Jamar J Perry

A great Middle Grade read and debut by this author inspired by Igbo and West-African Mythology and it's compared to Percy Jackson and doesn't disappoint. It's about family and learning and Cameron figuring things out about himself. I love reading and seeing other parts of the world and cultures in books like the West-African Mythology and such in this one. It's always refreshing to get a unique perspective and view on things told and viewed through a different lens. The magic is also great and this story has it all with the action, adventure, fantasy, magic, friendship, family, and more. It does have a few things to be aware of like death and violence. I'm glad I got to read this and am excited to see what happens in the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA Children's Books/Bloomsbury Children's Books for letting me read and review this fantastic MG story. All thoughts and opinions are my own.… (meer)

Full Review: https://readingbeyondthebookcover.com/book-review-cameron-battle-and-the-hidden-...

Initially, I thought I'd enjoy the book in its entirety, but I did not. I suggested it to others after listening to only 32% of the book. In hindsight, I shouldn't have. Surprisingly, as the book progressed, my interest and enjoyment declined. The first 30% was enjoyable because I enjoyed the children being children. Poking fun at each other and having carefree conversations was the catalyst behind me prematurely suggesting it because some parts made me laugh.

I am aware that I am not the target audience for this book. However, I do feel that even if I were, I would not have finished it. My reason for saying so is due to the lack of character development. Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms has several characters and is written in a way that does not allow the reader to become familiar with the character beyond the surface. If I choose to read more from this world, I hope that this misstep does not reoccur in the next book in the series.

Another element that was more me and not the book is the fighting scenes. I'm not a fan of them, but I'm sure that this element will be a redeeming quality for readers who are. There's plot progression from training sessions to combat that highlights Cameron, Zion, and Aliya's confidence in quick and precise movements and transformations in other physical prowess. Readers who appreciate battle scenes in their books will stay engaged with Cameron's journey, for the special instruments he's tasked to seek out, require a fighter's spirit to procure. Their obstacles are many, and there's no shortage of malevolent, meanspirited, and questionable characters to orchestrate them.

Again, I may not have enjoyed the book, but I can see how it would be enjoyable for others. I recommend this book to readers who like their middle-grade fantasy, fast-paced, full of adventure, combat, history, and West African-inspired mythology. This book would be best read in a group setting, as there are mythos and history peppered throughout the book and it does require close reading and discussion to understand. I admittedly had trouble keeping up with the names and powers of the Igbo Gods and Goddesses, so get ready to Google, do your research, and annotate.… (meer)