Release: April 8th, 2021
Format: Ebook
Publisher: BHC Press
Source: Netgalley
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Kobo.
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Emma’s freshman year has finally begun, but not in the way she had hoped. Not long after arriving, Emma learns some shocking news: Doug has a new girlfriend. Although heartbroken, that’s not all on Emma’s mind. One night while getting some fresh air, Emma glimpses a mysterious phantom on the castle’s east tower. Spurred on by other strange encounters, Emma launches into an investigation to find out if what she saw was real and, if so, what it could mean. She discovers that she is unlike anything she expected and sparks a secret adventure through the academy’s underground caverns.
When an unforeseen danger threatens to undo all that she’s accomplished, Emma must gather her courage and do the right thing. But what will it cost? And will she and Doug ever be the same again?
About the Author:
Ellen Alexander is the author of The Dinswood Chronicles, an exciting mystery-adventure series featuring Emma Higby and her friends at Dinswood Academy. Also, blending the intrigue of Nancy Drew, the lasting friendships of Harry Potter, and The Goonies’ fun and adventure, this series is appropriate for readers age 10+.
Ellen, a retired teacher, resides in Dixon, Missouri, with her husband, Jim. She enjoys spending her days writing stories inspired by the great mysteries she grew up reading. This text refers to the paperback edition.
The Phantom of the East Tower Review:
“The Phantom of the East Tower” was a fun middle-grade novel filled with action and adventure.
Firstly, I wasn’t aware that this was part of a series, and previous novels were leading to the storyline. The author references the earlier adventures, which I had trouble connecting with, but also intrigued me. Nevertheless, I had no problem relating to the characters and enjoyed reading this book!
Secondly, the author beautifully writes the adventure. The story made me reminisce about the old “Famous Five” adventure novels I loved reading. The first half of the story is eerie and suspenseful as Emma notices the strange apparition in the Tower and the library. One of my favorite moments is when she hears strange footsteps in the corn maze. In contrast, the author fills the second half with action and adventure as the group tries to escape from the convicts.
The author also wonderfully wrote the characters. Emma, Martha, and Sebastian form a wonderful group and share a friendly camaraderie. Similarly, Emma and Andy stand out in the story and share a wonderful friendship. I loved the way they meet each other and Andy’s backstory. As the author mentions, Emma and Andy act as angels and always support one another.
Moreover, I enjoyed the love angle between Doug, Juniper, and Emma. Juniper is one of those characters you love to hate, and I wanted how she spiced the story. But I feel she disappeared mid-way into the plot. Reading this book inspired me to pick up the previous books to discover how it all began and read their last adventures. Overall, “The Phantom of the East Tower” is a lovely book to pick up if you are in the mood for an exciting middle-grade adventure novel.
