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Freddy Fumple and the Mindmonsters

By Vegard Svingen

IR_Star-black
IR Rating:
4.0
The imaginative, immersive setting and the overall heartwarming message of the power of being brave and having faith give way to a memorable adventure.
IR Approved
A 10-year-old boy moves to the country with his parents and older sister, only to realize that their new house is haunted and there are strange creatures popping up unexpectedly in his backyard.

As Freddy finds out that the ghost haunting his home is actually a pretty friendly one who just needs some help getting back to the other side, he embarks on a journey that takes him to a world he never expected. With the help of his imagination, big heart, and brand new friends, he also discovers what it truly means to be brave.

This novel is written in a very colorful and creative way: the characters are very distinct and the setting is incredibly vibrant. Freddy is an extremely lovable protagonist: from the minute that readers are introduced to him, he’s contemplating the deep question “How far is infinity?” and experimenting to find the answer with two pocket mirrors. Instead of playing soccer with the other boys his age, he’d prefer to just sit and think on his own. He’s a curious, open-minded, and thoughtful young boy—and these traits are the ones that make him the right hero for his journey into a different world.

The setting of the different world, known as the InBetween, along with the immersive twists and turns of the particular village that Svingen details—are quite imaginative. From the history of how the village came to be to the kind of villains that they are facing at the time Freddy drops in, the facets of the setting seem well-constructed. The fantasy elements of the creatures inhabiting the InBetween span a great range: wood nymphs, unicorns, Cyclopes, elves, fairies, gnomes, dwarves, trolls, and a glasses-wearing dragon.

As Freddy’s mission becomes twofold—helping the boy ghost Jonathan find his way to The Other Side and then stepping up to his duty as the prophesied chosen one to save the InBetween from the MindMonster villains—the story maintains an exciting flow of action. The main parts that do seem a little disconcerting are the descriptions of violence and the use of profanity from the bad guys. These moments seem too dark for a ten-year-old to have to face and bring into question what age bracket this novel may be best suited for. Additionally, the climactic ending feels a bit abrupt, although it does provide another unforeseen twist.

FREDDY FUMPLE AND THE MINDMONSTERS is an enjoyable read with a bright and descriptive world for audiences to journey into alongside the very likable and funny title character. The imaginative, immersive setting and the overall heartwarming message of the power of being brave and having faith give way to a memorable adventure.

~IndieReader.

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