A review by brinleywrites
Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom by Nina Varela

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

“‘It’s not wrong to want something different’”

When I found a book described as a mix of Amari and the Night Brothers meets The Trials of Apollo, I knew I needed to read this book. I was not disappointed. 

The book mostly taking place in Florida, follows June, a reluctantly relocated eleven-year-old, and Galatea, a demigod princess from a magical floating island, as they attempt to find Galatea a way home and how to save Galatea’s island from destruction. 

The characters in this book are diverse and developed. The only qualm I had is that they all read as about thirteen to fourteen years old when the characters I believe are all supposed to be eleven or twelve.

The book was fast-paced and enjoyable. Readers are immediately thrown into June’s world. June’s struggles of fitting in and entering a new school in a new state are well developed and feel authentic. Galatea is a catalyst for June not only for discovering herself but also for putting herself out there in a new school. Nina Varela captures the experience of growing up and realizing that you might be queer and have a crush on your friend. Varela handles the young LGBTQ+ experience expertly. Varela’s depiction of anxiety also feels authentic and well portrayed. 

The book ends on a happy note but also leaves a potential for a sequel or even series. 

For fans of other middle grade fantasy books like The Trials of Apollo by Rick Riordan or middle grade coming of age novels such as Barbara Dee’s Star-crossed - I highly recommend Juniper Harvey and the Vanishing Kingdom. This is the book I needed in fourth grade. 4.5 stars. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for providing me with the eARC in exchange for an honest review.