Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: The Colonel and The Bee

Author: Patrick Canning

Book Series: Standalone

Rating: 3/5

Publication Date: June 1, 2018

Genre: YA Sci-Fi

Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, slight gore)

Publisher: Evolved Publishing LLC

Pages: 304

Amazon Link

Synopsis: The Amazing Beatrix works as an acrobat in a 19th Century circus, no home or family to speak of. When a daring escape from her abusive ringleader crosses Beatrix's path with that of the daring adventurer Colonel James Bacchus, the unlikely pair team up, fly to safety aboard the Colonel’s miraculous four-story hot air balloon, and begin a grand quest to find the most precious gem in the world, The Blue Star Sphinx.

If the heroes can outmaneuver the deadly treasure hunters, escaped convicts, and double-crosses that await them, they may win the treasure they seek, or better yet, a sense of true belonging.

Witty banter, colorful characters, and exotic locations pack the fantastical, globe-trotting adventure that reads like Sherlock Holmes meets Around the World in Eighty Days.

Review: Overall, this was an ok book. The book had engaging characters and the book did well with the world building.

However, the book didn’t catch my interest that much. The book didn’t feel fun and I felt like I was having to slug through it. The pacing dragged and the story didn’t feel that well suited for young adults. The book’s plot was also not engaging and the world building, while good, did not feel realistic.

Verdict: It was an ok book, but not for me.