9.9.2014 | Tuesday

A Knight of Witchwood Park

category: Book Reviews
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A Knight of Witchwood Parktitle: A Knight of Witchwood Park
author: S.W. Develin
series: Witchwood Park #2
published: 23 June 2014
publisher: self-published
genre(s): fantasy
pages: 83
source: author
format: eBook
buy/shelve it: Amazon | StoryGraph | Goodreads

rating: four-half-stars | series rating: five-stars

the blurb

Jimmy, the reformed school bully, has accepted his first challenge as the new Knight of the Witchwood. He rides into the swamplands armed with only the Hero’s Sword and his own determination. But the evil Grey Mist hides terrible secrets, from swamp-goblins to a forest made of petrified people – including someone he loves more than he knows. When the swamp goblins attack, Tree Stump the troll and a feisty young girl Jimmy knows as “Ping” ride to his rescue. Together they head for the fabled Witch’s Tower, led by flickering images of a little girl running ahead in the distance. If Jimmy can wake the Witch of Creation, he just might be able to save them all before the sinister Grey Mist consumes them…


my review

A Knight of Witchwood Park is the sequel to A Tale of Witchwood Park, a fantasy series written for younger readers.  This is a short novel, just over 83 novels and it is full of adventure and magic.  I loved the premise behind the first book and I am happy that it continues in this installment.  The heroes of the story are elementary school-age children, providing a great message that kids can be heroes, too.

This book centers around Jimmy who has recently been given the title of Knight by his queen, Kendra.  This is a new role for him, a kid known for his bullying ways in their elementary school.  There is a lovely message there about changing one’s ways.  He is on a quest to find the Wizard and, with his friends, ends up on an adventure against the evil that lives in the woods.  His dad makes an appearance, too, and there is a touching story that revolves around the two of them.

Ping is on the adventures with Jimmy and Tree Stump and she is a great foil for Jimmy.  She doesn’t let him take himself too seriously, even being a little mean to him sometimes.  She is strong and loyal and is a good example for little girls about their ability to be strong and to contribute.

Things to love…

  • Elementary school kids as heroes.
  • The messages imparted.

Things I wanted more/less of…

  • Still more Tree Stump.  There was more of him this time, but I just love him!

There is a bit more violence in this book, but it is not out of hand.  Although the narrative surrounds children about 10yo and younger, I would say the violence level probably makes this a good read fo 9-10+.  I, however, am NOT 9 or 10 and it was also an enjoyable read for me!

About S.W. Develin

S.W. Develin lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania with his wife, Julie, and their three children: Brigid, Jack and Garrett. He has a dog named Pink, a cat named Floyd, and a small kitten disguised as a cow.

Rating Report
plot
four-half-stars
characters
four-half-stars
writing
four-half-stars
pacing
four-half-stars
Overall: four-half-stars

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