When I started this book, I thought...okay, here's goes nothing...let's see what you've got. When I finished this book, I was SO ready for the next installment.
Hannah Grace and her two besties are drawn into a magical, mythical, otherworldly fight for power they never knew existed, and it all surrounds the mysterious Dragon Codex. Just what IS this curious book with swirling worlds and a magnetism seemingly none can deny, and why is Hannah's father so desperate for her to uncover its whereabouts? She doesn't even know what it is exactly, let alone where it could possibly be! Or does she? Things aren't always what they seem in this story and there are more riddles than you can shake a stick at, so finding your way to the exciting end is best left to the semi-professionals; in this case, Hannah. With her friends by her side, and the teachings of karate (and her Dad!) as their guide, there's nothing they can't do...now they just have to BELIEVE that before the whole of the world is under the power of the Big Evil. Good luck kiddos! You SO got this!
This was one EXCITING story! The action never let up, the lessons were never dry, the morals were a good reminder for all, and while aimed at the Middle Grade crowd, I really feel the fan base extends much further than those boundaries. It reminds me in a sense of a Disney movie. It appeals to the kiddos because of the "bright and shiny", but the inside jokes throughout make it a hit with the over toddler crowd. The author spins a tale just out there enough to be considered fantasy, and yet believable enough to make you want to investigate those literary lion statues outside the NYPL. (Seriously! I wonder if there really could be a passage to...) It even uncovers the source of an affliction suffered by bookworms round the world. You know, where you randomly spout literature and get lost in books so completely you think you're there? (Egads! So that's what my problem is...)
In the end, I gotta say it was a great read! I loved the puns and the wit (The Bowling League of Big Evil...seriously?! Hahaha! ^-^), the creativity and imagination employed (our little "master" who helps the kiddos uncover their potential), and the unusual arrival of a particular red furry character that usually "lives" on a street named after (not really) my dad's favorite Chinese dish, who totally kicks butt even in his final moments. (*dun dun dunnnn*) Now that I've returned to the real world (*grumble grumble*), I will keep a watchful eye on the horizon for my next chance to go on a grand adventure with Hannah Grace and whomever might come her way; after all, there is still much to do if she's ever going to finish the...umm, never mind. Just take it from one bookworm to another, this is a perfect addition to your wish list this holiday season.
