Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Middle Grade Review: Bravo Victor, by Jemima Pett



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Title: Bravo Victor (Princelings of the East #6)
Author: Jemima Pett
Publisher: Princelings Publications, 2014. 181 pages

Summary:
Young Victor from the Inn of Seventh Happiness gets his own adventure in this 6th book in the Princelings series. He is off and about, tracking down a plot to import Wozna cola, and searching for Prince George, who has gone missing with his airplane. His adventures take us to new lands and include encounters with a number of interesting and mysterious characters, some familiar from other books in the series.

Review:
First, though I can't recall if I was sent a review copy or got it from Amazon, this is a book I eagerly awaited and am delighted to review. On the down side, reading it means that I am caught up with all the Princelings books--now I have to wait for Ms. Pett to write more books before I can read any more.

The book of course met my expectations in terms of quality of writing and editing, which are impeccable. The story was complex enough to hold my adult interest, though I think wholly suitable for middle grade children. The Princelings, like my own Ninja Librarian, straddle the age categories, being either children's stories disguised as adult fantasy, or vice versa, and appeal to both age groups. This book contains some tense situations, and a modest amount of violence, but nothing to distress either children or protective parents.

The adventure was gripping, and once I got started, I raced through the book to see what happened next. Again, though some elements of the story might be over a child's head, younger readers will find plenty to draw them in, and will probably just ignore the passages that deal with business (Victor is, after all, trying to become a sort of business guru). I'm not sure whether those slower moments are a good foil to the action or pull it down a little, but nothing is in the story that does not need to be there, so read on and enjoy the creativity of Victor and his creator!

Recommendation:
A fast, fun read with just the right amount of adventure and a little growing-up. I recommend reading all the Princelings books, and while they each stand alone, reading them in order can help a lot. So I recommend this for those who have read at least the first three books, and I recommend the whole series to anyone who enjoys a bit of light fantasy/alternative history and highly imaginative action. Oh, and guinea pigs, as all the characters are (rather anthropomorphic) guinea pigs.

Full Disclosure: I probably picked up a copy of Bravo Victor on a free day of my own volition, and received nothing from the writer or publisher in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions expressed are my own and those of no one else.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

12 comments:

  1. Third attempt at posting a comment. You'd think I'd never done it before. :-)
    Thanks for sharing this intriguing series. YA adventures are my secret indulgence. Hopping by from the blog hop - feel free to hop on back at WriteKidsBooks.

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    1. Thanks for coming by! This is a great series, whether you call it middle grade, YA, and or just general fantasy!

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  2. Thank you so much! And in the KLBH too :D

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    1. But of course! I managed to stay awake long enough to read this in just a few evenings, after long days trekking over 15 and 16,000' passes. Talk about setting a challenge, and Victor passed with flying colors (I even stayed awake until almost 10 p.m. the night I finished it!).

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  3. Love the sound of anthropomorphic guinea pigs! Nice review!

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    1. "anthropomorphic guinea pigs" could be the name of a new rock band. . .

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  4. I love your books! Victor looks like a wonderful and adventurous character worth reading about!
    Thank you for linking up at the KidLit Blog Hop!

    Maria
    www.musicteachingandparenting.com

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    1. Thanks, Maria! Yes, do take a look at Victor, and all his guinea pigean compatriots. Thanks for coming by.

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    2. Am I allowed to point out that the first in the series "The Princelings of the East" is free, if you want to start at the beginning?

      I hope you enjoy Victor, Maria, he first appears in that one :)

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    3. Of course! It's a great opportunity!

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  5. Thanks for sharing your review of Jemima's Princelings' book on the Kid Lit Blog Hop! She is a good author.

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    1. She is! I can't wait for her to finish the "Viridian System" book about Big Pete and the Swede!

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