Book Review: Middleworld by J&P Voekel

Reading level: Ages 9-12

Paperback: 416 pages

Publisher: EgmontUSA; Revised edition (April 27, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1606840711

ISBN-13: 978-1606840719

Middleworld by J&P Voekel

Fourteen-year-old Max Murphy is looking forward to a family vacation. But his parents, both archaeologists and Maya experts, announce a change in plan. They must leave immediately for a dig in the tiny Central American country of San Xavier. Max will go to summer camp. Max is furious. When he's mysteriously summoned to San Xavier, he thinks they've had a change of heart.

Upon his arrival, Max's wild adventure in the tropical rainforests of San Xavier begins. During his journey, he will unlock ancient secrets and meet strangers who are connected to him in ways he could never have imagined. For fate has delivered a challenge of epic proportions to this pampered teenager. Can Max rescue his parents from the Maya Underworld and save the world from the Lords of Death, who now control the power of the Jaguar Stones in their villainous hands? The scene is set for a roller-coaster ride of suspense and terror, as the good guys and the bad guys face off against a background of haunted temples, zombie armies, and even human sacrifice!

My Review

This was the best book I've read in a long time. I was so immersed in it, I read it in one day. The characters, the story, the writing, everything was absolutely great. It is kinda like Rick Riordan's books, in the way it brings ancient mythology into modern life. I loved all of Riordan's books, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Kane Chronicles and The Heroes of Olympus. You can see my review for Lost Hero here. I love all of this mythology stuff, Greek being my favorite, but Mayan mythology definitely gives it a run for it's money. The way J&P Voekel incorporated it, dropping subtle hints here and there, and making you feel like it's all real, is masterful.

My only problem with this book was that the main character, Max, was a complete wimp throughout the first part of the book. He just wouldn't stop complaining about anything. It got a little annoying but, he started to tough things out and he turned out to be a pretty good character. And, let me just say the Hermanjilio is awesome. This book is full of great humor much like Riordan's and it really just makes for a great book. It is pretty much non-stop action and any parts that aren't action (there are few) are still very interesting because you are 99% of the time learning about the ancient Mayans even more. I picked this book up at the library and am very glad that I did. It is truly a great read that will fascinate and enthrall all fantasy lovers.

If you didn't catch my drift in reading my previous statements, if you like any of Rick Riordan's books, you will love Middleworld. It is one of my favorites of the last few months, hands down. Thank you, Jon and Pamala Voekel. You wrote an excellent book.

-Austin

Hey to all you people who read for fun. U R COOL.