Sam Gayton

Hercufleas is the cutest book I've read this year, and it deserves so much more recognition than it's getting!

Sam Gayton has created hit that Disney might want to steal in the future! This off the beaten path "Hercules" re-telling (in a way) is one of the best action novels I've ever read and enjoyed - and it's a middle grade novel! This book outdid so many adult action novels and it wasn't even aimed at my age group! I can see so many adults reading this to their kids and getting a lot out of it as well! There was a few silly adult jokes you can pick up on, but they are harmless and adorable!

The theme behind this book about how a hero comes in all sizes was also a beautiful tale to tell. It seems so silly to write a book about a flea, but the story worked and it was phenomenal. Mix in all the "flea" jokes along the way, and this book hits it out of the park. The ending is a little bittersweet or sad, but the ending worked well. The story pays off and is woven perfectly for the target audience. Sam mixing in enough "adult" humor or silly jokes also makes the book grow to a higher level of enjoyment.

I did find about 4/5ths through the novel I got a little bored, and it winded down really slowly. If it have kept the pace and excitement up, it might be a five out of five for me. Instead, I give it four out of five because it was just fantastic! I couldn't find any other problems with this novel while I was trying to pick it apart to find any cons for the readers.

Overall, the hero and heroine learn lessons about themselves, the theme is a tale as old as time and the story was unique and fun! What more can you ask for in a middle grade novel?

Four out of five stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Goodreads First Reads.… (plus d'informations)

In this "sequel" to Gulliver's Travels we meet Lilly, a kidnapped Lilliputian. Gulliver has returned to Lilliput and snatched Lily to take back to London. This is his "proof" that Lilliput exists. He keeps her prisoner in a birdcage in London while he writes his book. He will take her out publicly when he finishes his book. Lily, of course, wants to escape and tries numerous times. The characters in this story, Gulliver, Mr. Plinker, Finn, Chitchat, Swift, Mr. Ovinda, and Horatio all add dimension to the story whether they are helping Lily or hindering her. With her trusty needle she calls "Stabber" she is finally able to escape the attic, but how will she ever get back to Lilliput.

This book is geared to Middle Graders, but younger more competent readers would enjoy it as well. The only downfall would be the somewhat violent death at the end. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to students who enjoy fantasy, especially after maybe doing a read aloud of Gulliver's Travels.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)