Dylan Dover

A good family read, the children enjoyed the story and found much to discuss regarding the topics covered, especially the depictions of bullying.not too comp!ex for the younger ones to follow.

This was the first book in the Dylan Dover series and it was very good! For a middle grade book, I am surprised at how much I enjoyed it! I admit that one of my main reasons for requesting this book was to help complete a prompt for a reading challenge I'm doing. I'm really glad I requested it!

I loved the cast of characters and will definitely be waiting in anticipation for the next book in the series!

It was very well written.

Thank you to Lynne Howard, NetGalley and publishers BooksGoSocial/The Conrad Press for the chance to read this book.

What worked:
The plot tells a familiar tale, with a twist, of an average 12-year-old boy discovering his amazing powers. The prologue shares a prophecy of four quadruplets being born that might save, or destroy all immortals, and then describes some shady activities surrounding the birth of quadruplets, three boys and one girl. Twelve years later Dylan flees from bullies and accidentally falls through a vortex where he’s collected by guards. It turns out he’s one of the quadruplets and a warlock, and there are many characters surprised by his appearance. Much of the plot deals with reuniting the siblings and includes many twists and uncertainties.
There are different levels of evil laced in the story. Balthazar is the main antagonist, as it’s his plan originally to separate the quadruplets at birth. He works for one of the immortal leaders, but it’s not clear if this man is committed to maintaining peace. Balthazar posts an elf named Reus at the vortex to prevent any of the children from returning from the human world, but Reus fails with that task. Balthazar orders Reus to correct the mistake, and Reus must obey to remain alive. He follows Balthazar out of fear, not loyalty, so it makes his character unpredictable.
The most interesting part of the story is the mystery surrounding the quadruplets. They’re separated into four different places at birth, but the location of the girl isn’t shared. It might be Dylan’s new friend named Thea due to her special abilities, but she doesn’t have the birthmark shared by the three boys. It will create a complicated relationship in the future if she turns out to be the missing sister. Dylan is reunited with his older brother Remy fairly quickly, and the brothers discover they’re more powerful together than apart. The problem of the final child is left unanswered for most of the plot. The major unanswered question is whether reuniting the children will be the salvation or ruination for immortals. The prophecy is unclear.
What didn’t work as well:
The book’s conclusion leads right into a sequel but leaves a feeling of unfinished business. It’s understandable given the circumstances, but I wish the author had chosen a different place to stop. A couple of major changes are introduced, and readers will want to know what happens next. I’m looking forward to the next book!
The Final Verdict:
Don’t mess with magical brothers! The idea of separated, magical quadruplets is creative, but still familiar enough to easily follow. Dylan, Remy, and Thea are interesting, and likable characters and they’re determined to support each other to the end. Readers will enjoy the mystery, intrigue, and adventure of the story, and I highly recommend you give this book a shot.

Quick Summary: A thrilling ride for those who want a fantastical adventure

My Review: Right out of the gate, Dylan Dover: Into the Vortex by Lynne Howard cast a spell over me. It started with a thrilling prophecy, kept the action going with unexpected twists and turns throughout, and ended with a powerful snap. Even then, it wasn't over. That's the way to write a saga!

My Final Say: Why isn't this a movie?! Until it gets picked up, I sure hope it's considered for an audiobook. I think it would be amazing. I know readers will be on the edges of their seats with this incredible story. Book one certainly will not disappoint. Let's go!!!

Other: I will be recommending this one to my library, especially to the youth book clubs.

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: Middle grades and higher
Series: Yes
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes

I voluntarily read this title via NetGalley. Thank you to the author and to the publisher, who made this work available for review in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.

Dylan believes he is a typical twelve-year-old until he stumbles into a vortex that miraculously transports him to the immortal dimension, a parallel universe.
Dylan not only learns that he is a warlock, but he also discovers a twin brother, extraordinary powers, and a secret prophecy that seems to have Dylan and his family at its crux. Dylan, along with his brother and their new-found wizard friend Thea, begin to unravel the mystery that surrounds their birth and the danger that threatens immortals and humans alike.

I really enjoyed this book, particularly the world and characters that Howard created. There were enough unique aspects to her fantasy novel that it felt fresh and exciting and I wanted to read on and find out what happened to Dylan as he navigated his way through the new world and relationships that he found himself in. My only qualm is that for a middle grade book it felt very slow to get started and at times dragged… however, it didn’t stop me enjoying it overall as well as keeping an eye out for the next book in the series.