The Door to Oldenworld (The Oldenworld Odyssey)($21.95Value)

Description

Twins Jack and Macy discover a secret door—and a time-bending adventure to save the future. After Jack and Macy's dad went MIA in Afghanistan, the Army closed the books on him. But when a funeral goes sideways and a mysterious stranger on a motorcycle roars into their lives, the twins are pulled into something way bigger than they expected. That stranger? Their grandfather, Ace—a washed-up, semi-pro wrestler with a wild past and one colossal secret: he’s a Sentinel—protector of a hidden gateway to a forgotten realm called Oldenworld. And their dad? He didn’t die in battle. He vanished through a tear in time—and only Ace knows why. From a time-portal hidden in Ace’s basement to a shimmering staircase made of frozen light, Jack and Macy are hurled into a breathtaking adventure. But Oldenworld isn’t like the history books—it’s a land cursed with dark magic, a power-mad king, and secrets never meant to be unearthed. As mysteries unravel and enemies close in, the twins discover their family’s legacy runs deeper than they ever imagined. Can they survive the dangers of time-travel and bring their father home, or will they become lost in Oldenworld forever? Spy Kids meets The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe Eleven-year-old twins Jack and Macy Fynn are reeling from the tragic loss of their father, Jason, who is presumed to have been killed in action while fighting in Afghanistan. When a freak accident during the funeral lands their mom in the hospital, the twins are entrusted into the care of a mysterious stranger - who so happens to be their grandfather, Ace. Gruff on the outside, but wise and not unkind on the inside, Ace whisks them away to his manor in the mountains. There, Jack and Macy are thrust into an adventure wilder than they could have ever dreamed. Turns out that Ace is the guardian of a special door to another world - a realm called Oldenworld. What's more? He confirms Jack's suspicions - and hopes - that maybe his father isn't dead, after all. He is not missing in action, he has vanished through a tear in time itself. Only Ace can help find him and bring him back. But Oldenworld is more than just a historic place or time - it is a dangerous one, filled with dark magic, power hungry rulers, and dark secrets. As the twins learn startling secrets about their family's real legacy, can they survive Oldenworld and bring back their father, or will Oldenworld prove too powerful for them? The Door to Oldenworld is a whirlwind of thrilling adventure, coupled with life lessons and an emphasis on comradery. Jack and Macy are relatable heroes who, though young, will appeal to readers of all ages. Their journey into Oldenworld is like a reflection of their journey from childhood into adolescence. The perceived loss of their father and their mother's sudden hospitalization has ripped them from their comfortable realm of innocence into a scary, unknown future. I loved the concept of Lifebooks. Throughout history, many cultures have favored traditions and ideals concerning how fate governs our lives. Are we really free to make our own choices and choose our own destiny, or has everything already been written out, and now we're just blindly meandering down a predetermined path? I loved Ace's comment to Jack and Macy: "There's the future that's been written," Ace said, "and the future that hasn't. And sometimes, the written one gets rewritten." It is a theme that will teach young, adolescent readers and adult readers to remember that we all have the power to write - and re-write - our future. Mistakes will happen. Misfortune will befall us. But, in the end, our Lifebooks will reflect how we navigated through those bad, sticky times and it is up to us to decide how long, short, despairing, or hopeful the story is. The Door to Oldenworld is told with a captivating, consistent tone that draws readers in from the first page. Once I started, I had a hard time stopping. I felt kindred spirits in Jack and Macy, as they learn even more the importance of relying on and trusting in our loved ones to see us through the darkness and unknown. Likewise, through Ace readers learn that our burned bridges can serve as motivation to work harder on connecting with others. For instance, Ace uses the regrets he harbors over his complicated history with his son as fuel to not only do right by the twins, but be a true, strong ally for Jack and Macy. I absolutely loved The Door to Oldenworld . I am eager to share it with my niece and nephews, and I think it will find many homes on the shelves of fantasy lovers of middle grade age, young adult age, and beyond. Megan Weiss, Reedsy Discovery