Thoroughly enjoyed this first book in the series and looking forward to the 2nd. Characters had dimension and room to grow as did the storyline.

3,5

This series is just not for me. A lot of the magical themes here are really forced and felt like it was thrown together because of who it was trying to appeal to. My 4th graders love these books though so I'm glad we can talk a little bit more about it.

dnf at 61%

It's so sad I'm starting 2021 with a dnf. I mean, I could have dnf it yesterday, so I'll just count it to last year.

I thought it will be a new favorite, because it's middle grade and has spirit animals, like come on, that's the coolest thing ever! But something didn't work for me. Maybe the too simplicistic writing, or the too many povs.

This is a short review for a short book. This was a very interesting concept that was very adequately executed :) I really liked the unique concept of kids summoning spirit animals to save a world in danger. That along with it being a fairly short read, makes this a very nice book for middle school age kids.

To further the interest for the early teens, the book comes with a passcode to gain access to a web adventure where you and your own spirit animal can adventure in Erdas. This was another interesting factor that I really liked with the book. Its super interesting to be able to live what you read in the book and the more books from the series you get, the more you unlock in the game. With the current generation, all about technology, this can make reading more enjoyable.

I liked how the chapters went into the background/pov of each of the 4 main characters. You get to see each of their individual background stories and see them try to connect with their spirit animals. They each have very different personalities, along with different personalities of their spirit animals. I'm already starting to develop favorite characters but so far I have a fondness for each of the 4 main characters (and of course their animals).

As previously stated, the plot is very unique to me and interesting. It was very enjoyable to read, although it didn't offer me much in terms of shock and awe just yet. There are interesting developments but most of which are predictable (to me anyway, to a young middle school kid, maybe not). Don't let this take away from the book. It is the start of an interesting series that I am eager to continue :)

This book gets a 4 from me. Although it is an interesting and unique plot with likeable characters, and a quick read, it didn't offer much in the "oh that did not just happen" department that I am fond of in my books. The fact that the book comes with an online adventure that puts you in the story brought this book up for me :) I will eagerly await the rest of the books and do give Brandon Mull two thumbs up for creating a fantastic fantasy world I wish I could live in :)

Reading this with my 5 and 8 year old-- it's a little above their levels (they are constantly asking what certain words mean) but so far, all the actions and choices seem comprehensible to them.

My 10 year old son and I have decided to read this series together and we love it! The first book really just sets the stage with all the characters and animals but it is good! We are enjoying the series so far!

3.5 stars. I think I like where this is going

I was looking for something quick to listen to on a long drive. This popped up and since I'm a Brandon Mull fan it was a no brainer. This is a fun children's fantasy adventure.