Book Review – Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms by Jamar J. Perry

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Description

Inspired by West African and Igbo history and mythology, this adventurous middle-grade fantasy debut perfect for fans of Aru Shah and Tristan Strong celebrates the triumphs and challenges of a boy finding his truth path to greatness.

As the true Descendant, I command to open
The door to Chidani; it shall be broken

Magic awaits those who seek the queen’s peace
And all the suffering you feel will cease

Those who open the histories will hear a sound
What was lost has finally been found.

Cameron Battle grew up reading The Book of Chidani, cherishing stories about the fabled kingdom that cut itself off from the world to save the Igbo people from danger. Passed down over generations, the Book is Cameron’s only connection to his parents who disappeared one fateful night, two years ago.

Ever since, his grandmother has kept the Book locked away, but it calls to Cameron. When he and his best friends, Zion and Aliyah, decide to open it again, they are magically transported to Chidani. Instead of a land of beauty and wonder, they find a kingdom in extreme danger, as the queen’s sister seeks to destroy the barrier between worlds. The people of Chidani have been waiting for the last Descendant to return and save them . . . is Cameron ready to be the hero they need?

***Book Description is from Goodreads***

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Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms was already on my TBR, but I decided to bump it up because I recently saw a tweet from the author. In 280 characters or less, the author expressed disappointment that no one attended their book tour event in Atlanta. In response, I checked out the audiobook.

Instead of following my usual book review/reaction structure, I want to summarize how I felt while reading Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms, briefly explain where the story fell short for me, and ultimately still recommend it to readers that might be seeking specific story elements that this book provides.

Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms follows 12-year-old Cameron Battle and two of his closest friends, Zion and Aliya. One day they are all at his house and out of boredom, they decide to open a book that’s been locked away and forbidden by his grandmother to be accessed. The book, called The Book of Chidani, is somewhat of a family heirloom and the only object left of Cameron’s parents. Upon opening the book, Cameron and his friends are transported to Chidani and adventures ensue. This is the short end of the long end.

Initially, I thought I’d enjoy the book in its entirety, but I did not. I suggested it to others after listening to only 32% of the book. In hindsight, I shouldn’t have. Surprisingly, as the book progressed, my interest and enjoyment declined. The first 30% was enjoyable because I enjoyed the children being children. Poking fun at each other and having carefree conversations was the catalyst behind me prematurely suggesting it because some parts made me laugh.

I am aware that I am not the target audience for this book. However, I do feel that even if I were, I would not have finished it. My reason for saying so is due to the lack of character development. Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms has several characters and is written in a way that does not allow the reader to become familiar with the character beyond the surface. If I choose to read more from this world, I hope that this misstep does not reoccur in the next book in the series.

Another element that was more me and not the book is the fighting scenes. I’m not a fan of them, but I’m sure that this element will be a redeeming quality for readers who are. There’s plot progression from training sessions to combat that highlights Cameron, Zion, and Aliya’s confidence in quick and precise movements and transformations in other physical prowess. Readers who appreciate battle scenes in their books will stay engaged with Cameron’s journey, for the special instruments he’s tasked to seek out, require a fighter’s spirit to procure. Their obstacles are many, and there’s no shortage of malevolent, meanspirited, and questionable characters to orchestrate them.

Again, I may not have enjoyed the book, but I can see how it would be enjoyable for others. I recommend this book to readers who like their middle-grade fantasy, fast-paced, full of adventure, combat, history, and West African-inspired mythology. This book would be best read in a group setting, as there are mythos and history peppered throughout the book and it does require close reading and discussion to understand. I admittedly had trouble keeping up with the names and powers of the Igbo Gods and Goddesses, so get ready to Google, do your research, and annotate.

🙂 Happy Reading.