The Five Impossible Tasks of Eden Smith by Tom Llewellyn

What worked:

Eden and her grandfather Vulcan make an unusual pair of relatives. It’s unanimously known that Vulcan is a grumpy, old coot who doesn’t get along with anyone. He’s by far the greatest smith in the guild, maybe ever, but he has no problem breaking the rules and doing things his own way. He doesn’t show any warmth toward Eden when she shows up. Eden’s been in foster care for years so she’s looking forward to living with family. She’s stubborn like her grandfather but she’s also cunning like her mother was. She’s not afraid to shake things up in the guild and that includes forcing her grandfather to get up and take action to free himself from his imprisonment.

Subjects of prejudice and equal opportunities are parts of the plot as the Guildhall is divided into Smiths and Joneses. Smiths are the only people permitted to do smithing while those named Jones do everything else. The Smiths are subdivided based on the types of metal they use and the things they create. The Joneses cook, clean, work the elevator, and perform other tasks but the Smiths won’t allow them to work with metal. This situation creates an underlying problem since many of the Joneses dream of having a chance to try smithing. They just want the freedom to choose. It turns out that Eden’s presence in the Guildhall will certainly shake things up which will create further conflicts due to a resistance to change.

As the synopsis says, Eden’s only hope of freeing her grandfather is to complete five tasks inside the Guildhall. Unfortunately, several of her ancestors have died trying and Vulcan lost half of his leg assisting his father. He comes across as a gruff, unpleasant man but the trauma of this experience has slowly taken a mental toll on him. A man named Pewtersmith is behind Vulcan’s charges and it seems Pewtersmith’s have been behind all of the past charges against Eden’s family. He’s also conspiring to find ways of sabotaging her efforts to solve the impossible tasks. Eden’s eyepatch on the book’s cover is the result of one of his dastardly deeds.

What didn’t work as well:

The story is set in the modern-day United States, near Tacoma, but it’s really not necessary. Most of the plot takes place inside the Guildhall of master metalworkers which is very different from any outside reality. References to the real world to create connections aren’t needed, and for me, they were more of a distraction.

The final verdict:

The idea of a story focusing on metalwork isn’t immediately engaging but the world inside the Guildhall has ample drama to carry the plot. Featuring an orphan, a lost grandfather, and a clear, manipulative antagonist is a smart decision, and the countdown of the five tasks and a time limit help to generate suspense. Overall, the story is innovative and entertaining and I recommend you give it a shot!

Spy School Goes North (Spy School #11) by Stuart Gibbs

What worked:

You can always expect plenty of action when reading any of the books in this series. This one opens with the kidnapping of Erica’s grandfather Cyrus followed by a high-speed boat chase while dodging icebergs and torpedoes. Ben Ripley is the main character and Erica’s boyfriend, and they’re constantly thrown into missions to save the world. Ben acts mostly as a narrator for what’s happening although he’s excellent at math and comes up with ingenious plans. The plot in this book involves the history of Russian-American tension in Alaska, which happens to be an important piece of land impacting control of the Arctic. It also reunites Cyrus with his Russian counterpart as they face off in another potentially world-saving conflict.

A big difference from previous books is that the CIA’s Spy School is officially closed but has secretly reopened with four students in Alaska. Surprisingly, the author includes information about the Arctic region in this humorous adventure including the wildlife found there. Yes, as the synopsis says, there are lots of bears ranging from black bears to polar bears. How about an island of noisy, flatulent walruses? Readers will learn that the largest wildlife preserve in the world is located in Alaska and happens to be the site of the plot’s exciting climax. Of course, it’s cold up there, even in the summer, and the climate becomes a factor in the story. The author artfully meshes Alaskan facts into the narrative to add realistic description to the setting.

Ben and his friends are training as CIA spies (Erica is a better spy than most adults) but they frequently solve problems in unexpected ways. Who would think of disabling security cameras by using chocolate cake frosting and Kodiak bears? Erica’s family has built-in drama from previous books which adds humor and unpredictability to the story. Her father isn’t as inept as in previous books and Cyrus isn’t as impressive and makes mistakes. Ben’s friend Zoe reveals that she’s feeling left out when it comes to dating so readers may expect there will be developments in this area. Ben’s nemesis throughout the series, Murray Hill, makes an unexpected appearance and manages to complicate the team’s plans. He doesn’t have a large part other than to add a new obstacle but the last page indicates he’ll have a larger role in the sequel.

What didn’t work as well:

Repeating a successful story format makes sense (don’t change if it ain’t broken) but it may cause longtime readers of the series to wish for something newer or more creative. The plot is still entertaining and interesting but readers pretty much know what to expect.

The final verdict:

Fans of the series will love this book as Ben and company find themselves involved in an international crisis. The amusing tone to the story keeps things from getting too serious and the change in Cyrus’s character is a nice addition. Overall, I recommend you give this book a shot. 

The Grip by Marcus Stroman

What worked:

I happen to enjoy baseball more than most people so this book is right up my alley. Young readers currently growing up in the life of organized sports can relate to Marcus’s strict schedule to balance all areas of his life. He loves baseball and enjoys basketball so much of the plot finds him at different camps most days focusing on those two sports. A large part of the story deals with the increasing competitiveness of select teams in youth sports and the complications of playing two sports. The baseball coach informs the players of an upcoming assessment (they all know it’s a tryout) that will affect who gets to play on the team in the spring. The stress Marcus feels becomes a major focus in the plot.

A related problem for Marcus is his fragile self-image regarding his physical size. The book doesn’t say he’s actually small but Marcus’s perception is that larger players make better pitchers. Kids go through growth spurts in the middle grades and Marcus notices others are already a head taller than him. Marcus laments that he isn’t growing fast enough and fears that will keep him from becoming a great player. The middle grades find all students self-conscious of their physical appearances so it’s a relatable topic for them.

With Marcus’s stress level amping up, the author presents emotional support from a variety of sources. They try to remind him of breathing exercises, visualization, and keeping things in perspective. Obviously, his parents share their confidence in him and tell Marcus he only needs to do his best. His coaches try to get him to settle down when they notice him struggling. His two closest friends are always there for him and try to give his life some balance. Even his older sister shares her empathy for Marcus and reminds him of their imaginary world of Namorts. While everyone else has confidence in Marcus, the only person who matters is himself.

What didn’t work as well:

There’s really no relief from Marcus’s obsession with becoming a great baseball pitcher. If he’s not practicing with his father or doing baseball and basketball skills at camps, he’s thinking or talking about his dream of playing in the pros. Even his divorced parents work together to make sure Marcus gets to all of his various activities. However, lovers of baseball may not mind the single-minded focus on baseball.

The final verdict:

The entire book is about Marcus’s struggles to maintain self-confidence as the day of assessments approaches. The author has lived through it and effectively shares his experiences in the story. The book will mostly appeal to baseball and sports lovers. I can recommend this book if this description applies to you. 

Ready or Not by Laura Segal Stegman

What worked:

Standing up to unfairness can be tough for middle-grade students and that issue is at the forefront of Justin’s concerns. He was punched in the stomach for reporting a bully and now he’s gun-shy about new problems he encounters. He doesn’t say or do anything when a cabin bully picks on his friend and afterward, he laments his inaction. One of his closest friends Naz has darker skin and Justin doesn’t speak up when Naz experiences prejudice. Justin’s also confused by his counselor’s apparent disinterest and negativity toward him so he’s not sure who to turn to for help.

The book blends elements of magic with the realistic problems found at Camp Inch. Justin, Darby, and Naz are able to mentally communicate due to the powers they were given by the spirit of Leroy Usher in the previous book. Their magic only works when they’re together and they soon realize it will only work when they cooperate. Or does it? Usher’s spirit summons the kids to visit his warehouse throughout the book where they’re transported back in time to different moments in his life. These trips were accomplished on a carnival ride in the first book but the kids enter a magical elevator this time.

The flashbacks into Usher’s past present situations that hopefully help Justin and his friends learn ways to deal with their own problems. A visit back to 7-year-old Leroy’s life reveals his father’s prejudice toward people of color. Justin and his friends are confused when they see young Leroy has a talent and love for music yet his grown children today are unaware of this part of their father’s life. Justin is also puzzled by the anger unleashed upon him by his cabin friend Eugene. His feelings are even more perplexed when he sees Eugene buddying up to the bully. Eugene won’t talk to Justin anymore so Justin searches for Mr. Usher’s wisdom regarding how to navigate the difficulties of doing the right thing.

What didn’t work as well:

The plot doesn’t have a dramatic conflict so readers won’t feel the same suspense and tension they might get in other books. However, Justin’s problems are realistic and they’re very stressful to those who are dealing with them.

The final verdict:

It’s not necessary to have read the first book but it might help to understand the kids’ relationship with Leroy Usher. The issues associated with “doing the right thing” are at the forefront of the story and the support Justin receives from his friends is universal. Overall, this book is engaging and pleasurable and I recommend you give it a shot.

The Deadlands: Survival (The Deadlands 3) by Skye Melki-Wegner

What worked:

All of the characters are dinosaurs and the plot follows a small band of exiles. Eleri was sent away from his herd in the first book because his warning saved an enemy triceratops from being killed. They’re now best friends. Eleri’s returning to warn the herbivores that the carnivore predators are amassing to attack but there’s a chance he’ll be killed when his former herd spots him. He now has proof that the leaders have been lying to the herds but those same leaders will do anything to stop Eleri. He displays honorable qualities and bravery as he’s willing to sacrifice himself to save others, even if they hate him. However, he's not sure if the bit of starmist embedded inside his body is a blessing or a curse.

Eleri’s brother Agostron has been an antagonist since the beginning of the series and their conflict continues in this book. In the first book, Agostron had a spy follow his younger brother to make sure he was killed so their reunion is unexpected. He’s actually excited when Eleri shows up because he’ll now be able to watch his “traitor” brother die. Agostron is now in a position of power although there’s little information about how he was able to convincingly defeat the Prairie Alliance army. He knows Eleri’s presence and knowledge are a danger to his status so it’s a precarious balance to ensuring his brother dies without revealing dark secrets to the herd.

Eleri’s close relationship with the unlikely members of his Grotto Herd highlights the book. Zyre was once a spy for the carnivores and she still can’t believe Eleri and the others are willing to be her friend. Tortha is Eleri’s best friend and the Triceratops provides a nice blend of fierceness and humor. Her horns and crest are formidable weapons in battle but her nicknames of bug muncher and dirt muncher for Zyre and Eleri are amusing. Lerithon is an immensely large dinosaur but he provides dreams and vague comments regarding future decisions and events that the others must figure out. Sorielle is a lifelong learner with an inventive mind whose curiosity sometimes pops up at the strangest times.

What didn’t work as well:

This book has the same issue as the previous ones. Mental images of the characters are vague since most of the dinosaurs have unfamiliar names. The introduction has descriptions of them but that doesn’t help to envision Eleri, an oryctodromeus (small, speedy herbivore), or an iguanodon (large herbivore with spiked thumbs). Small, inset pictures of the creatures would definitely help. You’ll also need to accept that dinosaurs in this book are able to perform some tasks that require dexterity not found with hooves and claws.

The final verdict:

This book and series are quite engaging, thoughtful, and full of adventure. Eleri is the self-doubting underdog who endears himself to other dinosaurs and young readers. The plot builds to an ultimate climax between the carnivores and herbivores, and a showdown between Eleri and Agostron. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Cats of Silver Crescent by Kaela Noel

What worked:

It will be more difficult to enjoy this book if readers don’t like cats. Four of them are living in the home of Rose, Aunt Verity’s deceased landlord, but they’re able to walk and talk like humans. Each cat has its own personality with Marzipan being the most trusting and level-headed. Clarissa is the skeptical one as she’s pretty cold to the idea of Elsby helping them. She’s been studying magic for years and she’s very protective of her private room filled with unusual objects. Horatio loves literature so he’s often reciting poetry or Shakespeare and wishing for more books. Tappy is timid and shy and hopes that everyone can get along. The cats need Elsby’s help but they’re clearly keeping secrets from her.

Elsby doesn’t have many friends so she has some issues in that area. Her mom is across the country for work and Elsby’s only met her Aunt Verity a couple of times. Elsby’s best friend is away at camp so communication with her is difficult. Elsby is a little upset that her friend has made it even harder to contact her. Elsby’s friendship with the cats makes her feel better and wanted but she becomes a bit possessive about them. She’s envious and hurt when the cats seem to prefer another character. Elsby’s sensitive emotions add to her problems as she tries to learn more about the cats and the ritual they need her to complete.

The author develops suspense as she drops hints about the magic flowing through the town. The cats ask Elsby to help with an incantation and Marzipan tries to mention there are potential dangers involved. Clarissa quickly quashes that talk. Aunt Verity takes Elsby to visit a private library full of books on magic. She comments that Elsby needs to be careful because some malevolent spells may have been cast by evil mages. Elsby sometimes feels like someone is watching her and she learns that ghosts may be lurking around the town. All of these events prepare readers for magical moments late in the book and potential threats that await.

What didn’t work as well:

While magic is part of the story, it’s not clear exactly how it works. Preparations are made for the cats’ ceremony but they’re not shared with readers. Other spells aren’t described either so magic apparently happens but there’s little information about it. More details are shared late in the book but it would be nice if there had been more groundwork to prepare readers.

The final verdict:

Magic and cat lovers will enjoy this book as Elsby tries to help the animals and navigate friendship. Some characters and events are predictable but the mystery behind Rose and her magic will capture young readers. I recommend you give this book a shot.

The Secret of the Ravens by Joanna Cacao

What worked:

A problem with some graphic novels occurs when the narrative and abstract illustrations don’t fully communicate the plot. That is not a problem in this book. The text is not overly descriptive, as with all graphic novels, but it clearly tells the story of a young orphan trying to save the life of his twin sister. The drawings focus on the characters and events without unnecessary details so readers are able to fully grasp what’s going on. The illustrations effectively convey the evilness of the antagonists to enhance the descriptions in the narrative.

The main conflict finds Elliot doing everything he can to save his twin sister from dying of snake poisoning. The suspense intensifies as time counts down. There’s an underlying problem of persecution that concerns the whole kingdom. The opening scene finds a race of people being pursued by the royal hunters for execution. In the city, people living on the streets are being rounded up and the citizens are unwilling to help. This cruelty by the rulers creates difficulties across the lands and motivates one character to seek revenge.

What didn’t work as well:

The book’s ending is too abrupt as there are unresolved issues. I don’t want to share any spoilers but suffice it to say readers may not be satisfied. A sequel is surely on the way.

The final verdict:

The premise of the plot is engaging and magic is a central part of the story. However, the book ends just as things get really interesting so readers will need to reconcile this issue in their minds. This book will appeal to those who enjoy close family ties and enchantments.