The Lighthouse Back Home (Secrets of Salvation Point)
By: Jodi L. Auborn
Publication Date: October 18, 2023
ISBN: 979-8856244273
Reviewed by: Kathy Stickles
The Lighthouse Back Home is a fabulous time-travel adventure story for young adults and this author has hit a home run. The book is the sequel to Matthias: The Ghost of Salvation Point (which I immediately bought and read because I loved this one so much) and it is, if possible, an even better book than the first, with excellent characters and a great history packed into the travel back in time plot. I would highly recommend this book to anyone ages 9 to 12 and, to be honest, to any adults out there. It is just that good!
The Lighthouse Back Home is the story of 11-year-old Dylan, who lives in the lighthouse on Salvation Point in Maine. Dylan, along with his new friend Alex, are exploring an island nearby where they find a very old ship’s bell in the water and then a skeleton in the woods. As they quickly try to get off the island to contact the police, this bell ends up sending them back to the year 1893 when their boat capsizes. From there, the adventure begins as they attempt to figure out where they are and how to survive long enough to find a way back to their own time. With Dylan trying to find the real Matthias, who is an old friend, and Alex trying to pretend to be a boy, the fun never stops as they attempt to figure out all of the mystery surrounding them. The action goes from page to page and never stops. As the two, along with new friends, try to handle a deadly storm, a whole new world they do not understand, and solve the mystery of how they got there the reader can see them grow and develop as people. Added to all of this, there is a creepy and dangerous local family who discovers their secret. Even with all of this happening, these kids never give up and it keeps the reader riveted.
The Lighthouse Back Home is such a fun story. Author Jodi Auborn brings these characters to life with her amazing descriptive writing and the excellent dialogue that really develops both the characters and the plot to a whole new level. This mystery will entertain both children and adults as Dylan and Alex face danger and complications that we can only dream of in our imagination. While Dylan and Alex are both excellent characters, the secondary ones in the story are just as fabulous. We get to see Matthias, the ghost from the first novel, who is now a real, living person. But now, in his own time, he does not know who Dylan is and really does not want the kids around him at all. But we see that change as he begins to honestly care for them (and this really adds a nice touch to the story). Then there is Mrs. MacMurray, Matthias' mother, who is so funny as she takes the children in and tries to help them, all the while arguing with Matthias and trying to force good manners on the rude sailors at the dock. And there are so many more great characters. Each one is written perfectly and you cannot help but love them all.
While the characters, each and every one, really bring this story to life it is the overall plot that keeps it going strong. It is adventure and mystery at its finest and will be a book that is, I am sure, loved by all. Everyone out there, child and adult, should get their hands on a copy of this book. You will not be disappointed.
Quill says: The Lighthouse Back Home is a perfect example of a book for young readers that involves an excellent plot and great characters. It is a wonderful way to introduce younger readers to the elements of a great mystery story that will, hopefully, keep them reading long into the future.
For more information on The Lighthouse Back Home (Secrets of Salvation Point), please visit the author's website at: https://www.jodi-auborn-books.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment