Ever wondered what it takes to be a hero in a magical world? In 'Spellbinders: The Not-So-Chosen One' by Andrew Auseon, seventh-grader Ben Whitlock hilariously discovers the answer. Swept into a fantasy quest beyond his wildest dreams (and nightmares), Ben's adventure is filled with flying narwhals, old mystics, and a relentless mission that challenges everything he thought he knew about heroism. Join us on this thrilling book tour, sponsored by Rockstar Book Tours and published by Yearling. Plus, don’t miss your chance to win a copy in our exclusive giveaway!
My Book Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
When it comes to humor in middle-grade fantasy, Andrew Auseon's 'Spellbinders: The Not-So-Chosen One' is a shining example of how to do it right. From the very first page, I found myself cracking up at the clever, witty banter and hilarious situations that seventh-grader Ben Whitlock finds himself in. Auseon’s comedic timing and playful tone make this book a delight to read, and it’s sure to keep young readers—and their parents—laughing throughout.
Ben Whitlock, a middle schooler who would much rather escape into the fantasy worlds of his games than tackle his math homework, suddenly finds himself thrust into a real-life adventure. Mistaken for a prophesied hero by a teenage girl/assassin and transported to a fantastical realm, Ben's journey is filled with flying narwhals, old mystics in flip-flops, and a series of tasks that are as ridiculous as they are dangerous. The humor is spot on, making even the direst situations feel lighthearted and fun.
One of the standout features of 'Spellbinders' is the font choice, which is particularly engaging for struggling readers like my son. The playful and easy-to-read font helps to keep the reader's attention and makes the text less daunting. This thoughtful design element shows that the publishers really considered their young audience, making the reading experience more enjoyable and accessible.
While the book is a hilarious ride, there were a few parts where I felt the pacing dragged a bit. Some sections seemed to stretch on longer than necessary, which momentarily slowed the otherwise fast-paced and engaging narrative. However, these slower parts are minor blips in an otherwise stellar read.
Overall, 'Spellbinders: The Not-So-Chosen One' is a fantastic middle-grade fantasy novel that delivers laughs, adventure, and a unique take on the classic hero's journey. Andrew Auseon has crafted a story that is both entertaining and relatable, with a protagonist who learns that being a hero is about more than just playing the part. It’s a delightful book that I highly recommend, especially for readers who enjoy a good laugh and an epic quest. This one earns a well-deserved 4½ stars from me!
Thank you to Yearling and Andrew Auseon for the book and my honest review. Don't miss out on your chance to win a copy of 'Spellbinders: The Not-So-Chosen One' by Andrew Auseon! Join the book tour, sponsored by Rockstar Book Tours and published by Yearling, and enter our exclusive giveaway for a chance to dive into this magical adventure.