Official Review: Thomas Kindercook and the Pink Pyjamas

[BookWorm07]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Thomas Kindercook and the Pink Pyjamas" by Gerald Feather.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Thomas Kindercook and the Pink Pyjamas is a debut novel by Gerald Feather. This book is the first part in the story of a 14-year-old boy who finds a mysterious book, which his grandfather believes was the reason his grand-uncle vanished. The book contains a riddle, solving which Thomas is admitted into an alternate universe; a world full of dragons and magic. Was this what transpired with his grand-uncle Sammuel Kindercook? Could Thomas find Sammuel and make his way back home?

Gerald Feather narrates a fairly straightforward story with no major hidden subtext. It is a typical young adult fantasy novel with a male white protagonist in his teens who is thrust into an unlikely world where he meets the love of his life under strange circumstances. Although love isn't the only thing he discovers in this magical place. Thomas unwittingly makes a few dangerous enemies as well. Soon what had appeared to be a relatively friendly place is now filled with danger at every turn.

The book begins with an intriguing prologue set in the land of Valencia. However, later on in the story, the world is referred by the name Alumia. There was no indication elsewhere that the name had changed. So I'm uncertain whether it was a mistake or it is part of a bigger mystery that shall become clearer in the sequels to this book. Apart from that, the book was quite error free with regards to grammar. I loved the detailed description used by the author to set the different scenes and the humor sprinkled throughout the story. I had to stifle a lot of giggles while reading. Also, the book ends on a cliffhanger with a few unanswered questions, so I look forward for the next book in the series to find a sense of closure.

The author also does a commendable job with regards to the intricate world he built and the characters he created. For most parts, the characters are real and believable. Yet there had been times when the Thomas’s dialogue and his thinking make him sound older than his age. It wasn't akin to how a 14-year-old boy in the 21st century speaks. As for the plot, albeit interesting, there were a few components that seemed unrealistic. To be fair, the author does try to justify it, but I wasn't quite satisfied and it still irks me.

Overall, I'd say this book shall be better suited for younger readers as it has a grand adventure story with themes of friendship, love and betrayal. However, older teens shall not be as satisfied. I'd rate the book a 2.5 stars if it were possible, but since it isn't and the book deserves more than a 2, I rate it as 3 out of 4 stars and recommend this book to children up to the age of 13 or 14.

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Thomas Kindercook and the Pink Pyjamas
View: on Bookshelves | on Smashwords

Like BookWorm07's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Kappy]

Good, thorough review. I like books written for young adults; I can't stand the near-obligatory explicit sex and foul language found in so many modern "adult" novels.

[LivreAmour217]

Good, thorough review. I like books written for young adults; I can't stand the near-obligatory explicit sex and foul language found in so many modern "adult" novels.

I hear you, Kappy! I am so sick of the raunchy material in a lot of so-called adult books!

BookWorm07, thanks for a thorough and fair review. I think my son might enjoy this book.

[BookWorm07]

Good, thorough review. I like books written for young adults; I can't stand the near-obligatory explicit sex and foul language found in so many modern "adult" novels.

Thanks Kappy. I don't have problems with sex and swearing in novels if its part of the story. But nowadays it's become a trend to weave a thin plot amidst sex instead of the other way round and I hate that.

-- 11 Feb 2015, 14:28 --

Good, thorough review. I like books written for young adults; I can't stand the near-obligatory explicit sex and foul language found in so many modern "adult" novels.

I hear you, Kappy! I am so sick of the raunchy material in a lot of so-called adult books!

BookWorm07, thanks for a thorough and fair review. I think my son might enjoy this book.

Hope he does. Thanks for such a lovely comment.

[gfeather]

Thank you for the review. I'm sorry it has taken me so long to respond to this but in my defence, I have been busy editing book 2 when I am not at work.
I know... Poor excuse.

Thanks for the comment on the voice of the character. I am being a little more careful about that in book 2.

Alumia is the name of the world, Valencia would be the land. It's like a province or state here.

I know this is a short reply. I am pecking this out on my smartphone. I just wanted to say how much I appreciated the thorough review and I hope you get to look at book 2 when it comes out.
Sincerely
Gerald F.

[BookWorm07]

@gfeather Thanks for commenting on my review and clarifying the different names issue I had. I'd love the chance to review the sequel too. Even otherwise, I'd like to read it.