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A review by reading_beyond_the_book_cover
Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms by Jamar J. Perry
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.