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Cameron Battle #1
Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms
As the true Descendant, I command to open
The door to Chidani; it shall be broken
Magic awaits those who seek the queen's peace
And all the suffering you feel will cease
Those who open the histories will hear a sound
What was lost has finally been found.
Cameron Battle grew up reading The Book of Chidani, cherishing stories about the fabled kingdom that cut itself off from the world to save the Igbo people from danger. Passed down over generations, the Book is Cameron's only connection to his parents who disappeared one fateful night, two years ago.
Ever since, his grandmother has kept the Book locked away, but it calls to Cameron. When he and his best friends Zion and Aliyah decide to open it again, they are magically transported to Chidani. Instead of a land of beauty and wonder, they find a kingdom in extreme danger, as the Queen's sister seeks to destroy the barrier between worlds. The people of Chidani have been waiting for the last Descendant to return and save them . . . is Cameron ready to be the hero they need?
Inspired by West African and Igbo history and mythology, this adventurous middle-grade fantasy debut perfect for fans of Aru Shah and Tristan Strong celebrates the triumphs and challenges of a boy finding his truth path to greatness.
The door to Chidani; it shall be broken
Magic awaits those who seek the queen's peace
And all the suffering you feel will cease
Those who open the histories will hear a sound
What was lost has finally been found.
Cameron Battle grew up reading The Book of Chidani, cherishing stories about the fabled kingdom that cut itself off from the world to save the Igbo people from danger. Passed down over generations, the Book is Cameron's only connection to his parents who disappeared one fateful night, two years ago.
Ever since, his grandmother has kept the Book locked away, but it calls to Cameron. When he and his best friends Zion and Aliyah decide to open it again, they are magically transported to Chidani. Instead of a land of beauty and wonder, they find a kingdom in extreme danger, as the Queen's sister seeks to destroy the barrier between worlds. The people of Chidani have been waiting for the last Descendant to return and save them . . . is Cameron ready to be the hero they need?
Inspired by West African and Igbo history and mythology, this adventurous middle-grade fantasy debut perfect for fans of Aru Shah and Tristan Strong celebrates the triumphs and challenges of a boy finding his truth path to greatness.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
January 28, 2022
a stunning debut middle-grade fantasy following a Black boy as he struggles with the pressure he faces being the only one powerful enough to save a Kingdom. This has elements of Black Panther meets The Chronicles of Narnia and is such an awesome story for you to sink your teeth into!
Can't wait to see what's next!
(maybe I'll expand this review soon)
Can't wait to see what's next!
(maybe I'll expand this review soon)
March 25, 2023
Kind of like Wakanda but make it magical instead of technological? This is a really fun middle grade fantasy adventure following Cameron and his two best friends through a portal to a secret country in Africa that needs their help.
A few years earlier his parents died and since then, his grandmother has forbidden him going to the attic to read a magical book that his mom used to share with him. So when he and his friends Aliyah and Zion have a sleepover, what do they do? Obviously go up to the attic! But when they end up in Chidani there is a lot more danger than they bargained for and the fate of their world is at stake. And Cameron will learn the truth of what happened to his parents.
I read this to my kids (ages 6 and 9) and they enjoyed it. Although, according to my 9 year old, it has a too much violence and death but he likes the adventure parts. It is very action packed and the characters get into some truly dangerous battles and situations, but magical healing makes the stakes a bit more reasonable for the age demographic. And they're pretty much "killing" spirits called mmo, not living people. I take the point though that there is kind of a lot of fighting on balance. Cameron is dealing with a lot, especially grief over the loss of his parents and I think it's handled pretty well.
It's also casually queer if you read between the lines. While never made explicit, it's fairly obvious that Cameron has a crush on his best friend Zion and it's very sweet. (think expressing care for each other and holding hands in scary situations) I love that there is this kind of representation in a fantasy series for kids approaching adolescence.
I will say, some of the setup of the story feels inspired by the first Black Panther movie. A hidden African country that saved themselves at the expense of other Black people being enslaved, a conflict between sisters who disagree about how things should be handled...there are a lot of similarities but I'm not mad about it. I really liked this and would read on, though do note it is more on the violent side.
A few years earlier his parents died and since then, his grandmother has forbidden him going to the attic to read a magical book that his mom used to share with him. So when he and his friends Aliyah and Zion have a sleepover, what do they do? Obviously go up to the attic! But when they end up in Chidani there is a lot more danger than they bargained for and the fate of their world is at stake. And Cameron will learn the truth of what happened to his parents.
I read this to my kids (ages 6 and 9) and they enjoyed it. Although, according to my 9 year old, it has a too much violence and death but he likes the adventure parts. It is very action packed and the characters get into some truly dangerous battles and situations, but magical healing makes the stakes a bit more reasonable for the age demographic. And they're pretty much "killing" spirits called mmo, not living people. I take the point though that there is kind of a lot of fighting on balance. Cameron is dealing with a lot, especially grief over the loss of his parents and I think it's handled pretty well.
It's also casually queer if you read between the lines. While never made explicit, it's fairly obvious that Cameron has a crush on his best friend Zion and it's very sweet. (think expressing care for each other and holding hands in scary situations) I love that there is this kind of representation in a fantasy series for kids approaching adolescence.
I will say, some of the setup of the story feels inspired by the first Black Panther movie. A hidden African country that saved themselves at the expense of other Black people being enslaved, a conflict between sisters who disagree about how things should be handled...there are a lot of similarities but I'm not mad about it. I really liked this and would read on, though do note it is more on the violent side.
March 19, 2022
With an awesome cover like that and an intriguing synopsis the expectations were high for this book. Sadly it doesn't live up to it. Nowhere near it.
The story is entirely plot driven. There is zero character development and zero character insight. We only know what people feel when we're told so. “Anger burned inside me.” And that's the most we get. This book wastes no time on emotions. I really don't know much about any of the characters except for what they look like, how they're dressed and what their purpose is. There's a lot of action in this book, but without any connection to the characters it's becoming boring and tiresome real quick. Infodumping a ton of mythology doesn't help this book either. I have to admit I skimmed over a lot of it, especially towards the end. I just wanted to get it over with.
Reading this book felt more like a chore than the fun it was meant to be.
The story is entirely plot driven. There is zero character development and zero character insight. We only know what people feel when we're told so. “Anger burned inside me.” And that's the most we get. This book wastes no time on emotions. I really don't know much about any of the characters except for what they look like, how they're dressed and what their purpose is. There's a lot of action in this book, but without any connection to the characters it's becoming boring and tiresome real quick. Infodumping a ton of mythology doesn't help this book either. I have to admit I skimmed over a lot of it, especially towards the end. I just wanted to get it over with.
Reading this book felt more like a chore than the fun it was meant to be.
February 18, 2022
I saw this book being compared to Percy Jackson so naturally I had to see what it was all about, and ultimately I was not disappointed. Our hero Cameron is a young boy who accidentally gets sucked into a new world along with his friends when they go snooping around the attic from which they were all banned. Why were they banned from the attic? Because Cameron’s parents are not who they seem, nor is anyone in their family, and in the attic is The Book of Chidani, which is based on Igbo legends, but more than that, seems to magically show real time events and stories within it’s pages.
Cameron thinks his parents deaths have something to do with the book, but early on you start to suspect that his parents have actually gone into this new world and are fighting a war in their ancient homeland. Once Cameron and his friends end up in Chidani they must help save Queen Ramala and Chidani from a fate worse than death. Their quests to find the three gifts to save them all have them facing terrifying monsters and enemies throughout the world and they must learn to fight, and fly, very quickly otherwise they won’t stand a chance. So do they manage it? Well, the book ends on a cliff hanger and we’ll have to find out in book two whether or not Cameron and his motley crew can save Chidani.
Overall I enjoyed this quick MG read, but I did feel like the writing was very hit or miss in the way the style kept fluctuating between seeming like a MG book and then a YA book, I cant fault the plot or characters at all, I just think the author needs to decide what age group their main audience is and write for them. Has that put me off continuing the series? Not in the slightest. I want to see what happens to the characters.
Thank you Bloomsbury and Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for my review.
Cameron thinks his parents deaths have something to do with the book, but early on you start to suspect that his parents have actually gone into this new world and are fighting a war in their ancient homeland. Once Cameron and his friends end up in Chidani they must help save Queen Ramala and Chidani from a fate worse than death. Their quests to find the three gifts to save them all have them facing terrifying monsters and enemies throughout the world and they must learn to fight, and fly, very quickly otherwise they won’t stand a chance. So do they manage it? Well, the book ends on a cliff hanger and we’ll have to find out in book two whether or not Cameron and his motley crew can save Chidani.
Overall I enjoyed this quick MG read, but I did feel like the writing was very hit or miss in the way the style kept fluctuating between seeming like a MG book and then a YA book, I cant fault the plot or characters at all, I just think the author needs to decide what age group their main audience is and write for them. Has that put me off continuing the series? Not in the slightest. I want to see what happens to the characters.
Thank you Bloomsbury and Netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for my review.
March 4, 2022
This is was just so good and most importantly very easy to read. I read the whole book in about 3 hours and I am ready for the next book now. I cannot wait to see what Zion, Aliyah and Cameron will get up to in the next book.
Cameron Battle our titular main character is still grieving the loss of his parents (i.e., he knows that his parents despaired), so one day when he decides to go to the attic where is grandmother has hidden away The Book of Chidani, which happens to be a magical book that is handed down in the family. Just has Cameron and his friends start to question the strange occurrences around them, a portal opens and suck them in.
The softly land into an entirely new world hidden away and frozen in time to protect its habitants. This is where Cameron learns about his parents and the power that his mother held before she was killed. In this world, the Queen is trying to hold onto power even when her sister is doing everything in her power to take over. Even learning to fight and becoming the book (the passage way of power) would not save Cameron and his friends. They have to go on an adventure to find the three powerful artefacts that would help them stop Amina. This leads them to fighting old gods, flying on gryphons, hanging lucidly in the past and in the future.
It was a whole as ride and I really enjoyed it. I just loved the culture oozing from each page of the book. As a Nigerian, I just felt so much pride being able to imagine and relate to the characters!
Thanks to #pridebooktours for making this book available to me.
Cameron Battle our titular main character is still grieving the loss of his parents (i.e., he knows that his parents despaired), so one day when he decides to go to the attic where is grandmother has hidden away The Book of Chidani, which happens to be a magical book that is handed down in the family. Just has Cameron and his friends start to question the strange occurrences around them, a portal opens and suck them in.
The softly land into an entirely new world hidden away and frozen in time to protect its habitants. This is where Cameron learns about his parents and the power that his mother held before she was killed. In this world, the Queen is trying to hold onto power even when her sister is doing everything in her power to take over. Even learning to fight and becoming the book (the passage way of power) would not save Cameron and his friends. They have to go on an adventure to find the three powerful artefacts that would help them stop Amina. This leads them to fighting old gods, flying on gryphons, hanging lucidly in the past and in the future.
It was a whole as ride and I really enjoyed it. I just loved the culture oozing from each page of the book. As a Nigerian, I just felt so much pride being able to imagine and relate to the characters!
Thanks to #pridebooktours for making this book available to me.
Want to read
July 10, 2020July 09, 2020: All these books about magical books are THE BEST. Especially when it's MG and inspired by West-African and Igbo mythology!!!
Want to read
July 10, 2020July 11, 2020: enter Cameron Battle, a Middle Grade story that has
✨ Black intergenerational culture
✨ hidden kingdoms
✨ magic from an old book
✨ Black boy joy
AND IT IS GAY 🐸
✨ Black intergenerational culture
✨ hidden kingdoms
✨ magic from an old book
✨ Black boy joy
AND IT IS GAY 🐸
March 9, 2022
This is, just all around, an absolutely fabulous middle grade fantasy book- it’s imaginative, unique, captivating and full of adventure and intrigue- and I genuinely would (and will) recommend it to all fantasy fans regardless of their age.
However. Even if it didn’t have everything else going for it, I would still recommend this book to every single person I know for Zion alone. I adored his character so much, and I wish we saw more sensitive, openly emotional, follow-the-rules male characters in all books, but particularly in middle grade books. And, to be fair, Cameron Battle himself shows these qualities as well, and throughout the story learns to embrace his emotions a little more.
Zion and Cameron having zero problems expressing their love for each other, facing their fears together, and being completely comfortable with physical touch was just wonderful.
And let’s not forget Aliyah- a total badass in her own right. I’m hoping to see more of her character develop as the story continues.
I will say, adult readers may find this one a *little* repetitive, but I don’t think young readers will have an issue with that at all.
A huge thanks to Bloomsbury for sending a review copy my way!
However. Even if it didn’t have everything else going for it, I would still recommend this book to every single person I know for Zion alone. I adored his character so much, and I wish we saw more sensitive, openly emotional, follow-the-rules male characters in all books, but particularly in middle grade books. And, to be fair, Cameron Battle himself shows these qualities as well, and throughout the story learns to embrace his emotions a little more.
Zion and Cameron having zero problems expressing their love for each other, facing their fears together, and being completely comfortable with physical touch was just wonderful.
And let’s not forget Aliyah- a total badass in her own right. I’m hoping to see more of her character develop as the story continues.
I will say, adult readers may find this one a *little* repetitive, but I don’t think young readers will have an issue with that at all.
A huge thanks to Bloomsbury for sending a review copy my way!
June 4, 2022
An exciting, imaginative and action-packed middle grade fantasy, inspired by West-African and Igbo mythology, following a young boy as he comes to terms with the loss of his parents and the legacy they left behind.
TW: discussions of slavery and racism
TW: discussions of slavery and racism
January 22, 2022
Cameron Battle's parents died when he was younger and it seemed to be around the same time his grandmother locked their family book up in the attic and told him not to go up there.
Cameron and his friend Zion remember things about the book but their newer friend Aliyah has no clue about any of it. They were all staying over at Cameron's for the weekend and the book was mentioned and Aliyah was curious about it and finally talks Cameron in to showing it to her and so they sneak upstair where the book comes alive and sends them through a portal to Chidani a hidden kingdom.
Cameron learns that he is a decendant from this kingdom and that the book is a part of his ancestory and it's his duty to protect them from Queen Ramala's sister who has stolen her three gifts, these gifts from the gods are what keeps her immortal and she is dying. He also learns that this is where his parent's died trying to protect this place.
Cameron and his friends must train in Dambe a fighting style and become warriors so that they can go and find the three gifts. It's a lot for three twelve year olds to take in.
One of the things I liked about this is that Cameron didn't just become good at everything because he is now the Decendent. Actually his friends learned Dambe better than he did and faster. He was never this over the top brave kid, he was scared, his friends were scared and that felt more realistic for kids to be scared at being put into danger. I enjoyed learning a little about West African folklore.
I did have some problems with a few things but they were mainly personal preferences and so I know it won't bother others and it didn't really make me not enjoy the story. It was a very good first book. I am not sure if it's a duology or trilogy but it feels more like a duology type to me and I will probably check out the next book.
I would recommend it to those who enjoy middle grade fantasy.
Cameron and his friend Zion remember things about the book but their newer friend Aliyah has no clue about any of it. They were all staying over at Cameron's for the weekend and the book was mentioned and Aliyah was curious about it and finally talks Cameron in to showing it to her and so they sneak upstair where the book comes alive and sends them through a portal to Chidani a hidden kingdom.
Cameron learns that he is a decendant from this kingdom and that the book is a part of his ancestory and it's his duty to protect them from Queen Ramala's sister who has stolen her three gifts, these gifts from the gods are what keeps her immortal and she is dying. He also learns that this is where his parent's died trying to protect this place.
Cameron and his friends must train in Dambe a fighting style and become warriors so that they can go and find the three gifts. It's a lot for three twelve year olds to take in.
One of the things I liked about this is that Cameron didn't just become good at everything because he is now the Decendent. Actually his friends learned Dambe better than he did and faster. He was never this over the top brave kid, he was scared, his friends were scared and that felt more realistic for kids to be scared at being put into danger. I enjoyed learning a little about West African folklore.
I did have some problems with a few things but they were mainly personal preferences and so I know it won't bother others and it didn't really make me not enjoy the story. It was a very good first book. I am not sure if it's a duology or trilogy but it feels more like a duology type to me and I will probably check out the next book.
I would recommend it to those who enjoy middle grade fantasy.
July 23, 2020
I was lucky enough to read Cameron Battle and the Legend of the Chidani before it went out on submission. There is SO much to love in this book: a fun, action-packed adventure that never lets up, gorgeous worldbuilding inspired by West African and Igbo mythology, cool (and sometimes scary) magical creatures, and a focus on the enduring power of friendship. Cameron, the protagonist, is brave, kind, sensitive and strong. A hero in all senses, he’s impossible not to root for in his epic quest to save a hidden magical kingdom. This book is a must read for fans of middle-grade fantasy.
August 9, 2022
NOTE: You can still view the review on goodreads but since the website doesn't support some non-English text, I'd recommend reading the review on this google doc for a better viewing experience.
2.5 stars. ⭐️⭐️✨
The book was alright. The plot itself was pretty basic, in which the main protagonist is revealed to be “the chosen one” and has to go on a bunch of quests along with two friends of which a trio is formed. I didn’t gain much attachment to any of the main characters, they were a bit too 1-dimensional for my taste. It was obvious the bond they shared though, and they’re very clearly close friends with the way they talk, argue, and make fun of each other. The protagonist's thoughts also got tiring pretty quickly. There wasn't much fleshing of his personality and character apart from his feeling of being inadequate to be the chosen one.
I enjoyed reading about the journey of a family through generations, the slave trade to the modern period in the Americas and elsewhere. I liked that though the main character was an orphan, he was constantly surrounded by people who clearly loved him and put his best interests at heart. Especially adult ones because they’re often disregarded in middle-grade fantasies like this one.
I did not appreciate the reiteration of a secret African country hidden from the world that is in actuality a hodgepodge of African cultures à la Black Panther. Especially because the Chidani world itself seems like a whole new thing. Or more specifically, a mismatch of African cultures and ethnic groups, instead of an understandable progression of Igbo peoples' cultures, regions, and history from past to future in secret, aided by magic. It also brings up the question of how the concealment of the Igbo people during the slave trade affected in-book history because the “Nigeria” in this book is portrayed exactly as it is in real life, with no changes to map, colonization, or history.
I especially had a hard time believing this was really a pre-colonial Igbo kingdom hidden from the world before colonization. A lot of things popped up like rice, harps, flutes, oak, pineapple, plantains, mango, cucumbers, gravy, beans, spoons, plums peaches, sugar, bread, and cinnamon, that aren’t native to West Africa and are very much imported by way of trading during and after slavery and colonization. For these things to exist to Chidani, they’d have to have opened the barrier multiple times and made their presence known to trade which, in text, never happened and is very much the worst scenario to ever happen to Chidani and its people.
The world of Chidani itself is more reminiscent of medieval European places than that of pre-colonial Igboland. Things like turrets, towers, chimneys, settees, cobblestones, bread, swords, armor, et cetera are mentioned; they're very much part of European culture and architecture. Take the case of the armor to a lesser extent though as they aren’t really described so I don’t know if they appear as European armor does or as Igbo armors do, though, with the way the author was so vague about it, I suspect it’s the former. There was also other stuff like how the royalty constantly had crowns studded with jewels (i.e. diamonds, rubies, emeralds, etc) which doesn’t really give me Igbo imagery of “royalty.”
Books and written scripts themselves aren’t native to most of pre-colonial West Africa and that includes the Igbo region so the whole story being centered on the existence of a magical Igbo one during the slave trade is… odd. Because how did the enslaved peoples from pre-colonial Igboland understand the written script of their language when it would only be formed after colonization and perhaps more aptly: because of colonization? They had Nsibidi but that was more ideograms, not “a full writing system because it couldn’t transcribe the Igbo language specifically” (Wiki). Standard orthography would only later be made for the language with Latin script in the 1850s progressing and changing over the years. Not to mention that having a form of written script is one thing, creating and having paper to write on is another — and paper is something that’s very much an import to most of West Africa including the Igbo region — and the Chidani kingdom is stated to have “many libraries”' with books in them so how exactly did they get them? Or progressed to have them? The author doesn’t exactly elaborate on the different history of his magical Africa.
Another way the worldbuilding reminded me of medieval Europe was through the feudal class system employed in Chidani. I particularly disliked how the author turned one of the few ethnic groups in West Africa with a notable non-feudal system with no royal class or monarchs into exactly that. The majority of pre-colonial Igbo peoples often had a quasi-democratic republican system of government which was usually governed and administered by a council of elders. There were notable exceptions within the ethnicity, nonetheless, it’s completely disregarded in the worldbuilding of CBATHK in which there’s an explicit royal class with nobles beneath them, and servants most likely made up of the poorer peasant class. The nobles, I noted, were also the only ones allowed to frequent the in-universe library of Chidani apart from the main characters. There are also chiefs in the world of the book, and while in real life there are Igbo chiefs too, I’m more inclined to believe that in the world of Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms, chiefs are the landowning noble class the same way Lords made up the landowning noble class of medieval Europe.
Most of the names of the people from Chidani don’t seem Igbo at all apart from the names of the gods taken directly from Igbo mythology. The names Ramala, Amina, Makai, Halifa, Bakari, Damisi, Dabir, Amir, and Moro don’t sound Igbo at all — except for Chake which I’m not sure of because I’m not Igbo and I don’t speak the language. The only Igbo places mentioned in the book are Asaba, Owerri, and Onitsha, and that’s a pity. I really anticipated learning more about the Igbo peoples and regions when I first heard of this book. The worldbuilding also features a lot of creatures that are clearly non-African inspired: gryphons (undeniably based on European griffins), Aziza (which are actually of African origin but are explicitly described as fairies and called Fae in text), and Mondao (who are reminiscent of mermaids with green skin and fish tails; I did some googling and all I got were that they could be mermaids of African origin but I’m not sure so I’m leaving it at that).
I also did not appreciate how a lot of non-Igbo cultural things were co-opted under an Igbo identity. Dambe, for one, is a Hausa fighting style, but in the text, it’s explicitly stated that it’s of Igbo origin. The only attires described apart from sandals and the word “kaftan,” are of Yoruba origins too — ṣọ̀kọ̀tọ̀ (shokoto), àgbàdà (agbada), ìrọ̀ (iro), dànṣìkì (dashiki). The wood of the tree “ìrọ̀kọ̀” (iroko) and a place named “Ọ̀kẹ̀nìyì” (Okeniyi) are mentioned and those are Yoruba too. Djembe drums are of Mandinka origin but it’s not made clear in the text, unconsciously characterizing it of Igbo origins. The Aziza creatures that are described as looking like “fairies” in the text are in actuality a “type of beneficent supernatural race in West African (specifically, Dahomey) mythology” according to Wikipedia. The Mondao water creatures in this book are apparently of Zimbabwean heritage. None of this information is made explicit in the book and that’s disappointing. This is all made worse by the fact that the Efik and Ibibio peoples are subsumed under an Igbo identity in the book as another “clan” like Owerri or Onitsha. Ironically, one of the villains of CBATHK is an Igbo supremacist who wants to commit genocide against non-Igbo people and rule over the remaining Igbo people. That the author co-opts non-Igbo cultural identities under an Igbo one in his book without acknowledgment while having such a villain in their book would be laughable if it wasn’t so irritating.
Speaking of villains, the gods in CBATHK are directly stated to be ones of Igbo mythology and the way they’re written is… odd. They’re selfish, greedy, and almost always obstacles in the main characters’ quest. The two notable ones are Agwu and Ekwensu who are almost grotesque in their evilness. Even Agbala, the one notable exception, doesn't seem to care that she’s essentially sending children to their possible death, and cares more that the “gifts” are retrieved and returned. These deities are explicitly called “gods” in the book, and to my knowledge that’s not the role they fill in real-life Igbo mythology. This is in which they’re “arusi” with specific purposes like the ọ̀rìṣà have in traditional Yoruba religion, here on Earth to be guardians to humans. So to see them so detached and deeming themselves superior to human beings was surprising. They’re more reminiscent of Greek gods who do whatever they want, anyhow they want, and don’t really care about humans unless in ways they can benefit from them than they are reminiscent of traditional Igbo deities.
I’ve talked at length in my review of Skin of the Sea about how the portrayal of Ẹ̀ṣù veered very closely to colonial interpretations of the divinity being equivalent to Satan/the Devil perhaps unconsciously for storytelling. In Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms, this same oversight can be seen in the portrayal of Ekwensu. During the colonization of West Africa, European Christians would try to influence and colonize native peoples by replacing native religions and spirituality with Christian ones. One of the ways this was done was by linking native deities, often morally complicated ones, Europeans deemed evil to the Christian Satan. This was done with the Yoruba divinity Ẹ̀ṣù and it was done to the Igbo deity Ekwensu as well, and they’re probably not the only ones. By doing this, European Christians could enforce their own binary beliefs of good and evil, God and Satan, demons and angels onto native Africans. That the Ekwensu in Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms holds the role of Satan-like big-bad who lives in the underworld and wants to unleash evil onto the world is disappointing. It’s also quite possibly damaging to the modern day, in real-life efforts to revert the damages that European colonization and enforcement of Christianity have done to native African mythologies and religions like the Igbo one.
Sidenote, but Ekwensu also occupies the role of “god of death” in CBATHK when in real-life Igbo mythology, he’s the deity of bargains and trade. The role of death deity goes to Ogbunabali. Don’t quote me though, I’m getting this info from Wikipedia.
In conclusion, while the main characters and plot were alright, I had a hard time believing that Chidani was really the historical progression of the Igbo region. And while the book didn't deliver much on its Igbo-inspired premise, it encouraged me to research stuff and now I’m more interested in learning what the real-life Igbo culture and history are like in reality. I had fun reading the book so I want to note that people reading this review should not hesitate on reading this book or recommending it to others. I read this book from a more critical perspective and I’m definitely not the target demographic. I do not doubt that this book would be a joy to the children who need it — Black, queer ones who already have so little representation in middle-grade literature. I would definitely recommend Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms for reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 2, 2022
Thank you @pridebooktours, @jamarjperry and @bloomsburyya for sending me a copy to review.
When I first saw the book tour being advertised I didn’t apply as it wasn’t really my type of book, it sounded interesting but just not something I would pick off the shelves to read. But I decided to give it a go anyway because why not try reading something new once in a while? And I’m so glad I did!
Cameron and his friends got sucked into a new world when they went looking in his Grandmother’s attic (which he is banned from) and found a magical book, The Book of Chidani, which transported them to a new world. His parents had died a few years earlier, and it quickly becomes obvious it has something to do with this magical book. No wonder he was banned from the attic! Once they are in the book, they find the kingdom to be extremely dangerous; the Queen’s sister seeks to destroy the barrier between worlds. The last Descendant can be the only one who can save them; Cameron needs to now become a hero, and QUICK!
I found the book very quick paced, it kicked off quite fast and it was really easy to follow because the writing was so descriptive. I could picture everything which was happening and felt like I was living in the world, and had been sucked into the book along with them. I loved that Cameron wasn’t INSTANTLY good at everything because he was the Descendant. Some books you find the main character magically becomes amazing at everything straight away, but for Cameron he had to build on it and I liked that. We watched him learn and grow. I really enjoyed getting to follow the new culture base world, learning their rules and their traditions.
Mix between Narnia, Percy Jackson & Black Panther!
When I first saw the book tour being advertised I didn’t apply as it wasn’t really my type of book, it sounded interesting but just not something I would pick off the shelves to read. But I decided to give it a go anyway because why not try reading something new once in a while? And I’m so glad I did!
Cameron and his friends got sucked into a new world when they went looking in his Grandmother’s attic (which he is banned from) and found a magical book, The Book of Chidani, which transported them to a new world. His parents had died a few years earlier, and it quickly becomes obvious it has something to do with this magical book. No wonder he was banned from the attic! Once they are in the book, they find the kingdom to be extremely dangerous; the Queen’s sister seeks to destroy the barrier between worlds. The last Descendant can be the only one who can save them; Cameron needs to now become a hero, and QUICK!
I found the book very quick paced, it kicked off quite fast and it was really easy to follow because the writing was so descriptive. I could picture everything which was happening and felt like I was living in the world, and had been sucked into the book along with them. I loved that Cameron wasn’t INSTANTLY good at everything because he was the Descendant. Some books you find the main character magically becomes amazing at everything straight away, but for Cameron he had to build on it and I liked that. We watched him learn and grow. I really enjoyed getting to follow the new culture base world, learning their rules and their traditions.
Mix between Narnia, Percy Jackson & Black Panther!
January 9, 2022
This is definitely for fans of Black Panther. I enjoyed getting to follow a completely different culture based world of which I have never read before. It was a very fun read. I felt bad for Cameron and all of his struggles. It left off on a cliff hanger for sure so I am already waiting for the next one before the first one has actually hit the shelves.
November 6, 2022
Read this with the ten year old before bed. She really liked the characters and all the magic. We had good discussions about slavery and racism.
I thought it was a bit slow at times and there were too many names to keep straight. Looking forward to book two though!
I thought it was a bit slow at times and there were too many names to keep straight. Looking forward to book two though!
November 22, 2021
I had such a fun time reading this! Full review to come on my channel; I will link it here when it goes live.😄
April 17, 2023
this so much! What a thrilling magical adventure! Cameron Battle grew up reading The Book of Chidani, cherishing stories about the fabled kingdom that cut itself off from the world to save the Igbo people from danger. Passed down over generations, the Book is Cameron's only connection to his parents who disappeared 1 fateful night, 2 years ago. Ever since, his grandmother has kept the Book locked away, but it calls to Cameron. When he & his best friends, Zion & Aliyah, decide to open it again, they are magically transported to Chidani. Instead of a land of beauty & wonder, they find a kingdom in extreme danger, as the queen's sister seeks to destroy the barrier between worlds. The people of Chidani have been waiting for the last Descendant to return & save them ...I LOVED the friendship in here, the 3 kids are more family than many blood families are. The characters are amazingly written, not just the kids but all the characters in here. I always love reading/learning about about a different culture than my own, & the mythology too-so I loved the West African & Igbo history/mythology the author took inspiration from for his book. The Book & everything about it was also such a fascinating addition, & how it connects to Cameron-literally lol..the past it shows him too..just everything. I ADORE the gryphons so much. All the underlying themes/messages in the story are phenomenally woven in as well. Cameron's connection to the history of his people through the book, slavery, grief/loss, & so much more. So much MEANING to the story at its core. While managing ALL that lol, the author also kept up the adventure, suspense, danger, & kept perfect pace. Loved the twists at the end, & couldn't wait to dive into the sequel to see what happened next! Highly recommend. BEAUTIFUL cover by Raymond Sebastien
too.💜
too.💜
November 6, 2022
Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdom has a lot of fantastical elements: a magical book, a forbidden attic, griffins, a secret kingdom, the wonderful art of Dambe, demonic gods, Igbo mythology, monsters, an undead army, and three 12-year-olds flung into this world. It should have made a fantastic book. Unfortunately it didn’t work for me for several reasons (note: SPOILERS),
I found the writing quite unpolished in places, and the author did not find his voice until near the end of the book. This made for an uneven reading experience and more difficult to empathise with Cameron, particularly as the goal of the queen (and Cameron) was not one I could sympathise with.
I really liked the idea that Chidani, created ostensibly to save the Igbo from slavery, actually leads to their queen enslaving them, trapping them into a terrible bargain with the gods. Cameron meets his ancestor, servant (slave?) to the queen, who lives in a one room hovel – after two hundred years labour! Cameron, however, appears to be oblivious to this hugely unequal society. There are interesting ideas here about freedom and servitude, but I felt they were not explored well. The magic book itself, swimming across the Atlantic after the slave ships, inexplicably allows one privileged descendant cross into the magic realm – why did it not rescue all the slaves and transport them to Chidani? I’d like a reason to have been given.
While I liked the book depicting the strong male friendship between Cameron and Zion, I found the suggestion that there would be a romantic/sexual relationship between them quite off-putting, as they were twelve and this is a middle grade children's book. Aliyah was my favourite character and she started off strongly. However she fell into the role of useless female by the end. For instance during the big battle scene at the book’s climax Zion is concussed but two minutes later jumps to his feet so he can fight back-to-back with Cameron. Aliyah on the other hand is kidnapped by the antagonist and has to be rescued.
The ending was particularly disappointing. Cameron storms home distraught and angry, retrieving only two of the missing three items. I get that there will be a sequel but to me the first book in a series has to have enough (not necessarily all) ends tied up to be a satisfactory read. Nothing was resolved, so I felt a bit cheated.
Great ideas, huge potential, disappointing delivery.
I found the writing quite unpolished in places, and the author did not find his voice until near the end of the book. This made for an uneven reading experience and more difficult to empathise with Cameron, particularly as the goal of the queen (and Cameron) was not one I could sympathise with.
I really liked the idea that Chidani, created ostensibly to save the Igbo from slavery, actually leads to their queen enslaving them, trapping them into a terrible bargain with the gods. Cameron meets his ancestor, servant (slave?) to the queen, who lives in a one room hovel – after two hundred years labour! Cameron, however, appears to be oblivious to this hugely unequal society. There are interesting ideas here about freedom and servitude, but I felt they were not explored well. The magic book itself, swimming across the Atlantic after the slave ships, inexplicably allows one privileged descendant cross into the magic realm – why did it not rescue all the slaves and transport them to Chidani? I’d like a reason to have been given.
While I liked the book depicting the strong male friendship between Cameron and Zion, I found the suggestion that there would be a romantic/sexual relationship between them quite off-putting, as they were twelve and this is a middle grade children's book. Aliyah was my favourite character and she started off strongly. However she fell into the role of useless female by the end. For instance during the big battle scene at the book’s climax Zion is concussed but two minutes later jumps to his feet so he can fight back-to-back with Cameron. Aliyah on the other hand is kidnapped by the antagonist and has to be rescued.
The ending was particularly disappointing. Cameron storms home distraught and angry, retrieving only two of the missing three items. I get that there will be a sequel but to me the first book in a series has to have enough (not necessarily all) ends tied up to be a satisfactory read. Nothing was resolved, so I felt a bit cheated.
Great ideas, huge potential, disappointing delivery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2022
I received an eARC from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
2.5 stars
I really struggled to get into this book, and I think it was because of the writing style. The premise is great, and the characters were promising as well as a fun adventure across a hidden world, but I simply never clicked with the book. There was just something stopping me from slipping into the story and being able follow along on the ride, and I think that has to be the writing style.
It kept jumping out at me as quite awkward at times. It didn't feel smooth and flowing. I kept jerking to a halt at phrases that seemed to glare out at me, not feeling natural. It was a lot of short sentences for emphasis that didn't sounds like anything I'd expect someone to say. Like "It's nice to meet you. My family." When you get a lot of that, it sort of undermines the story because it makes it hard to believe these are real people.
It would also often imply something, and then state it obviously in the next sentence. That had the dual effect of feeling like I wasn't being trusted/was being talked down to, and also slowing down the pacing.
The other thing that kept jerking me from the story was that Cameron gets these memories of his parents' time in the Hidden Kingdoms. However, they weren't always immediately clear whether he was watching his parents do something, or whether there a scene in the present that he was simply watch rather than interacting for. It did mean I occasionally had to stop and reassess what I'd just read when Cameron's name appeared - and work out whether he had just come back to the present or what interacting with the others.
One thing I did really like though was how it dealt with jealousy. Cameron is the supposed hero, but his friends (who weren't supposed to be there) get to grips with the magical fighting far faster. That doesn't seem to be the norm in my experience of these sorts of books, and it meant there was an exploration of resentment on top of the feelings of inadequacy.
2.5 stars
I really struggled to get into this book, and I think it was because of the writing style. The premise is great, and the characters were promising as well as a fun adventure across a hidden world, but I simply never clicked with the book. There was just something stopping me from slipping into the story and being able follow along on the ride, and I think that has to be the writing style.
It kept jumping out at me as quite awkward at times. It didn't feel smooth and flowing. I kept jerking to a halt at phrases that seemed to glare out at me, not feeling natural. It was a lot of short sentences for emphasis that didn't sounds like anything I'd expect someone to say. Like "It's nice to meet you. My family." When you get a lot of that, it sort of undermines the story because it makes it hard to believe these are real people.
It would also often imply something, and then state it obviously in the next sentence. That had the dual effect of feeling like I wasn't being trusted/was being talked down to, and also slowing down the pacing.
The other thing that kept jerking me from the story was that Cameron gets these memories of his parents' time in the Hidden Kingdoms. However, they weren't always immediately clear whether he was watching his parents do something, or whether there a scene in the present that he was simply watch rather than interacting for. It did mean I occasionally had to stop and reassess what I'd just read when Cameron's name appeared - and work out whether he had just come back to the present or what interacting with the others.
One thing I did really like though was how it dealt with jealousy. Cameron is the supposed hero, but his friends (who weren't supposed to be there) get to grips with the magical fighting far faster. That doesn't seem to be the norm in my experience of these sorts of books, and it meant there was an exploration of resentment on top of the feelings of inadequacy.
May 7, 2022
A really strong idea and setting, and a plot that could be good. However it read like a friend telling you what happened in a movie, lots of plot points lacking any down time, feelings almost totally missing outside of "I was X" characters lacked personality or development. Like a really good outline or first draft of a book before character details and emotions get put into the story. Very disappointing.
May 28, 2022
4.25-4.5/5
February 21, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5- STARS, WITHOUT A DOUBT.
I'm writing this review as I'm finishing breakfast, so please excuse any mentions of food - like the gif above, it was relevant enough, but the initial attraction was because of the pancakes.
THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN POTENTIAL SPOILERS.
So. My job is to try and hook you or your kids onto this book before you go out and make the purchase. I would like you to think of exploring the world of Wakanda, with a magical mixture of something like C.S Lewis's, Narnia series, or Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series. Cameron Battle incorporates incredible fight scenes, world-building, and dynamic characters. You can't go wrong with a fantasy like this.
Cameron Battle is a 12-year-old boy trying to navigate life after the passing of his mother and father two years prior. Cameron lives with his Grandmother in Atlanta, Georgia, and has two friends, Zion and Aliyah. Cameron finds out that his parents were warriors of the hidden kingdom of Chidani and fought for their people to their death. As a descendant, Cameron Battle must join the fight to save Chidani and his earth from destruction.
Cameron Battle is a riveting hero's journey. However, It's more than your average hero's journey story. It's deeply rooted in African Igbo history and explores concepts that most MG fantasy books are scared to touch on; take the young blossoming queer relationship between Cameron and Zion as an example. The arc of Cameron Battle is palpable and inviting. You start to root for this young man, almost like what happens to him happens to yourself. You want nothing but success for him and his friends. In this hero's journey, we get to see a scared Cameron with an intense amount of pressure on his shoulders transform and become a proper hero. With magical elements that I have never seen explored in a fantasy novel, such as the fighting style Dambe - where the fighter essentially becomes one with nature and moves swiftly with the elements - I could feel I had found a good story.
Cameron Battle was one of those books where I told myself, "Alright, let's read to the next chapter, then we will stop for the night." And of course, what did I do? Well, I would read about three more chapters and look up, and the time had snuck up on me. Likely, being around midnight when I finished. That's how you know you have a good book in your hands. When time just flows unconsciously, like water in a stream.
I love this book so much I even talked to my work's library media department to get this book bought and into the rotation for students to read. I believe this is a story the kids at my school will love. We have a LOT, and I mean, a LOT, of Percy Jackson fans here. But they crave something different; enter Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms.
I would also like to say that the author, Jamar is genuinely a good guy. Jamar and I have talked on several occasions, and he seems to be a caring individual. Jamar is a good friend, and I will continue to support him and his future works. Jamar cares about his message, he cares about his characters, and he cares about his readers. Even better, he knows how to craft a good story that not only takes its reader to another world but teaches the reader that it's okay to need help. It's okay to lose battles, and yeah, it's okay to have self-doubt. But what I found is that they aren't his threat. Rather, the biggest enemy of the whole story was on the other side of the mirror; the internal creature. Cameron's biggest enemy was himself.
I am looking forward to the continuation of Cameron's story. The first book ended on a well enough note that I am okay with waiting. The princess was captured and taken to custody. Cameron returned home, and everything concluded to a resting point. But I still have some pressing questions. What will happen with the spirit of Cameron's mom? Will Aliyah and Zion EVER GIVE STRANGER THINGS A CHANCE?? (not a concern, just a thing that hurts my heart.) The thing that's sticking with me is that one month in Chidani equals one day in earth time. How long will Cameron wait before returning to Chidani? I guess we will find out.
So, all these good things, do I have any disgruntles I'd like to get out. Yes, just one. WHY MUST THEY HATE STRANGER THINGS??? IT IS MY EVERYTHING!!
Thank you for a great story, Jamar. A picture-perfect debut that has already got me hooked. I will be here to support your journey. Bravo Jamar. Keep writing stories for everyone.
I'm writing this review as I'm finishing breakfast, so please excuse any mentions of food - like the gif above, it was relevant enough, but the initial attraction was because of the pancakes.
THIS REVIEW WILL CONTAIN POTENTIAL SPOILERS.
So. My job is to try and hook you or your kids onto this book before you go out and make the purchase. I would like you to think of exploring the world of Wakanda, with a magical mixture of something like C.S Lewis's, Narnia series, or Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson series. Cameron Battle incorporates incredible fight scenes, world-building, and dynamic characters. You can't go wrong with a fantasy like this.
Cameron Battle is a 12-year-old boy trying to navigate life after the passing of his mother and father two years prior. Cameron lives with his Grandmother in Atlanta, Georgia, and has two friends, Zion and Aliyah. Cameron finds out that his parents were warriors of the hidden kingdom of Chidani and fought for their people to their death. As a descendant, Cameron Battle must join the fight to save Chidani and his earth from destruction.
Cameron Battle is a riveting hero's journey. However, It's more than your average hero's journey story. It's deeply rooted in African Igbo history and explores concepts that most MG fantasy books are scared to touch on; take the young blossoming queer relationship between Cameron and Zion as an example. The arc of Cameron Battle is palpable and inviting. You start to root for this young man, almost like what happens to him happens to yourself. You want nothing but success for him and his friends. In this hero's journey, we get to see a scared Cameron with an intense amount of pressure on his shoulders transform and become a proper hero. With magical elements that I have never seen explored in a fantasy novel, such as the fighting style Dambe - where the fighter essentially becomes one with nature and moves swiftly with the elements - I could feel I had found a good story.
Cameron Battle was one of those books where I told myself, "Alright, let's read to the next chapter, then we will stop for the night." And of course, what did I do? Well, I would read about three more chapters and look up, and the time had snuck up on me. Likely, being around midnight when I finished. That's how you know you have a good book in your hands. When time just flows unconsciously, like water in a stream.
I love this book so much I even talked to my work's library media department to get this book bought and into the rotation for students to read. I believe this is a story the kids at my school will love. We have a LOT, and I mean, a LOT, of Percy Jackson fans here. But they crave something different; enter Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms.
I would also like to say that the author, Jamar is genuinely a good guy. Jamar and I have talked on several occasions, and he seems to be a caring individual. Jamar is a good friend, and I will continue to support him and his future works. Jamar cares about his message, he cares about his characters, and he cares about his readers. Even better, he knows how to craft a good story that not only takes its reader to another world but teaches the reader that it's okay to need help. It's okay to lose battles, and yeah, it's okay to have self-doubt. But what I found is that they aren't his threat. Rather, the biggest enemy of the whole story was on the other side of the mirror; the internal creature. Cameron's biggest enemy was himself.
I am looking forward to the continuation of Cameron's story. The first book ended on a well enough note that I am okay with waiting. The princess was captured and taken to custody. Cameron returned home, and everything concluded to a resting point. But I still have some pressing questions. What will happen with the spirit of Cameron's mom? Will Aliyah and Zion EVER GIVE STRANGER THINGS A CHANCE?? (not a concern, just a thing that hurts my heart.) The thing that's sticking with me is that one month in Chidani equals one day in earth time. How long will Cameron wait before returning to Chidani? I guess we will find out.
So, all these good things, do I have any disgruntles I'd like to get out. Yes, just one. WHY MUST THEY HATE STRANGER THINGS??? IT IS MY EVERYTHING!!
Thank you for a great story, Jamar. A picture-perfect debut that has already got me hooked. I will be here to support your journey. Bravo Jamar. Keep writing stories for everyone.
March 12, 2022
Rounded up to (3.5) I love middle grade and was so excited to read Cameron And The Hidden Kingdom a debut fantasy middle inspired by Igbo and West African Mythology.
Cameron, a young black boy is living with his Grandmother after the loss of his parents. He's grown up knowing about his ancestors and listening to stories of Chidani, a fabled kingdom cut of from the world to save the Igbo people. The book of Chidani is a magical book passed down from generations and not only is it filled with legend but shows real time events. The book of Chidani is Cameron's last connection to his Mum and Dad but ever since their disappearance two years ago, the book has been locked in the attic and Cameron forbidden from its hiding place.
When Cameron and his friends go snooping they enter the attic not knowing they are about to be sucked into Chidani. Cameron expects Chidani to be filled with beauty and hidden wonders instead he finds a kingdom in extreme danger, warring sisters, angry gods, and a place full of secrets and revenge. Can Cameron and his friends save his people and bring peace and harmony to Chidani? Can Cameron be the hero that everyone needs?
I've said it before, and I will say it again representation in children's books is so important. Every child deserves to see themselves in stories and Cameron And The Hidden Kingdom achieves this perfectly. There's so many important themes woven into this magical story and I learnt so much yet it didn't take away from the sense of adventure. Fast paced and full of action I really enjoyed the element of friendship and found family. My only criticism is that I would of liked more of that. Overall this is a solid debut and I can't wait to see what Cameron and his friends do next.
A fun, highly adventurous middle grade I definitely recommend this one.
Cameron, a young black boy is living with his Grandmother after the loss of his parents. He's grown up knowing about his ancestors and listening to stories of Chidani, a fabled kingdom cut of from the world to save the Igbo people. The book of Chidani is a magical book passed down from generations and not only is it filled with legend but shows real time events. The book of Chidani is Cameron's last connection to his Mum and Dad but ever since their disappearance two years ago, the book has been locked in the attic and Cameron forbidden from its hiding place.
When Cameron and his friends go snooping they enter the attic not knowing they are about to be sucked into Chidani. Cameron expects Chidani to be filled with beauty and hidden wonders instead he finds a kingdom in extreme danger, warring sisters, angry gods, and a place full of secrets and revenge. Can Cameron and his friends save his people and bring peace and harmony to Chidani? Can Cameron be the hero that everyone needs?
I've said it before, and I will say it again representation in children's books is so important. Every child deserves to see themselves in stories and Cameron And The Hidden Kingdom achieves this perfectly. There's so many important themes woven into this magical story and I learnt so much yet it didn't take away from the sense of adventure. Fast paced and full of action I really enjoyed the element of friendship and found family. My only criticism is that I would of liked more of that. Overall this is a solid debut and I can't wait to see what Cameron and his friends do next.
A fun, highly adventurous middle grade I definitely recommend this one.
April 9, 2022
Cameron Battle and his best friends, Zion and Aliyah, are ready for a sleepover at the house where Cameron lives with his grandmother after the deaths and disappearances of his parents. Shadowy menace abounds, but it is not until Cameron sneaks with his friends into the attic to read a forbidden book that he and his friends find themselves sucked through a portal into the mythic, African land of Chidani. There, Cameron learns he has a great responsibility as The Descendant, to protect his home world and the one of his ancestors, from a danger that stems from a centuries-old bargain with the gods.
Perry's debut is full of lore and locations that resonate with both the fantastical elements of the genre and the long-unhealed scars of a people whose legacy and lives were ripped from their homeland. The results feel like equal parts Wakanda and Narnia, but with a subtle, yet poignant theme of the main character Cameron and his best friend Zion realizing that what they feel for each other may be some kind of young love stirring in both of their pre-teen hearts. This is a book is a non-stop gryphon-ride into magical adventure that will light up the minds and hearts of readers who may have never seen main characters like these centered in a fantasy adventure.
Perry's debut is full of lore and locations that resonate with both the fantastical elements of the genre and the long-unhealed scars of a people whose legacy and lives were ripped from their homeland. The results feel like equal parts Wakanda and Narnia, but with a subtle, yet poignant theme of the main character Cameron and his best friend Zion realizing that what they feel for each other may be some kind of young love stirring in both of their pre-teen hearts. This is a book is a non-stop gryphon-ride into magical adventure that will light up the minds and hearts of readers who may have never seen main characters like these centered in a fantasy adventure.
March 13, 2022
This awesome debut came highly recommended to me by a 9 year old and I have to say - it didn't disappoint!! Such a strong debut that is action packed from beginning to end with amazing friendships you really connect with, cultural mythology and tragic history combined with an adventure where Cameron not only faces a battle of good and evil but has to learn about himself and navigate a new way of life. So much fun, quite the page turner and highly recommended for fans of books like 'Amari and the Night Brothers' or even 'The Gilded Ones' as readers as young as 9 through to adult will enjoy this. I can definitely see this being turned into an epic blockbuster or even a video game. With special thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing for sending me a review copy of this book. I am so glad I picked this up upon recommendation sooner than planned - a great read!
July 17, 2022
Jamar is an amazing story teller!! I was drawn into the story immediately and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. One thing I really loved about this book was the nuances in the heroes and villains. The villains in this story had complex motivations that I could empathize with, and the heroes were not always good. The treatment of these characters was realistic, showing that nobody is perfect and nobody is completely evil. Can’t wait to read book two!
May 23, 2022
While these characters and say, the Rick Riordan characters are the same age, these feel about 2 years younger at about age 10. If there had been more humor, the author could have gotten away with it but the main character spends most of his time whining about his lost (and dead) parents. I respect the pain of losing parents but it really doesn’t need to be mentioned so frequently!
I’m not sure if I’ll read the sequel when it comes out or not. It seems as though this book built the world and accomplished 2 of the 3 tasks. I suppose the next book will be the last task and then the battle with the baddies.
I’m not sure if I’ll read the sequel when it comes out or not. It seems as though this book built the world and accomplished 2 of the 3 tasks. I suppose the next book will be the last task and then the battle with the baddies.
November 17, 2020
This book is amazing! I loved it from the first word! Y’all are not ready for this adventure!
May 5, 2022
An enriching and powerful story of three young friends entering a whole new kingdom and world through a book. The writing is exquisite and engrossing. I loved the friendship between Zion, Cameron, and Aliyah.
May 5, 2022
This was such a fun and heartfelt story. I’m ready for more!
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