Review: The Balance Keepers # 1: The Fire of Calderon by Lindsay Cummings

The Fire of Calderon

(The Balance Keepers # 1)

By: Lindsay Cummings

Pub. Date: September 23, 2014

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Pages: 352

Source: Edelweiss

The first book in an epic middle grade fantasy adventure series that takes place in an underground society at the center of the earth. Packed with action, humor, magic, and mystery.

After following a mysterious map into the woods and then under the woods, eleven-year-old Albert Flynn learns he’s a Balance Keeper—someone with special magical skills for fixing problems in three underground Realms at the Core of the earth. His new job is important; if the realms fall out of balance, the world above could be in great danger.

Albert and his Balance Keeper teammates Birdie and Leroy arrive in the Core not a moment too soon. There’s an Imbalance in the Calderon Realm and it’s threatening to bury Albert’s hometown of New York City in a mountain of ash.

The three must train hard completing mental and physical challenges, but above all, they must harness the power of their Tiles—unique superpowers given to each Balance Keeper. So far, Albert’s mastered the art of not mastering his Tile....

With the situation in Calderon growing worse every day, can Albert, Leroy, and Birdie restore balance before New York is destroyed forever? Will Albert master his Tile before it’s too late?

Perfect for fans of Percy Jackson, The Unwanteds, and the classic Journey to the Center of the Earth.

I received this galley from edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

I am usually not a fan of fantasy, especially middle grade fantasy. But for one, The Balance Keepers series is being described as a Percy Jackson/Harry Potter type series, which I love, and second, Lindsay Cummings is a brand new author who published TWO books in one year. I think that definitely says something. I was excited to read The Fire of Calderon for these reasons. It was a fast paced read that I really enjoyed.

Albert Flynn is a regular, lonely kid until he discovers he has magical powers. Over night his life is completely changed. I really loved watching Albert grow. All the characters were really fleshed out. I liked that they all surprised you.

The world that Cummings created was so creative and original. I really can't wait for the next book so I can learn about the other realms. I thought the writing was very vivid as well. I really felt like I was right there in the action with the characters.

While middle grade isn't usually for me, this is just the type of books that middle graders will absolutely love. There is enough action and adventure to keep everyone happy. Its a quick read that is easy to understand and follow along with.