I think I wasn't in the mood to read a kids book. It was so fast paced, but it took me so long to finish 😔

The writing has an enjoyable flow so it's a good option for someone younger who's trying to read. The magic system is also very simple, so kids can easily understand. I didn't really enjoy the simplicity tho, it had some plot holes that I hope are explained in the second book.

Like, what do the beetles have to do with their shadows and the separation between someone's light and shadow and why are the shadows like that if, technically, they ate still some kind of human (they must have some motive, right?) Maybe I'm just dumb.

Aside from that, it was still good and the ending made me excited for the sequence 🙏🙏🙏

I loved this book!
It was fast-paced, action-filled, suspenseful, and heartwarming—a definite 4.5 stars!

The story, characters, and world-building were all wonderful and intriguing. The constant action and suspense kept me hooked from beginning to end.

Georgie, Apurva, and Roscoe were hilarious and made me laugh out loud several times. Their character development was excellent, and their wholesome, cute friendship was a real highlight. The supporting characters, like Rollie D and Fumbluff, were also fantastic and added to the overall enjoyment.

The world-building was a standout. It was perfectly crafted and truly magical, which made it magnificent. I loved how the story gradually revealed the intricacies of the magic system and the incident that triggered the central crisis.

The book also explored important themes, such as how memory shapes our identity, suggesting that even the smallest loss can fundamentally change us. It also delved into human nature, illustrating how each of us contains both light and shadow, and how these opposing forces constantly influence and depend on each other.

The ending was incredible—suspenseful, action-packed, and utterly gripping. I couldn't put the book down, and I'm eagerly anticipating more from this author.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys heartwarming friendships, thrilling adventures, and hilarious characters!

When Georgie Summers’ dad is kidnapped by a sinister and scary villain from a magical realm, he is determined to get him back. In the process, Georgie and his classmates embark on an adventure that will change their lives and overturn everything he thought he knew about himself, his family and how the world works.

This was a tough review to write. NOT because I don’t have enough to say, but rather I have so much I want to talk about this book.

The short version: It’s brilliant! 5 stars! End of story. Go get it!

And now for the raving: (be warned! It’s long and likely over-emotional)

The writing! It goes beyond cinematic into this sort of VR deep immersion thing where every scent, taste and scent Georgie notices, the reader is experiencing it alongside him! Total sensory extravaganza! Continuing the cinema/movie metaphor, the camerawork or the use of perspective is just brilliant. The author sticks to third person throughout, but keeps switching the perspective, moving expertly from close-up of intimate conversations to epic eye-in-sky perspectives for battle/action scenes.

The themes! The story examines the idea of human memory and how it affects our idea of self. It also looks at loss, trauma and the scars they leave behind. These tough topics are handled so deftly, so sensitively, they lead so some of the most beautiful lines in the book. Honestly, I have so many quotes highlighted in my e-book, I can’t wait to get a physical copy and annotate the heck out of it.

The Characters! I fell in love with Georgie. But there were so many Brilliant characters in here – Rollie D, Apurva, Roscoe grabbed my heart from the start, but Eddie and Ore, Fumbluff, Fenton, the Altercockers – all these secondary characters are so beautifully and carefully fleshed out, they made you care about them and mourn their loss and pain. And John Summers, he has very little actual screentime, but his presence runs through the entire plot. My favourite quotes from the book are from him.

Last but certainly not the least, The worldbuilding! The very idea of Scribes of Memory, Scatterplot and the Corrigendum, the pocket horsemen and Flint Eldritch’s (what a fantastic name for a villain!) horrible beetles and spider monsters. It was just so immersive!

Books like these are why I love Middle Grade fiction. Because sometimes to talk about the greatest, most enduring themes of human existence you have to approach it with the mind and heart of a child.

Thanks to the publisher and author for letting me review this book. This was a fantastic read and drew me in. It has action and adventure and draws you in. I’m hoping there’s a sequel.

Exciting adventure to recapture memories & bring dad home👨‍👦

The plot was fast-paced, full of imagination and fantastical places and creatures, with an ordinary young boy and his two friends on a quest to save Georgie's father that becomes a fight for a much bigger purpose: to save everyone's memories from an evil magicker who, in his quest for a special pen and power revels in his path of destruction. I was totally caught up in Georgie, Apurva and Roscoe's journey to another dimension. But I found the ending abrupt, confusing and sad. I expected an HEA and got what seemed just the opposite!

Thanks to Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Review shared on Waterstones, Goodreads, Bookbub and with Barnes & Noble on 1/25/25.