For most of his school year, bullies have been the biggest concern for13-year-old Atticus Higginbottom better known as Tick. But when a letter arrives for him from Alaska asking for his help ‘in a most dreadful time of need’, to take part in an extremely dangerous mission in which ‘many, many lives are at stake’, his life becomes a great deal more exciting and dangerous and those bullies become the least of his worries.

The Journal of Curious Letters is the first volume in author James Dashner’s middle-grade series, The 13th Reality. There is much to like here even for an adult reader but there is also some problems including those often found in first books in a series. Much of the book (and it is fairly long) is spent introducing us to the characters and setting up the plot - while necessary, it does tend to slow down the story. As well, this is, I believe, an early Dashner series and it clearly displays a great many influences including Star Wars that many adults might find a bit obvious but I suspect that these will appeal to its intended audience. And, in fairness, Dashner is a good enough writer that these influences seem more homage than appropriation.

But, on the pro side, it is well-plotted, smart, with plenty of action and adventure to keep the reader’s attention. As well, there’s a nice touch of humour and interesting characters to either root for or against. I also liked the fact that Tick realized he couldn’t do this alone without consulting a parent, something that occurs too often in YA and middle grade adventure and fantasy novels. Instead, he asks his dad for advice and help. I loved how supportive his dad was while being portrayed as a normal guy, dadbod and all. Overall, I enjoyed The Journal of Curious Letters quite a bit and would recommend it highly, especially to middle graders.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sweet Cherry Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

Everyone in my family is a fan of James Dashner's books, and my boys have read and enjoyed the 13th Reality series and recommended it to me. I have read The Maze Runner and enjoyed it, so I was very interested in reading The Journal of Curious Letters. This book did not disappoint! Geared to a younger audience than The Maze Runner series, this book was entertaining, humorous, and well written.

The story starts out in an Alaskan post office. I think that is a first. At this post office, we are told of Norbert Johnson's two very odd postal customers. The story of these two is a bit confusing, but all is resolved in due time. Next, we meet Atticus Higginbottom aka Tick. Tick receives one of the letters which were mailed on that day from Alaska. He was not the only one to receive these strange letters and we soon meet Sophia, Paul, and Tick's family. This letter is the first of 12 clues Tick will receive if he chooses to continue on with this life altering adventure. Which of course he does, or the story would end at this time. His adventure is dangerous, exciting and definitely fun to follow. As the title of the book already eludes to, there is more than just one reality. The reality we know is "Prime Reality," but other realities exist and people from those other realities are not all nice. Believe it or not, Tick actually shares details with his father. As a parent, it was nice to see a child have faith in their parents and make them aware of what they are doing. Especially when they are traveling to alternate realities. The Journal of Curious Letters is the first book in the 13th Reality series and should be a fun fantasy read for middle school kids and their parents. I give this book a 3.5 start rounding to 4 stars.

This is an adventure that any age reader will enjoy. Easily addictive and quick paced with moments of smarts that leave you buzzing. Warning: There's some math involved!!!!

I tried to get into this book, but it seemed every time i tried to sit down and get lost in it I dreaded reading. I loved the Maze Runner series but this one just didn't sit with me comfortably so I quit about 1/3 of the way into it.