Genres: Fiction, Paranormal, Mystery, Middle Grade
Rating: 4 stars
Target Audience: Tween/Middle Grade
Book Blurb: Steven Van Helsing, a young boy with a troubled past discovers he has a mysterious family background and strength of character as yet untapped. Along with his new friends, the monster-loving tomboy Kelly and Will the smart werewolf, he pursues an ancient relic to defeat an ancient foe. During his adventure, Steven must learn that the things he thought were flaws were actually strengths. (From Amazon)
Review:
~I'd like to thank the author for sending me a free copy in exchange for my honest review!~
This was a fun mystery. One thing I really liked, was how there was an underlying theme of courage, family, and true friendship. It was really fun to get to know the characters and see how they complete the parts of their "quest".
However, the story/dialogue was a bit cheesy at times (like, reading this as a teenager I think sometimes things were worded a little too "sophisticated" for a teenager), but it was mostly in the after-quest-reflection times (basically when they share what they learned from their questing experience) and pep-talks.
Overall though, this was a good book, and I look forward to reading the sequel, and seeing the "power trio" complete this quest!
Things I Loved:
-Fun mystery
-Positive underlying themes
-It was fun to get to know the characters throughout the book
Things I Didn't Love:
-The dialogue was a little cheesy/unrealistic at times
In Conclusion: If you're looking for a fun, new middle-grade mystery packed with paranormal creatures like vampires, werewolves, and a great power trio, go pick this one up!
Recommended?: Yes!