Galadria: Peter Huddleston and the Rites of Passage
By: Miguel Lopez de Leon
ISBN: 9781609560089
Published March 3, 2011 by Wakestone Press LLC
Available Format: Paperback, ebook
My Rating: ★★★★★
Peter Huddleston has a dreadfully boring life in his little boring town with his boring father and stepmother. Although he has the best of intentions, Peter can never quite fit in or stay out of trouble. His harmless mistakes manage to be blown further and further out of proportion. Finally, his father reaches his breaking point and sends him to stay the summer with his Aunt Gillian at her home, Hillside Manor.
Peter quickly learns that Hillside Manor is anything but ordinary. The vast manor is a gateway to Galadria where Peter’s maternal family rules, meaning Peter is destined to be the Crown Prince. Before he can wear that title, Peter must master The Rites of Passage while facing the threat of Knor of the House of Shadowray who covets the Galadrian throne. With his trusty boomerang and magical trinkets, Peter strives to prove himself worthy to be the heir and finally find the place where he belongs.
I won a paperback copy of Galadria: Peter Huddleston and the Rites of Passage in a Library Thing giveaway.
I was super impressed with this book! It is recommended for ages eight and up, but it is truly perfect for everyone. It is written so well. The shape and size of the font and the spacing on the page is great for younger readers. The vocabulary is advanced enough to “teach” something yet simple enough to not be overwhelming. The story flows seamlessly. Peter is a familiar and likable protagonist. The transition from his dreary hometown to the colorful and exciting life at Hillside Manor really grabs the reader’s attention. The characters are all fascinating—from the quirky and amusing Monty and Ms. Homebody, to the beautiful and graceful Aunt Gillian, to the angry hippopotami and the stunning and powerful tiger, Rune. There has to be a character or two that the reader cannot help but adore. Even the mansion itself, with its 3000 rooms, diverse animal preserve, and enchanting flower garden, could be considered a personality in itself. The action really builds as Peter goes through the rites and climaxes at just the right time near the end of the book. The reader is left with enough curiosity to continue on with the series, without being left confused or unfulfilled. I absolutely loved it! I'm looking forward to reading the series with my children.
Grab a copy of Galadria: Peter Huddleston and the Rites of Passage and try it out for yourself!!
