Miguel Lopez De LeonBesprekingen

I got this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed this book. It was interesting and the characters were enjoyable.

I got this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoyed this book. It was interesting and the characters were enjoyable.

Won as a Goodreads giveaway, but this did not affect my opinion nor review.

A fairy tale novella about an 18-year old princess, Nia, whose mother seems obsessed with finding her a husband by hosting a grand ball with eligible princes from neighboring kingdoms. Nia is a free spirit, who wants to be taken seriously, and whose closest friend is a dog named Fetch. They enjoy exploring outside the palace, in the forest where witches live. When disaster strikes, Nia has to find and convince non-traditional allies to come fight and rescue the kingdom, unveiling the surprising guilty parties.

Peter Huddleston & The Knights of the Leaf by Miguel Lopez de Leon is the final book in the Galadria trilogy. Peter and his grandfather seek out the Knights of the Leaf to help in the raging war.

This book picks up where the second book left off. It is full of imaginative creatures. A fast paced story, and wonderful characters. There were a few things that I knew were coming, but these things didn't get in the way of my enjoyment. Wonderful trilogy.

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own.

Peter Huddleston & The Mists of the Three Lakes by Miguel Lopez de Leon is the second book in the Galadria trilogy. Peter returns to Hillside Manor to learn all he can about his new realm, Galadria.

This books starts where the first book, Peter Huddleston & The Rites of Passage, left off. I found this book to be a bit slower paced, but it did not hinder my reading. This story is very imaginative, and the characters are well fleshed out. I enjoyed the first book so much that I bought this book, as I had won the first and third books in a Goodreads giveaway. A great trilogy for middle grade children.

I won The Unicorn in a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions are my own. The Unicorn by Miguel Lopez de Leon is a story of teenage twin boys that have a wonderful family life only to find that their lives are drastically changed when their parents separate. This story is quite a challenge for me to review. When I first started reading this book I was enjoying the magical and whimsical story, then all of a sudden it became all too serious. I had never read a book as extreme of mystery and magic as this book was. I honestly don't know what the purpose of the magic was for. It had no bearing on the story, for me personally. I do like Miguel's writing, though. He pulled me in and kept me interested. The characters were well fleshed out and believable. I didn't, however, enjoy the ending. I felt that I had been cheated out of closure with this story.

I won Peter Huddleston & The Rites of Passage in a Goodreads giveaway, and this is my honest review. Peter Huddleston & The Rites of Passage is the first book of the Galadria fantasy trilogy by Miguel Lopez de Leon. I didn't know what to expect when I opened this book, but I wasn't expecting to be swept away from the first page. The main character, Peter, finds himself in trouble and is sent away to live with his aunt. He finds himself having to prove himself, and having an unbelievable adventure, and meeting wonderful, and not so wonderful, characters. The characters are very vivid, and the story flows smoothly. I just couldn't put this book down! I'm definitely adding this trilogy to my physical collection of books! Fantastic job, Miguel!

I'm sorry to say it, but this is not a good book.

The twins Alex and Jason are supposed to be 17. However they come across more like pre-teen boys, or maybe very young 13 year olds. They have a 'gift', of sorts, with Alex being able to make animals talk and Jason sharing a similar rapport with inanimate objects. Or so I assume. Talking birds, tea cups and sea sprites show up for a fraction of a scene and vanish into thin air, with no more notice taken of them by the characters than a stop sign.

This is the only part of the book I almost liked. If this had been the focus of the story, two boys - and their family - treating these magical events like commonplace things and using them as an ordinary person might use a phone or a door, it could have lent an interesting angle to any story.

But it was a thought that was never fully explored. In fact, nothing in this novella is fully explored. When the twins and some fellow students beat another student bloody - after he's bullied the twins - it's shrugged off in a 'boys will be boys' excuse. There are no consequences, and no character growth. It's just a scene there to prove to us these boys are, what, not afraid to stand up to bullies?

Unfortunately, it's handled so poorly and briefly that it adds nothing to the story.

What little story there is revolves around their father's affair - abruptly tossed into the story a third of the way in - and their mother's falling apart when he leaves her. This part of the book could have been - and perhaps was meant to be - the focus of the story. Unfortunately her breakdown is handled clumsily, cartoonishly, and almost insultingly.

Because this is more a short story than a full length novel not everything could be gone into in any detail, but I think it could have been done better than this. I do not recommend this book to anyone.

* I received a free copy of this book through Good Reads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review.

Like the book series this offering so clearly reminds me of, I did not start with the first book. Also, like the Harry Potter books, that did not diminish my enjoyment in the least. This is a fun tale of a boy who is unaware of another world, is which he has a prominent place, who is thrust into learning and adventures. We once again have a powerful villainous foe, who seems to keep recharging and gathering allies to once again attack. It's an entertaining introduction to a whole new world.

This is a short book that can be read in one setting. It is definitely geared for YA Adults. The book was given to me to read, so I followed through on reading it, but it was not my favorite book.

To me it was an odd story of a struggling author who writes a book, but the book publisher closes so the book never gets published. The author falls into a deep depression, has some mishaps and struggles with alcoholism. In his downward spiral of contemplating his existence, he encounters mystical creatures and fairies who save him from his destruction. He then decides to write another book that he promises to make a real difference in this world. This is the book.

The book did not meet my expectations of saving the world, or a book that would change the world. But the author did follow through with his description on the back cover about what the book was about. For him writing the book did change his life, and shown him never to give up on yourself so one life was saved.

Received complimentary from Goodreads Giveaways for a honest review.

Not just a great fantasy but a moving tale of recovery after losses suffered from alcohol addiction.

I would recommend this to fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson.

(There are 3 books so far. Kindle Unlimited)



Peter Huggleston is a peculiar boy. He doesn't much care for his stepmother and since his real mother's death, doesn't have much of a relationship with his father. After an incident involving his boomerang and his stepmother's best friend, he finds out that he has a maternal aunt, Gillian, and that he will be staying with her for the summer.



Hillside Manor, his Aunt's home, is not at all what he expected it to be. His father and him entered through a front gate large enough to make the car they rode in look as small as a potato. The structure before him is easily the largest he had ever seen. He is greeted at the door by the house secretary, Mrs. Smith, and the House Host, Monty.



Aunt Gillian tells Peter that she is queen of the Realm of Galadria (the golden realm) and it is time for her to name her successor. She has had no children so naturally she has chosen him to take her spot. She tells him that because of his youth ad absence from Galadria that a man named Knor has challenged his spot on the throne. Knor's family is known for it's violence, and cruelty. If he were to gain the throne, Galadria would in grave of civil war.



“I ask you to agree to a life of great privilege and great responsibility. You would not be expected to rule or make decisions in any capacity until I step down from the throne...which will not happen until I am a very old woman.” she added with a wink.

“Until then, what would I do?” he asked wonderingly.

“You would be formally presented to the council, and would spend your summers at Hillside learning about Galadria and spending your time on the grounds. There would also of course be the occasional ceremony to introduce you to the rest of the nobles, but those events are held here at the manor. Then when you came of age, you would go through the traditional 'Rights of Passage,' a series of challenges that the rulers of Galadria must pass, as I did, to prove your readiness and ability to the council.”

“And what if I choose not to accept?” he asked.



Peter must prove himself a worthy successor by successfully completing a series of challenges called The Rite of Passage. In order to get ready for these he spends his days training and studying. A unknown person goes to great measures to try to scare Peter away from completing tasks ahead of him.



This book reminds me a lot of the Harry Potter books. I was completely engrossed in this book from beginning to end. There is magic, hidden lands only accessible by portals, and mythical creatures. The world that author has built is amazing and very unique.

An interesting introduction to a well thought out magical realm that includes new words, foods and customs and is a great start to a compelling new fantasy series.

The satisfying and moving conclusion to the Galadria series is a must read.

This was a very cute book. The language used in the book was very reminiscent of Harry Potter. This could be a very nice series for someone who feels like there isn't enough magic in their lives since the HP series concuded. With that said however, don't do too much comparing to the Harry Potter series. Those books were epic and it will be decades before anyone comes close to achieving the same magic. But if we put Harry Potter asside for awhile and look at this book simply on its own it really was a very nice book. An easy read and easily acceptable reading for younger readers. The characters were lovley. Peter's buttler Monty was a hoot. And I have to say a large friendly white tiger was a lovley touch. I could have done with a little but more surprise in the ending, I never like the bad guys to be so obvious, but overall it was a throughly enjoyable and fun book.

This is an easy, entertaining book that a younger me would have completely adored. The start was awkward, yes, but who hasn’t felt like they live in a terribly beige world with oddly named relatives and acquaintances? The book does pick up, and my inner child was giggling throughout. More than anything, this book is fun. I’d love a tiger. I’d love a Monty. I’d love to be swept away to a place like Galadria. Or at least, my inner child would.

I think this book is done a disservice by being the first of a series. Aimed at a younger demographic, it is necessarily shorter than it could, (or should?) have been. But it grants its younger readers clarity; it allows its older readers a fun, quick escape. I’m looking forward to the second installment of this series, and expect it to be just as enjoyable as the first.

It’s true - it doesn’t have the best of starts.

Whereas some books, like the Chronicles of Narnia, can charm their way into the reader’s heart through the sparing use of allegory; I felt as if I was being beaten to death with the metaphor of “beige” for the first few pages. I hasten to say that I actually put it down a couple of times through sheer boredom before forcing myself through it.

In the end, persistence paid off and I actually enjoyed it, even though it was not my usual cup of tea.

The absolute best thing about this book is that it does not talk down to those reading it. Remembering that this is aimed at young adults, it does not shy away from delving into the politics of the council, or throwing in a word here or there that they may (heaven forbid) be encouraged to look up. And best of all it’s funny – anyone with a sense of humor will find themselves laughing aloud.

Once we get to Gillian’s estate, the story really takes off. De Leon paints a world that any child will go to sleep dreaming they were a part of - from a fantastic house to portals, expansive gardens/zoo, “creamers”, and a lovely pet tiger named Rune. Not to mention Monty, possibly the most charming character ever written.

I must point out that the second half of the book far outshines the first - I really do wish that we saw more of Galadria; I think that more focus could have been put on the actual rites of passage. However, when the reader actually gets to those chapters – De Leon does not let them down! (Except maybe Soul Searching, I think most readers will find this chapter to be a total cop out.) Each rite feels like it’s own little adventure, probably affording to De Leon’s experience as a short story author.

Word of warning for the artistically minded - aesthetically the book leaves a lot to be desired. The images at the beginning of the chapters are just random; predominantly the picture of the House of Commons which is toting itself as, what I can only assume to be, the Council of Galadria. The chapter images are not the same size/style/image quality and I think probably cheapened the whole book quite a lot.

All in all - I finished the book feeling quite well set up for a series, but not let down as I felt the story stood alone admirably. My recommendation would be find your inner child (the one that was waiting for a letter from Hogwarts on their 11th birthday), read the book, and watch the sales of boomerangs skyrocket…½

I read this book all the way through just so I could write this review. I was disinterested within the first 20 pages. I think the author was trying to write for a young audience (maybe 7-12) but didn't quite succeed. There are parts where a kid might laugh, for instance when a teacher is hard of hearing and tries to repeat what the child is saying and messes it up. But otherwise I found the whole book to be choppy and not fully formed. The concept, however, was good; I just wish there had been a bit more development for the storyline and characters.

What do you get when you type "Galadria" into Google?

"Did you mean: Galadriel?"

Oh, honey, if only.

While I'm sorry to dislike a book by someone with the wonderful name of Miguel L. De Leon, I'm afraid that day has come. Galadria is derivative and charmless. I'm assuming this is an advance unedited copy, so I won't rag on it for the constant misuse of words. I read the first third and skimmed the rest so I could review it with a clear conscience.

The protagonist, Peter, is a teenaged boy who has always felt different from everyone else. He hates his stepmother and her boring house and cooking, and he feels little connection to his defeated father. Peter reacts violently when a friend of his mother says something mean about his real mother (shades of Harry Potter, though Harry's reaction was unintentional; Peter just throws his boomerang around her store, breaking things) and is sent away to live with his aunt.

This first section is overdone. Peter comes across as pouty and entitled (I mean, dude, if you don't like her food, learn to cook) and borderline violent. The last name "Twickeypoo" is twee and jarring. No-one's cat is named Pukey.

His aunt lives in a huge pretty mansion with friendly servants who give him lots of nice food (which is described at great length), a beautiful room with lots of chocolates, etc. etc. must I go on here? There's a zoo. There's lots of tapestries and a heavy-handed hint of danger. Suffice it to say that Peter finds out about a wonderful inheritance and must prove himself worthy of it.

Hundreds of YA and fantasy novels have been written with more or less this plot, but De Leon (man, I love that name) has dropped the ball here. I don't feel any magic, any intellectual spark, or any warmth towards the characters.

This book is Ah-May-ZING!!! It's a wonderful middle grade read. If your not easily turned away from books that are aimed towards the younger age group and your young at heart, you'll love Galadria: Peter Huddleston and The Rites of Passage.
Miguel L. De Leon did very well to have me adore at least one if not all Galadria's characters. I want a quirky monty for myself *pouting* Where can I have one!!?? LoL
Right from the start at around page 3 I was already snickering; Galadria is filled with humorous tid-bits that won't ever get you feeling bored. I enjoyed the way the Author used the color beige to overly emphasize the dullness of how Peter's life is. It helped to create how marvelous and magical the manor compares. It was light hearted and I couldn't help but to keep turning the pages until I got to the end. I felt like a child all over again where I was read to at bed time. There were even times when my eyes were near to tears. =)
What threw me off at first is when I read in the excerpt about the boomerang for a main object/weapon. But how it was utilize in the story was perfect for Peter's tale.

A massive manor, exotic animals, eccentric characters, unearthly trinkets, action action and more action, a strong story line that compels you to read till all hours of the night. What more could you ask for!? =D .....for me? My very own white tiger please.

Thank you Miguel and Wakestone for this opportunity of having a glimpse into Galadria and Hillside Manor.

I can't wait to read book #2.

I won this book in the Early Review giveaway from LibraryThing, and I'm so mad at myself for not reading this book a lot sooner than I did. I have to admit, it started off, not necessarily slow, just not all that interestingly for me, but I knew that was the point the author was trying to make. That the main character, Peter, doesn't live an exciting life. However, the whole symbolism of how everything that was supposed to be boring was beige, just got old after a while. Also, I never understood why if Aunt Celeste owned the store where the boring people of the town could buy their beige products, then why did she dress so flambouyantly?

But that's just my own inner-costumer speaking, and I didn't hold it against the book. Because once Peter leaves his own and moves in with his Aunt Gillian we start to learn about the intriguing world of Galadria. The author came up with a very imaginative world, and since I don't want to give any secrets away I'll just say the his world is definately well thought out. I also loved how he came up with the idea of Creamers, and how there was such a love for sweets among the characters in this book.

This book was a quick read, but a very enjoyable one. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys middle grade fantasy books.

I was surprised and delighted by how much I enjoyed this book, Galadria: Peter Huddleston and The Rites of Passage by new author, Miguel Lopez DeLeon. I was initially drawn in by the description on LibraryThing early reviewers because the plot sounded a lot like The Chronicles of Narnia, which I love. And in a lot of ways it is like The Chronicles of Narnia, but it is a little less complex and lacks the allegorical aspects that C.S. Lewis adds to his writings. That is not to say it is bad, it is just different.
When I received the book I suffered a moments hesitation as to whether or not it would be something I would enjoy because I saw that it was from a small, independant publishing house and I have suffered reading press books in the past because of manuscripts so riddled with typesetting and gramatical errors as to make it unreadable. Thankfully, this was not the case with this book. It is well written, well edited, and an enjoyable read. I found it a little slow in the beginning, but the ending was pretty well done and I enjoyed discovering the world of Galadria alongside Peter. It could have used a little more complexity in the plot along with some more dramatic foreshadowing to carry the plot along until the big finish at the end, but for a first time author I thought it was very good. I have already recommended it to the daughter of some friends and I wish the author much success.

Peter Huddleston lived a boring beige life in a beige town with his decidedly beige father and stepmother; he awoke each morning desperately intending to blend in and be like everyone else. But something always seemed to get in the way of those heartfelt intentions.
With his prized boomerang constantly in his fingers, Peter blunders from one
disastrous misunderstanding to another, until his exasperated parents bundle him off for the summer to visit his aunt Gillian at her home, Hillside Manor.
Peter quickly learns that Hillside Manor is no ordinary summer retreat, and that his mother’s sister is anything but an ordinary woman. Within its vast walls, and 3,000 rooms, the wondrous Hillside houses many ancient secrets, including the fact that it serves as a gateway between our world and the mysterious Galadria, a realm where Peter’s family currently rules. Peter has been summoned to Hillside to learn that he is the only heir to his royal family, and to determine if he is prepared to prove himself by facing the perilous “Rites of Passage”.
The rites are not the only challenges Peter will face during his summer of intense tutelage at the hands of his aunt and her strange and fascinating entourage. Peter is also embroiled in a lethal dynastic challenge as his aunt’s heir, inheriting the enmity of Knor of the House of Shadowray, a cruel noble who ruthlessly covets the crown of Galadria for himself.
Armed with his trusty boomerang and several magical trinkets, Peter gamely faces innumerable dangers in this eccentric and privileged world. Aid comes from strange and unexpected places, as Peter is relentlessly pushed and tested to his breaking point. His escalating successes put him in evermore risk, and catapult him closer to a deadly confrontation with Knor, and to a grizzly realization that he might not survive the summer!

I thought this was a good read not great only because I think it is more geared towards a younger person. I found the book to be an enjoyable read though. As I started the book I heard the background music for Harry Potter, I would describe this as a cross between Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia. Is about a boy that feels unappreciated and maybe he is a little bit of a misfit. He is sent away to live with his Aunt and discover that his family rules Galandria a country in another dimension. Before he can rule he must go through the rites of passage.... they were interesting but I wish there was more detail in the actual rites since thats what the book title was.

I think a boy with a boomerang overcoming challenges is a great story for young children 8-15. I think they will absolutely love it! I would definitely recommend the novel to my young nieces and nephews as I believe they will greatly enjoy reading about Peters travels and experiences.

Galadria: Peter Huddleston and the Rites of Passage
By: Miguel Lopez de Leon
ISBN: 9781609560089
Published March 3, 2011 by Wakestone Press LLC
Available Format: Paperback, ebook

My Rating: ★★★★★

Peter Huddleston has a dreadfully boring life in his little boring town with his boring father and stepmother. Although he has the best of intentions, Peter can never quite fit in or stay out of trouble. His harmless mistakes manage to be blown further and further out of proportion. Finally, his father reaches his breaking point and sends him to stay the summer with his Aunt Gillian at her home, Hillside Manor.

Peter quickly learns that Hillside Manor is anything but ordinary. The vast manor is a gateway to Galadria where Peter’s maternal family rules, meaning Peter is destined to be the Crown Prince. Before he can wear that title, Peter must master The Rites of Passage while facing the threat of Knor of the House of Shadowray who covets the Galadrian throne. With his trusty boomerang and magical trinkets, Peter strives to prove himself worthy to be the heir and finally find the place where he belongs.

I won a paperback copy of Galadria: Peter Huddleston and the Rites of Passage in a Library Thing giveaway.

I was super impressed with this book! It is recommended for ages eight and up, but it is truly perfect for everyone. It is written so well. The shape and size of the font and the spacing on the page is great for younger readers. The vocabulary is advanced enough to “teach” something yet simple enough to not be overwhelming. The story flows seamlessly. Peter is a familiar and likable protagonist. The transition from his dreary hometown to the colorful and exciting life at Hillside Manor really grabs the reader’s attention. The characters are all fascinating—from the quirky and amusing Monty and Ms. Homebody, to the beautiful and graceful Aunt Gillian, to the angry hippopotami and the stunning and powerful tiger, Rune. There has to be a character or two that the reader cannot help but adore. Even the mansion itself, with its 3000 rooms, diverse animal preserve, and enchanting flower garden, could be considered a personality in itself. The action really builds as Peter goes through the rites and climaxes at just the right time near the end of the book. The reader is left with enough curiosity to continue on with the series, without being left confused or unfulfilled. I absolutely loved it! I'm looking forward to reading the series with my children.

Grab a copy of Galadria: Peter Huddleston and the Rites of Passage and try it out for yourself!!

This review can also be found at www.gatheringleavesreviews.blogspot.com and www.journalstone.com.

Overall the book was an okay read. I felt that the plot was not very well developed. As the book is called "The Rites of Passage", it should be focused more on the rites, but those are only briefly mentioned. Another problem was that the book wasn't very captivating. All of the action was at the end of the book, and it only lasted for about a chapter. It wasn't enough action to keep me "glued" to the book. It has good potential but I feel the author just didn't captivate me enough.½