Author: S.R.R. Colvin
Publication Date: October 2009
Genre: MG Fantasy
Copy provided by: Traveling ARC Tours
Summary (via Goodreads):In a refreshing change, along comes a children's book that does not rely on magic to explain the unexplainable. The Krybosian Stairpath puts forth the notion that just because you don't understand something, it doesn't mean there must be magic behind it. Knowledge and perspective can make all the difference.
Enter a world of wonder deep inside the earth as 11-year-old geologist Madison Terrence follows her pet gopher down a stairpath portal she discovers in her family's cavern. When she descends the Krybosian Stairpath, a mystery from her family's past begins to unravel. She soon realizes her arrival in the interior world of Krybos is no accident. Madison discovers that she's been pulled into a sinister plot to destroy the most beautiful place she has ever seen.
Why I read this: The novel looked intriguing and I'm all for books that travel to different worlds.
Plot: A trio of kids stumble upon a staircase in the underground caverns of their house and discover that it leads to a whole other world. This book contained the usual bad guys wants X object, main character has X object, and then a struggle/adventure ensues. I like the mix of geology with magic. The explained and unexplainable all in one book. Actually, the plot was fun, but my only complaint was that I really wanted more description, more depth into this other world.
Characters: Madison is a logical girl, but does not blanch at the magical nature of the world she discovers. I felt like the author really wrote Madison's character well and could see who she really was. I have to admit, her little brother, Mica, annoyed me quite a bit, but little brothers are often bothersome. The author really had the lingo down for annoying little brother speak.
The bad guy was not that scary and his minions were more comical than frightening. It reminded me of the two minion to Hades in the Disney movie Hercules.
Relatability: Definitely a plot often seen in fantasy and one the reader can easily follower. Anyone with an annoying younger sibling can definitely relate to this book as well.
Cover Commentary: Kind of boring, to be honest...
Rating: 3/5 
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Too bad the book was boring-I don't think I would enjoy this one but liked your review
ReplyDeleteThanks for linking to the Reading Challenge. I also started following your blog on the Networked Blog button.
ReplyDeleteKarin
I don't think this book is for me. Too many books and too little time to read 3 star books.
ReplyDeleteI was pretty sure when you started talking about the plot using X that this was not going to be a rave review. Made me chuckle though.
ReplyDeleteNot sure this is one I would read but I do appreciate your honest review
ReplyDeleteHmm it does sound interesting. Maybe if I saw it at a library I'd read it but I wouldn't go out of my way to look for it.
ReplyDeletei might recommend thid to my younger brother.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't pick it up based on the cover alone.
nice review
Seahn
The bad guy was not that scary and his minions were more comical than frightening.
ReplyDeleteThis part of your review truly reminds me of Capricorn and his minions in Inkheart *lol* They are really funny at parts too! And I have to agree with you regarding the book covers. It can be a lot better than that.
ohh..it's a let down to know it's not that good and kind of boring..
ReplyDeletetoo bad it was a let down
ReplyDeleteVery good review. Really doesnt seem like my type of book though.
ReplyDelete