Twisted Kingdom

Mister Monday: Book one in the Keys to the Kingdom series.


This is my second series by Garth Nix and I found it lacking the oomph and greatness that his Abhorsen trilogy has.

Mr. Nix is undoubtedly very good at writing and world building but this series, unlike the Abhorsen, is plainer when it comes to descriptions, character development, etc. In short, it feels exactly like what it is: a series for children under the age of 15.

Now, I won't fault Garth since this is clearly written for YA but I must say I’ve read better when it comes to series targeted at a younger audience like, say, Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events. My main problem, as stated before, is that he is not as descriptive as I know he is capable of having read his other work. I’m guessing that has to do with the target audience and not wanting to lose their interest.

I will say that the action was non-stop and the characters, including Mr. Monday himself which I found delightful, where all very, very interesting.

Maybe I am just biased and impressed with his work in the Abhorsen series but I find this is only good for a lazy read when you are trying to keep things light and uncomplicated.

Honestly enough it's not the type of book that makes me want to go out and read the rest of the series. I am somewhat curious as to what will happen but it's something that can wait a month or two, or perhaps more, when I finish my current To Be Read pile.

I'm going to give it a 3.8 out of 5. Not the best but, nonetheless, not bad at all.