I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.

James is an average boy. He does okay in school, but never exceeds expectations. He is not great at sports but is never picked last for teams, and even his mother doesn’t expect big things from him. Which is why James isn’t too surprised when he ends up in the land of Average and is set out on a quest to become the King of Average.

This was a really fun, imaginative and fast-paced read that I really think a middle grade-aged kid will love. There are some great moments in this book, and I really think the author’s sense of humour and imagination were put to some great use in the novel. From the different people - like the Nervous Nellies and the Ninnies - to the map itself and the others lands like the Sea of Doubt, Eureka and Epiphany, the story was put together in a really brilliant way.

I really loved all the characters in this, even Kiljoy, but I think Mayor Culpa - the literal ‘scapegoat’- was mine. James is a great character and I think he will appeal to children the same age as him, especially with some of the doubts he has about himself, as well as the experiences he has in the book like his overwhelming feelings for his first crush. I think this book has a great message in it, and is definitely a great book for kids and fun for adults!