Scourge [Paperback]

I've been reading a good number of middle-grade and earlier books and chapter books and came across some pretty cool material in some of these books. Nonetheless, "Scourge" immediately stood out for me.

Not only did the book immediately catch my attention with its vivid writing and immediate promise of a marvelous world, but more importantly, it became obvious from the start that author David H. Burton takes his young audience very seriously. There is none of that scholarly tone anywhere in the book found in many other writings for that age group where the stories often feel as if they were designed solely for the purpose to teach or to get across the writer's personal message. Instead Burton creates a tale that is so powerfully gripping and filled with magical imagery that it immediately turns into a fascinating adventure thrill ride where young readers are more willing to interpret some of the new vocabulary through the text's context. That is an important step in reading development of that particular age group that "Scourge" is making very easy and a palpable concept for those younger readers.

Perfectly balanced and riveting as it moves forward, the story of Grim Doyle and his siblings is imaginative in its setting of an alternate Steampunk world where traditional magic and mechanics collide as the forces of good and evil wage their war for dominance. It's a bit of Star Wars mixed in with some Harry Potter, that is wonderfully coated with some Jules Verne-esque visions, but ultimately it is all original David H. Burton.

I love "Scourge" and can't wait for the sequel and my 10-year old son feels exactly the same way.

Grim Doyle lives a somewhat unusual life. First of all, he has two dads, and five siblings, only one of which is a biological sibling. Their home is cluttered with steampunk inspired creations, and they are watched over by their annoying Aunt Patricia. But thinks take a decidedly weirder turn when Grim discovers his family is not originally from Earth, but instead from a place called Verne. Verne is a steampunk world fueled by absinthe, and full of malevolent paranormal creatures. In order to keep the children safe, their dads send them to live at an orphanage, but even there they are not safe.

This book is one part J.K. Rowling, one part Lemony Snicket, one part H.G Wells/Jules Verne, and all parts awesome! I truly never thought I would be a fan of steampunk literature, regardless of the targeted age group, but I honestly and truly am. I love the steampunk world that Burton creates. He spends a lot of time developing it, but I found it to be well worth it. I felt it was similar to how readers encounter Hogwarts for the first time in the initial Harry Potter books. As someone who does not read a lot of fantasy fiction, I often have difficulty imagining fantastical settings and creatures, so the more detail the better for me.

I loved the children's characters, particularly Grim and Rudy. I am hoping as more books are added to this series we will learn more about the other children, particularly Sam. And can I just say that I love that these kids have two dads, and it is not at all a big deal in the book?! It is as normal and accepted as a family with a mother and a father, and I love that. I think children need to see different types of families represented in literature, without it being the complete focus of the story.

This is a great middle grades chapter book, and particularly appealing to young male readers. I love books that can engage boys without being about cars or sports, and that exhibit strong female characters, so all in all I found the book really appealing. I think young readers will love it.

I heard about Scourge from my mom who asked me if I would like to try a book and see if I liked it. She got me the computer version and she, my sister (who is 7) and I began to read it a chapter a night. I really liked it so much that I begged my mom to get me the book so that I could read it on my own. She got me the book and I read it in one weekend. Then my teacher told me I needed to write another book report. She said it had to be a book in a series and it had to be more than 150 pages. My mom said maybe I could do Scourge since I had just read it. She was right and I did it on Scourge. For my report I had to make a book jacket and include a review. So this is my review.

Grim Doyle found himself in the world of Verne, and found out the truth about his past after the great fire there. After a horrible attack and an attempted assissination of his Dad, his Dad and Papa decide it is safer for Grim and his five siblings to go to an orphanage until the dangers facing their family by the evil Lord Victor are over. It is there, at the orphanage, that Grim and his siblings must do chores and hard labor. But they also meet a lot of great friends. Gargoyles, talking machines and other fantastical creatures. Scourge is a great adventure for anyone. It will keep you on your seat, book in hand, wanting to know what's going to happen next. 5 stars! *****
Cameron Titus