The Revenge of the Shadow King
by Derek Benz and J.S. Lewis
Published by Published by Orchard Books(to come)
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Reviewed by Linda Lee
Max Sumner has three friends who meet with him often in the room over the Shoppe of Antiquities. There the owner, Iver, teaches them a game called Round Table. Calling themselves the Grey Griffins, they all love the game of knights and the idea of playing it, as King Arthur's group must have done. Only this group plays with rare collectible cards. No one else they know has these cards and there is a reason. It isn't just a game.
After he finds a book in his grandmother's attic, Max and his friends, Natalie, Harley and Ernie, start to see the cards come to life. Other than an ageless witch and her henchmen, no one seems to notice the goblins and fairies that have started to take over the forest, or that the forest is getting bigger and threatens to take over the town. If the forest fully takes over the town and blocks out all sunlight, the evil Shadow King will destroy the town. It is up to the Grey Griffins to stop him.
While entering dark, dangerous places and finding portals to escape, Max begins to understand that he was chosen for this long ago. Logan, his chauffeur, Iver and even Max's grandfather all knew something about this they haven't told him. While the kids fight for their lives, against creatures with powers mere mortals don't possess, they learn more about how the game is played and how important it is that they win.
It is a story of friendship and loyalty. It is also a tale that will cause whiplash with all the action. The book info says it is for eight to twelve year olds, but I think that at 369 pages, it is a bit much for an eight year old to read. I'm sure they will love the story, though, as will any child who likes Harry Potter or plays with collectible dueling cards.
Armchair Interviews says: This book is juvenile, action-packed, fun, and full of legend and fantasy.