Title: Galadria: Peter Huddleston and the Rites of Passage
Author: Miguel Lopez de Leon
Publisher: Maurice D. Johnson
ISBN-13: B00JB0N4YY
Pages: 184, Paperback
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Reviewed by: Lisa Brown-Gilbert, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
Author Miguel Lopez de Leon skillfully forays into young adult fantasy literature with the first book of his fantasy series, Galadria: Peter Huddleston and the Rites of Passage. Although there is a plethora of young adult fantasy books on the market, this book stands out because it leaves readers with a lasting impression of the story and a piqued desire for more. By using a proficient mix of fantasy, teen angst, mystery and smatterings of humor author de Leon lures readers into the macrocosm of young Peter Huddleston, where fate takes him on a oft -times harrowing journey of self-discovery.After losing his mother at a young age, Peter Huddleston’s life becomes an uncomfortable place for him. For the most part he is a loner and very misunderstood by most of the people around him. His family is completely dysfunctional, with little or no interaction or affection. His father is a cold fish, often withdrawn and incommunicative towards him and his stepmother is a persnickety, crotchety woman who always believes that Peter is up to no good. Poor Peter has very little consolation in life except for an elderly couple, the Twickeypoos who seem very interested in his personal welfare and the other consolations of chocolate, comic books, and his trusty Boomerang.
After a disparaging series of events occurs with Peter as the perpetrator, his father takes him to Hillside Manor where he meets his mother’s sister estranged aunt, Gillian Willowbrook. His aunt introduces him to his rich family history and a family legacy imbued with mystery and magic, which is there for the earning as long as he can prove his mettle by successfully completing several rites of passage.
I really enjoyed this book, from the onset you are drawn into the story not just, because the content is alluring to read but because the writing is so good. Author Miguel Lopez de Leon keeps readers interested with his fantastical story weaving abilities, managing to maintain an intriguing undercurrent of mystery going throughout the story. Written in an earthy tone the story is easily relatable, his characters are imaginative and well-honed especially the hero of the story, Peter. The familial situations that Peter experiences show a pragmatic view of life as it can be for many teens, as it broaches the essentially realistic issues of an adolescent life. Furthermore, the instances of magic used in the story are exciting, not overwhelming, and overdone; there is enough to keep readers entertained. I would definitely recommend this book as poignant young adult fantasy read.
