🍄Book Review🍄

 Devansh Raj’s The Floating Shrine (Volume 1) launches a youthful adventure series with an enticing mix of schoolyard camaraderie, cross-cultural exploration, and supernatural suspense. At its heart, the book captures the timeless thrill of a summer mystery—infused with the rich mythology and allure of Japan, “The Land of the Rising Sun.”

The story cleverly bridges the everyday experiences of schoolchildren with the extraordinary, positioning the central group—known as the Six—at the intersection of the mundane and the mystical. Characters like Anshuman and Preeti, among others, are depicted as relatable and resourceful, their dynamic friendship providing both emotional grounding and narrative energy.

The novel opens innocently enough: a summer vacation abroad, the excitement of travel, and the bond of childhood friendships. But things take a darker turn when the Six encounter an ancient curse linked to a mysterious shrine. The familiar trope of “urban legend turned real” is used effectively here, especially with the line: “Ancient wrath or foul play?”—a question that captures the novel’s key tension. The narrative hints at deeper truths hidden beneath folklore, encouraging readers to explore the blurred line between myth and reality.

 Raj uses concise, action-driven prose that suits the middle-grade audience well. Pacing is brisk, ensuring that young readers remain engaged. A pivotal moment like Roshan’s declaration—“The villagers can be dealt with later… The first thing we need to do is investigate the shrine!”—serves as a turning point in the story, highlighting both the stakes and the group's determination. Dialogue throughout is earnest, reinforcing the youthful sincerity of the protagonists.

The book also emphasizes themes of courage, teamwork, and cultural curiosity. By setting the adventure in Japan, Raj not only introduces readers to another cultural context but subtly encourages respect and fascination for traditions and histories outside their own. The "floating shrine" becomes more than a mystery; it's a symbol of the past seeping into the present, challenging young minds to question, explore and discover.

In conclusion, The Floating Shrine is a promising debut that blends friendship, folklore, and fast-paced adventure. Ideal for readers aged 10-14, it offers the joy of discovery and the excitement of solving a supernatural puzzle - while gently introducing them to a world beyond their own. Devansh Raj has crafted a fun and thought-provoking entry into the realm of youth mystery fiction, leaving just enough unanswered to build anticipation for Volume 2.

Must read♥️♥️