BOOK REVIEW for "Simon Fayter and the Doors of Bone (Simon Fayter, #1)" by Austin J. Bailey

*****(5) out of 5 stars!

SYNOPSIS:

Simon Fayter has no idea that the quirky old tutor his mom works for is hiding an ancient secret, but the truth comes out when dark forces attack and he helps Simon escape into a magical destiny. When Simon inherits a dusty coat, a slew of strange powers, and an age-old mystery, he learns that the strange "lucky streak" he was born with is actually something much more complicated. And more dangerous…

Austin J. Bailey has entertained over 100,000 readers with his bestselling Magemother series, and his latest work is better than ever.  Featuring an endearingly overconfident and hilarious boy genius, Doors of Bone is the first in a planned series of five middle-grade fantasy novels for kids of all ages.  Complete with a magical porta-potty, 157 footnotes, and a button that makes sheep fall from the sky, this is a book that you won't want to put down.

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REVIEW:

This is an utterly charming story, set first (for a chapter and a half) in our regular every-day world, and then in the mythical reality of Skelligard.  We meet the main character, Simon Jacobson, very early on, in the prologue, actually, while he is yet a baby.  Even then, the stage is set for him to be a very interesting and important character.

Atticus let his swords fade but did not move.  He stood there for several minutes until he was convinced that the Shadeking was truly gone, then he put his hands in his pockets and strode back up the front lawn, with Finnigan in tow.  As they passed through the wrecked front wall, Finnigan said, "What just happened?"  But the wizard did not answer.

Not much further into the book (although 13 years later in the story), we are introduced to the two other main protagonists of this tale, Drakus Bright née Domerson and Tessa Strong née Launderson.  It is near this same time, after a bit of fuss, that Simon achieves his new name of Simon Fayter.  (Like you couldn't see that one coming if you read the title!)

I stepped onto the scale and the needle swung slowly to the right, stopping dead center under the word "Fayter."  The room went quiet as a tomb…

Since there has only ever been one other Fayter in all the 1,000 year history of their current establishment, it is quite a surprise when they determine that Simon is one, let alone that they were able to ascertain it upon his arrival at his new school and society.

"Who was the first?"  Gladstone's eyes twinkled.  "Rellik the Seer," he said.  "He lived a thousand years ago.  He was the founder of this university, the framer of the Circle of Eight, the hero of a thousand tales, and the most powerful wizard to ever lived."

From there the adventure continues through all types of challenges, revelations, hazards, and experiences, through different realms and worlds, as we meet many new and interesting characters along the way.  Definitely a book I highly recommend, but one that I don't want to discuss too much, because I don't want to ruin any of the secrets it holds.  This tome is very reminiscent of the author's prior "Magemother" series; but with a totally different, unique story and setting, Austin J. Bailey has really outdone himself!  I cannot wait to read the other volumes in this series!

Rellik the Seer smiled warmly.  "Simon Fayter," he said, "I've been waiting for you."

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I received an eCopy of this title from the author 
and have willingly provided an honest review.