[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Peabody Pond" by Brian J. Heinz.]
4 out of 4 stars
Read official review by Everydayadventure15 - Review posted Jun 19th in Young Adult
Connor and Otis, captain and crew of the decrepit rowboat H. M. S.
Wonder, are ready for a summer full of adventure on their beloved Peabody
Pond. But their plans for fishing are quickly cast aside by a fight for their
lives. A vial of experimental hormone accidentally released into the water has
monstrous effects on the local pond critters, and only Connor and Otis know
about the danger. These honor students from Pendrake Middle school are not
known for lying, but their quest to find answers about the vial and the
kidnapping of geneticist Dr. Wilfred Lambert has them wading neck-deep in
deceit.
When the thugs responsible for the kidnapping turn their attention to the boys,
Conner and Otis will have to seek help from unlikely allies. What started as a
secret mission to uncover scientific truth will turn into an eye-opening journey
about relationships and learning to look beyond a person's exterior. Will
Connor and Otis be able to save their new friends from disaster? Or will they
find themselves swallowed by the mutants that lie beneath the surface of
Peabody Pond?
Peabody Pond by Brian J. Heinz might be a perfect find for readers
looking for an exciting middle-grade adventure novel. I loved the
science-fiction elements of this story and the author's ability to add valuable
life lessons to an excellent escapade. I also enjoyed the suspense built into
the plot early on, and the unknown consequences of the chemical had me on the
edge of my seat. Young readers will appreciate the short chapters that make the
book flow smoothly and provide the perfect stopping points along the way.
The book featured a noteworthy cast of characters that made it easy to engage
with the story. I loved Connor's down-to-earth personality and his ability to
assess the situations included in the plot. He provided a positive example of
leadership and was open to learning from his mistakes. I also appreciated Otis
for the comic relief his personality quirks offered, which helped ease the
reader back down after the more intense scenes throughout the book. The author
also included various antagonists that presented multiple challenges and
opportunities for character growth as the plot progressed. I loved how dealing
with the antagonists gave Connor and Otis a chance to develop new perspectives,
learn about empathy, and evaluate their consciences.
There was nothing that I disliked about this book. Peabody Pond was
well written and edited, with very few errors. Therefore, I have no reason to
give it anything but four out of four stars. Since this book
targets a middle-grade audience, there was very little graphic content. Still,
there were a few instances of borderline swearing and a few scenes of violent
death. I'd recommend this to upper middle-grade readers as the protagonists
were just out of eighth grade. The book's epilogue opened the door for a
possible sequel, and I would love to see more adventures out on Peabody
Pond.
NOTE: Online Book Club sent the following to the author:
“The review of your book is marked as featured. This means it is being featured on the page OnlineBookClub.org/reviews/ and as a sticky topic in the forums. It is set to be featured until August 20, 2021.”
Peabody Pond can be purchased online through the author's 4RV Publishing page or from other online stores.
