Luminescence (Middle School Magic #3), YR, 2014, 320p, Rating=5
Source: provided by publisher/author in exchange for an honest review
Determined to rescue their favorite teacher, Conner, Lexa, and Melanie confront their worst fears and use their powers in unexpected ways to defeat Lady Nightwing, the treacherous Darkhand leader. But when the trio makes a terrible choice to save Dr. Timberi, their powers may not be enough to keep everyone alive. A thrilling conclusion to the Middle School Magic series!
The cliffhanger to book two was so good that I couldn't wait to put my nose into this finale. It did not disappoint! The trio and my fav, Pilaf, were back for new adventures that would test their powers and friendship even more. Their growth proved considerably in this conclusion, well, mainly to two of them.
Oh, Mr. Bell kept me on my toes! Was Dr. Timberi really alive or has Lexa gone bonkers? The supposed loss of Dr. Timberi seemed to put a strain on the trio, will their friendship endure? Lexa was racked with so much guilt that I was sure it'd change her, to what degree? Melanie's dad, he was hiding something! Then Timothy, I can sense that something big was going to happen at the tribunal. Of course, my dear Pilaf, I was rooting for his test to be positive. What ended up being the answers to these questions? You'll have to read it to find out but suffice to say that I was treated to a twisty, poignant ending. Bittersweet and fantastic windup to the series! Which leads me to ask, "Is there such a thing as 'Oops, that wasn't the final installment!' book?", because I want one of those for this series. ;)
The fondness for this book (the series for that matter) for me was the heartfelt message of love. It rang crystal clear in the experiences of these young characters, the sweet inclusion of music, the examination of good vs evil, and the dynamics of human relationships. It's the message that I think young readers need more of and I'm glad to say they'll get it in this series and be entertained in the process. So make a 3-inch room in your bookcase for these books, filed with your "great reads" collection. I did.
About the Author
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During his middle school years, Braden Bell was the least-stable, lowest-achieving student in the history of the world. He shocked every former teacher by graduating from high school and college, and then going on to earn both a Master’s degree as well as a Ph.D. A teacher by day and a parent by night, he is around teenagers 24/7. He teaches music and directs plays at a private school, much like Marion Academy in The Middle School Magic series. Whether he fights evil after hours is something he cannot disclose.
Braden Bell holds degrees in theatre from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. from NYU. A committed educator, he has been directing plays and teaching school now for over twenty years. Braden lives with his family on a quiet, tree-lined lot outside of Nashville, TN, where he teaches theatre and choir at a middle school. The author of The Road Show, The Kindling, and Penumbras.
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Thank you, Jinky! What a wonderful review. I appreciate your time and thoughts!
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