S. R. R. Colvin

Let me begin by saying that I was pleasantly surprised with the writing in this book! I've read Middle Grade Fiction before that made me roll my eyes because the writing was so simplistic. Yes, I know that these authors are writing for kids. Still I think they sometimes underestimate the understanding kids have at this point! The Krybosian Stairpath is a book that gives kids something they need. A place to escape to, and one that doesn't assume they're still so young.

Madison and her brother show more Mica live with their Grandfather. Madison is an 11 year old geologist, who is extremely intelligent. Mica is a younger brother, who looks up to and sometimes envies his older sister. These two characters are very likable, and I can see children falling in love with them! We also meet Digby, Grandfather's crazy (and gaseous) pet gopher. Yup, this book has a lot of silliness thrown in here and there! In fact, this family lives in one of the most amazing houses I've ever heard described. A house built into the side of a mountain. It is in this very fitting setting that the larger part of the story begins, as the children explore an underground cavern.

The mythical world of Krybos was fascinating and definitely drew the reader in. My favorite part about this world was that magic wasn't constantly used to explain the mysterious. Instead, the characters would use science to explain what was going on. It was a welcome and refreshing new take on a mythical world. I only regret that there wasn't more description of Krybos overall. I know that this book, being meant for younger readers, needs to be on the shorter side. Still, I felt like I wanted to know so much more.

I'd definitely recommend this book to Middle Grade readers, but I can also see older readers being intrigued as well. In fact, any person out there who enjoys a mixture of Science and Fantasy will be pleasantly surprised with this book. Give it a read! show less