Official Review: Winell Road by Kate Foster

[Mercelle]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Winell Road" by Kate Foster.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Winell Road by Kate Foster is a children's book that falls under the sci-fi/fantasy genre. The main protagonist is Jack, a 12-year-old boy, who seemed to be living a normal suburban life until one summer, he had an unexpected encounter with aliens. This sets in motion a chain of events that anyone with a spirit of adventure would be glad to experience.

The aliens contact Jack and tell him that they need his help to retrieve what they call the "vitax". It is said to maintain balance in the universe and in the wrong hands, it could cause devastating effects. With the help of his new neighbor, Roxy, who suspiciously moves in at this very timely moment, Jack sets out on an adventure. What awaits this brave pair? Will they succeed?

This was undoubtedly one of the best summers Jack had ever had. Although he always felt that the residents of the cul-de-sac he had lived in all his life were weird, he could never really place a finger on the specifics of their weirdness. For him to find out that he was the last one to find out the truth about his neighborhood and that even his own own parents were in on it is so shocking that he feels very betrayed.

The heart-pounding and sometimes dangerous adventures that Jack and Roxy undertake surely made for a good read. From the beginning, the suspense was rife and it kept me glued till the very end. I especially liked how dramatic irony was highlighted by multiple clues hidden throughout the story. The puzzles had me trying very hard to solve them and when I found out the truth, in the end, I was more than blown away because I clearly didn't see it coming. The ending was definitely the highlight of the book because of the room it provides for a second installment. I eagerly hope that the author will pursue this avenue.

Amidst the supernatural occurrences, themes of friendship, trust, family values, and obedience are expertly weaved in. This aspect of the book offers valuable lessons to all, especially younger readers because the content is presented in such a palatable manner. The language used is also simple with no overbearing vocabulary and in instances where difficult or foreign words were used, the meaning was thoroughly explained.

I liked this book because it shows the reader that an alternate reality is possible and in today's society where children spend most of their time indoors, it could ignite the spark of outdoor activities. It also broadens readers' imagination and will encourage them to look beyond the surface because not all is always as it seems.

For such an action-packed story, I was glad that it was professionally edited, with minimal errors that did not detract from the storyline. These include an extra letter after a word and wrongfully conjoined words. Without hesitation, I will, therefore, rate this book 4 out of 4 stars and recommend it to lovers of science fiction, anyone who likes deciphering clues and children of ages 10-14.

******
Winell Road
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like Mercy Bolo's review? Post a comment saying so!

[michael4212]

This is a nice book

[Ida123]

This seems an interesting book, but not my cup of tea!

[prettysmart]

Am a lover of science fiction especially one with adventure....Awesome review!

[Kat Berg]

I love kids books, and particularly when it also involves flights of fancy, as all good sci-fi or fantasy books do. This sounds like another fun read.

[Mercelle]

I love kids books, and particularly when it also involves flights of fancy, as all good sci-fi or fantasy books do. This sounds like another fun read.

Yes it is. Thank you.

[Sahani Nimandra]

The ideology of the plot is fascinating! The suspenseful ride seems helpful in keeping the reader glued to the book. Thank you for sharing!

[Cristina Chifane]

I believe that books like these could help children and teenagers rediscover the pleasure of reading. I know they are particularly drawn to the sci-fic/fantasy genre and from your description they could easily imagine themselves in Jack's shoes in Winell Road. Thank you for your review!

[kandscreeley]

Oooh! This is one of my favorite types of books. Sounds like something I should pick up when I'm looking for a nice, easy read! Thanks for the great review. I just can't wait to find out what happens with Jack and the aliens.

[Holianabarredo]

the review is amazing. Also i love the art style of the book cover, you seen to love this book and it totally made me want to add it in my reading list or give it to my younger siblings

[Mercelle]

Oooh! This is one of my favorite types of books. Sounds like something I should pick up when I'm looking for a nice, easy read! Thanks for the great review. I just can't wait to find out what happens with Jack and the aliens.

Thank you. I hope There is a sequel to this book. I also liked how unpredictable it is.

[Mercelle]

I believe that books like these could help children and teenagers rediscover the pleasure of reading. I know they are particularly drawn to the sci-fic/fantasy genre and from your description they could easily imagine themselves in Jack's shoes in Winell Road. Thank you for your review!

I'm a grown-up, but this book made me want to go outside and look for aliens.

[Mercelle]

the review is amazing. Also i love the art style of the book cover, you seen to love this book and it totally made me want to add it in my reading list or give it to my younger siblings

Thank you. I hope you get to check it out.

[Mercelle]

The ideology of the plot is fascinating! The suspenseful ride seems helpful in keeping the reader glued to the book. Thank you for sharing!

The suspense was so expertly weaved in it had me in awe. It is often rare to find a book with such consistency.

[Yoli García]

Aliens, an object that keeps the balance of the universe, and a neighborhood with a mystery? Sounds like an adventurous story my daughter would enjoy. Thanks for the review!