The New Brighton Archeological Society- Book One: The Castle of Galomar
by: Mark Andrew Smith and Matthew Weldon
Review by: Lauren
Copy Sent for Review, but All Opinions are Mine.
Official Summary: Out of the ashes of misfortune will rise the next generation of great adventurers! After their parents are lost on an archeological expedition, four children begin to unlock the secrets of their parents’ mysterious lives, discovering a hidden world of mystical artifacts, mythical creatures, and arcane knowledge. Soon they find themselves drawn into a conflict over a great library that has kept two kingdoms at war for centuries, the children must save an enchanted forest, the birthplace of magic itself. Join us as these children become the latest members of the fabled New Brighton Archeological Society, and take their first steps towards their true destiny!
Review:
Siblings Joss and Cooper and Becca and Benny are orphans just starting to realize the true nature of who their parents were. When they find a secret clubhouse, they begin the journey to finish what their parents had lost their lives doing. It’s a fun adventure book that would surely please various ages. I personally enjoyed the character, Mitch, who was a goblin the kids meet along the way. He’s a bit amusing and self-righteous, but a very good friend.
One thing that I found a bit interesting is that everyone seemed to speak as if much older than their years. I don’t know if that’s common in comics or if it’s just this book. It works though. As a fantasy, you have to dispel reality a bit anyway…so it’s nice to see the characters capable of surviving instead of acting like bumbling children.
The ending leaves you on a bit of a cliffhanger when it comes to the central villian Galomar, getting readers excited to read the next installment. The very last page of the book, and I mean the inside of the back over, has one last illustration that had me giggling. It’s a humorous way of wrapping up a loose end that you might actually forget about until you turn that page!
As for the illustrations, I thought they were really well done. There’s a lot of bright colors and all the characters are easily distinguishable from the rest. I really enjoyed looking at the background in some of the panels as it was realistically and intricately done in parts.
This is a fast read and a lot of fun! I’d definitely recommend for those who don’t read a lot or tweens on up.
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