Today's read should dip its toes into spooky mystery with hints of fantasy and starts off a new series. It just hit the shelves a few days ago, so it's hot off the press. I love the idea of an abandoned theater in the middle of the woods, and there's even whispers of murder.
So, let's open this one up and see if it makes a lovely Summer read!
THE ABANDONED THEATER
Alderland Series, Book One
by Dana Robertson
Our Street Books
Middle Grade Fantasy
185 pages
ages 8 to 12
Deep in the woods of the Winnodov property sits the abandoned theater. Something mysterious happened during the last performance there - the same night Mr. Winnodov disappeared. Eight years later, it’s happening again. A group of mischievous teenagers sneaks into the theater. And now, one is missing. When 12-year-old Beth Shoner learns who the missing teen is, she sets off with two friends to find him. But what they discover is more astonishing than they could ever have imagined. Now, Beth must defeat an evil plan unleashed long ago that threatens to destroy countless worlds, including their own.
MY TIDBITS
A mysterious theater delights with a touch of spookiness, fantasy, and, maybe, murder.
An abandoned theater sits in the middle of the woods, once a glorious place but left alone after the mysterious disappearance of a man. Now, Beth's own friend has gone missing while exploring the theater, and she's determined to discover what happened to him. But there's more involved than just an ordinary, spooky theater, and Beth soon finds herself not only solving the mystery around her friend but also the mystery of her own past.
These pages dive into a tale, which reminds a bit of the magic of books like The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as it takes a group of friends into a fantastical world...but with a twist of spooky mystery and an abandoned theater. The setting invites in with the world building—just enough to let the eerie atmosphere flow without bogging down. This allows the action to remain quick as clues and surprises lurk at every turn, especially in the later half of the read. The mystery is by no means easy to guess and will keep readers wondering at the truth behind not only the disappearances but also Beth's past.
While the secrets and spooks propel the first chapters forward, the scenes alter from the 'real' world into one of fantasy. The crumbs for this come right away thanks to Beth's amulet, which she always keeps close. She's unsure about her own past, which opens the question right away as to what's truly happening and weaves well with her attempt to find her missing friend. Luckily, her other friends are at her side, and offer the needed support and spice. The personalities and character richness isn't quite as filled out as it might be, which gears it toward the younger end of the intended age group, but the maturity of the characters and concerns steers it toward the upper end. With a bit more length, there could have been more depth and richness, but on the other hand, it keeps the read short and quick, which is also more inviting for readers with less patience.
It's a lovely start to a series, which mixes fantastical elements with just enough leans towards the spooky and mysterious to promise so much more possibilities to come.
And here she is...
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