 Title: The Magnificent 12: The Call
Author: Michael Grant
Pages:243
Cybil Book #34
Book Website: www.themag12.com (another amazing website – so much to do)
From inside the jacket sleeve
Twelve-year-old Mack MacAvoy suffers from a serious case of mediumness. Medium looks. Medium grades. Medium parents who barely notice him. With a list of phobias that could make anyone crazy, Mack never would have guessed that he is destined for a more-than-medium life.
And then, one day, something incredibly strange happens to Mack. A three-thousand-year-old man named Grimluk appears in the boys’ bathroom to deliver some startling news: Mack is one of the Magnificent Twelve, called the Magnifica in ancient times, whatever that means. An evil force is on its way, and it’s up to Mack to track down eleven other twelve-year-olds in order to stop it. He must travel across the world to battle the wicked Pale Queen’s dangerous daughter, Ereskigal—also known as Risky. But Risky sounds a little scary, and Mack doesn’t want to be a hero. Will he answer the call?
A laugh-out-loud story filled with excitement and magic, The Magnificent Twelve: The Call is the first book in bestselling author Michael Grant’s hilarious new fantasy adventure series.
Join the 12 at the website: http://www.themag12.com/
Book Trailer
My Thoughts
Pros
1.I was not expecting much(did not want to raise my expectations based on previous YA novels) and this book caught me off guard. I loved this book. So much that it has affected my shortlist nominations once again. It is not deep with storyline or development of characters, but there is everything needed to keep students coming back for more with future installments.
2. Some great scenes that made me squirm here or there, but not so graphic that I need to heed warning to parents and students. There is just enough to grab the interest of some reluctant readers or ones that need that edge to keep them interested(I am one of those people). The snake scene was almost too much because I hate snakes and it just made me squirm in my lazy boy.
3. Humor – students need humor to enjoy reading and this has just enough to keep things light and funny.
Cons
1. Being one that has read many books and his other larger novels, it was short in depth. This is a con on my behalf as I like deep novels, but for others this could be a plus. However, based on the age range I think that this might be complex enough. I look forward to finding out how he takes this storyline to the next level.
2. I kept waiting for a connection with the flashbacks. We never bridge the two together, but maybe he has plans for the future.
3. I have to wait for book two as it is not out yet and I hate waiting when I fall in love with a series.
Yes, this is going on my working shortlist and will cause me to take one or two off. A good read for any middle age group. This one can open up the world of Percy Jackson, Pendragon, and all the other series that students might be considering reading. This one is lighter on the reading and will help them get ready for some other fantastic series.
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