Kingdom Keepers

Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson is aimed squarely at the 'tweens who love visiting Walt Disney World with their families.

So, why I am I reading it? Well, I like books and I like Disney. It is a book about Disney...so...

I need to give my warning about this book first:

The author takes great liberties with the geographical layout of WDW and Walt's actual involvement with the Orlando parks. If you are a grown-up Disney Geek (Jeff's kids included), you will be dismayed with the inaccuracies and the leaps that the author takes to add suspense.

Ok, I did enjoy the book. This title rests firmly in the juvenile thriller-fantasy genre. It is sort of like a younger Da Vinci Code without all of the religious controversy. The Magic Kingdom is being taken over by the Disney villains and five young teens are tasked with saving Walt's Kingdom and deciphering the secrets left behind by Walt, himself. Here is where I start to yell at the book while I am reading it. Apparently, Walt left behind secret codes in the attractions that will help restore the magic to the Magic Kingdom. Including rides that weren't built until 10-20 years after he died. Uh, so how did that happen?

I do recommend the book, as long as you can detach yourself from your inner Disney Geek while reading it. It moved well, the characters were likable and the story was entertaining. It did have a pretty creepy moment where the dolls in It's a Small World come to life. That is the real reason I don't like that ride. It gives me the shivers!

I'm usually positive about most of my book reviews, but this one doesn't quite satiate my Geek needs. It is still a good read and most 'tweens will enjoy the premise and the hero aspect of the book.

Check your local library for a copy. That's what I did.