"The Soothsayer" by Glen Gabel is a captivating tale that weaves together the struggles of a teenage outcast with a fantastical adventure. Colin Devereaux, the protagonist, is a character many middle-grade readers will empathize with, as he faces bullying at school and the heart-wrenching illness of his mother. Gabel successfully blends the real-world issues Colin faces with a rich, imaginative journey that offers both escapism and emotional depth.

One of the book's standout features is its ability to evoke empathy for Colin. His challenges are realistically portrayed, making his escape into a magical world feel both poignant and necessary. The dark creatures he glimpses, the enigmatic shopkeeper, and the mysterious puzzle box create an intriguing setup that pulls readers into the story.

The transition from Colin's troubled reality to the fantastical kingdom is handled smoothly, and the world-building in this new realm is detailed and engaging. The kingdom, plagued by darkness and war, presents a stark contrast to Colin's everyday life, highlighting his growth and courage as he becomes involved in the resistance against evil forces. The ragtag group of characters he meets adds color and diversity to the narrative, each with their unique backstory and contribution to the fight against darkness.

While the plot is compelling, certain elements could have been more fleshed out. Some aspects of the magical kingdom and its history are not fully explored, leaving readers with questions about the broader context of Colin's quest. Additionally, while the book has plenty of action and suspense, some plot twists are somewhat predictable, which may lessen the impact for more seasoned readers.

Character development is another area with room for improvement. While Colin's journey is central and well-articulated, a deeper exploration of the secondary characters would have added more richness to the story. Understanding their motivations and backgrounds could have provided additional layers to the narrative.

Overall, "The Soothsayer" is a solid three-star read that successfully combines real-world struggles with a thrilling fantasy adventure. Glen Gabel crafts a story that is both heartwarming and exciting, making it a worthwhile read for middle-grade fans of fantasy. Colin's journey through adversity and the quest to save his mother are themes that resonate deeply, offering readers a blend of emotional and fantastical elements that keep the pages turning.

Colin is a young man struggling with a lack of self esteem, being bullied, living in poverty, losing his father, and now his mother being seriously ill. After encountering strange forces, he is approached by a mysterious shop owner who sends him into an unknown world. There he meets a wide cast of characters fighting to free their kingdom from a vast evil. Colin gets wrapped up in their quest while also seeking the balm of Gilead, a substance which could heal his mom. This adventure-packed novel sees Colin slowly grow in self awareness and confidence. Will he help his companions to defeat the evil ones plaguing their lives? Will he understand his purpose? Will he finally make it back to his own world and save his mom?

This is a well written novel which drew me in from the very first page. The author is skilled at characterization, showing us people’s internal and external struggles and self-realization. The storyline keeps one guessing and the adventure is highly enjoyable. A highly successful story of good and evil and faith to move forward. I recommend it!

Thank you to the publisher and tomNetGalley for sending my this ARC.