Reviews of The Kindling
ALA Booklist: "In this fast-paced adventure, Bell keeps his well-developed characters grounded in the real world while still allowing them to have otherworldly experiences. Generous dialogue, just enough magic, and expressive use of both humor and fear combine to make this a potential favorite for the right kind of fantasy fan." (Read more here)
School Library Journal: "A fast-moving fantasy with plenty of psychic pyrotechnics."
A Casual Reader: "...a super fun book. It was unique, and it had some great parts in it....This is a book that younger and older people will be able to enjoy, and it will leave them dying for more." (Read more here)
Book Adventures: "Braden Bell has done a great job at creating story both rich and intriguing, especially for the target audience (middle school kids). The magic system...is well thought out and entwines itself very well with the plot and characters." (Read more here)
Bookworm Lisa: "...an amazing read for anyone. Once I picked this book up I had trouble putting it down, even staying up late to continue it." (Read more here)
Boys and Literacy: "Braden Bell skillfully develops the magical realism in Middle School Magic: The Kindling,
coherently with enough action to keep the reader glued to the pages." (Read more here)
Carole Thayne Warburton, Author: "This is a fun book, with adventure, imagination, and touching scenes. It...keeps things moving until the end." (Read more here)
Diane Tolley, Author: "The Kindling takes us...on a non-stop roller-coater ride of Magic and mayhem with a large dollop of Adventure (notice the capital 'A') with some good old rock'em, sock'em fighting to the finish between the forces of Light and Dark.... one fantastic, never-ending ride!" (Read more here)
Dorine White, Author: "Great middle school read. The plot is fast moving and the surprises keep coming. (Read more here)
Fire and Ice: "This book was amazing. I loved the engaging plot. I wanted to find out just what was going to happen next and the plot kept me guessing...I enjoyed the characters, they seemed real to me, and I care about what happened to them....I think this book will be an amazing book for kids to read, I can't wait to read more of this series!" (Read more here)
J. Lloyd Morgan, Author: "First of all, bravo! Bell has written an engaging, creative story. It’s geared toward middle-grade readers, though, as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it....it was written in a way that I was laughing and holding on tightly to the edges of the book at the same time." (Read the whole review here)
Jolene Perry, Author: "It's completely obvious that Bell spends time around middle-school aged kids because he has that voice down PERFECT. My husband laughed, my daughter laughed, and my son laughed when he paid attention (he's five). It's a great mix of fun and mystery, and I flew through it in a night." (Read more here)
Kylie, Emily's Reading Room: "The Kindling is an exciting, page-turning mound of magical middle grade fun....I flew through this book." (Read more here)
Lara Neves, Overstuffed: "Braden manages to write a fun book that is very appealing to the age group it is written for while still including poignant lessons about good vs. evil and light vs. darkness....And once you've read it, you can sit on pins and needles for the sequel, like I am." (Read more here)
L.C. Lewis, Author: "The Kindling is my favorite read this year....This is family entertainment at its best, a smartly-written, fast-paced, gripping spot-on, tour-de-middle school....[Bell] has deftly created a rich cadre of vulnerable, multi-layered characters youth will find it easy to cheer for, empathize, and identify with. The school setting is drawn so clearly you can practically smell the gym socks, and the action is described in such crisp detail one can easily “see” each battle play out like a movie. I hope someone actually makes The Kindling into a movie." (Read more here.)
LDS Women's Book Review: "...This is such a fun book, with some great action scenes and dangerous tense moments. It also has great humor, and lots of heart. I loved the relationship between the 3 kids, and the teachers. The author writes teenagers very well, and you can tell has had experience in that area. A very fun read that will keep you turning pages until you are through, and wanting more." (Read more here)
Literary Time Out: "The Kindling is a fun story that is original and well delivered. The characters are great (quirky "teachers" and average teenagers who discover they're not average). There's action and even a bit of young love." (Read more here)
Lynn Parsons, Author: "This book should come with a warning label. Seriously. Once you pick it up, you won't get anything else done. You'll be pulled into a new world that is a perfect blend of fantasy and reality. You won't want to stop reading until the final page....This fast moving tale is interspersed with humor middle schoolers will appreciate, but adults will find this an enjoyable red, also. The images of a memorable scene that takes place in the "It's a Small World" ride will long be with me." (Read more here)
Mary's Book Corner: "The Kindling by Braden Bell is exciting and intense. It is written for mid grade readers, but as an adult it kept me fully engaged and wanting to keep reading....There is so much action, adventure, suspense and intensity. I almost jumped out of my skin, when someone walked up behind me while I was reading." (Read more here)
Monique Bucheger, Author: "The Kindling by Braden Bell is a great story that can be enjoyed by all and is sure to become an instant hit to middle-graders." (Read more here.)
M. R. Bunderson, Author: "Burning shorts, flying pizzas, evil motorcycle-riding darkhands, and one pretty vicious unicorn--what's not to love? With a battle in Disney’s It’s a Small World ride, followed by a lunchroom food fight to end all fights, you won’t want to put this book down until the final page is turned. (Oh, and you’ll never look at pizza the same again.) This is a great book to cap off your summer and jump into school mode! And if things start happening that you just can't explain? . . . let's just say it's always best to be prepared." (Read more here).
Ms. Yingling Reads: "...Funny, funny lines!...I also thought that the world of magic was realistically and clearly defined. Using a school setting more than home worked well in in this instance. The magical names and activities were all coherent and cohesive, which is a big plus, since so many magical realism books struggle to get this right. There is a nice blend of action and strategy. Very pleased." (Read more here)
Nothing Better Than a Book: "This book was action packed with just a hint of romance. I was so into this book! I could not wait to see what would happen next. I would look up like two hours after I started reading and not realize how much I had read. It was a very intriguing and creative story." (Read more here)
Queen of the Clan (MJ): "I really liked The Kindling. It was one of the best books I read this summer. The author was really good a writing the book. I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to keep reading and reading." (Read more here)
Rachael Renee Anderson, Author: "I love Braden Bell's The Kindling. It not only captivates and educates, but it weaves a poignant message throughout its pages. I honestly can't say enough good about this book" (Read more here)
Rebecca Belliston, Author: "The Kindling was such a fun read! I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy a fast-paced, fun adventure novel. The characters are easy to love and unexpected." (Read more here)
Rebecca McKinnon, Author: "This is one of the better middle grade books out there. Full of mystery, adventure, and (dare I say it?) magic, this book is full of excitement....This is great writing, and a wonderful story. Unfortunately, once you've read it, you'll have to wait for the next book. But don't worry, it's definitely worth it!" (Read more here)
Rob McKenzie, Author: "The Kindling will pull you into a world of the extraordinary. It's a blend of action, comedy, and drama are perfect for engaging both non-readers and lovers of fantasy alike." (Read more here)
Serene is My Name Not My Life: "I laughed, I winced (yes, winced), I felt nervous, I felt excited. I enjoyed the main characters as much as you can like 13-year olds without wanting to strangle them too. This book will highly appeal to that age group and includes great and poignant lessons on good and evil, and choice and accountability." (Read more here)
Shannon O'Donnell, Author: "I l-o-v-e-d this book, folks. It's fast-paced, brilliantly original in its take on magic, loaded with awesome MG humor and voice, and full of fantastic characters. It was a tough one to put down. For me, this was an easy 5 STAR rating. Two of my three kids (ages 15 and 10) also read it and loved it. It's a sure-fire hit, so don't miss it. I plan to order copies for my classroom and school library." (Read more here).
So Simply Sara: "I have been a middle school teacher for eight years, and I have to say that this is probably one of the best books I have read that is targeted for this level. The action and intensity were amazing! I could just picture several of my students' faces as I read this book. I stayed up late a few nights to read 'just one more' chapter!!!" (Read more here)
Tanya Parker Mills, Author: "If you want an imaginative, action-packed read in middle grade fiction, I can recommend Braden Bell's The Kindling." (Read more here)
Velvet Red: "I loved, loved, loved this story! I didn't stop until I finished and wanted more. It is an awesome book and I recommend it to E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E!" (Read more here)
School Library Journal: "A fast-moving fantasy with plenty of psychic pyrotechnics."
A Casual Reader: "...a super fun book. It was unique, and it had some great parts in it....This is a book that younger and older people will be able to enjoy, and it will leave them dying for more." (Read more here)
Book Adventures: "Braden Bell has done a great job at creating story both rich and intriguing, especially for the target audience (middle school kids). The magic system...is well thought out and entwines itself very well with the plot and characters." (Read more here)
Bookworm Lisa: "...an amazing read for anyone. Once I picked this book up I had trouble putting it down, even staying up late to continue it." (Read more here)
Boys and Literacy: "Braden Bell skillfully develops the magical realism in Middle School Magic: The Kindling,
coherently with enough action to keep the reader glued to the pages." (Read more here)
Carole Thayne Warburton, Author: "This is a fun book, with adventure, imagination, and touching scenes. It...keeps things moving until the end." (Read more here)
Diane Tolley, Author: "The Kindling takes us...on a non-stop roller-coater ride of Magic and mayhem with a large dollop of Adventure (notice the capital 'A') with some good old rock'em, sock'em fighting to the finish between the forces of Light and Dark.... one fantastic, never-ending ride!" (Read more here)
Dorine White, Author: "Great middle school read. The plot is fast moving and the surprises keep coming. (Read more here)
Fire and Ice: "This book was amazing. I loved the engaging plot. I wanted to find out just what was going to happen next and the plot kept me guessing...I enjoyed the characters, they seemed real to me, and I care about what happened to them....I think this book will be an amazing book for kids to read, I can't wait to read more of this series!" (Read more here)
J. Lloyd Morgan, Author: "First of all, bravo! Bell has written an engaging, creative story. It’s geared toward middle-grade readers, though, as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it....it was written in a way that I was laughing and holding on tightly to the edges of the book at the same time." (Read the whole review here)
Jolene Perry, Author: "It's completely obvious that Bell spends time around middle-school aged kids because he has that voice down PERFECT. My husband laughed, my daughter laughed, and my son laughed when he paid attention (he's five). It's a great mix of fun and mystery, and I flew through it in a night." (Read more here)
Kylie, Emily's Reading Room: "The Kindling is an exciting, page-turning mound of magical middle grade fun....I flew through this book." (Read more here)
Lara Neves, Overstuffed: "Braden manages to write a fun book that is very appealing to the age group it is written for while still including poignant lessons about good vs. evil and light vs. darkness....And once you've read it, you can sit on pins and needles for the sequel, like I am." (Read more here)
L.C. Lewis, Author: "The Kindling is my favorite read this year....This is family entertainment at its best, a smartly-written, fast-paced, gripping spot-on, tour-de-middle school....[Bell] has deftly created a rich cadre of vulnerable, multi-layered characters youth will find it easy to cheer for, empathize, and identify with. The school setting is drawn so clearly you can practically smell the gym socks, and the action is described in such crisp detail one can easily “see” each battle play out like a movie. I hope someone actually makes The Kindling into a movie." (Read more here.)
LDS Women's Book Review: "...This is such a fun book, with some great action scenes and dangerous tense moments. It also has great humor, and lots of heart. I loved the relationship between the 3 kids, and the teachers. The author writes teenagers very well, and you can tell has had experience in that area. A very fun read that will keep you turning pages until you are through, and wanting more." (Read more here)
Literary Time Out: "The Kindling is a fun story that is original and well delivered. The characters are great (quirky "teachers" and average teenagers who discover they're not average). There's action and even a bit of young love." (Read more here)
Lynn Parsons, Author: "This book should come with a warning label. Seriously. Once you pick it up, you won't get anything else done. You'll be pulled into a new world that is a perfect blend of fantasy and reality. You won't want to stop reading until the final page....This fast moving tale is interspersed with humor middle schoolers will appreciate, but adults will find this an enjoyable red, also. The images of a memorable scene that takes place in the "It's a Small World" ride will long be with me." (Read more here)
Mary's Book Corner: "The Kindling by Braden Bell is exciting and intense. It is written for mid grade readers, but as an adult it kept me fully engaged and wanting to keep reading....There is so much action, adventure, suspense and intensity. I almost jumped out of my skin, when someone walked up behind me while I was reading." (Read more here)
Monique Bucheger, Author: "The Kindling by Braden Bell is a great story that can be enjoyed by all and is sure to become an instant hit to middle-graders." (Read more here.)
M. R. Bunderson, Author: "Burning shorts, flying pizzas, evil motorcycle-riding darkhands, and one pretty vicious unicorn--what's not to love? With a battle in Disney’s It’s a Small World ride, followed by a lunchroom food fight to end all fights, you won’t want to put this book down until the final page is turned. (Oh, and you’ll never look at pizza the same again.) This is a great book to cap off your summer and jump into school mode! And if things start happening that you just can't explain? . . . let's just say it's always best to be prepared." (Read more here).
Ms. Yingling Reads: "...Funny, funny lines!...I also thought that the world of magic was realistically and clearly defined. Using a school setting more than home worked well in in this instance. The magical names and activities were all coherent and cohesive, which is a big plus, since so many magical realism books struggle to get this right. There is a nice blend of action and strategy. Very pleased." (Read more here)
Nothing Better Than a Book: "This book was action packed with just a hint of romance. I was so into this book! I could not wait to see what would happen next. I would look up like two hours after I started reading and not realize how much I had read. It was a very intriguing and creative story." (Read more here)
Queen of the Clan (MJ): "I really liked The Kindling. It was one of the best books I read this summer. The author was really good a writing the book. I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to keep reading and reading." (Read more here)
Rachael Renee Anderson, Author: "I love Braden Bell's The Kindling. It not only captivates and educates, but it weaves a poignant message throughout its pages. I honestly can't say enough good about this book" (Read more here)
Rebecca Belliston, Author: "The Kindling was such a fun read! I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy a fast-paced, fun adventure novel. The characters are easy to love and unexpected." (Read more here)
Rebecca McKinnon, Author: "This is one of the better middle grade books out there. Full of mystery, adventure, and (dare I say it?) magic, this book is full of excitement....This is great writing, and a wonderful story. Unfortunately, once you've read it, you'll have to wait for the next book. But don't worry, it's definitely worth it!" (Read more here)
Rob McKenzie, Author: "The Kindling will pull you into a world of the extraordinary. It's a blend of action, comedy, and drama are perfect for engaging both non-readers and lovers of fantasy alike." (Read more here)
Serene is My Name Not My Life: "I laughed, I winced (yes, winced), I felt nervous, I felt excited. I enjoyed the main characters as much as you can like 13-year olds without wanting to strangle them too. This book will highly appeal to that age group and includes great and poignant lessons on good and evil, and choice and accountability." (Read more here)
Shannon O'Donnell, Author: "I l-o-v-e-d this book, folks. It's fast-paced, brilliantly original in its take on magic, loaded with awesome MG humor and voice, and full of fantastic characters. It was a tough one to put down. For me, this was an easy 5 STAR rating. Two of my three kids (ages 15 and 10) also read it and loved it. It's a sure-fire hit, so don't miss it. I plan to order copies for my classroom and school library." (Read more here).
So Simply Sara: "I have been a middle school teacher for eight years, and I have to say that this is probably one of the best books I have read that is targeted for this level. The action and intensity were amazing! I could just picture several of my students' faces as I read this book. I stayed up late a few nights to read 'just one more' chapter!!!" (Read more here)
Tanya Parker Mills, Author: "If you want an imaginative, action-packed read in middle grade fiction, I can recommend Braden Bell's The Kindling." (Read more here)
Velvet Red: "I loved, loved, loved this story! I didn't stop until I finished and wanted more. It is an awesome book and I recommend it to E-V-E-R-Y-O-N-E!" (Read more here)
