Book of Names

I found this book to be clever. My brother brought it home one day a long time ago, and out of curiosity after reading the description on the back of the book, I decided to pick it up and read it. I was not disappointed. I found the whole idea to be intriguing, and the story itself to be written well for its intended audience. I liked how the three worlds that Score, Renald, and Pixel were so varied, almost like alternate realities of one another.

I will admit that I have not read the rest of the series since I didn't get the opportunity to, but the first book definitely left an impression on me, and curious for more. Perhaps one day I will get the rest of the series to read, once I get through my already sizable to-read pile!

I am not in the target age group for this series, and I knew that going into it. However, I am usually able to keep that in mind when reading books intended for younger audiences, and typically manage to select titles that are enjoyable for adults as well as children.

Overall this wasn't a bad read. It just wasn't really spectacular either. It lacked a level of substance that I want in my reading material. At least in the stuff I'm going to buy. I think even when I was in the intended age group for this book (and the sequels) I would have had some issues with the worldbuilding (or rather, general lack thereof).

Diadem #1: Book of Names, by John Peel

"Book of Names" introduces readers to the three heroes of Peel's Diadem series: Score, Helaine, and Pixel. Score's from Earth, a street kid raised in New York. Helaine masquerades as Renald, a warrior boy from the medieval Ordin. Pixel's from futuristic Calomir, where people live in Virtual Reality and don't have real lives.

Each of these three kids is unique on their own worlds in that they are magic users, only they don't know it. They join forces on the world of Treen, after escaping dangerous situations on their home worlds. The three form an uneasy partnership as they try to navigate learning magic.

Peel creates a unique universe where the planets are in rings, and the closer a planet is to the show more inner ring, the stronger the magic on the planet is. He mixes puzzles into the text, as a form of mysterious help for the trio, which would be great for kids reading with their parents.

I first discovered the Diadem series back when it was first published in 1997, and enjoyed them very much. Now rereading them in my 20s, I see a few niggling problems, but for the most part I enjoyed them just as much as I did when I was younger. I think these are the perfect books for parents who want to get their kids into reading, due to the puzzles and language tricks that are part of the magic.

4/5. show less

I like this book so far. I love Renald she is such a tough girl in a society that puts down girls.

Helaine, Pixel, and Score. Three perfectly ordinary kids in their own world. Are thrown into a world of danger and magic. As a magician who claims to be their friend secretly plans to destroy them to gain their power, the 3 friends learn how to use their magical abilities. A perfect serie starter from John Peel, this book is sure to get your magical side going!

i loved it i wish i had the others to continue my journey through diadem and recommend it to all readers.

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