Tyler Whitesides

I can't say I'm not enjoying this trilogy, because I am. However, I can't also say it's blowing me away, because it isn't quite.

These books are large—700+ pages—and while they don't necessarily feel padded out, there's a gnawing sense that they could have been edited down a bit. And, while I love Whitesides' inventiveness with the various grits, and all the palace intrigue, there's also times when things happen just a tad too neatly, too coincidentally.

I'm talking about the mystery of show more the Metamorphosis grit. And I'm also talking about the discovery of the Homeland. In each case, without spoiling anything, the events occur with exactly the right people coming together at precisely the right time, not only for the discovery, but also for the ensuing plot points.

Still, Whitesides is entertaining enough that the ride is still enjoyable. We'll see what the final book has in store. show less

Consistent is the word that comes to mind after finishing this first book in the trilogy. Many aspects remained above-average to good throughout: the light and humorous tone, character development, history and magic system delivery, twists, fun. All laid out with competent writing not distracting from the story being told. Substituted curse words such as blaze, blast, spark, & slag fit perfect in the setting.

Read it. If you had unfounded reservations as I did, you might find yourself show more surprised. show less

"In five minutes," Walter said, "I'm going to use this squeegee to open a portal to New Forest Academy. We're going to move in and apprehend Director Carlos Garcia."
Spencer's surprised look mirrored Daisy's. Penny looked excited, and Alan simply nodded.
"Tonight we finish what we almost did last November," Alan said. "We're taking the warlock's hammer and nail."

This is book 4 in the Janitor's series by Tyler Whitesides. The series follows the adventures of Spencer and Daisy, two elementary show more school students who discover that education is in danger. The threat comes in the form of toxites, monstrous creatures who take away the students' ability to concentrate and learn. The people charged with protecting the students from these creatures are the janitors. They use a magic substance called glop to turn janitorial tools and supplies into weapons against or protection from the toxites.

Throughout the series, the kids join forces with the janitors to try to defeat the toxites and various enemies, including the Bureau of Educational Maintenance (who used to be the good guys). This book continues the exciting adventure with more twists and turns. Every time I think I finally know exactly who the bad guys are and exactly who to trust, there is another twist.

I read this entire series with my son, who is now in 6th grade. We started the series when the book was nominated for a Sunshine State Readers award in the 2013-2014 school year. He really loves the story and is always anxious for the next book to come out.

Recommended to:
Middle readers, in grades 5-8 and their parents. There is some loss experienced in this series and a lot of scary situations that kept us on the edge of our seats. If your child likes adventures and twists and turns in their stories, they should enjoy these books. show less

Delightful! A wonderfully imaginative read that explores the idea of understanding our own value and self worth. Landon splits his time between his dad's house and his mom'e home with her new fiance and his soon to be step-stister Jade. Jade introduces the reluctant Landon to summer school at the School of Garbage. But it's unlike any other school because here the garbage is animated and the students learn about the magic that animates it along with other intricacies about garbage. But when show more Landon is attacked in the normal world by animated garbage it opens up a mystery, for animated garbang cannot leave the Landfill. Landon, Jade, and others from the school race against time to discove how the animated garbage (Thingamajunks) are able to leave the Landfill and try to stop the attacks before the normal world is filled with dangerous trash. The characters are wonderfully developed and the plot is well contrived with a writing style that is engaging and keeps the pages turning. (Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review) show less