Middle Grade Review: Bravo Victor, by Jemima Pett

 

Title: Bravo Victor (Princelings of the East #6)
Author: Jemima Pett
Publisher: Princelings Publications, 2014. 181 pages

Summary:
Young Victor from the Inn of Seventh Happiness gets his own adventure in this 6th book in the Princelings series. He is off and about, tracking down a plot to import Wozna cola, and searching for Prince George, who has gone missing with his airplane. His adventures take us to new lands and include encounters with a number of interesting and mysterious characters, some familiar from other books in the series.

Review:
First, though I can't recall if I was sent a review copy or got it from Amazon, this is a book I eagerly awaited and am delighted to review. On the down side, reading it means that I am caught up with all the Princelings books--now I have to wait for Ms. Pett to write more books before I can read any more.

The book of course met my expectations in terms of quality of writing and editing, which are impeccable. The story was complex enough to hold my adult interest, though I think wholly suitable for middle grade children. The Princelings, like my own Ninja Librarian, straddle the age categories, being either children's stories disguised as adult fantasy, or vice versa, and appeal to both age groups. This book contains some tense situations, and a modest amount of violence, but nothing to distress either children or protective parents.

The adventure was gripping, and once I got started, I raced through the book to see what happened next. Again, though some elements of the story might be over a child's head, younger readers will find plenty to draw them in, and will probably just ignore the passages that deal with business (Victor is, after all, trying to become a sort of business guru). I'm not sure whether those slower moments are a good foil to the action or pull it down a little, but nothing is in the story that does not need to be there, so read on and enjoy the creativity of Victor and his creator!

Recommendation:
A fast, fun read with just the right amount of adventure and a little growing-up. I recommend reading all the Princelings books, and while they each stand alone, reading them in order can help a lot. So I recommend this for those who have read at least the first three books, and I recommend the whole series to anyone who enjoys a bit of light fantasy/alternative history and highly imaginative action. Oh, and guinea pigs, as all the characters are (rather anthropomorphic) guinea pigs.

Full Disclosure: I probably picked up a copy of Bravo Victor on a free day of my own volition, and received nothing from the writer or publisher in exchange for my honest review.  The opinions expressed are my own and those of no one else.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."