Publication Date: February 2 2019
Genre: MG, Fantasy
Source: Book Publicity Services
Synopsis:
Thomas thinks he’s an ordinary twelve year old, but when a strange little man with gold-flecked eyes gives him an ancient text called The Book of Sorrows, the world he knows is turned upside down. Suddenly he’s faced with a secret family legacy, powers he can hardly begin to understand, and an enemy bent on destroying everything he holds dear. The more he reads and discovers, the deeper the danger to himself and the people he loves. As the race to the final showdown unfolds, Thomas must turn to trusted friends and uncertain allies as he seeks to prevent destruction at an epic scale.
*I would like to thank Book Publicity Services for this advanced reader copy*
A fast paced, gripping, chosen one trope story that is great for fans of A Wrinkle In Time, Percy Jackson and Harry Potter!
Every time I read a middle grade book I get that same feeling of familiarity and comfort. It is like coming home. I think it is the innocence and just pure fun and adventure that can be found in a middle grade story. Thomase Wildus and the Book of Sorrows was no exception. From the very beginning of the book I was drawn in by the hints of wonder and magic. Bergen did a fantastic job of layering the story with mystery that kept me flying through the pages. You always were given just enough information. It left you wanting to know what was going on and the answers in which Thomas was seeking. As the world and mystery begin to unfold you are pulled into an ancient magically world full of secrets.
” Magic is real, Thomas. No matter what happens, always remember that magic is real.”
In true chosen one trope fashion, there is the young kid that suddenly realizes that everything he once thought he knew to be true was a lie. That he has a destiny to follow and a world to save. But of course he doesn’t have to do it alone! With just trying to be an almost teenage boy, Thomas has girls and hanging with his friends on his mind. Bergen writes some awesome friendships. Thomas and Enrique are an awesome duo and so funny! The lengths they would go for each other was inspiring. I also adored what was done with the relationship between Thomas and his mother.
Thomas of course had a lot of choices and decisions to make. I appreciated that Bergen kept his choices and actions age appropriate. The comic books/books, flip phone, riding his bike, were all things that reminded me of a childhood that seems so different than how it is now, but reminiscent of my own. He was a funny character that had a lot of quiet/internal humor, that had me giggling throughout the book. He just wanted to be a normal kid, but also had such an inquisitive mind that sought out answers from when his father died.
Overall this was a cute middle grade story, that was packed full of action, mystery and magic! I think this is a great book for all ages, but definitely perfect for young teens that need a magically escape from reality.
9 comments
This sounds amazing! I agree with you about middle grade–there is just something about middle grade books that is so charming and comforting. I’ll have to check this book out, great review!
Thanks and I hope you do and then let me know what you think!
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