BOOK REVIEW: Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire by John August

Sometimes I wish I wouldn't start reading a book series until most, if not all, of the books are released. Call it flashbacks to the Harry Potter days, but it just irks me, because I really like the characters in Arlo Finch in the Valley of Fire by John August, and now I have to wait a year--until Spring 2019 for the sequel, Arlo Finch in the Lake of the Moon.

So what makes this middle school ages book so great? It's the characters. Arlo Finch is your typical average boy, of course typical if your father is living in exile in China, and your mom had a small breakdown so you, your mom, and your sister had to move back to her hometown and live with your weird Uncle Wade.

When Arlo moves to Colorado, he's unsure of what to make of it. One of the first people he meets is Wu, who has purple sticky juice on him. I mean, that's normal, right? And then there's Indra, who seems like she has it all together, but can be a bit feisty and have to apologize for it later. So in some ways, there is a Harry Potter connection. In others, though, I think the Arlo series is superior for American middle graders.

For one, the plot takes place in Colorado, which immediately caught my attention, because I spend a few weeks each year in the Rocky Mountains. Second, Arlo is a typical American middle school boy who is way more interested in being with his ranger friends and learning about the outdoors than he is with academics. In fact, it's mentioned that Arlo has a hard time learning, and may in fact have a learning disability. I loved that idea, because it shows readers that anyone can succeed with true will.

The third part I really liked was the magic! It's a different type of magic--no wands required--because any, and all, rangers have the ability to possess certain traits. Also, the mystery of the book surrounds Arlo and why he can see some mystical objects while others can't. (And, now that I think about it, the book doesn't answer why Uncle Wade can, too! Hmmm...now I really can't wait for the second book to come out!) Further, why are the mystical objects trying to kill Arlo?! There is so much mystery here, and I can't wait to see where John August will take it next.

RATED: 5 Stars

NOTE: I bought and paid for the book, which came in my February Owl Crate Jr., on my own, and did not receive any compensation for this review.