I was given the opportunity to review two books written by Susan K. Marlow. The books are part of a series called Goldtown Adventures, and their titles are Canyon of Danger and River of Peril. These are children’s books that are appropriate for ages eight through twelve, and since the main character is a boy, they would probably be most appreciated by boys, though I’m sure girls would enjoy them, too.
Canyon of Danger is Book Number Three in the Goldtown Adventures series. You can read the first chapter of it at this link, if you’d like.
Book Description
My Thoughts
Let me just say first that this is a book that would’ve interested me when I was a kid. I probably would have turned away because it had a boy on the cover, but if someone had told me it was an interesting book, I’d have read it anyway. This is a book you want to read anyway! When I sat down to read, I wasn’t able to read very far before my infant needed my attention, but I managed to finish the first chapter. Boy, was the first chapter a gripper! That is my mark for a keeper. If the first chapter doesn’t reel me in, I’ve no real desire to keep going. This one was not one of those.
I was very impressed with the plot. There was enough excitement to draw in a child, and the story line didn’t get too overwhelming, nor was it frightening. The characters were all very believable, and I felt like I “knew” Jem.
To take this on a personal level, I have a nine year old son who is very picky about what he reads. There aren’t as many wholesome books for boys of this age, I feel, as there are for girls. It was nice to find a series of books that weren’t just good, clean fun, but adventurous, too!
River of Peril is the second book that I read. It is Book Four in the Goldtown Adventures series. You can read the first chapter of it at this link.
Book Description
