’s warriors have returned alive from the same quest emphasizes the danger awaiting Spade.

Several characters assist Spade and add personality to the cast. Ember is the queen’s niece, and she’s desperately craving adventure. She escapes the castle and joins Spade, although her presence creates additional complications for him. She points out that her knowledge of royalty, history, and monsters makes her an ideal match for his survival skills in the real world. Spade is helped tremendously by his pet raven named Ash. They have a special bond that allows them to communicate with a look, and Ash’s intelligence and bravery make him an invaluable asset.

What didn’t work as well:

A bothersome thing is the fact that Spade’s family makes money stealing from the dead. The important part is that Spade is a thief, so I’m not sure why the author chooses to make him a graverobber. I suppose it’s unique, however, it’s not a big deal as the book moves along. The story centers on finding the missing deepstones and stopping the Woegan from terrorizing the country, so gravedigging is mentioned, but unimportant to the plot.

The Final Verdict:

Weakness has its own power. The conflict presents a mystery for Spade and young readers, and they should all find the adventure very entertaining. The character relationships between Spade, Ember, and Ash are the highlight, and I recommend you give the book a shot. 

Another Kind by Trevor Bream and Cait May

What worked:

One of the downsides to graphic novels is how there’s often a lack of depth in the characters. This book takes the time to include background stories for the Irregularities, the characters with unique traits or abilities. One girl is found in a fairy ring and then raised in an orphanage until her hidden power terrifies the residents. She’s frightened how the power overwhelms her and she doesn’t ever want to summon it again. The oldest boy is the son of a human and a yeti, another girl can become a seal but doesn’t speak, and another boy is an alien with gender questions. The book takes the time to address their backstories which makes the characters more approachable. Without the protection of the government scientists and guards, all of the children could be killed, used for experiments, or something worse if they’re ever discovered in public.

Characters with special abilities usually attract interest from sinister antagonists, and this person is introduced in the opening pages. Little information is shared about this man, but it’s clear he’s powerful and ruthless. He’s ready to get rid of his insider agent if this man outlives his usefulness. It’s unclear what the man might do with the Irregularities, but it’s evident it won’t be anything good. The threat of the antagonist looms throughout the story and creates the constant danger faced by the children.

The six Irregularities have bonded to form their own family, and they only want to find a safe place to live. Omar and Sylvie are the oldest, so they take on leadership roles, although the other four insist they be included in decisions. Maggie is the youngest and she behaves like most six-year-olds. She’s highly energetic and impulsive, and she brings levity to the book. The colorful illustrations help readers visualize the characters without requiring written descriptions from the author. Omar’s fangs, Maggie’s tentacled hair, and Newt’s lizard-like skin are the most distinctive physical characteristics. The pictures also creatively depict action scenes without the need for words.

What didn’t work as well:

The main shortcoming is the same issue as in all graphic novels. The lower dependency on written text results in less depth to the overall story. Graphic novels aren’t as descriptive, so there’s less detail in events and the overall story. Missing information is left to readers’ imaginations. However, this book focuses on the major storyline in a fast-paced, exciting, amusing, emotional, and tension-filled adventure. Readers will be engrossed from page one to the book’s conclusion.

The Final Verdict:

I don’t read many graphic novels, but this book is one of the best that I’ve found. Readers will join the fascinating family of Irregularities as they encounter treacherous exploits across the country. The descriptive illustrations mesh with an engaging plot to create an entertaining book for middle-grade readers. I recommend you give it a shot!

Triangle Secret (The Math Kids #6) by David Cole

What worked:

The early chapters reference previous books where the Math Kids helped the FBI solve a kidnapping and an unsolved bank robbery. This time, Agent Carlson has been kidnapped in Egypt and accidentally sends a text message to Jordan, one of the Math Kids. The kids contact another FBI agent and discover Carlson was investigating the will of a missing billionaire. The will contains cryptic information with numbers involved, so the Math Kids become invaluable resources in solving Agent Carlson’s kidnapping and the mystery of the billionaire’s disappearance.

Math is an integral part of the book, as the four main characters have a passionate interest in numbers and patterns. Agent Carlson follows clues that he assumes lead to Egypt, but the Math Kids think he needs to look at things differently. The billionaire’s will talks about the Great Triangle, the number 121, and the answer to an ancient riddle. Readers are able to ponder the clues along with the characters. Throughout the book, the kids find math in all kinds of strange places like in music and art. They’re constantly noticing patterns, and the author provides opportunities for readers to solve a few before the characters reveal the solutions.

The illustrations and appendix provide graphic displays of problems the Math Kids encounter and help readers envision the information. Many of the problems involve patterns and it helps to see the numbers arranged in an organized way. Pascal’s Triangle was a favorite of the missing billionaire, and the kids discover it’s a rather amazing source of patterns. Readers will notice numerical order in the pictures and will hopefully notice other patterns as well. The appendix offers answers and explanations to the problems posed in the story and even shares a connection to Harry Houdini!

What didn’t work as well:

The author’s voice is straightforward without much embellishment and matches the mathematical theme of the book. However, it comes across as a little dry when compared to other middle-grade novels. More description can help to visualize the events and connect with the characters. The mystery and problem solving keep my interest and will appeal to math lovers.

The Final Verdict:

Patterns are everywhere. You’ll need to have an interest in math to appreciate and enjoy this book. You’ll encounter problem-solving and studying patterns in every chapter, and the author gives readers chances to solve the questions themselves before sharing the answers. The Math Kids are kind, loyal, and intelligent partners and are model characters. I enjoyed the concept of the book, and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Secret Benefits of Invisibility (The Falennhein Chronicles #2) by C.W. Allen

What worked:

The story picks up where the previous book left off, as Zed and Tuesday join their first class with other members of the Resistance in the world of Falinnheim. Life in the underground fortress is quite different, and the siblings immediately find themselves in the middle of danger. During a school trip, an alarm sounds alerting everyone to a breach in the defenses, so Zed, Tuesday, and their classmates are forced to flee aboveground and seek refuge in a safe house. A tense adventure ensues that throws them into the middle of the conflict between the king and the Resistance.

Zed and Tuesday’s family has an unusual dynamic that adds uncertainty and conflict to the book. It feels like the kids are uncomfortable with how they fit in. Their mother is a princess, hiding with them in another world in the first book, and their father was the head of the Royal Guard before her family was murdered. They’re now active members of the Resistance, so the kids rarely see them. Zed and Tuesday’s grandmother is the General, so they’re not sure how to address her. She doesn’t behave like a grandmother, so should the kids call her General? Does that sound like a warm family relationship?

The plot includes several twists to create uncertainty and potential surprises for future events. Spies and moles are part of the cast, so there’s always a possibility that a character might switch loyalties. A shady character named Scrimbley has helped the princess and the Resistance in the past, but he admits that he always looks out for himself first. Characters wonder if he’ll use information he’s gained from helping them and sell it to the king. The king controls the country using the Royal Guard and his secret police called the Red Hand. The Red Hand performs secret operations, and some citizens don’t believe they really exist. Zed and Tuesday learn the head of the Red Hand isn’t sharing the full truth with the king, and it makes them wonder why. In the end, all of these suspicious situations allow readers to imagine many possible outcomes to keep the story intriguing.

What didn’t work as well:

This book is the second in the series, and you might want to start with the first one. There are references to past events, but new readers might wonder about the actual conflict between the king and the rebels. Readers might want more detail early in the book about the danger and how Zed, Tuesday, and their family figure into everything. That information comes in later chapters, but it might be helpful to have it earlier.

The Final Verdict:

There’s power in not being noticed. Zed and Tuesday are the main characters, although it’s strange that they don’t feel like it. The plot follows them, but they aren’t usually the ones leading the action. Unusual, but not necessarily bad. The book blends mystery, action, and adventure, and the overall story is very entertaining. I recommend you give it a shot. The book’s resolution seems like it could end the series, but I suspect the Red Hand will return to create chaos.