Middleworld Review

Middleworld by J Voelkel

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I wanted to love Middleworld and almost did. I am rereading it now as a read-aloud and am liking it much more this second time through.  What is great: the setting (a fictional country based on Belize), the blending of ancient and modern themes, the opportunity for learning about the Maya civilization, and the extras included in the book (like the explanation of the Maya number system which intrigues my math-loving son). What I wish I could change: the book tends to be a mixture of wonderfully surprising and groaningly predictable both in plot elements and dialog and character development.  I keep wishing, as I read, that the authors/editors had scanned the book better for cliches.  There are some interesting characters who are fresh and wonderful (Lola, for example) but then there are characters who just don't ring true and whose words and actions are inconsistent and seem canned (Uncle Ted). I kept getting that "I've seen this movie before" feeling. At many moments the book gets close to being fantastic, but then a bit of uninspired dialog wrecks it.  Still, this is a fun, fast paced read and is well worth your time especially if you enjoy learning about ancient cultures and need a break from Egypt.



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