Gavin Goodfellow: The Lure of Burnt Swamp

I got this book for my kids. Since it deals with some pretty heavy issues, I wanted to review it before they got a hold of it. I couldn't put it down! I actually had a hard time focusing on my own responsibilities as I followed Gavin through his struggles. My kids start reading it this week, and I know they will love it as well. They have longed for a series that was based on a Christian perspective, and still as fun as the Harry Potter series. We found it! Now I can get back to work.

Fantastic! This story will hook you in the very beginning and keep its momentum throughout the entire book. Mrs. Abbott does an excellent job of making each one of her characters unique in his or her own way. There is the main character, Gavin, who is deciding whether or not to follow God's plan for him. Molly and Eric are twins who start drifting apart from each other. Gavin's God-fearing Uncle Warney, the one that knows and believes the prophecy of Burnt Swamp. And then on the evil side there are Madam Daark, Bea Daark, and HeeHaw Downs. These last three are conspiring together to unleash a terror on the town of Ashboro. But, with God's help, Gavin and his friends hope to defeat them.

Gavin Goodfellow and the Lure of Burnt Swamp is a spiritual fantasy written by Candy Abbott for young adults. Twelve-year-old Gavin wants to make a difference in his world. When his chance comes to be a hero, he lies about his cousins, Molly and Eric, entering the deserted Lodge with him. Instead of admiration for a good deed, he finds problems and punishment. Evil forces plot to take over the eerie Burnt Swamp that has been burning mysteriously for ten years. Madam Daark and her daughter Bea scheme to steal the ancient diary which contains the Swamp's secrets. Will they succeed? Who will help Gavin protect the diary? How does Gavin find the courage to tell the truth? I was the first person to read Gavin in his entirety when he was a manuscript. After he was revised and edited I read him again. Then I proofread him two times before he went to press. I feel like I know him well. Now, he's a real book and I've enjoyed him even more. Anyone, from the young in heart and spirit to those further along in their life's journey, will love Gavin, his family and friends. I'm way, way older than Gavin and I became engrossed with his adventures. Come join Gavin as he meets God and struggles to save Burnt Swamp.

Have you been looking for a Christian alternative to Harry Potter? Have you been looking for a new mystery novel? Have you just been looking for a good book? Gavin Goodfellow: The Lure of Burnt Swamp fits the bill on all accounts. Many Christians shun the Harry Potter series because of the way witchcraft is portrayed in them. In The Lure of Burnt Swamp, Gavin does not use incantations or magic of any kind, nor does any other character who is shown in a positive light. Those who practice witchcraft and the effects of it are portrayed very accurately. The plot is easy to follow while still being descriptive, engaging, and smart. Characters sometimes make decisions that are obviously wrong, but you realize that you may very well have made the same mistake if you were in their shoes. Overall, the book has a charm and style which will make easy reading for kids or adults and will be sure to keep your interest. Candy's descriptive writing will quickly capture your imagination and you won't have trouble remembering where you're at in the book. Those of us who have read Gavin Goodfellow: The Lure of Burnt Swamp can't wait for the next book. Won't you join us?

Candy has hit a home run with this exciting first adventure for Gavin Goodfellow! I was able to read it during a recent trip--rejoicing that the daylight held out on the way home JUST long enough for me to get to the last page--and WHAT a blessing!!!!!!!! My 11 year old Anna has it now and is LOVING it, too! She was leary at first because she has her favorites and didn't want to appear eager to start something new (especially if I was raving about it! Ha!), but she has her nose stuck in it totally! WHAT AWESOME WORK! WHAT TRUTHS FOUND IN THE ADVENTURE! I can't WAIT for the next one to come out!!!!!!!!! Candy's characters are believable, her descriptions rich, her word choices interesting--WAY TO GO!!!!! She is hitting the mark, weaving her creative tale with biblically sound truths that will build character and faith in the readers. Gives Christians an alternative to the satanic Harry Potter series!