All thirteen-year-old Connor Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens, but when a run-in with the school bully ignites strange powers inside him, Connor's normal teenage life goes up in flames. Now he'll need his new powers to defeat the Darkness that's coming for him. Fast-paced and original, this book's guaranteed to keep you guessing!
The Kindling (Middle School Magic)
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
Thirteen-year-old Conner is a normal kid who loves lacrosse and dislikes prealgebra. One “dark and stormy night,” Conner, his twin, Lexa, and her friend Melanie (who Conner wants as a girlfriend) are studying at home. As Melanie opens the front door to wait for her mother, the three children see a man dressed in black in the street. All the lights go out and dogs begin barking—and then go suddenly silent. They see the same man near their school, but it’s not until after-school detention that they learn they’ve been chosen as future magi and that until their “kindling” (training) is complete, they’ll be the targets of a Dark force. Soon the teens become forces of Light and join the ongoing fight between Light and Darkness. In this fast-paced adventure, Bell keeps his well-developed characters grounded in the real world while still allowing them to have otherworldly experiences. Generous dialogue, just enough magic, and expressive use of both humor and fear combine to make this a potential favorite for the right kind of fantasy fan. Grades 6-9. --J. B. Petty
Review
I adore Braden's storytelling style! Smart, funny, and inventive, The Kindling will draw in even the most reluctant of young readers with inspiring characters and a story packed full of action and intrigue. Loved this one! --Rachel Renee Anderson, author of Minor Adjustments
The Kindling is an exciting blend of imaginative magic and intrigue. I found the different powers the children possess and how they are applied fascinating and that the characters had broad appeal. The story clips along at a lightning pace and the conclusion left me hoping for the next installment. --Michael Young, author of The Canticle Kingdom and The Last Archangel
The battle between light and dark, good and evil, has never been told like Braden Bell tells it, for his narrative sparkles with inventive images. The mental picture of dark forces running amok in Disney's Small World ride is priceless, and that's only one of the exciting situations that Conner, Lexa, and Melanie find themselves in after kindling. --Liz Adair, author of Cold River and The Mist of Quarry Harbor
The Kindling is an exciting blend of imaginative magic and intrigue. I found the different powers the children possess and how they are applied fascinating and that the characters had broad appeal. The story clips along at a lightning pace and the conclusion left me hoping for the next installment. --Michael Young, author of The Canticle Kingdom and The Last Archangel
The battle between light and dark, good and evil, has never been told like Braden Bell tells it, for his narrative sparkles with inventive images. The mental picture of dark forces running amok in Disney's Small World ride is priceless, and that's only one of the exciting situations that Conner, Lexa, and Melanie find themselves in after kindling. --Liz Adair, author of Cold River and The Mist of Quarry Harbor
The Kindling is an exciting blend of imaginative magic and intrigue. I found the different powers the children possess and how they are applied fascinating and that the characters had broad appeal. The story clips along at a lightning pace and the conclusion left me hoping for the next installment. --Michael Young, author of The Canticle Kingdom and The Last Archangel
The battle between light and dark, good and evil, has never been told like Braden Bell tells it, for his narrative sparkles with inventive images. The mental picture of dark forces running amok in Disney's Small World ride is priceless, and that's only one of the exciting situations that Conner, Lexa, and Melanie find themselves in after kindling. --Liz Adair, author of Cold River and The Mist of Quarry Harbor
The Kindling is an exciting blend of imaginative magic and intrigue. I found the different powers the children possess and how they are applied fascinating and that the characters had broad appeal. The story clips along at a lightning pace and the conclusion left me hoping for the next installment. --Michael Young, author of The Canticle Kingdom and The Last Archangel
The battle between light and dark, good and evil, has never been told like Braden Bell tells it, for his narrative sparkles with inventive images. The mental picture of dark forces running amok in Disney's Small World ride is priceless, and that's only one of the exciting situations that Conner, Lexa, and Melanie find themselves in after kindling. --Liz Adair, author of Cold River and The Mist of Quarry Harbor
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More About the Author
Braden Bell holds a Ph.D. in educational theatre from New York University. He and his family live on a quiet, wooded lot in Tennessee, where he teaches middle school theatre and music. An experienced performer, Braden enjoys singing, acting, reading, gardening, and long walks with the dog.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By R. Anderson
Format:Paperback
This book is every parent's dream when it comes to finding good literature for their kids to read. Braden is a master story-teller with a brilliant imagination. He skillfully weaves wisdom and poignant messages throughout humorous and engaging scenes. I hope he writes more and more and more.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Lisa
Format:Paperback
Connor lives a pretty average life. He, along with his twin sister Lexa and her friend Melanie, are looking forward to their trip to Disney World and tryouts for different things at school. One day though, strange things begin to happen. It seems like they can make things happen just by thinking about it. Then, they notice a stranger following them around. He really seems like a bad guy, but their teachers stop him from getting to them. Connor, Lexa, and Melanie find themselves caught in a world they never even knew existed. This world is full of Light and Dark, and the teens will have to use everything they have to keep themselves and everyone they love safe.
I loved this book! It draws you in fairly quickly, and I read it pretty fast. Even though it is a more of a middle-school book, it is not too childish. The use of Light and Dark in this book were fairly unique. There was a lot that wasn't explained though, so I'm hoping there's another book (at least) coming so I can learn some more about the world. Connor, Lexa, and Melanie were great friends. I liked that they squabbled some while they were going through all of this. That made things seem much more realistic, and it also allowed them for some growth. I also liked that all 3 of the kids were given a chance to shine. There wasn't one "hero" taking care of the danger; all of them had a part to play.
Of course, I was also very intrigued by the teachers. I think I would read an entire book just about them! I really loved the use of particular skills to harness the Light (also big points for having one of the girls love math). The use of music was particularly awesome, and it showed the author really knows his stuff where music is concerned. The songs all fit in different ways. Overall, this was a super fun book.... Read more ›
I loved this book! It draws you in fairly quickly, and I read it pretty fast. Even though it is a more of a middle-school book, it is not too childish. The use of Light and Dark in this book were fairly unique. There was a lot that wasn't explained though, so I'm hoping there's another book (at least) coming so I can learn some more about the world. Connor, Lexa, and Melanie were great friends. I liked that they squabbled some while they were going through all of this. That made things seem much more realistic, and it also allowed them for some growth. I also liked that all 3 of the kids were given a chance to shine. There wasn't one "hero" taking care of the danger; all of them had a part to play.
Of course, I was also very intrigued by the teachers. I think I would read an entire book just about them! I really loved the use of particular skills to harness the Light (also big points for having one of the girls love math). The use of music was particularly awesome, and it showed the author really knows his stuff where music is concerned. The songs all fit in different ways. Overall, this was a super fun book.... Read more ›
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By Barbara
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a great book for all ages (probably 8 and up) that captures the imagination and binds the reader to the subject. The characters are believable and the setting authentic. It clearly leads to a sequel and I hope it comes soon. The underlying message at the end of the book (at least I read it this way) of repentance and forgiveness, the difference between light and darkness in our lives) adds a unique dimension to the book without being "preachy".
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Amber Edgell
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This was a awesome book.I loved it so much!
It was cool and funny!
I read this to my friends and they loved it!
It was cool and funny!
I read this to my friends and they loved it!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By DJ
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I loved the kindling. It has the perfect mix of epic action and reality of 6th graders. I look forward to the sequel.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By C. Chesley
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I love when an author can write fun and intelligent books for children without talking down to them. Bell is brilliant at this, and I can't wait to purchase a copy for my daughter for Christmas. I know she will love The Kindling!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Sandee
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this book! It was fast paced and exciting and I know my teenagers will love it as much as I did.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This was a fun, fabulous and fast read and I enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait for my teenagers to read it!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
OK for Pre-Teens
Magic adventure story. Aimed at pre-teens. A couple of chapter segues were not well connected. Is this a first bookfor the author? Read more
Published 6 months ago by Robert J. Brennan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!!
I truly loved reading this book!! I can hardly wait for the sequel to come out! My kids are going to love it too.
Published 7 months ago by Sue
4.0 out of 5 stars
Kids will be reading long after bedtime
This fast-paced novel is non-stop fun for kids and parents alike. With characters you can't help but root for, a plot that keeps you guessing, and plenty of humor, it's a... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Julie N Ford
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Kindling
Branden Bell's imagination is the reason he meets success with the young readers. He keeps the suspense intriguing. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Joann H. Arnold
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful middle grade book!!
I Love that cover!! As a huge fan of Cedar Fort's middle grade titles, I jumped at the opportunity to review this release by Braden Bell. I wasn't disappointed! Read more
Published 9 months ago by S. O'Donnell
4.0 out of 5 stars
Middle School Magic
An excerpt:
A pair of headlights drove around the corner, piercing the darkness. "Okay, there's my mom," Melanie said. Read more
A pair of headlights drove around the corner, piercing the darkness. "Okay, there's my mom," Melanie said. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Liz Adair
