For years, Verónica Espinosa wanted to become the first female matador in her family. However, this changes when she faces her first bull in the arena and realizes she doesn’t want to slay him. Ashamed, Verónica leaves her hometown, looking for a new purpose in life. She discovers it among the ranks of the King’s Musketeers, with whom she embarks on many thrilling adventures. But even as she experiences trials and triumphs, a sinister conspiracy is underway. Sorcerer Étienne Valois is gathering ingredients for a magical potion. With it, he wants to overthrow the king Verónica has sworn to protect.
There’s plenty to like in Jody Studdard’s children’s novel VERÓNICA: A Musketeer’s Story. This is an adventure tale featuring sorcery and swordplay, beasts and balloons, danger and intrigue, unicorns, other worlds, and lost temples in the jungle. In addition, readers will root for the protagonist: a young woman brave enough to challenge male prejudice and skilled enough to prove herself to be as good or even better than them. The world of this novel is a thinly veiled version of our own, with clear analogs of Mexico, France, Italy, and other countries. Initially, this felt like a bit of a letdown for a tale featuring magic, monsters, and similar fantasy elements. But there’s a purpose behind Studdard’s approach. The similarity of his world to ours allows the writer to insert interesting tidbits about real-life customs. There are numerous descriptions of authentic dances, games, and – especially – food. Don’t read this novel when hungry. Seriously. Don’t.
Positives points aside, despite its colorful setting and likable protagonist, Studdard’s writing sometimes feels rather flat and he frequently utilizes the same breathless “and then” narration, no matter if he’s describing a meal or a duel. In addition, the main plotline also feels a bit thin. For the most part, the novel consists of quests that often don’t have much to do with one another. But these are all minor quibbles for an otherwise imaginative book.
Jody Studdard’s exciting children’s novel, VERÓNICA: A Musketeer’s Story, is a fun adventure yarn featuring an appealing female protagonist navigating a magical world.
~Danijel Štriga for IndieReader