What do you think?
Rate this book
Napoleon Xylophone
A changeling padded out from the shadows at the far end of the cavern. It had taken on the form of a lioness, with fur as black as a starless night. It walked towards Ackx and began to lick its master's face. Ackx opened his eyes and something like a smile crossed his face. Something like the smile a crocodile makes while eating its lunch...
Napoleon Xylophone hates his name; that’s why his friends call him Zam. He doesn’t know it yet, but he is set to become a hero – a hero with a walking disability. When adventure comes knocking, Zam doesn’t let his disability get in the way of fighting the changelings, wytes and gargoyles that come to life in the underworld beneath Newcastle. Not when he has a wheelchair that can fly, a ghost for a best friend and a grandfather who has created a new life form that allows whoever wears it to speak to Time...
Napoleon Xylophone is an inspirational work of fantasy fiction that will appeal to 12-16 year old children. The main aim of the book is to give disabled children a voice to help them express how they fit into society. As Zam, one of the few disabled superheroes in fiction, travels through the pages of his story, he shows the difficulties disabled children
encounter every day. Zam is more than a teenager in a wheelchair with an amazing story to tell; he is a hero anyone can look up to.
Napoleon Xylophone hates his name; that’s why his friends call him Zam. He doesn’t know it yet, but he is set to become a hero – a hero with a walking disability. When adventure comes knocking, Zam doesn’t let his disability get in the way of fighting the changelings, wytes and gargoyles that come to life in the underworld beneath Newcastle. Not when he has a wheelchair that can fly, a ghost for a best friend and a grandfather who has created a new life form that allows whoever wears it to speak to Time...
Napoleon Xylophone is an inspirational work of fantasy fiction that will appeal to 12-16 year old children. The main aim of the book is to give disabled children a voice to help them express how they fit into society. As Zam, one of the few disabled superheroes in fiction, travels through the pages of his story, he shows the difficulties disabled children
encounter every day. Zam is more than a teenager in a wheelchair with an amazing story to tell; he is a hero anyone can look up to.
- GenresFantasy
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2012
1 person is currently reading
4013 people want to read
About the author
Frank Lambert
3 books830 followersFrank Lambert always wanted to be a Zangulator, but had to settle for being a Chartered Engineer. He lives in North East England with his family and a Jack Russell who always looks guilty.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 2, 2023
I wish i had this book when i was younger! It is super entertaining with fantastic characters and a speedy eventful story. An absolute gem!
Our main hero, Zam and his bestie Ezzy get more than they bargained for when they set off to find and rescue Zam's missing grandfather. Coming across the strangest creatures, they soon find themselves in the Underworld - and that's where the journey turns pretty dark.
I absolutely loved all the characters, they were all so very real. The disability representation is spot on, the pace is fast so it's hard to put down. The Underworld is where i really fell in love with the book: YA or not, it is so dark that even i got shivers. If i may say, it reminded me of Kingfisher's Hollow places' Otherworld, and I'm not saying it lightly. It's just dissonant enough to set you on the edge big time.
I highly recommend this for anyone, it's a clean read for a very young audience, and dark enough for adults too.
Our main hero, Zam and his bestie Ezzy get more than they bargained for when they set off to find and rescue Zam's missing grandfather. Coming across the strangest creatures, they soon find themselves in the Underworld - and that's where the journey turns pretty dark.
I absolutely loved all the characters, they were all so very real. The disability representation is spot on, the pace is fast so it's hard to put down. The Underworld is where i really fell in love with the book: YA or not, it is so dark that even i got shivers. If i may say, it reminded me of Kingfisher's Hollow places' Otherworld, and I'm not saying it lightly. It's just dissonant enough to set you on the edge big time.
I highly recommend this for anyone, it's a clean read for a very young audience, and dark enough for adults too.
May 9, 2014
I received this book from the Goodreads giveaway. I really enjoyed this book. Frank gives us a look at a different kind of a hero with Napoleon. Anyone can be a hero.
October 10, 2023
Ghost Doors by Frank Lambert
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would you do anything to help your family and friends? How about go on an adventure to rescue them from the underworld? Zam and his best friend Ezzy embark on a journey to help find Zam’s grandfather when he unexpectedly went missing from his apartment. Will Zam and Ezzy be able to help Eli in time or will Ackx forever have Eli in the Underworld?
I loved this book. The characters really fit perfectly into the story and they all had their own part to play. I was able to relate to the characters on different levels and really enjoyed how they were introduced into the story. I love how the author was spot on when it came to representation of someone with a disability. The book showed that anyone can do something no matter how they were. I feel this part was really great for young readers.
While this is a YA book, there were many times that I was actually a little scared. To me, this shows that the author’s descriptions were amazing because I could visually picture it all happening and put myself into the scenarios. The Underworld was explained in a great way and really is what drew me in.
The overall adventure in the story was what kept my attention and made me want to keep reading. There were so many twists and turns and many emotions felt throughout the book that made the story relatable and real.
I was able to read the story with some illustrations and I really enjoyed those as well. I am a visual person so being able to see what the characters look like was really awesome.
Overall, this book was amazing. Regardless of it being a YA book, this book is for any reader who loves adventure, creatures, and mystery. I highly recommend reading this book!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Would you do anything to help your family and friends? How about go on an adventure to rescue them from the underworld? Zam and his best friend Ezzy embark on a journey to help find Zam’s grandfather when he unexpectedly went missing from his apartment. Will Zam and Ezzy be able to help Eli in time or will Ackx forever have Eli in the Underworld?
I loved this book. The characters really fit perfectly into the story and they all had their own part to play. I was able to relate to the characters on different levels and really enjoyed how they were introduced into the story. I love how the author was spot on when it came to representation of someone with a disability. The book showed that anyone can do something no matter how they were. I feel this part was really great for young readers.
While this is a YA book, there were many times that I was actually a little scared. To me, this shows that the author’s descriptions were amazing because I could visually picture it all happening and put myself into the scenarios. The Underworld was explained in a great way and really is what drew me in.
The overall adventure in the story was what kept my attention and made me want to keep reading. There were so many twists and turns and many emotions felt throughout the book that made the story relatable and real.
I was able to read the story with some illustrations and I really enjoyed those as well. I am a visual person so being able to see what the characters look like was really awesome.
Overall, this book was amazing. Regardless of it being a YA book, this book is for any reader who loves adventure, creatures, and mystery. I highly recommend reading this book!
March 5, 2016
*full review at napoleonsplit.wordpress.com*
When Napoleon Xylophone (also known as Zam) discovers his beloved grandfather is missing, he puts aside his worries about his walking disability and travels to the underworld to save his grandfather from the atrophied fingers of Mandrake Ackx. Zam is accompanied by a motley crew: his best friend Ezzy, his polecat Rat, his super wheelchair Q, and a forgetful shade (type of shadow ghost) known as Slink. Zam and his gang keep things interesting, and by the end of the adventure the reader could only hope to be a part of a squad as incredible as Zam’s.
The menagerie of personalities and creatures in this book was the foundation of this action filled superhero story. Zam is a wonderful protagonist, and easily fits into the role of hero. His walking disability keeps the reader rooting for him at all times, and his bravery and ability to overcome towards the end of the book are incredibly inspiring to all types of readers: disabled or not. The focus on limitations and insecurities is not only applicable to Zam, but also to other characters. Lambert does a fantastic job of addressing these in a very positive way, especially in the case below.
Q: ‘I’m a… a silicon chip. That’s all. A series of circuits and electrical signals.’
Zam: ‘Just like I’m a series of electrical signals in a soft nervous tissue called a brain.’
‘That’s it, Zam, you’ve just revealed the secret of life.’
‘I have?’
‘Yes.’
‘So what is it then?’
‘Life is what you make of it.’
Other characters such as Q (who impersonates different celebrity voices) and Slink made me laugh out loud a couple of times during the book, and kept the lightness of the story. Ackx, the perfect villain (on the front cover), is ghastly and absolutely spine chilling in every way. He reminded me at times of a realpolitik, like Mazzini and Bismarck, as he “doesn’t have any allies. He only has things that are useful to him and things that are not.”
The setting in Newcastle, England and the character’s venture through the Victoria Tunnels, was a great setting for the action and adventure. The plot itself was very well thought out, and incredibly creative. Lambert redefines the concept of and personifies Time. Mandrake Ackx wants to speak to Time, and the different passages that come out of conversations are beautifully written.
‘Time is the narrator of life. Without Time speaking, nothing would exist.’ -Grandfather
‘I am part of the rules, I do not make them. I am no more than a thought, every thought. Without perception, awareness, I would not exist.’ -Time on time
Lambert explores the relationship between Time and God, and the burden of Time more than would be expected in children’s fiction. These parts of the book added depth to the plot, and made me very excited to read Lambert’s adult books.
The book was fast paced, and had all the makings of a superhero comic with incredible action scenes. The different supernatural creatures (wytes and changelings) have unique capabilities that are interesting and very fun to see in action. Zam and Q together make a great team, and the gadgets on Q combined with Zam’s unique powers create amazing action scenes towards the end of the story.
The comedy and quirky humor sprinkled throughout this book keep it lighthearted. Q impersonates Marlon Brando as a gangster, and Slink is a forgetful ghost- something inherently funny. Supernatural things lead to statements like, ‘His eyes itched. They always itched whenever he left the underworld.’, which is so outlandish that it made me smile. And Lambert even brings humor into Zam’s disabilities, with parts like when Zam “[tries] to imagine what it would be like to be blind.” It ends with this: “He didn’t like what he didn’t see.” There are also phrases that are humorous, while being poignant such as “He’s frightened of death, like every other ghost.” And then, there are moments so ridiculous that the reader can’t help but laughing such as when Zam asks Q: “You are in love with a dream that looks like a bomb disposal robot and sounds like Homer’s daughter from The Simpsons?”
However, the humor is juxtaposed at times with serious insights on what it is like to be disabled. Lambert really tries to bring in experiences that people with disabilities might struggle with such as bullying, struggles with everyday things, and people staring.
‘Zam attracted the usual stares form people who walked by, Ordinarily, this annoyed him, the fact they saw Zam as something worthy of staring at, like he was some kind of circus freak, different from them. Didn’t they realise everyone was a freak? It was just that he was a freak in a wheelchair and they weren’t.’
Lambert definitely fulfills the purpose of raising awareness of what it is like to be disabled, and gives a fresh perspective on disabilities through fiction.
The cover (as well as the name of this book) were very appealing to me when Lambert first offered to send a copy. Napoleon Xylophone definitely exceeded my expectations, and I am so excited to delve into Lambert’s other series. Lambert wrote this book for his son, who also has a walking disability, and this is a very worthy tribute. The courage with which Lambert undertook writing a different kind of hero was wonderful to witness in Napoleon Xylophone. Many thanks to Lambert for sending me a paperback copy of this book and I hope to see a sequel for Napoleon Xylophone soon.
Best,
-NS
When Napoleon Xylophone (also known as Zam) discovers his beloved grandfather is missing, he puts aside his worries about his walking disability and travels to the underworld to save his grandfather from the atrophied fingers of Mandrake Ackx. Zam is accompanied by a motley crew: his best friend Ezzy, his polecat Rat, his super wheelchair Q, and a forgetful shade (type of shadow ghost) known as Slink. Zam and his gang keep things interesting, and by the end of the adventure the reader could only hope to be a part of a squad as incredible as Zam’s.
The menagerie of personalities and creatures in this book was the foundation of this action filled superhero story. Zam is a wonderful protagonist, and easily fits into the role of hero. His walking disability keeps the reader rooting for him at all times, and his bravery and ability to overcome towards the end of the book are incredibly inspiring to all types of readers: disabled or not. The focus on limitations and insecurities is not only applicable to Zam, but also to other characters. Lambert does a fantastic job of addressing these in a very positive way, especially in the case below.
Q: ‘I’m a… a silicon chip. That’s all. A series of circuits and electrical signals.’
Zam: ‘Just like I’m a series of electrical signals in a soft nervous tissue called a brain.’
‘That’s it, Zam, you’ve just revealed the secret of life.’
‘I have?’
‘Yes.’
‘So what is it then?’
‘Life is what you make of it.’
Other characters such as Q (who impersonates different celebrity voices) and Slink made me laugh out loud a couple of times during the book, and kept the lightness of the story. Ackx, the perfect villain (on the front cover), is ghastly and absolutely spine chilling in every way. He reminded me at times of a realpolitik, like Mazzini and Bismarck, as he “doesn’t have any allies. He only has things that are useful to him and things that are not.”
The setting in Newcastle, England and the character’s venture through the Victoria Tunnels, was a great setting for the action and adventure. The plot itself was very well thought out, and incredibly creative. Lambert redefines the concept of and personifies Time. Mandrake Ackx wants to speak to Time, and the different passages that come out of conversations are beautifully written.
‘Time is the narrator of life. Without Time speaking, nothing would exist.’ -Grandfather
‘I am part of the rules, I do not make them. I am no more than a thought, every thought. Without perception, awareness, I would not exist.’ -Time on time
Lambert explores the relationship between Time and God, and the burden of Time more than would be expected in children’s fiction. These parts of the book added depth to the plot, and made me very excited to read Lambert’s adult books.
The book was fast paced, and had all the makings of a superhero comic with incredible action scenes. The different supernatural creatures (wytes and changelings) have unique capabilities that are interesting and very fun to see in action. Zam and Q together make a great team, and the gadgets on Q combined with Zam’s unique powers create amazing action scenes towards the end of the story.
The comedy and quirky humor sprinkled throughout this book keep it lighthearted. Q impersonates Marlon Brando as a gangster, and Slink is a forgetful ghost- something inherently funny. Supernatural things lead to statements like, ‘His eyes itched. They always itched whenever he left the underworld.’, which is so outlandish that it made me smile. And Lambert even brings humor into Zam’s disabilities, with parts like when Zam “[tries] to imagine what it would be like to be blind.” It ends with this: “He didn’t like what he didn’t see.” There are also phrases that are humorous, while being poignant such as “He’s frightened of death, like every other ghost.” And then, there are moments so ridiculous that the reader can’t help but laughing such as when Zam asks Q: “You are in love with a dream that looks like a bomb disposal robot and sounds like Homer’s daughter from The Simpsons?”
However, the humor is juxtaposed at times with serious insights on what it is like to be disabled. Lambert really tries to bring in experiences that people with disabilities might struggle with such as bullying, struggles with everyday things, and people staring.
‘Zam attracted the usual stares form people who walked by, Ordinarily, this annoyed him, the fact they saw Zam as something worthy of staring at, like he was some kind of circus freak, different from them. Didn’t they realise everyone was a freak? It was just that he was a freak in a wheelchair and they weren’t.’
Lambert definitely fulfills the purpose of raising awareness of what it is like to be disabled, and gives a fresh perspective on disabilities through fiction.
The cover (as well as the name of this book) were very appealing to me when Lambert first offered to send a copy. Napoleon Xylophone definitely exceeded my expectations, and I am so excited to delve into Lambert’s other series. Lambert wrote this book for his son, who also has a walking disability, and this is a very worthy tribute. The courage with which Lambert undertook writing a different kind of hero was wonderful to witness in Napoleon Xylophone. Many thanks to Lambert for sending me a paperback copy of this book and I hope to see a sequel for Napoleon Xylophone soon.
Best,
-NS
May 14, 2014
This book was a winner in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our teenage readers thought:
Author: Frank Lambert
Title: Napoleon Xylophone
COVER: 10/10
The readers thought that the cover was very good, even ‘spectacular’. They liked the title very much and they thought that the blurb was well-written and persuasive. (Note from Ed – the readers thought this was the best cover in the awards this year).
CONTENT 10/10
Excellent start with Ackx and the changling; this first chapter really pulled the teeage readers into the book. The readers felt the pace was excellent all the way through and they loved the fact that a boy with a disability was the hero.
EDITING 10/10
The readers thought the book was well edited and discovered no glaring problems with grammar, punctuation or spelling. The readers though the book had excellent pacing and was well-structured.
STYLE 10/10
The style of the author’s writing was very much enjoyed. Not only was it easy to follow and well-structured, there was also a nice undercurrent of humour. The readers thought your ‘descriptive writing’ was very good. E.g. p3 ‘…sometimes celebrated, sometimes forgotten.’ And you had a nice balance between pacing and description.
STATS
Of the 19 readers:
19 thought the cover was excellent
11 thought that ‘description’ was the author’s strongest writing skill.
19 thought that the physical quality of the book was superb, the best in the competitiion.
17 would like to read a sequel.
‘A fast-paced, exciting adventure full of changlings, ghosts and a memorable hero. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
Author: Frank Lambert
Title: Napoleon Xylophone
COVER: 10/10
The readers thought that the cover was very good, even ‘spectacular’. They liked the title very much and they thought that the blurb was well-written and persuasive. (Note from Ed – the readers thought this was the best cover in the awards this year).
CONTENT 10/10
Excellent start with Ackx and the changling; this first chapter really pulled the teeage readers into the book. The readers felt the pace was excellent all the way through and they loved the fact that a boy with a disability was the hero.
EDITING 10/10
The readers thought the book was well edited and discovered no glaring problems with grammar, punctuation or spelling. The readers though the book had excellent pacing and was well-structured.
STYLE 10/10
The style of the author’s writing was very much enjoyed. Not only was it easy to follow and well-structured, there was also a nice undercurrent of humour. The readers thought your ‘descriptive writing’ was very good. E.g. p3 ‘…sometimes celebrated, sometimes forgotten.’ And you had a nice balance between pacing and description.
STATS
Of the 19 readers:
19 thought the cover was excellent
11 thought that ‘description’ was the author’s strongest writing skill.
19 thought that the physical quality of the book was superb, the best in the competitiion.
17 would like to read a sequel.
‘A fast-paced, exciting adventure full of changlings, ghosts and a memorable hero. Highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Awards
September 10, 2023
This felt very “Doctor Who” meets “Batman with a physical limitation” in the best way. A young boy who has to use his wit, cunning, and love to save his family and friend from the bad guys? Yes please. This was a powerful representation for those with disabilities, and important for everyone to read to gain perspective.
December 27, 2023
Looking for a young adult horror book to read to your class or for your teen? Or an amazing story about a main character that has a disability? Or even a fantastically imaginative horror that doesn't have bad language, sex or graphic violence? I HIGHLY recommend that everyone check out this book, Ghost Doors!
January 13, 2024
This book would definitely give you a new definition of the central character, as the main lead is a specially abled person yet solves many mysteries. This was one of the unique facets of this book.
The book tells a story of friendship, trust, care, and support for family. The central character, Zam, is wonderfully written, and his friend Ezzy has a remarkable edge. Their demonstration of friendship while searching for Zam's grandfather is commendable. They engage in a mysterious world, but they manage to sail together with each other's help. The author has beautifully brought together these two characters, and they serve the purpose of engaging the readers. The plots and subplots are aligned to keep the readers entertained and engaged. It seems the author researched adequately before bringing up this book. The title is interesting, and trust me, you will be more than entertained while reading each and every page.
The book tells a story of friendship, trust, care, and support for family. The central character, Zam, is wonderfully written, and his friend Ezzy has a remarkable edge. Their demonstration of friendship while searching for Zam's grandfather is commendable. They engage in a mysterious world, but they manage to sail together with each other's help. The author has beautifully brought together these two characters, and they serve the purpose of engaging the readers. The plots and subplots are aligned to keep the readers entertained and engaged. It seems the author researched adequately before bringing up this book. The title is interesting, and trust me, you will be more than entertained while reading each and every page.
January 13, 2024
Ghost Doors drew me in with a wonky synopsis (that does deliver what it promises) and its disability representation. And, of course, the cover is pretty neat too. Going in, I enjoyed the initial writing and setup. I liked the character dynamic between Zam and his friend Ezzy and was genuinely curious about his grandfather and the mysterious Ackx.
However, one thing continuously detracted from my enjoyment: the main character's age. See, Zam is suppose to be seventeen. Rarely does he come off as much more than thirteen or fourteen though. In fact, had Zam and Ezzy been between twelve to fourteen years old my rating may have been higher. They act like young teens, not young adults. They talk like young-uns, have the maturity and lack of experience of young-uns, and ask the kind of stupid, inane questions often asked by, you guessed it, young-uns. Aside from that, I was not a fan of the way the book ended. That said, there are some neat concepts here, the book is full of really cool illustrations, and there is certainly potential in the writing. The characters just don't act their act in any way, shape, or form.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
However, one thing continuously detracted from my enjoyment: the main character's age. See, Zam is suppose to be seventeen. Rarely does he come off as much more than thirteen or fourteen though. In fact, had Zam and Ezzy been between twelve to fourteen years old my rating may have been higher. They act like young teens, not young adults. They talk like young-uns, have the maturity and lack of experience of young-uns, and ask the kind of stupid, inane questions often asked by, you guessed it, young-uns. Aside from that, I was not a fan of the way the book ended. That said, there are some neat concepts here, the book is full of really cool illustrations, and there is certainly potential in the writing. The characters just don't act their act in any way, shape, or form.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 18, 2024
'The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy' meets 'Ghostbusters' is the only way I can describe this book!
This novel follows the story of Zam, a young disabled boy who stops at nothing to save his grandfather from the Underworld. Zam and his friends, some old and some new, face many challenges along the way in this fast-paced adventure.
Absolutely chaotic, adventurous, and wholesome, Ghost Doors by Frank Lambert was a wonderful read!
The characters were so diverse with the most amazing, strong, and brave disabled lead! Incredible representation within this story!
We got to meet so many wonderful characters and creatures from the Underworld who you can not help but love.
(Slink fan club member right here)
If you like the chaos and unpredictability of THGTTG, then you need to check this out or recommend it to a teen bookworm!
The illustrations were a nice little bonus throughout, allowing the reader to gain a clearer picture of this world!
My reason for a three star review is due to the questions I still have! I can not say if these have been answered in the sequels, but they were minor enough questions that could have been tied up in this novel. I also believe that some parts could have been fleshed out a little more for readers, often times some action-packed scenes come and go so soon. Yet, this won't stop me from recommending!
Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable and fun read with some of the most loveable characters! A nice little read to get you out of a slump!
Thank you so much to Netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review!
This novel follows the story of Zam, a young disabled boy who stops at nothing to save his grandfather from the Underworld. Zam and his friends, some old and some new, face many challenges along the way in this fast-paced adventure.
Absolutely chaotic, adventurous, and wholesome, Ghost Doors by Frank Lambert was a wonderful read!
The characters were so diverse with the most amazing, strong, and brave disabled lead! Incredible representation within this story!
We got to meet so many wonderful characters and creatures from the Underworld who you can not help but love.
(Slink fan club member right here)
If you like the chaos and unpredictability of THGTTG, then you need to check this out or recommend it to a teen bookworm!
The illustrations were a nice little bonus throughout, allowing the reader to gain a clearer picture of this world!
My reason for a three star review is due to the questions I still have! I can not say if these have been answered in the sequels, but they were minor enough questions that could have been tied up in this novel. I also believe that some parts could have been fleshed out a little more for readers, often times some action-packed scenes come and go so soon. Yet, this won't stop me from recommending!
Overall, it was an extremely enjoyable and fun read with some of the most loveable characters! A nice little read to get you out of a slump!
Thank you so much to Netgalley for this arc in exchange of an honest review!
February 20, 2024
First thing first, just look at the name of the main character: Napoleon Xylophone. His name alone already caught my attention. I love how the author brilliantly chose and represented a disabled boy to be the main character (clearly shows everyone can be a hero in your own story), and the fact that each character has their own roles to play. I enjoyed the friendship that Napoleon has with Q and Slink along the way to find Eli. Both Q and Slink's presences in Book 1 are what kept me reading apart from feeding my curiosity with what the Underworld is. Also, I liked how those illustrations helped me to imagine things in the Underworld and its creatures and appreciated them all!
I have lost count of how many books written by Lambert I've read (with his other pseudonym). But the first book of this trilogy is new and refreshing to me. I'd say it's different than he portrayed in his other books. I look forward to getting myself into the second book of this trilogy!
I have lost count of how many books written by Lambert I've read (with his other pseudonym). But the first book of this trilogy is new and refreshing to me. I'd say it's different than he portrayed in his other books. I look forward to getting myself into the second book of this trilogy!
January 22, 2024
Ghost Doors by Frank Lambert is a well-written and engaging story featuring great characters. Get ready for an exciting adventure. When Zam's grandpa mysteriously disappears, Zam and his buddy Ezzy decide to dive into the underworld on a crazy mission to save him. This story has everything you need for a fun read, mystery, excitement, and more. The characters are so unique, each with a cool role introduced cleverly. The author shows that anyone, disabled or not, can achieve awesome things. It's a positive message, especially for young readers. I liked how the friendship between Zam and Ezzy was described. The author did his homework, and the well-organized and fast-paced plot keeps things entertaining on every page. Highly recommend.
January 16, 2024
Ghost Doors by Frank Lambert isn't your average stroll through the fantasy section. It's more like a headfirst dive into a whirlpool of magical underworld shenanigans. Our hero, Zam, who doesn't let his walking disability slow him down, is on a mission to rescue his grandpa from an underworld filled with the stuff of nightmares - changelings, wytes, gargoyles, and more. It's like Harry Potter met Percy Jackson in a dark alley.
The book is a fast read, but don't let that fool you. It's packed with twists and turns that had me going, "Wait, what?" more than once. There's this sense of authenticity to Zam, probably because he's named by kids in writing workshops, which is adorable and genius. And the illustrations? They add a whole new layer of charm.
Sure, it's a bit like trying to follow a rabbit through a hedge maze at times, but the emotional rollercoaster and humor make it worth the ride. Plus, seeing a different kind of hero front and center is refreshing. It's a solid pick for teenagers, especially those who'd cheer to see a hero who's not your typical able-bodied protagonist. Just maybe keep a flowchart handy for the plot.
The book is a fast read, but don't let that fool you. It's packed with twists and turns that had me going, "Wait, what?" more than once. There's this sense of authenticity to Zam, probably because he's named by kids in writing workshops, which is adorable and genius. And the illustrations? They add a whole new layer of charm.
Sure, it's a bit like trying to follow a rabbit through a hedge maze at times, but the emotional rollercoaster and humor make it worth the ride. Plus, seeing a different kind of hero front and center is refreshing. It's a solid pick for teenagers, especially those who'd cheer to see a hero who's not your typical able-bodied protagonist. Just maybe keep a flowchart handy for the plot.
March 22, 2024
This book was a solid 3 stars
The drawings in it was a pleasant surprise and I breezed through this book, finishing it in 2 days.
However...the author very clearly wanted certain things to happen which makes some scenes feel rushed. Sometimes the characters would go on rants, talking out loud while they should be thinking (or atleast; it would've been beter in text, not dialogue)
This was a fun little book though, would very much recomend it as a quick read.
The drawings in it was a pleasant surprise and I breezed through this book, finishing it in 2 days.
However...the author very clearly wanted certain things to happen which makes some scenes feel rushed. Sometimes the characters would go on rants, talking out loud while they should be thinking (or atleast; it would've been beter in text, not dialogue)
This was a fun little book though, would very much recomend it as a quick read.
January 17, 2024
"Ghost Doors" by Frank Lambert, was an engaging and unique YA fantasy novel that stood out for me for its imaginative storytelling. The story revolves around Zam, who embarks on a fantastical journey in the Underworld of Newcastle to rescue his grandfather, who has been abducted by a supernatural being. What makes Zam a refreshing protagonist is his walking disability, which doesn’t hinder his adventure, showing a different type of heroism.
The book is fast-paced and includes a range of magical characters, it has plenty of action, humor, and emotion, making it a well rounded novel.
"Ghost Doors" is a great addition to the YA fantasy genre in my opinion. TI think the book's creativity and character development makes it a valuable read for those looking for diversity in young adult fiction.
The book is fast-paced and includes a range of magical characters, it has plenty of action, humor, and emotion, making it a well rounded novel.
"Ghost Doors" is a great addition to the YA fantasy genre in my opinion. TI think the book's creativity and character development makes it a valuable read for those looking for diversity in young adult fiction.
January 1, 2024
While the idea of the book was great, I felt like the story was rushed and there was a lot of missing information. I wanted to like this book so much more.
December 16, 2023
Ghost Doors is a fast paced fantasy for teenagers, that features a wide range of magical characters. There is action, humor and emotion spread through the novel.
The protagonist, Zam, is a disabled teenage boy who travels to the underworld to rescue his grandfather, along with new and old friends. Illustrations add extra charm to the story, bringing the characters to life.
There was a lot of plot happening, which often felt confusing to keep up with, however the author doesn't linger too long on any element which helped the plot keep moving forward.
The character names are charming and are named by disabled children during writing workshops with the author. I think this is a great book for teenagers, especially but not limited to those who are disabled and would relate to Zam.
The protagonist, Zam, is a disabled teenage boy who travels to the underworld to rescue his grandfather, along with new and old friends. Illustrations add extra charm to the story, bringing the characters to life.
There was a lot of plot happening, which often felt confusing to keep up with, however the author doesn't linger too long on any element which helped the plot keep moving forward.
The character names are charming and are named by disabled children during writing workshops with the author. I think this is a great book for teenagers, especially but not limited to those who are disabled and would relate to Zam.
January 30, 2024
This book's description sparked my interest, so I decided to give it a try. It was a ghost story, and I didn't find it scary exactly, but it was a page turner.
The protagonist is Zam, a seventeen-year-old boy with fibromyalgia. As someone with a disability myself, I am always interested to see how disabilities are portrayed in fiction, especially when it's the main character. I felt that Zam's disability was portrayed in a positive and helpful way - portrayed as a positive part of his character.
I really liked the connection between Zam and his best friend Ezzy. I definitely became invested in this story. As the story progressed, I noticed myself forming something of an attachment to Zam, and towards the end, I became a little bit emotional.
I understand that there are going to be more books featuring Zam as a protagonist, so I would be interested to take a look at those in the future.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The protagonist is Zam, a seventeen-year-old boy with fibromyalgia. As someone with a disability myself, I am always interested to see how disabilities are portrayed in fiction, especially when it's the main character. I felt that Zam's disability was portrayed in a positive and helpful way - portrayed as a positive part of his character.
I really liked the connection between Zam and his best friend Ezzy. I definitely became invested in this story. As the story progressed, I noticed myself forming something of an attachment to Zam, and towards the end, I became a little bit emotional.
I understand that there are going to be more books featuring Zam as a protagonist, so I would be interested to take a look at those in the future.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2024
Disability representation is really difficult to come by, and when you manage to accomplish that seemingly mythical feat, it's even more difficult to find great representation for disability and disabled people.
Enter Napoleon Xylophone, and his first book, Ghost Doors.
This is not only a book with a disabled protagonist, but one that manages to represent walking disabilities and life with a walking disability brilliantly, all without sacrificing a great, multi-dimensional character - not to mention the other excellent characters that populate the book's pages. On top of this, we also get to read a thoroughly entertaining story about supernatural beings, mad science and the underworld.
This is a book I can easily recommend not only to its young adult audience, and not only to those like me, looking for strong disability representation, but to pretty much any readers, thanks to its effective balance of engaging speculative fiction, YA horror, humour and romance.
[Advanced Reader Copy provided by the author]
Enter Napoleon Xylophone, and his first book, Ghost Doors.
This is not only a book with a disabled protagonist, but one that manages to represent walking disabilities and life with a walking disability brilliantly, all without sacrificing a great, multi-dimensional character - not to mention the other excellent characters that populate the book's pages. On top of this, we also get to read a thoroughly entertaining story about supernatural beings, mad science and the underworld.
This is a book I can easily recommend not only to its young adult audience, and not only to those like me, looking for strong disability representation, but to pretty much any readers, thanks to its effective balance of engaging speculative fiction, YA horror, humour and romance.
[Advanced Reader Copy provided by the author]
December 27, 2023
"Ghost Doors" by Frank Lambert is a captivating fantasy novel featuring the hero Zam as he explores the magical and dangerous Underworld.
The story goes beyond adventure, delving into Zam's self-discovery and revealing hidden family secrets. Lambert's vivid and fast-paced writing creates a unique world inspired by mythology and science fiction. The book has diverse characters, each adding depth to the story. It explores themes like identity, disability, friendship, and courage. The black-and-white illustrations throughout the book really captivated my attention and added an extra layer of characterization.
As the first book in the Napoleon Xylophone series, it sets an intriguing stage for future stories. This novel is perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Artemis Fowl, blending adventure, mystery, and magic.
The story goes beyond adventure, delving into Zam's self-discovery and revealing hidden family secrets. Lambert's vivid and fast-paced writing creates a unique world inspired by mythology and science fiction. The book has diverse characters, each adding depth to the story. It explores themes like identity, disability, friendship, and courage. The black-and-white illustrations throughout the book really captivated my attention and added an extra layer of characterization.
As the first book in the Napoleon Xylophone series, it sets an intriguing stage for future stories. This novel is perfect for fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and Artemis Fowl, blending adventure, mystery, and magic.
March 22, 2024
This book was a solid 3 stars
The drawings in it was a pleasant surprise and I breezed through this book, finishing it in 2 days.
However...the author very clearly wanted certain things to happen which makes some scenes feel rushed. Sometimes the characters would go on rants, talking out loud while they should be thinking (or atleast; it would've been beter in text, not dialogue)
This was a fun little book though, would very much recomend it as a quick read.
The drawings in it was a pleasant surprise and I breezed through this book, finishing it in 2 days.
However...the author very clearly wanted certain things to happen which makes some scenes feel rushed. Sometimes the characters would go on rants, talking out loud while they should be thinking (or atleast; it would've been beter in text, not dialogue)
This was a fun little book though, would very much recomend it as a quick read.
November 29, 2025
It is a really exciting adventure about helping family and friends. Zam's grandpa disappears mysteriously, so he and his best friend Ezzy decide to go on a thrilling journey into the underworld to save him. The story is a great mix of mystery, adventure, and friendship.
The characters in the book are well-made, and they all fit into the story well. Each character has a special part to play, and how they are introduced is done very cleverly. The author does a good job showing that someone with a disability can still do great things. It tells us that everyone can achieve something, no matter their abilities. This is a positive and encouraging message, especially for young readers.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
The characters in the book are well-made, and they all fit into the story well. Each character has a special part to play, and how they are introduced is done very cleverly. The author does a good job showing that someone with a disability can still do great things. It tells us that everyone can achieve something, no matter their abilities. This is a positive and encouraging message, especially for young readers.
You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews