Book Review: Under Central Park: The Amulet’s Secret by D.W. Spinola

3.85⭐
Genre ~ middle grade children’s fantasy
Series ~ Under Central Park #1
Setting ~ New York City
Publication date ~ January 10, 2022
Est page Count ~ 379 (26 chapters)
POV ~ multiple 3rd

My review:

Matt was abandoned as an infant at a church. Now it’s 12 years later and he is living in an orphanage. He tries to keep to himself because he’s tired of getting picked on for his unusual eyes and stutter. He is thrilled when he finally gets adopted by a professor. But then the professor goes missing and Matt is on a search for answers.

Matt meets Cassiopeia one night and they form a wonderful friendship. These two had each others back when there was a little mischief.

I haven’t read too many fantasy stories, but I enjoyed my time on this dual world adventure right along with Matt. I liked how he was eager to learn new things in his studies. He seemed like a sweet boy that was looking for answers about his current predicament and also about how he ended up in the orphanage. I felt the plots came together nicely, but this is the beginning of a trilogy, so not everything is completely wrapped up.

Overall, I do feel it was a bit on the longer side. The world building is extensive, but that just goes to show how imaginative the story is. I did get Harry Potter vibes, minus the magic, so I do feel like this would appeal to those that do enjoy the fantasy genre. Perhaps as a bedtime story your family can read together, but with the caution that things done here should not be done in the real world by 12 year olds.

*Thanks to the author for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*

Get your copy on ~ Amazon

Add to your never ending TBR  ~ goodreads

I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read it.

Book blurb:

A shy orphan with peculiar eyes in search of his father. A mysterious vanishing. An ancient manuscript filled with strange potions. An underground brotherhood keeping the world safe from a looming horror. A world deep below Central Park where all the answers will be found, and the darkest secret will be revealed.

Join 12-year-old Matt Church as he plunges into a world of dark mysteries where he will face his worst nightmares and discover the truth. Self-belief, friendship, and the unbreakable bond of blood ties are at the heart of this enchanting and gripping saga. Under Central Park, The Amulet’s Secret is the first book of a trilogy. The e-book includes over 30 full-color illustrations.

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