Wednesday, March 13, 2013

I Read This: The Inventor's Secret - by Chad Morris


 Abby and Derick have been accepted to the most prestigious secondary school in the world Cragbridge Hall. Due to the inventions of their grandfather, Oscar Cragbridge, they will be able to experience history in 3D, use their minds to literally project visual interpretations of classic literature, and become animal avatars for zoology.

But when their grandfather and parents go missing, Abby and Derick must follow clues Oscar left for them that will reveal a dangerous secret. Along the way, they discover there is much more to one of their grandfather s inventions than anyone has ever dreamed. Saving their family will take all of Derick s mind and Abby s heart as they come face to face with a crazed scientist who desperately seeks to change the past. If they fail, the world past and future will never be the same.


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I'm going to come right out and say it - Cragbridge Hall, Book 1: The Inventor's Secret, is the most fun I've had reading about a school since Harry Potter. Not because of magic. No. Mr. Chad Morris (who happens to be an awesome friend of mine - I'm not just saying this because of that) has knocked this MG debut out of the park with a futuristic school, wild technology, and (can I fan-squeal?) Time Travel!

Secrets abound indeed in this exciting start to a great MG series!

Chad sent me an ARC, and my boy was curious about the cover, which is why it's taken a while to get this review up - he wanted me to read it to him at bedtime, and guess what? This story was able to keep the attention of a six-year-old, mind you, and now he imagines holographic pirate ships sailing into his room, among other things.

Reading is supposed to put him to sleep ... come on!

The strength of this story lies heavily on the main characters, as any good story should. Having Abby and Derick as a twin-duo, with their own strengths and weaknesses, made me care about them right away. The supporting characters are also a lot of fun, be they nice or mean. Be sure to watch out for Jacqueline ... *shiver* Not just the characters. The plot is engaging, never lets up, and it took me where I least expected it - always a plus when I dig my nose into a book.

I will likely let a few spoilers slip if I continue raving, but rest assured, the folks over at Shadow Mountain (The 13th Reality, Fablehaven, Farworld) have done it again. They know great MG when they see it, and you can find a copy of what will be their next big series here.

Thanks for the ARC, Chad! My boy and I look forward to Book 2!

I'm David, and where can I get a set of those history rings?


23 comments:

  1. Great review. There are so many books from writing friends I want to read. The list is long, but this sounds like it is definitely worth the wait. Wonderful!

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  2. What a wonderful review. Congrats to Chad!

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  3. I agree, David. This is the best MG book I've read in a long time. I loved it!

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  4. Hi David .. that's great news - I've just added the hardcover to my cart - so it'll be on its way to me soon.

    I'm so pleased to be helping Chad at this time ..

    Cheers Hilary

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  5. I loved it too. The characters were very vivid!

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  6. I'm getting this book to read to my kiddos!

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  7. This book is next on my list to purchase. I can not wait to read it to my boy. ;0)

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  8. Sounds like a great read. I'm hoping I find time to read it.

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  9. This is one I definitely want to read so thanks for the review. Best wishes to Chad.

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  10. That sounds super fun. I'll have to buy it for when my son's reading independently in a few years.

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  11. I couldn't agree with you more! Go Team Morris!

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  12. I keep seeing that book, and having it suggested to me. I really do need to do better on working through my TBR list. I haven't even gotten to the Hunger Games trilogy yet and that should give you some idea of how far behind I am.

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  13. That book has really been making the waves lately.

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  14. I've been seeing this book all over the place in the blogosphere. :)

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  15. The book seems like an awesome read! Thanks david for the rec!

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  16. Chad is such a great guy! He deserves all the success in the world. I can't wait to get this book :)

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  17. CONGRATS CHAD! Sounds like an awesome story!

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  18. I dreamed with your blog and this book all night. Must be some sort of sign that I should read it.

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  19. Really been cheering for Chad and his family! Such a cool story, too. :)

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  20. Thanks for your review! I can't wait to read this book as well. It truly sounds like an incredible story!

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