From the back of the book:
Barely thirteen, Jeremy James Johansen has had more than his share of trouble. His father disappeared without a trace and the police believe he murdered his lab assistant, though his son knows it isn’t true. His dad can’t even handle a knife, let alone a bow and arrow.
A year later Jeremy stumbles across a portal to another world and gets pulled through—but not as himself. Somehow he swaps bodies with the man on the other side before the portal disappears.
Captured by a dragon and a man in black who insists on calling him father, he tries to escape, only to plummet to his death. He awakens in his own bed, believing it was all a bad dream. The problem is there are holes in his memory he can’t fill.
In time, he discovers that the portal holds the answers not only to his forgotten memories, but most importantly, points him down the path to finding his father.
Poor JJ. He's already having a tough time. His father went missing after his lab assistant was murdered (shot by an arrow, no less). How's that for your social standing in school? JJ's mother is grieving while trying to cope. His twin sister is as irritating as ever while dealing with her own issues. And then the school bullies beat JJ up and when he fights back he gets suspended. Yet this is nothing compared to begin sucked through a portal and into the body of really old guy with a really long beard who has problems of his own. Like people trying to kill him.
And that's just the start.
Karen Hoover does a wonderful job with JJ's youthful sense of humor and wonder when faced with the unbelievable. I felt his grief over his father and his sympathy for his mother. He moans and groans just like a boy his age would but he also finds himself having to stretch, to do more than just look out for himself. JJ learns rather quickly that his problems could have a devastating impact on our world and things seem to spiral out of control.
The book must be the beginning of a series because things are not quite right in the world at the end.
Have you read any good middle grade or early YA books lately? What would be your favorite this year?
I haven't read a whole lot of MG books in a while, but this sounds pretty interesting. Have a great Christmas, Donna.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great book. Smiles and Happy Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteJust stopping by to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Donna. Hoping the New Year is filled with peace and happiness and lots of great writing!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds too cute! I don't really read MG, but I love YA. Though...I can't remember the last one I read. I did love After by Amy Efaw. Incredible. Since that one sticks out, I suppose that's the best one I read this year, though I'm not sure when it actually was released.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds interesting. I don't usually read MG. Probably the best YA I read this year was 'Divergent'. (Husband,who didn't read the book and has no idea what it's about, says, I like it because I am - divergent. I don't think he means that as a compliment.) I really enjoyed it's crisp simple style. It was pretty brutal, but simple (not sure if that makes sense).
ReplyDeleteI really did NOT like the 'Hunger Games'.
Hey, after Christmas,I would love to hear from you and know what you have decided to do about your query. I love the QQQE,but I wonder what the authors do in the end. You're the only one I have the nerve to ask. Email me. It's OK,if you tell me it's none of my business.
Awesome review! Thanks, Donna! I think it's a fun book too. Pretty scary when I laugh at my own writing. lol I think my favorite line is when JJ's Grammy wakes up and Mom asks her if she remembers what happens, and she says, "Well, of course I do! It was those darn dragons!" Cracks me up every time! And in Oklahoma to boot. :D Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like it has one rollercoaster plot--thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays, Donna!
ReplyDelete