Drifters Realm

by AnneMarie Mazotti Gouveia

Genre: Middle Grade / Fantasy

ISBN: 9781639888030

Print Length: 148 pages

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

A fun read with an authentic sibling relationship at the heart

In the first book of the Drifters Realm series, get ready to meet the delightful twelve-year-old twins, Roe and Ori, along with their older brother, Theo.

Drifters Realm, a magical world in turmoil, presents Roe, a Life Giver gifted with healing abilities, with a crossbow. But this weapon becomes the source of her troubles as it catches the attention of the Guardians, who oversee their daily lives. The unraveling of Drifters Realm intensifies, and it’s up to the siblings, their long-lost father, and a mysterious prophecy to save them all.

“Roe, we’ve been waiting for you. Together, we can prevent the prophecy, save our family, and protect those we hold dear. But first, we must find Father.”

Theo and Roe are the sole remaining connection to their family. With the support of their friends, they embark on an adventure to locate Ori and their father. Once reunited, they hope to unravel the enigmatic prophecies that increasingly affect their lives and even avert the impending war looming over Drifters Realm.

The worldbuilding in Drifters Realm is meticulous and intricate. From magical backpacks to the unique powers of each sibling, there’s plenty to immerse oneself in. This middle-grade fantasy fiction successfully blends political elements that are typically reserved for older audiences with themes of family dynamics, loneliness, and grief.

“Little did she imagine the weight that would rest upon her shoulders. How will she summon the courage and strength to face what lies ahead?”

The novel follows a quest-based structure, requiring the characters to travel extensively. Character transformations, such as Theo’s physical changes and the emotional growth of secondary character Seth, reward readers with satisfying story arcs. Furthermore, Drifters Realm features captivating illustrations that enhance readers’ visualizations of key scenes.

Occasionally, the logic of certain characters can be challenging to follow, and there’s some head-hopping between characters during scenes. The absence of a consistent viewpoint might make it difficult to develop attachments to specific characters. Coupled with the large cast and swift introductions, this may lead to some confusion.

In conclusion, Drifters Realm marks a promising beginning to an intriguing middle-grade fantasy series.