"There's a plague of blondeness..."

I don't usually review the books I'm reading. I don't care what other people think of what I'm reading, so why would they care what I think? And really, what do I know about what makes a good book?

But, I'm making an exception. For several reasons. All of which will be listed in my review. Let's get started, shall we?

This book was written by a local author, Anne Ursu. I've read and own both of her previous books, Spilling Clarence, and The Disapparation of James. TDOJ had me emotionally involved with the characters by page 50. I'm pretty cynical about books, so that's an accomplishment.

The number one thing about this book I didn't like is that it was such a fast read it was over too soon. Like an ice cream cone on a hot summer's day, you have to eat it fast to enjoy all of it without sacrificing any of the creamy cold goodness. The storyline in this book moves quickly and keeps you involved from the moment you pick it up. The good news is that it's a trilogy, so there's more to come.

Charlotte and Zee, cousins and main characters in this story, are both 13 years old. Eighth grade is a terrible time in almost any adolescent's life. But they're both managing. Zee's parents ship him off to America (he's been raised in London thus far) to live with his aunt and uncle, and Charlotte. The two have to battle through some sticky situations, and, of course, battle the age-old-greek-immortal-god-type-figure-tries-to-take-over-the-world, ploy. Or, the underworld as the case may be.

The things I love about this book, and the reasons I decided to "write" about it:
1. It was written for children, yet is entertaining enough for an adult.
2. It was written for children, yet it is not condescending.
3. It has just enough challenging words, plot twists to still be an educational tool for its audience and not a mindless trudge through the story.

Too many authors today write down to children in the hopes of selling more books quickly instead of focusing on quality literature that will challenge children and make them want to keep reading. If it stops becoming stimulating, they won't want to do it anymore. *steps off soapbox*

Go to your local bookstore, and order it today. No matter your age, as long as you can still see and read, you'll enjoy it. And if you can't read and/or see, give me a call, I'll read it to you. With voices.

www.cronuschronicles.com

eta: those of you from minnesota will laugh out loud at the location of the entrance to the underworld. i always wondered why they built that thing.