Ben Langhinrichs is a past contributor to Marvelous Middle Grade Monday, and now he has a new mi
ddle grade series which gets a promising start with Danger Tastes Dreadful. The short length (136 pages) is something I’ve been clamoring for in MG as many kids aren’t ready to lug around 300 + page books.
What we get is a tight plot that still challenges young readers. Bernie is the main focus, pictured on the far right. Help comes from another troll, Tish. Her lineage is a bit different with a race that grows hair and is not green. When giants kidnap Bernie’s parents, Tish and Bernie set out to rescue them. They also get assistance from Tish’s tough granny. Their harrowing journey takes them to Mount Dreadful, the giants’ home.
The climax is an up and down struggle that will have you flipping the pages to read what comes next. You’ll admire Bernie’s growth in his self confidence, along with themes of friendship and bravery. The excellent world building creates both fun and scary images. In the end, family is what matters most and Ben has created a memorable one for us to enjoy.
OFFICIAL PLOT
When Bernie tastes danger in the air, he knows his best friend, Tish, will help solve the mystery. But when the danger turns out to be giants who stomp into town and grab their parents, the two young trolls must try to rescue their loved ones.
Thus begins a harrowing journey across the wasteland to the mountains where giants live. Inside Mount Dreadful’s smoky caverns, Bernie and Tish discover the giants have enemies of their own who may prove even more dangerous. Bernie and Tish must figure out who is friend and who is foe, rescue their captured parents and escape the mountain, all without getting squashed, roasted, or eaten alive.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ben Langhinrichs lives a peaceful life in Ohio with his wife and cats, and an occasional whirlwind visit of one of his three grown children. When he isn’t reading or writing fantastical adventures for children, he develops software for Genii Software, the slightly magical company he owns.
You can find Ben Langhinrichs at his author website.
Danger Tastes Dreadful is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
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I’ve drawn a winner in my year end Golden Cup Awards Giveaway. Congratulations to Sam at We Live and Breath Books. You’ve won a $50 Amazon Gift card!
Always in the Middle... 
Fun sounding and unique story. Thanks for sharing the details.
What an intriguing plot and cast of characters. The world-building sounds fun! Agree with you on book lengths for MG readers who would enjoy a shorter novel.
Interestingly, my writer’s group was talking about book lengths today. One of my fellow scribes is a bookseller also, and said that in MG shorter is better. So that bodes well for Ben and his book! Thanks for featuring him (one of our very own!) today.
I hear you regarding shorter books, even while I also love the long ones. I haven’t come across this book, but it looks highly entertaining and right up my alley!
I have been searching for shorter books as well. The cover is sure to capture kids interest. Thanks for telling me about this one.