Book Review: The Kindling by Braden Bell

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When Conner Dell set's the school bully, Geoffrey's  gym shorts on fire by accident, he realizes strange powers inside of him have been ignited.  Things get stranger when Conner, Lexa, his sister and friend, Melissa, discover they are being stalked by a creep.

It is revealed to Conner, Lexa and Melissa that they are warriors of light or Magi whose powers have just Kindled. When other teens in the area disappear, the three of them discover that the forces of Dark are everywhere, trying to find those who are newly Kindled and capture them.

With the help of their teachers, who are also Magi, Conner, Lexa and Melanie must dodge the Dark forces. Their parents try to keep them from joining the powers of the Light and take them to Disneyland. Unfortunately, Conner is kidnapped. Lexa and Melissa are at risk as well. Through careful crafting and lots of action, the three must use their new powers to formulate an escape.

Braden Bell skillfully develops the magical realism in Middle School Magic: The Kindling,
coherently with enough action to keep the reader glued to the pages. A few minor pacing problems don't distract from the novel being a solid middle school reader. Recommended for middle school readers, ages 11-13, who like action adventure and magical realism.

Publishing Information

• July 2012
•  304 pages
• Sweetwater Books
• ISBN: 978-1-4621-1027-8

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**In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received the book at no charge from the publisher for review purposes only. No other compensation was received. My opinions are my own and not influenced by my receiving the book at no charge.