Review: Middleworld By J&P Voelkel

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

“As I see it,” said Max, “all that stands between humankind and the end of the world is two talking monkeys, a crazy archaeologist covered in red paint, and a couple of kids with blowguns. Am I right?”

Fourteen-year-old Max Murphy, video-gamer extraordinaire, is furious when his archaeologist parents cancel the family vacation to go on a dig in Central America. But things go from bad to worse when Max is summoned to join them, only to discover that his parents have vanished. With the help of Lola, a fast-talking, quick-thinking Maya girl, Max embarks on a quest to find out just what’s going on. Soon Max and Lola are running for their lives in the perilous rainforest, as they unlock ancient secrets, meet mysterious strangers, and begin to understand that, in San Xavier, nothing is ever as it seems.

Fate has delivered a challenge of epic proportions to Max Murphy. But can a teen whose biggest talent is for video games rescue his parents from the Maya Underworld and save himself from the villainous Lords of Death?

Book Details:

Pub. Date: April 27, 2010

Publisher: Egmont USA

Format: Paperback

Pages: 416

Review:

This novel is an unforgettable adventure. We meet the main character, Max who is just looking for a vacation of video gaming, laying around the house, and visiting family in Europe. When his parents get an opprotunity they cannot refuse everything does not go as Max had hoped.

His family's strange and mysterious housekeeper, Zia, soon sends him off to stay with his uncle. His uncle lives where Max's parents went missing. As Max uncovers some of his Family's secrets, he soon is swept up in an adventure with a girl named lola and her monkeys. Along the way Max meets some very interesting and unique characters.

When Lola and Max go into the temples, Max has to use his skills in video gaming to help them get through the temple. I like how the Authors took Max's video gaming skills and had him use them in real life. Throughout the novel Max becomes a better person.

The fate of the world lies on Max's shoulders in Middleworld. Will he be able to save everyone? Will he ever find his parents? Will he get the girl?

I really did like Middleworld, but at times I had to push myself to keep reading. Even with pictures throughout the book it still is a long read. Well worth the time though! The ending is just amazing and I can not wait for book two!

I would recommend Middleworld to anyone who is looking for an adventure in a place you have never been to before. If you like Percy Jackson you'll like Max too. Instead of mythology you will get to know the Mayans. Middleworld is a battle of good and evil. It is full of the value of friends, family, and where you come from. Also, in the back of the book are some fun extras! You will not want to miss this book.

4.5 Stars!

Interested? Buy the book here!