Debut author Dana Robertson gives readers an adventure full of surprising turns. The 33 mostly short chapters dive into the mystery of what happened to the now spooky looking theater. Here’s the enticing synopsis:
Deep in the woods of the Winnodov property sits the abandoned theater. Something mysterious happened during the last performance there – the same night Mr. Winnodov disappeared. Eight years later, it’s happening again. A group of mischievous teenagers sneaks into the theater. And now, one is missing. When 12-year-old Beth Shoner learns who the missing teen is, she sets off with two friends to find him. But what they discover is more astonishing than they could ever have imagined. Now, Beth must defeat an evil plan unleashed long ago that threatens to destroy countless worlds, including their own.
The two friends that accompany Beth are complete opposites, making the threesome even more appealing. Teri is the popular girl while Stan has a few nerd like qualities, making him less than appealing to his age group. These two eventually come to appreciate each other. The first part of the plot sets up the action that follows in the second half. Beth is the determined one and convinces them to follow her into the theater where the story really takes off.
This is Book One in the Alderland Series, and although the world building is good here, I hope for even more depth and reveals as the series progresses. The numerous secondary characters have character arcs not fully explained, but a plot like this takes time.
The story works best for those who love fantasy and tales about discovering true friendships, a family mystery, and portals into another world. There are a few innocent kisses, but nothing inappropriate for middle grade audiences. THE ABANDONED THEATER debuted earlier this month and is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
PAGES: 184
About the Author
Dana Robertson lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. She completed a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Psychology with Trent University in Peterborough Ontario, followed by a graduate creative writing program with the Humber School for Writers in Toronto, Ontario. She writes mystery, fantasy, science fiction and middle grade. The Abandoned Theater is her debut novel and book one of the Alderland Series. (Visit Dana’s Author Website)
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Always in the Middle... 
Sounds like another wonderful book! I think MG covers are getting better and better. Each one I see I want to read.
I’m not a fantasy reader, but this sounds really good. Who knows? If I get enough time… Thanks for the review.
Sounds like a really good intro to a series that will hopefully be built upon in later books! I know the industry is leaning toward shorter books lately, so sometimes worldbuilding will probably end up being spread out more for series. I think middle grade readers probably won’t mind that as much as adult readers.