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Artifacts
It's funny how one little letter can change a person's life. Jax and his friends have been planning the summer of a lifetime at Camp Runamuck. However, when one of them is facing summer at a school desk for failing English, they watch those plans crash and burn!
At the last moment they're given a way out.
An extra credit assignment to find several fake artifacts for a fairy tale display their teacher is presenting at the local library.
Thinking they've hit the easiest-extra-credit-ever jackpot, they begin rummaging through any piles of junk they can find. As they start putting the clues together, they realize that what they're really searching for is one authentic artifact that can rewrite fairy tales!
Enlisting the aid of the Lost Boys, Jax and his friends battle fairy tale villains to see who can get their hand, or their hook, on it first.
At the last moment they're given a way out.
An extra credit assignment to find several fake artifacts for a fairy tale display their teacher is presenting at the local library.
Thinking they've hit the easiest-extra-credit-ever jackpot, they begin rummaging through any piles of junk they can find. As they start putting the clues together, they realize that what they're really searching for is one authentic artifact that can rewrite fairy tales!
Enlisting the aid of the Lost Boys, Jax and his friends battle fairy tale villains to see who can get their hand, or their hook, on it first.
214 pages, Paperback
First published May 17, 2016
466 people want to read
About the author
Pete Catalano
3 books55 followersYears ago Pete Catalano found an Artifact that allows him to write great Middle Grade stories. Keeping it a secret but putting it to good use, he's completed several new novels, and not surprisingly, can be found always working on the next new idea. He lives in Charlotte, NC with one beautiful wife, two very needy one hundred pound sheep dogs, and a multitude of characters inside his head -- battling to get out.
A member of The Sweet Sixteens, Pete's debut middle grade novel, ARTIFACTS, is slated for release on May 17, 2016 from Month9Books.
A member of The Sweet Sixteens, Pete's debut middle grade novel, ARTIFACTS, is slated for release on May 17, 2016 from Month9Books.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 1, 2016
Sometimes, out of the blue, we are able to experience a joy that takes us back in time a little bit; back to our childhoods, when magic, friends, and summer camp seem to go hand in hand…in hand. This time, though, I got to take a trip down memory lane with my daughter.
Author Pete Catalano asked if I might review his upcoming middle grade novel, ARTIFACTS, in exchange for an honest review. As an author, I don’t read or write middle grade at all, but the premise of his story intrigued me; middle school students with their summer camp vacation on the line, must search for artifacts from fairy tales to be displayed in a library exhibit, or else be remanded to summer school! I teach in a middle school, and I could hardly wait to see how the 6th graders in Mr. Catalano’s book fared in their quest.
This book provided an opportunity to read something brand new with my school aged daughter, and let me tell you, she loved it! In ARTIFACTS, Mr. Catalano creates vivid characters, and places them in wildly imaginative settings as he weaves the tale from start to finish. You will find yourself rooting for Jax, Korie, Crunch, Mouth and Tank (Great names!) as they battle fairy tale villains from the past in search of the artifacts. I was impressed with how Mr. Catalano was able to create the hysterical sarcasm that is the trademark middle school wit. Trust me, I know! I hear it every day! This was a really fun read. It is creatively written, and absolutely cracked my daughter up in several points, to the point of hiccups! I’ll be recommending it to my school’s library, as well.
I really enjoyed reading this with my daughter, and I know that others will, too. My only wish would be that there were illustrations to begin each chapter. Pete Catalano’s writing is so vivid in some scenes! But then again, I enjoyed letting my imagination paint the pictures. I look forward to more from this author.
Author Pete Catalano asked if I might review his upcoming middle grade novel, ARTIFACTS, in exchange for an honest review. As an author, I don’t read or write middle grade at all, but the premise of his story intrigued me; middle school students with their summer camp vacation on the line, must search for artifacts from fairy tales to be displayed in a library exhibit, or else be remanded to summer school! I teach in a middle school, and I could hardly wait to see how the 6th graders in Mr. Catalano’s book fared in their quest.
This book provided an opportunity to read something brand new with my school aged daughter, and let me tell you, she loved it! In ARTIFACTS, Mr. Catalano creates vivid characters, and places them in wildly imaginative settings as he weaves the tale from start to finish. You will find yourself rooting for Jax, Korie, Crunch, Mouth and Tank (Great names!) as they battle fairy tale villains from the past in search of the artifacts. I was impressed with how Mr. Catalano was able to create the hysterical sarcasm that is the trademark middle school wit. Trust me, I know! I hear it every day! This was a really fun read. It is creatively written, and absolutely cracked my daughter up in several points, to the point of hiccups! I’ll be recommending it to my school’s library, as well.
I really enjoyed reading this with my daughter, and I know that others will, too. My only wish would be that there were illustrations to begin each chapter. Pete Catalano’s writing is so vivid in some scenes! But then again, I enjoyed letting my imagination paint the pictures. I look forward to more from this author.
March 8, 2016
I was given an Advance Release Copy (ARC) of this book in exchange for my honest review, and here it is.
Clearly inspired by THE GOONIES, ARTIFACTS is a fun, fast read about a group of friends who must stop James Bartholomew Hook (of PETER PAN) in his latest evil plot.
When Jax's friend Crunch is assigned to summer school by Hook (masquerading as a middle school teacher), Hook (a/k/a Mr. Bartholomew) proposes an alternative. If Crunch's friends can find "artifacts" representing different fairy tales, Crunch will be freed from summer school. Soon discovered by the friends, Mr. Bartholomew is really the infamous Captain Hook, and he's looking for one artifact in particular.
What begins as a quest turns into a battle: modern day school kids versus fairy tale characters (and not just from Peter Pan). A fresh take on old stories that have been loved by generations, both parents and kids will enjoy the twists and turns of this fast-paced story. They'll also find themselves rooting for the team, which consists of sharply-drawn characters (and a wise-cracker or two).
ARTIFACTS will appeal most to kids between 10-12, and those who enjoy adventure stories such as ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY.
Clearly inspired by THE GOONIES, ARTIFACTS is a fun, fast read about a group of friends who must stop James Bartholomew Hook (of PETER PAN) in his latest evil plot.
When Jax's friend Crunch is assigned to summer school by Hook (masquerading as a middle school teacher), Hook (a/k/a Mr. Bartholomew) proposes an alternative. If Crunch's friends can find "artifacts" representing different fairy tales, Crunch will be freed from summer school. Soon discovered by the friends, Mr. Bartholomew is really the infamous Captain Hook, and he's looking for one artifact in particular.
What begins as a quest turns into a battle: modern day school kids versus fairy tale characters (and not just from Peter Pan). A fresh take on old stories that have been loved by generations, both parents and kids will enjoy the twists and turns of this fast-paced story. They'll also find themselves rooting for the team, which consists of sharply-drawn characters (and a wise-cracker or two).
ARTIFACTS will appeal most to kids between 10-12, and those who enjoy adventure stories such as ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY.
March 29, 2016
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
ARTIFACTS is a fun and inventive contemporary-fairy tale mashup. When one of Jax's friends is failing English, he's at risk of missing out on summer camp. And this tight group of friends isn't about to leave him behind.
With an "All for one and one for all" spirit, the whole gang bands together on an extra credit project - to find "artifacts" from fairy tales for their teacher's supposed library exhibit. But what they don't know is their teacher is really a fairy tale villain who has suspicious reasons for sending the boys out on this dangerous and high stakes adventure!
ARTIFACTS is fast-paced, witty, and full of snappy dialogue -- not to mention loads of action and surprises. Sure to appeal to reluctant middle grade readers!
ARTIFACTS is a fun and inventive contemporary-fairy tale mashup. When one of Jax's friends is failing English, he's at risk of missing out on summer camp. And this tight group of friends isn't about to leave him behind.
With an "All for one and one for all" spirit, the whole gang bands together on an extra credit project - to find "artifacts" from fairy tales for their teacher's supposed library exhibit. But what they don't know is their teacher is really a fairy tale villain who has suspicious reasons for sending the boys out on this dangerous and high stakes adventure!
ARTIFACTS is fast-paced, witty, and full of snappy dialogue -- not to mention loads of action and surprises. Sure to appeal to reluctant middle grade readers!
April 2, 2016
The teachers at Jax's Middle School are really bad.
In fact, they're villains straight out of fairy tales, and they're here to draw Jax, Korie, and their friends into their evil plot to steal a powerful artifact that can rewrite fairytale history!
But little do the villains know, Jax and Korie and company plan to outsmart them--and the race for the magic artifact is on!
This rollicking Middle Grade read full of rough-and-tumble humor and daring exploits takes us from parent-teacher conferences to magical realms and back at breakneck speed.
With a cast of characters that crosses "Goonies" with Neverland, ARTIFACTS will be gobbled up by kids who crave action and adventure with a side of magic!
(I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
In fact, they're villains straight out of fairy tales, and they're here to draw Jax, Korie, and their friends into their evil plot to steal a powerful artifact that can rewrite fairytale history!
But little do the villains know, Jax and Korie and company plan to outsmart them--and the race for the magic artifact is on!
This rollicking Middle Grade read full of rough-and-tumble humor and daring exploits takes us from parent-teacher conferences to magical realms and back at breakneck speed.
With a cast of characters that crosses "Goonies" with Neverland, ARTIFACTS will be gobbled up by kids who crave action and adventure with a side of magic!
(I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review)
May 3, 2016
I received an arc of this in return for a fair review.
What a fun romp!
When Jax and his friends's annual trip to Camp Runamuck is put on danger by possible summer school, they jump at the chance for an extra credit project for teach Bartholomew, who wants them to collect articfacts that can represent fairy tales in a libraru exhibit.
At first it's a fun game involving junkyards and antiques, but it quickly turns into something else when it becomes clear that Bartholomew has ulterior motives involving not just atrifacts, but also the literal characters from the fairy tales, including the actual Lost Boys.
If you're a fan of large ensemble casts and characters that share a lot of banter between them, then this book would be right up your alley. The kids make fun of each other in a very true to life way, even when things get scary or dangerous.
The adventure is fun and clever in a sometimes meta sort of way. Will appeal to adventure loving kids.
What a fun romp!
When Jax and his friends's annual trip to Camp Runamuck is put on danger by possible summer school, they jump at the chance for an extra credit project for teach Bartholomew, who wants them to collect articfacts that can represent fairy tales in a libraru exhibit.
At first it's a fun game involving junkyards and antiques, but it quickly turns into something else when it becomes clear that Bartholomew has ulterior motives involving not just atrifacts, but also the literal characters from the fairy tales, including the actual Lost Boys.
If you're a fan of large ensemble casts and characters that share a lot of banter between them, then this book would be right up your alley. The kids make fun of each other in a very true to life way, even when things get scary or dangerous.
The adventure is fun and clever in a sometimes meta sort of way. Will appeal to adventure loving kids.
May 22, 2016
I received this book as an early review edition.
ARTEFACTS is a funny and fast-paced story about Jax and his friends from middle grade. When one of their gang fails English, they all band together to help him with his extra credit, so he can come to summer camp with them.
This books starts as a school story and ends in a wonderful mix of fairy-tale, pirate and Musketeer book.
The characters are well done, and likeable and show a great variety.
Although written for middle graders, I think this book is also a fun read for adults, who love fairy-tales and have kept the child in themselves. It could also be a great start for a series.
ARTEFACTS is a funny and fast-paced story about Jax and his friends from middle grade. When one of their gang fails English, they all band together to help him with his extra credit, so he can come to summer camp with them.
This books starts as a school story and ends in a wonderful mix of fairy-tale, pirate and Musketeer book.
The characters are well done, and likeable and show a great variety.
Although written for middle graders, I think this book is also a fun read for adults, who love fairy-tales and have kept the child in themselves. It could also be a great start for a series.
May 17, 2016
Oh my goodness. It has been such a long time since I've read a middle-grade book so full of snark, fun, memorable characters and a whopping good Goonies sort of tale of adventure and excitement.
First of all, who doesn't love this cover? OMGosh!! The colors are so vibrant. The font is perfection! I don't know who designed the cover but they did an excellent job.
With a cover like that, I suppose a synopsis would be good. Here is what Goodreads has to say:
***
It's funny how one little letter can change a person's life. Jax and his friends have been planning the summer of a lifetime at Camp Runamuck. However, when one of them is facing summer at a school desk for failing English, they watch those plans crash and burn!
At the last moment, they're given a way out.
An extra credit assignment to find several fake artifacts for a fairy tale display their teacher is presenting at the local library.
Thinking they've hit the easiest-extra-credit-ever jackpot, they begin rummaging through any piles of junk they can find. As they start putting the clues together, they realize that what they're really searching for is one authentic artifact that can rewrite fairy tales!
Enlisting the aid of the Lost Boys, Jax and his friends battle fairy tale villains to see who can get their hand, or their hook, on it first.
***
My Review:
I have to tell you, I was hooked from the first word. 12-year-old Jax Murphy is a trip, but not as much as his friends Crunch, and the Wahoo brothers. And Jax's relationship with his sister, Dana, is classic middle-grade humor. I love Jax's parents in this novel. They are like the coolest parents a middle-schooler could have. and Korie, well, she's high-spirited and just as eager to join in the mix of guys as the guys are.
I loved the premise behind this story and was delighted to see it take on a Captain Hook and the Lost Boys storyline. I've read many upper YA stories based on fairytales, but this one is definitely a romping fun read for the middle-grade boy. What a breath of fresh air!
There were times I felt events unfurled a little too easily just so the kids could get things to go their way, but those parts were covered up by such funny antics and marvelous interaction between the characters that I forgave the conveniences. There was non-stop action and the adventure to find the artifact that would send everyone to Camp Runamuck was crazy fun. I found myself grinning throughout the story and rooting for these bumbling, yet endearing kids. There were twists and turns, evil villains, magic and snappy dialogue. I can't imagine a middle-grader not eating this story up. Have you got a reluctant middle-grade reader? Give them this book. It's crazy, insane fun.
I totally give the book 5 stars out of 5. I loved every minute of it and recommend it to anyone who wants to just escape into a funtastical and magical fairytale-esque story. Pete Catalano, I bow to your greatness. Please continue these stories. I could see a whole series of Jax Murphy books, you know, like Goosebumps, just different.
First of all, who doesn't love this cover? OMGosh!! The colors are so vibrant. The font is perfection! I don't know who designed the cover but they did an excellent job.
With a cover like that, I suppose a synopsis would be good. Here is what Goodreads has to say:
***
It's funny how one little letter can change a person's life. Jax and his friends have been planning the summer of a lifetime at Camp Runamuck. However, when one of them is facing summer at a school desk for failing English, they watch those plans crash and burn!
At the last moment, they're given a way out.
An extra credit assignment to find several fake artifacts for a fairy tale display their teacher is presenting at the local library.
Thinking they've hit the easiest-extra-credit-ever jackpot, they begin rummaging through any piles of junk they can find. As they start putting the clues together, they realize that what they're really searching for is one authentic artifact that can rewrite fairy tales!
Enlisting the aid of the Lost Boys, Jax and his friends battle fairy tale villains to see who can get their hand, or their hook, on it first.
***
My Review:
I have to tell you, I was hooked from the first word. 12-year-old Jax Murphy is a trip, but not as much as his friends Crunch, and the Wahoo brothers. And Jax's relationship with his sister, Dana, is classic middle-grade humor. I love Jax's parents in this novel. They are like the coolest parents a middle-schooler could have. and Korie, well, she's high-spirited and just as eager to join in the mix of guys as the guys are.
I loved the premise behind this story and was delighted to see it take on a Captain Hook and the Lost Boys storyline. I've read many upper YA stories based on fairytales, but this one is definitely a romping fun read for the middle-grade boy. What a breath of fresh air!
There were times I felt events unfurled a little too easily just so the kids could get things to go their way, but those parts were covered up by such funny antics and marvelous interaction between the characters that I forgave the conveniences. There was non-stop action and the adventure to find the artifact that would send everyone to Camp Runamuck was crazy fun. I found myself grinning throughout the story and rooting for these bumbling, yet endearing kids. There were twists and turns, evil villains, magic and snappy dialogue. I can't imagine a middle-grader not eating this story up. Have you got a reluctant middle-grade reader? Give them this book. It's crazy, insane fun.
I totally give the book 5 stars out of 5. I loved every minute of it and recommend it to anyone who wants to just escape into a funtastical and magical fairytale-esque story. Pete Catalano, I bow to your greatness. Please continue these stories. I could see a whole series of Jax Murphy books, you know, like Goosebumps, just different.
May 17, 2016
I was given this book in return for a honest review.
My favorite story is Peter Pan and when I saw the cover it had my attention immediately.
This is an interesting take on the Peter Pan story. The writing style is so good that it transports you right into the story from the first page. It is a new and fresh idea on how to make old stories new. I especially loved the lines from Peter Pan woven into the story. A must read for any fan of fairy tales or like to see a new spin put on old fairy tales.
Excellent book .
My favorite story is Peter Pan and when I saw the cover it had my attention immediately.
This is an interesting take on the Peter Pan story. The writing style is so good that it transports you right into the story from the first page. It is a new and fresh idea on how to make old stories new. I especially loved the lines from Peter Pan woven into the story. A must read for any fan of fairy tales or like to see a new spin put on old fairy tales.
Excellent book .
May 19, 2016
What a caper! A Gooniesque adventure with kids getting to the bottom of a mystery that brings characters from Neverland into the fold. I’ll read anything reminiscent of the Goonies, and the rush of childhood again. The Swanky 17 interview I had with Pete is on my blog.
April 21, 2016
I was lucky to read an ARC of this book.
I had so much fun reading about Jax's adventures with his friends. The story is clever and creative, mixing fairy tales and real life. I'm looking forward to recommending this book to my students.
I had so much fun reading about Jax's adventures with his friends. The story is clever and creative, mixing fairy tales and real life. I'm looking forward to recommending this book to my students.
May 24, 2016
I love a good read that links into a fairytale we already know and love. This book is a fun, exciting and very witty adventure that involves villains, a band of friends and several brilliant fairy tales. As these tales make an appearance, it isn't a retelling we have, but more that they bump into each other and the boys have to ensure that nothing is messed up, as they carry along a journey that has more effect on the fairytale world than they realise.
I loved the main group of boys. They are strong, loyal and very intuitive, making it fun to travel along with them as they try to ensure their friend gets to join them at summer camp. (Little did they know their adventure would be so much better than camp!) I also liked the witty and creative way in which the author gave us the villains to deal with. It was interesting, as the boys automatically take on the assignment, assuming their teacher knows what is best, but all along the fear of a teacher being out to get you, is actually true (in this story).
The pace was perfect. It was exciting, entertaining and really kept me hooked, from start to finish. I foresee this being an instant hit with young readers. The pace really keeps them wanting more, so they will definitely want to read the entire book and the speed, matched with the creativity of the story, will engage their imaginations.
Overall, this is a fantastic read. I really think it is the perfect book for young readers who love adventure and those who love fairytales. I know this is a book I will recommend to young readers, my library and fellow adults!
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I loved the main group of boys. They are strong, loyal and very intuitive, making it fun to travel along with them as they try to ensure their friend gets to join them at summer camp. (Little did they know their adventure would be so much better than camp!) I also liked the witty and creative way in which the author gave us the villains to deal with. It was interesting, as the boys automatically take on the assignment, assuming their teacher knows what is best, but all along the fear of a teacher being out to get you, is actually true (in this story).
The pace was perfect. It was exciting, entertaining and really kept me hooked, from start to finish. I foresee this being an instant hit with young readers. The pace really keeps them wanting more, so they will definitely want to read the entire book and the speed, matched with the creativity of the story, will engage their imaginations.
Overall, this is a fantastic read. I really think it is the perfect book for young readers who love adventure and those who love fairytales. I know this is a book I will recommend to young readers, my library and fellow adults!
**I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 23, 2016
This was a great read and I recommend it for younger kids that are in middle school or younger.
I finished this book rather quickly, just because it was funny and fun.
Lots of adventure with this book.
We meet Jax,Korie, Crunch,Tank, and Mouth. They are all ready for school to be out and to go to summer camp.
However there is a problem... Crunch gets in trouble with a teacher who thinks he has copied a report from his older brother.
They fix that issue only to have the teacher say Crunch needs to do extra credit to pass English. Which sends them all on an adventure to pass class and have fun.
The assignment is to find artifacts that go with fairy tales. But it leads them to trying to find a real treasure to change all the fairy tales forever.
They meet the lost boys and Captain Hook.
Not wanting to give anymore details away, I would for sure recommend giving this book a read through either for yourself or young boys and girls.
I finished this book rather quickly, just because it was funny and fun.
Lots of adventure with this book.
We meet Jax,Korie, Crunch,Tank, and Mouth. They are all ready for school to be out and to go to summer camp.
However there is a problem... Crunch gets in trouble with a teacher who thinks he has copied a report from his older brother.
They fix that issue only to have the teacher say Crunch needs to do extra credit to pass English. Which sends them all on an adventure to pass class and have fun.
The assignment is to find artifacts that go with fairy tales. But it leads them to trying to find a real treasure to change all the fairy tales forever.
They meet the lost boys and Captain Hook.
Not wanting to give anymore details away, I would for sure recommend giving this book a read through either for yourself or young boys and girls.
May 13, 2016
A swashbuckling tale of the old-school adventure type (think Enid Blyton’s Famous Five, The Goonies, or Treasure Island) set in modern times, with a nod to fairytales and Peter Pan, this is a fun and accessible children’s novel.
When Jax's friend is threatened with summer school instead of summer camp with his friends, the group set out to help him with extra credit. But why does their teacher want them to find artifacts linked to fairytales? And who are all the strange newcomers to the school?
Fast-paced, adventure-filled, and with plenty of witty dialogue, this is a book about friendship, discovery, and fighting for good, sprinkled with some fairy dust and the stories we all loved as children. Enjoy it!
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
When Jax's friend is threatened with summer school instead of summer camp with his friends, the group set out to help him with extra credit. But why does their teacher want them to find artifacts linked to fairytales? And who are all the strange newcomers to the school?
Fast-paced, adventure-filled, and with plenty of witty dialogue, this is a book about friendship, discovery, and fighting for good, sprinkled with some fairy dust and the stories we all loved as children. Enjoy it!
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
May 24, 2016
Old friends, new friends, siblings, parents and teachers all play a role in this fast paced, often hilarious middle grade adventure. It is nearing the end of the school year and the gang is already dreaming about summer fun away from their parents.
What the kids at first believe is a fun and simple way to get extra credit and save Crunch from summer school, turns out to be anything but simple and is even dangerous. A fresh and unexpected delightful read that shines a new light on familiar fairy tales and the age old battle of good vs evil.
This feel good buddy book is sure to be a neighborhood hit!
I received this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
What the kids at first believe is a fun and simple way to get extra credit and save Crunch from summer school, turns out to be anything but simple and is even dangerous. A fresh and unexpected delightful read that shines a new light on familiar fairy tales and the age old battle of good vs evil.
This feel good buddy book is sure to be a neighborhood hit!
I received this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
July 7, 2016
I really enjoyed this book! never a dull moment and I loved reading about the villans.
May 29, 2016
I was surprised how much I liked this book.
I liked the characters and the book is well written.
I liked the story and it kept me entertained.
I am looking forward to read the author's next book.
I liked the characters and the book is well written.
I liked the story and it kept me entertained.
I am looking forward to read the author's next book.
July 7, 2016
Fun and action. Not one boring slow spot in the whole book. I enjoyed this book immensely.
January 18, 2025
MINOR SPOILERS
This is an interesting story taking every day middle schoolers and throwing elements of the story Peter Pan at them. When I heard that, I thought, "Sign me up!" I love reading fairy tale twists and enjoyed Peter Pan as a fairy tale.
The writing is good, I liked the voice and tone and it fits the middle grade genre. The jokes were funny but more like crack a smile funny instead of laugh out loud for me as an adult. The story was interesting but it didn't knock my socks off as much as I had hoped since their adventure seemed short to me. I loved the pacing, we were constantly on the move which was fun but the plot was singular and would have liked to see a subplot in there to add variety.
I like the characters but I couldn't fall in love with them. I struggled to see why Jax would be the main character. I also struggled with the fact that Korie is the only main girl character. I understand that this book is primarily for young boys but I think showing a healthy relationship with a girl is possible. The author did do this for the book but it was a weak thread that I wish had been more fully developed.
Unfortunately, I think this is a book young girls may not relate to as 98% of the characters are male. Also is there a reason Korie doesn't have a nickname like the boys? How did they come up with the nicknames? She is also the only female character that has a relevant role in the story and even then, I feel like she didn't have as many lines as the boys. She did do one major thing for the story which is good but other than that I felt like she was the mom, damsel in distress, and the love interest which annoyed me as it hits a lot of cliches and stereotypes. That said, the boys still treated Korie with respect but I would have liked to see her play more of a role. Still, I feel like most of the character's weren't as fleshed out as they could have been and we hardly ever saw Jax's family. Honestly, I think Crunch was the most developed character in the story and he was a side character. Loved the tool Crunch found and how he used it at the end of the story.
I enjoyed the end, glad to see that there is going to be a continuation of the story and that the author plans on including previous characters back in the story. Seems like the book is the start of a continuous arc over a series which sounds good to me if you enjoyed this twist on Peter Pan.
Overall, this is a fun middle grade full of action and adventure. While this story is aimed at young boys, I hope the author has intentions on including more brave and purposeful females in future stories. This book is ideal for those who want their young boy to read fairy tales and have adventures.
3 out of 5 for me!
(A copy was provided for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)
This is an interesting story taking every day middle schoolers and throwing elements of the story Peter Pan at them. When I heard that, I thought, "Sign me up!" I love reading fairy tale twists and enjoyed Peter Pan as a fairy tale.
The writing is good, I liked the voice and tone and it fits the middle grade genre. The jokes were funny but more like crack a smile funny instead of laugh out loud for me as an adult. The story was interesting but it didn't knock my socks off as much as I had hoped since their adventure seemed short to me. I loved the pacing, we were constantly on the move which was fun but the plot was singular and would have liked to see a subplot in there to add variety.
I like the characters but I couldn't fall in love with them. I struggled to see why Jax would be the main character. I also struggled with the fact that Korie is the only main girl character. I understand that this book is primarily for young boys but I think showing a healthy relationship with a girl is possible. The author did do this for the book but it was a weak thread that I wish had been more fully developed.
Unfortunately, I think this is a book young girls may not relate to as 98% of the characters are male. Also is there a reason Korie doesn't have a nickname like the boys? How did they come up with the nicknames? She is also the only female character that has a relevant role in the story and even then, I feel like she didn't have as many lines as the boys. She did do one major thing for the story which is good but other than that I felt like she was the mom, damsel in distress, and the love interest which annoyed me as it hits a lot of cliches and stereotypes. That said, the boys still treated Korie with respect but I would have liked to see her play more of a role. Still, I feel like most of the character's weren't as fleshed out as they could have been and we hardly ever saw Jax's family. Honestly, I think Crunch was the most developed character in the story and he was a side character. Loved the tool Crunch found and how he used it at the end of the story.
I enjoyed the end, glad to see that there is going to be a continuation of the story and that the author plans on including previous characters back in the story. Seems like the book is the start of a continuous arc over a series which sounds good to me if you enjoyed this twist on Peter Pan.
Overall, this is a fun middle grade full of action and adventure. While this story is aimed at young boys, I hope the author has intentions on including more brave and purposeful females in future stories. This book is ideal for those who want their young boy to read fairy tales and have adventures.
3 out of 5 for me!
(A copy was provided for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way.)
June 27, 2017
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
What a fun book! It's exactly what a middle-grade fantasy story should be about. The type of book where you can lose yourself in the story completely and forget about what's going on outside for just a bit. A perfect rainy-day read for any kid over summer vacation. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
What a fun book! It's exactly what a middle-grade fantasy story should be about. The type of book where you can lose yourself in the story completely and forget about what's going on outside for just a bit. A perfect rainy-day read for any kid over summer vacation. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
June 3, 2016
Review to come
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