What a fun middle grade read! I don't really understand the low ratings for this one, but I have to assume that the majority are due to one of two things: (1) they expected more of a YA read than a middle grade one and couldn't identify with the voice or (2) they are too overwhelmed by the popularity of the "chosen one" and magic school tropes and couldn't see this one for it's unique properties. Are there elements of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, and How to Train Your Dragon in the plot? Absolutely. But there are a lot of tropes that have been reused over and over again with much success. I see no reason why it can't be the same for Skandar

Modern middle grade readers will likely be in love with this series. It is fun, imaginative, and builds great tension and mystery for a continuing series. The characters are interesting and I enjoyed the dynamic between them. They are written well for the middle grade set, but they could admittedly use a bit more depth. The writing is fun and light and the plot is easy to follow. Adult readers will likely find it a little simplistic or easy to predict, but for middle grade readers it will be just right. And for me...it was just a lot of fun.

I enjoyed my read quite a bit and I'm looking forward to where this series goes.