This is a book that a good friend of mine recommended to me when I was
in my post-Harry Potter funk. She said this might help me develop a new
magical interest. As soon as I began reading this book, I was immediately
reminded of Harry Potter. There's a young boy who is singled out for his
"talent" and offered a spot at a magical school where he can develop
those talents (Rowan Academy vs. Hogwarts). There is a professor who is a
traitor (Prof. Quirrell vs. No Spoilers here). There is a kind and understanding
headmistress (Miss. Richter vs. Dumbledore). There is a magical sport (Euclidean Soccer vs. Quidditch).
There is a bully with his cronies (Draco Malfoy vs. Alex Munoz). There is
a weakened villain trying to regain power and strength (Astaroth vs.
Voldemort). I could go on. There are many parallels drawn in this book. Did I
enjoy the book? Honestly, it’s approximately 415 pages and it took me
about 190+ pages to finally want to sit down for long periods of time and read
it. Once I got past the multitude of one-dimensional characters and could
single out who was really important to the story, my interest built up a bit
more.
In the past, I've tried to get into the Percy Jackson and the Olympians
series and only read Book #1. I fear this series will suffer the same fate. At
the end of the book, I didn't feel a burning desire to see how it all turns
out. So Book #1 may be where it begins and ends for me. Harry Potter is still
my all-time favorite thus far. If you have kids who would like to read the
book, please note that it has bullying, violent fighting, attempted murder,
kidnapping and death. There’s also one or two puppy love kisses. Just a
friendly heads-up if you like to screen your child’s books ahead of time.
