It's Valentine's Day, so I am dedicating this Marvelous Middle Grade Monday review to my favorite author crush, James Dashner. Oh, how I love his books--all of them.
Every. Single. One.
This post is for you, James!!
Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Shannon Whitney Messenger decided it was time to give middle grade stories the attention they deserve, and "Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays" was born. I couldn't resist being a part of such brilliance.The Jimmy Fincher Saga
by the oh-so-wonderful
James Dashner
*fan-girl squee*
Goodreads Blurb: (book #1, A Door in the Woods)
What begins as a summer-day climb up his favorite tree quickly takes an ugly turn for poor Jimmy Fincher, as he witnesses something that turns his perception of reality upside-down. When the perpetrator of the act notices Jimmy in the tree, the ensuing adventures explode into a torrent of suspense and excitement.
The next month of Fincher's life includes an ancient legend come to life, a conspiracy of madmen decades old, strange portals to other worlds, villains named everything from Raspy to Shadow Ka—and behind it all is the old wooden door in the forest by Jimmy's home. There, something wondrous awaits.
Knowing how I feel about *sigh* James Dashner, this review probably comes as no surprise to most of you. The simple fact that this series was written by my beloved James should be enough, but for those of you a bit more finicky about the reasons for reading or recommending a book, I'll expand.
One thing I love about this series (and The Thirteenth Reality series) is the family dynamics. In fact, one of my very favorite things about The Thirteenth Reality books is the relationship Tick has with his dad. It's wonderful to read an MG series with a close and loving family.
Also, the Jimmy Fincher series includes all the things MG kids (especially boys, but not only) will love: tween humor, adventure, magic, other worlds, creatures...
I've read several less-than-glowing reviews *bares fangs and growls* on Goodreads, but they are wrong about this book's appeal for young readers (not to mention evil for being mean to my James).
Trust me when I tell you that young readers of fantasy will LOVE this series. It's not Maze or Scorch. It's not meant to be. The voice and style are so different that fans of Maze would never know it was the same author.
So . . . what are you waiting for? Hop over to your favorite bookstore and spoilyourselfyour kids with the whole series! Then you can LOVE James Dashnerlike I doeven more than you do now.
AND . . . to sweeten the deal and further convince you that all things James = wonderful, I am giving away a copy of A Door in the Woods to one lucky follower. Just leave a comment on this post before Friday
Happy Valentine's Day!
40 comments:
Oh, that's good to know. I was just looking for some new books for my young one. :)
What a great book selection!! Thanks, Shannon.
What a perfect selection today!! This is fantastic to wake up to this morning!!
I would love to read this. Please count me in if it's international:)
k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
Shannon, you always have the best recommendations for boys. Thanks for another great one - and the giveaway!
I knew about the Maze Runner books and the 13th Reality, but I didn't know about these books!
I would love to read them. Putting them on the list now!
Shelley
Wow, this sounds good. I haven't read much middle grade material since I was that age myself. Since my six-year-old already acts like a teenager, I should start scoping out the material now.
Whoa...thank you! Hope I win, win. But, either way will be sure to get this whole series for my book club kids!!
Whoa...thank you! Hope I win, win. But, either way will be sure to get this whole series for my book club kids!!
These books sound like so much fun! I haven't read anything by James Dashner yet, but I'm going to now!
They sound great!
Awesome post :D
Happy Valentine's Day!
We actually have the series and my kids really enjoyed reading them.
These sound interesting. Will have to add them to my TBR book list. Thanks for sharing about them.
Happy Valentine's Day, Shannon!
You have lotsa love!
I've enjoyed his new series. I guess I'll have to check that old one out. Thanks for the heads up.
I love, love, love your pink hair!!! Yay!!!!!
And Yay for baring fangs and growling!!! That's the best review and recommendation for these books!! :-)
Happy Valentine's! Take care
x
*leaving comment* *hoping to win* ;)
You rock, bff. You always know some great boy books. I love you amigo. ;)
I truly loves me some James Dashner.
Happy V Day.
I'm with Robyn... you always have great "boy" book suggestions.
Hi Shannon - I'm on the wrong post for this, but I just found your blog on the Writers Platform Building Crusade. I'm so happy to have found a fellow picture book writer! There don't seem to be too many on the list. Your blog looks terrific and I am now following. I hope you might have a chance to pop over and check out mine. Nice to "meet" you! Susanna
*gasp* I have not read these! Thanks so much for the recommendation!
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
So cool! I need to check this series out! It looks great.
Hey fellow Crusader! Glad to meet you! I look forward to reading your blog! : )
All I have to say is.... I love your pink hair picture!
I haven't read these, Shannon. Thanks for the recommendation!
Hello fellow crusader. I just dropped by to introduce myself and say I'm looking forward to getting to know you and the other crusaders.
Thanks for the book recommendations - they look interesting.
Happy Valentine's day
You have me drawn in on these! I have some young folk to buy for....only I'll HAVE to check them out first LOL! Thank you.
Don't come after me now, but I have not heard of this author.... hanging head in shame.... can we still be friends????
Sounds like a new one to explore! :O)
I'm so embarrassed to say that I"ve never read James Dashner. And I've heard other RAVE about his books. So I need to win this so I can read it! :) And if I don't win, I still will read it!
Strangely I've never read this series - definitely gotta fix that!
I certainly loved the Maze Runner and sequel. I have the 13th Reality, but haven't read it yet. Just moved up my list! Thanks.
Love the pink do btw!
I'd love to play please.
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
I really enjoyed The Maze, and you know I'm always on the look-out for new books!
Happy V-Day!
Oh, more James Dashner books to love! Squeee!
Happy Valentine's Day! Love what you've done with your hair! ;)
How could I not have heard of this series?! You're so good at introducing me to new things! Thank you. BTW, I love the pink hair in your profile pic. That's a good look for you. ;)
I have never heard of this author before, thanks for letting me know about the books!
xlacrimax[at]gmail.com
I gave "Maze Runner" to my middle son for Christmas. It's still sitting on the coffee table. I think he's afraid to read it because Mom picked it out. Maybe I'll read it first. That should solidify his reluctance.
I love James Dashner too, but I've never read the Jimmy Fincher series. I guess I should!
I have a great appreciation for middle grade fiction- it was around this age that reading became the platform for my dreams of publication.
This sounds like a dynamic series:)
How did I not know he wrote these?? Thanks for the heads up. :)
I just finished The Maze Runner a couple of weeks ago. It took me a little to get into it, but once I did, I was hooked.
It's impressive when authors can create completely different voices for various books.
Enter me to win! I'm officially a fan of Dashner!
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