I think I wasn't in the mood to read a kids book. It was so fast paced, but it took me so long to finish 😔

The writing has an enjoyable flow so it's a good option for someone younger who's trying to read. The magic system is also very simple, so kids can easily understand. I didn't really enjoy the simplicity tho, it had some plot holes that I hope are explained in the second book.

Like, what do the beetles have to do with their shadows and the separation between someone's light and shadow and why are the shadows like that if, technically, they ate still some kind of human (they must have some motive, right?) Maybe I'm just dumb.

Aside from that, it was still good and the ending made me excited for the sequence 🙏🙏🙏

Thanks to the publisher and author for letting me review this book. This was a fantastic read and drew me in. It has action and adventure and draws you in. I’m hoping there’s a sequel.

Exciting adventure to recapture memories & bring dad home👨‍👦

The plot was fast-paced, full of imagination and fantastical places and creatures, with an ordinary young boy and his two friends on a quest to save Georgie's father that becomes a fight for a much bigger purpose: to save everyone's memories from an evil magicker who, in his quest for a special pen and power revels in his path of destruction. I was totally caught up in Georgie, Apurva and Roscoe's journey to another dimension. But I found the ending abrupt, confusing and sad. I expected an HEA and got what seemed just the opposite!

Thanks to Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Review shared on Waterstones, Goodreads, Bookbub and with Barnes & Noble on 1/25/25.