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mochimustreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
girlreading's review
3.0
An exciting, imaginative and action-packed middle grade fantasy, inspired by West-African and Igbo mythology, following a young boy as he comes to terms with the loss of his parents and the legacy they left behind.
TW: discussions of slavery and racism
TW: discussions of slavery and racism
bookshelves4paperelves's review against another edition
4.0
Such a refreshing middle grade read. I always forget how much I love middle grade but this just made me remember why I should read it more often.
I adore the representation in this book, the strength of the characters is just sublime and the fact that the characters show younger readers that it is OKAY to be sensitive and have emotions is just such an important message for a middle grade read.
I liked that our main protagonist isn’t perfect, and had to make effort to learn and grow alongside his friends in this new fantasy land.
Such a good debut middle read novel.
I adore the representation in this book, the strength of the characters is just sublime and the fact that the characters show younger readers that it is OKAY to be sensitive and have emotions is just such an important message for a middle grade read.
I liked that our main protagonist isn’t perfect, and had to make effort to learn and grow alongside his friends in this new fantasy land.
Such a good debut middle read novel.
mekeisha's review
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
waywardtomes's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
thatwasmyfavorite's review against another edition
3.75
This is *mostly* your standard "young boy must man up and save the world." The adults failed, so the kids have to learn a lifetime of training in a (few days, weeks, whatever) montage of frustration and pain.
YET!
Cameron is not only allowed to cry, but he does. He bottles up some feelings, but he does lean on his loved ones and share his struggles with them.
Plus, the relationship with his best friend is sweet and caring and even loving, without any shame for these feelings. They're just kids, so it could grow into a romantic love, but it's portrayed, and mentioned to be, more of a brotherly love so far. (Although I'm all for queer love, it's even more heartwarming when two boys or men can love each other platonically and without shame, so I'm all for this being "found family" love. In fact, I'm pleased that not every story, especially kids stories, no longer *has to* include some love interest.)
YET!
Cameron is not only allowed to cry, but he does. He bottles up some feelings, but he does lean on his loved ones and share his struggles with them.
Plus, the relationship with his best friend is sweet and caring and even loving, without any shame for these feelings. They're just kids, so it could grow into a romantic love, but it's portrayed, and mentioned to be, more of a brotherly love so far. (Although I'm all for queer love, it's even more heartwarming when two boys or men can love each other platonically and without shame, so I'm all for this being "found family" love. In fact, I'm pleased that not every story, especially kids stories, no longer *has to* include some love interest.)
wylovat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
chaosbooked's review against another edition
4.0
Good middle grade read. My 10 year old can't wait to start the next one. I thought it was good. Cameron flips and flops a lot on weather he wants to be a hero or not but maybe that is more realistic and I unnecessarily concentrated on it. Also I did not like all the fight scenes but my 10 year old loved them and only complaint was that it ended with a break with more to do.
reading_beyond_the_book_cover's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Initially, I thought I'd enjoy the book in its entirety, but I did not. I suggested it to others after listening to only 32% of the book. In hindsight, I shouldn't have. Surprisingly, as the book progressed, my interest and enjoyment declined. The first 30% was enjoyable because I enjoyed the children being children. Poking fun at each other and having carefree conversations was the catalyst behind me prematurely suggesting it because some parts made me laugh.
I am aware that I am not the target audience for this book. However, I do feel that even if I were, I would not have finished it. My reason for saying so is due to the lack of character development. Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms has several characters and is written in a way that does not allow the reader to become familiar with the character beyond the surface. If I choose to read more from this world, I hope that this misstep does not reoccur in the next book in the series.
Another element that was more me and not the book is the fighting scenes. I'm not a fan of them, but I'm sure that this element will be a redeeming quality for readers who are. There's plot progression from training sessions to combat that highlights Cameron, Zion, and Aliya's confidence in quick and precise movements and transformations in other physical prowess. Readers who appreciate battle scenes in their books will stay engaged with Cameron's journey, for the special instruments he's tasked to seek out, require a fighter's spirit to procure. Their obstacles are many, and there's no shortage of malevolent, meanspirited, and questionable characters to orchestrate them.
Again, I may not have enjoyed the book, but I can see how it would be enjoyable for others. I recommend this book to readers who like their middle-grade fantasy, fast-paced, full of adventure, combat, history, and West African-inspired mythology. This book would be best read in a group setting, as there are mythos and history peppered throughout the book and it does require close reading and discussion to understand. I admittedly had trouble keeping up with the names and powers of the Igbo Gods and Goddesses, so get ready to Google, do your research, and annotate.
I am aware that I am not the target audience for this book. However, I do feel that even if I were, I would not have finished it. My reason for saying so is due to the lack of character development. Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms has several characters and is written in a way that does not allow the reader to become familiar with the character beyond the surface. If I choose to read more from this world, I hope that this misstep does not reoccur in the next book in the series.
Another element that was more me and not the book is the fighting scenes. I'm not a fan of them, but I'm sure that this element will be a redeeming quality for readers who are. There's plot progression from training sessions to combat that highlights Cameron, Zion, and Aliya's confidence in quick and precise movements and transformations in other physical prowess. Readers who appreciate battle scenes in their books will stay engaged with Cameron's journey, for the special instruments he's tasked to seek out, require a fighter's spirit to procure. Their obstacles are many, and there's no shortage of malevolent, meanspirited, and questionable characters to orchestrate them.
Again, I may not have enjoyed the book, but I can see how it would be enjoyable for others. I recommend this book to readers who like their middle-grade fantasy, fast-paced, full of adventure, combat, history, and West African-inspired mythology. This book would be best read in a group setting, as there are mythos and history peppered throughout the book and it does require close reading and discussion to understand. I admittedly had trouble keeping up with the names and powers of the Igbo Gods and Goddesses, so get ready to Google, do your research, and annotate.
pib003's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the premise of this, and the story itself was original and well-done. The writing, however, was not for me. I listened to the audiobook and it just couldn't keep my attention. I also didn't like how physically aggressive the friends were with each other. They were constantly hitting and punching each other as a way to communicate frustration. I don't think that's valuable content for this audience.