Book Review: The Krybosian Stairpath

In a refreshing change, along comes a children’s book that does not rely on magic to explain the unexplainable. The Krybosian Stairpath puts forth the notion that just because you don’t understand something, it doesn’t mean there must be magic behind it. Knowledge and perspective can make all the difference.

Enter a world of wonder deep inside the earth as 11-year-old geologist Madison Terrence follows her pet gopher down a stairpath portal she discovers in her family’s cavern. When she descends the Krybosian Stairpath, a mystery from her family’s past begins to unravel. She soon realizes her arrival in the interior world of Krybos is no accident. Madison discovers that she’s been pulled into a sinister plot to destroy the most beautiful place she has ever seen.

From Goodreads

Cover Inspection:
Although simple, what caught my eye was the stairpath.

First Thoughts:
These children are smart. Really smart.

***

My Review:
Let me begin by saying that I was pleasantly surprised with the writing in this book! I’ve read Middle Grade Fiction before that made me roll my eyes because the writing was so simplistic. Yes, I know that these authors are writing for kids. Still I think they sometimes underestimate the understanding kids have at this point! The Krybosian Stairpath is a book that gives kids something they need. A place to escape to, and one that doesn’t assume that they can’t handle more difficult information.

Madison and her brother Mica live with their Grandfather. Madison is an 11 year old geologist, who is extremely intelligent. Mica is a younger brother, who looks up to and sometimes envies his older sister. These two characters are very likable, and I can see children falling in love with them! We also meet Digby, Grandfather’s crazy (and gaseous) pet gopher. Yup, this book has a lot of silliness thrown in here and there! In fact, this family lives in one of the most amazing houses I’ve ever heard described. A house built into the side of a mountain. It is in this very fitting setting that the larger part of the story begins, as the children explore an underground cavern.

The mythical world of Krybos was fascinating and definitely drew the reader in. My favorite part about this world was that magic wasn’t constantly used to explain the mysterious. Instead, the characters would use science to explain what was going on. It was a welcome and refreshing new take on a mythical world.  I only regret that there wasn’t more description of Krybos overall. I know that this book, being meant for younger readers, needs to be on the shorter side. Still, I felt like I wanted to know so much more.

I’d definitely recommend this book to Middle Grade readers, but I can also see older readers being intrigued as well. In fact, any person out there who enjoys a mixture of Science and Fantasy will be pleasantly surprised with this book. Give it a read!

Book Details
Title: The Krybosian Stairpath
Author: S.R.R. Colvin
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: Paperback; 200
Source: Around the World Tours

Final Rating: 4 Keys to My Heart
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