Even though the characters are middle grade, the plot is much lower. There were times when things came together so easily, that it was almost insulting. I'm not sure the target audience would appreciate this book.

The world building in this novel is exciting as Chase didn't plan on getting sucked into the mail tunnel of St. Philomene's Infirmary and soon finds that all matters of magical creatures are welcome, except humans. What follows is an adventure filled with magical creatures, a daring escape and more importantly a plan to save the hospital! This is perfect for younger middle grade fantasy lovers looking for the unexpected... it may even convince them to dig a hole in the backyard!

I love the magical creatures and world building, I am a big fantasy fan and was excited about the story line and happy it had plenty of adventure to keep the story moving. A fun read to recommend to those patrons that love fantasy. Easy to recommend to all with the male protagonist and a female supporting lead that helps save the day.

Twelve-year-old Chance Jeopard digs a giant hole, cracks a pipe, and discovers a mysterious letter with an urgent message. He never knew that there was a hospital for magical creatures right underneath him until that moment, but St. Philomene’s Infirmary for Magical Creatures - a 955-year-old underground infirmary with over 6,000 levels and 1.8 million patients - is in grave danger if he doesn't get this letter delivered. There's a human down there, ready to unleash a deadly virus, and this letter details the cure. The only problem? No. Humans. Allowed. Chance and his science-minded sister, Pauline, along with her best friend, goth girl Mersey, are on a mission to save the day, as long as they avoid getting sniffed out by the current inhabitants. They'll encounter ghouls, vampires, Deviklopts, Geckasofts, and more as they race against time to save the Infirmary.

Saint Philomene's is madcap, crazy fun. Chance is an earnest, likable character who finds himself tossed into the middle of a crazy mission, when he really just wanted to be the messenger. Pauline is a pragmatic realist, and her friendship with goth Mersey make them wonderful foils for one another, especially once they find themselves pulled into the madness of Saint Philomene's. While the frenetic pacing may overwhelm some readers, fantasy fans will get a kick out of this one.

This fantasy novel by first-time author Cotter has plenty of action and LOL moments. Hand it to boys who are looking for an action-packed story with magic (and who are tired of girls being the main character in all the latest fantasy novels).

This was a good solid middle grade fantasy, that for the most part I enjoyed. I really liked Chance, he is a boy who isn't afraid to get dirty, but wants to do what is right even in the face of the unknown. His sister Pauline was also a character that kids will connect with. They had a typical sibling love/hate relationship, but when it came down to it they both protected and helped each other. St Philomene's Infirmary was a fascinating world under ours, filled with interesting and fantastical creatures. It was also a dangerous place for humans. Chance and Pauline had to use their wits to escape many traps and avoid capture. They do make some friends along the way, so it was a nice balance of good creatures and bad. I kind of wanted a few more creatures that were more traditional to be part of the story, but otherwise a solid story that will be enjoyed by many.

This utterly goofy romp through an imaginary world of every creature created by human mind is sure to please middle grade readers of both action/adventure and fantasy. The main characters - a brother-sister duo - sport distinct yet familial personalities and have a relationship that will, hopefully, feel familiar to many readers. There are threads of heavier topics gently woven into the narrative, but they never weigh down the action. Astute eyes will take in these morsels for thought without slowing down even a bit. While the human cast is relatively homogeneous in color, the primary setting is flush with a near infinite variety of monstrous, whimsical, and magical beings. Recommended for a fun, middle grade read.

I adored this. Fun, nary a bad note to set up overly moral people's hackles (unless they have an issue with a world under ours filled with odd and interesting beings), siblings that learn to work as a tight team and such cool world building.

It might be scary for the wary youngsters (pun intended), should be fine for the mature younger readers and no issues with middle-grade readers at all.

You know, so often, I'll read a book for kids and love it, yet feel the need to point out where there might be something hinky or objectionable to either myself or the even more stringent parental figure. There isn't anything in this book, not even any magic for those uber-vigilant parents and I love the closing notes on courage versus bravery and the relationship between the siblings, Chance and Pauline, throughout.

I can't wait to pass this on to loved ones and 'handsell' at the library when they get their copy.

Every book its reader; every reader its book. This one wasn't for me, but I know it will find its audience with children who enjoy fantasy. This book I could encourage both boys and girls to read. I stress boys because of the male protagonist, Chase, who gets really dirty digging a big hole in his backyard (not that all boys like digging and getting dirty, and girls don't). He ends up in another world far below the ground, where he meets all kinds of creatures and finds himself on an adventure to save himself and the infirmary. A wild romp!