Day Seventeen~Write a Book Review



Two post in a row. WHOOP!!!!!!!!

In Dr. Dredd's Wagon of Wonders, things are not going well for the small town of Coven tree. Wells are drying up and crops are withering away due to the terrible drought. The inhabitants of Coven tree are about to give up when a miracle happens. Along comes Dr. Dredd with his wagon of wonders. Not only is there a dragon egg, ancient armor, and a magical mirror, but a boy named Calvin who could make it rain. At first this seems the answer to everyone pray, and they are quick to set up a deal with Dr. Dredd, willing to trade almost anything for more rain. When Ellen McCabe finds Calvin huddled in her barn, hiding from Dr. Dredd, she learns what kind of man Dr. Dredd is. A ruthless man, whose price for more rain is worse than anyone could ever think.

Dr. Dredd's Wagon of Wonders is by Bill Britten, and one of his many books set in Coven tree. The book is an exciting story with fast action comedy, aimed at ages about eight to eleven. It is a story that reflects on the strength of friendship and the need for caring. Mr. Britten balances this message well with the plot, and it does not seemed forced.

I found nothing at all offensive in the book, and in fact it is one of those rare occasions where the author has presented us with a fantasy where both magic and Christianity can live side by side in harmony. I liked that very much about the book.

My only problem with the book was the flimsy feel to the story. It kept moving at a pretty quick pace, almost too quick. It is not that there was too much going on for the amount of words or pages, rather the plot simply was not fleshed out at all. It almost felt like I was reading a very detailed outline. The character's were very flat and cliché, often predicable and boring. This made me somewhat disappointed in the book, in that it could have been a lot better if more time was spent in developing the characters, giving them more tangible motivations, and giving some thought to fleshing out the plot.

I would recommend to book for a young reader, one was has just graduated to bridging fiction. For that age group, I think this would be a very enjoyable read. It is quickly paced and action filled, and the characters are likable. For an older audience, I think they would only enjoy it as a quick read, when they need something to read for only an afternoon. If you are looking for something with a bit more heft to it though, look else where.