Bad Magic
I like it when a book is talking to me and this is what this book accomplishes, the author writes as if he’s talking to his readers. Clay and his brother Max-Ernest are “bad brothers,” bad is their bond which started over a discussion over swear words. Max-Ernest, an amateur magician performs his magic at home and Clay learns while watching him. Max-Ernest disappears one day without any explanation leaving his family asking lots of questions. Years later, while at school inside one of Clay’s journals the words Magic Sucks! are sketched inside one of the pages. A few days later, graffiti outside on the school walls, Magic Sucks! screams for all to see. Clay is accused as being the artist and his parents make him choose his punishment. Is he being rebellious? Then after performing in The Tempest, Clay has writer block and can’t write out an essay for his teacher. The teacher offers him Prospero’s Magic Book which was used in the play and an alternative assignment, but something wrong. Magic and Clay just don’t mix. Camp brochures arrive in the mail and one stands out, Earth Ranch. Camp for youth making poor choices, behaving inappropriately and it’s a survival camp that Clay thinks might not be so bad. With a great set of roommates, Clay is the last to arrive at camp and is greeted by a Spanish-speaking llama where he sets off to find the find campsite. The camp is anything but typical as the campers must find their own food, stay away from the Wall of Trust, and listen to the tales of the ruins. Great creativity in this story and I really enjoyed all the references to the books and the mystery keep me entertained. Clay was determined to get to the bottom of things and nothing stood in his way. His relationship with Leira was cheerful with their joshing around and playful moments. I think you need to know a bit about Shakespeare to fully understand this story.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Hachette Book Group in exchange for an honest opinion. Thank you.
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