Balance Keepers: The Fires Of Calderon by Lindsay Cummins Review!

   

Title : Balance Keepers: The Fires Of Calderon
Author : Lindsay Cummings
Pages : 352
Published : September 23rd 2014
Publisher : Katherine Tegen Books 
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.

My Thoughts : 

When Albert is given a letter to give to someone in the woods little does he know that its the start of a magical journey to save the world. He is told that he is a Balance Keeper and will spend the summer in the Core training to keep the balance between the realms. Along with his teammates Birdie and Leroy, Albert must train as fast and hard as he can because there is a devastating imbalance in the Calderon Realm and the world above is suffering. Albert also needs to figure out his magical powers before its too late. Will the trio figure out the Means to save Calderon and will Albert figure out his abilities before New York gets buried under Ash?

Every so often you read a book that you know from the get go that its one in a million. Well this is that one. Without a doubt, the best Middle Grade book I've read since The Harry Potter and Percy Jackson series. I didn't just read it, I devoured it!

I loved Albert. He is spending the summer with his dad and grandfather and is bored. He is supposed to be helping his dad in the post office, sorting the dead letters. Next thing he knows, a dog arrives with a letter in his mouth. The letter is from his dad and tells him that he needs to deliver the letter to someone in the forest and that the dog knows the way. He is at the age where all he wants is adventure and he dives into every thing that's thrown at him with gusto!!

Birdie and Leroy were awesome as well. Birdie is the dare devil of the group, while Leroy is more cautious. When they first arrive at the Core, new recruits are told to dive into the fountain and retrieve the Tile that calls to them. Birdie goes first and gets her Tile in no time. Hers gives her the ability to breathe underwater and she has an affinity with water. Leroy goes next and comes up with his Tile. His one gives him photographic memory and Knowledge. Albert is last and it seems to take him a long time to find his Tile. When he eventually comes up his Tile is different to everyone elses. While theirs are White with a black ruin, his is black with a white ruin. Why is his different and what does it mean? I loved the Tiles. They were a unique way of giving the kids powers. It makes a nice change from where they suddenly wake up with powers!! 

I dont want to say much more because I dont want to give any spoilers! All I can say is that this is a must read!!! Filled with action, adventure, battles, fantastical creature of all sizes, Balance Keepers is one of those books where once you finish, you wish you could reread it for the first time again. From its fantastic characters to its magical realms, Balance Keepers is amazing. Action packed, thrilling and gripping, I loved it and can not wait for more!!!!