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Book Review By Michael Jung
Book of Names - Diadem 1 by John Peel

Score, Renald, and Pixel are three teenagers from alternate worlds located on the edge of a mystical reality called the Diadem. When the teens start exhibiting strange abilities, they are taken by mythical creatures to another world in the Diadem where a wizard schools them in the use of their magic. During their stay, the three find strange puzzles, codes and clues that allow them to perform powerful spells, solve mysteries about each other and outwit a powerful being intent on turning the young magic users into pawns for his dreams of universal conquest.


Plot & Themes
Tone of book - very upbeat
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - fantasy world/fantasy past
Coming of age Yes
Youngster becomes - a powerful magician
Is this an adult or child's book? - Kid's book (ages 7-14)
Descript. of chases or violence - 20 %
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 50 %
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 10 %
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 20 %

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status:
Age: - a teen
If magical mental powers: - can cast many different spells - can grant wishes

Main Adversary
Identity: - Male
Age: - long-lived adults
Profession/status:
Has magical powers? Yes
Eccentric: Yes
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a substantial amount
How sensitive is this character?
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Very much smarter than other characters

Setting
A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body: - humans in a primitive/fantasy society - very controlled society
Planet outside solar system? Yes

Writing Style
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript
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