Unexpectedly Magical...
The eighth day was filled with horrible people who blew up entire families during engagement parties, used blood for magic, and imprisoned a teenage girl just because her ten-times-great-grandfather had been a legendary wizard.
-- Chapter 17
This book. Wow. I really enjoyed it and I'm excited to read book 2. In fact, I'll be checking the library for it as soon as I'm done here. I knew the story was going to involve some magic, but I had no idea. This book takes the legend of King Arthur, Merlin, and the Lady of the Lake and uses it to create a brand new story.
Jax is a great character. He is dealing with the loss of his parents and living with a new guardian that he doesn't like and isn't even family. One day, everyone has disappeared and Jax has no idea what is happening. For all he knows, he is the last person left alive. Turns out he is a transitioner - a person who can live in both the normal seven days and in the eighth day. He gradually learns the secrets of the 8th day and more about who his father was. He makes some naive mistakes that I knew were going to be a problem, but they fit in well with his character.
The last third of this book had me on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down.
This book is a fun, quick read; like a fairy tale retelling (which I love), but with the legend of King Arthur as inspiration. It is an original idea and the author did a great job with it.
Recommended to:
Grades 5 - 8. A fabulous fun story that kids will enjoy. Takes the excitement of the King Arthur legend and brings the magic into the current day.
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