It looks like you've stumbled upon a page meant to be read by our code instead of viewed directly. You're probably looking for this page.

  1. Book Reviews
  2. Clarion Reviews
  3. Juvenile Fiction

Jim Morgan and the Door at the Edge of the World

2014 INDIES Finalist
Finalist, Juvenile Fiction (Children's)

Clarion Rating: 5 out of 5

This exciting adventure puts magic in a nautical setting to offer a vibrant tale for children.

Jim Morgan and the Door at the Edge of the World, by James Matlack Raney, is a fast-paced adventure that seizes attention from the first page and follows through with a gripping and imaginative tale. It’s one mishap and narrow escape after another for boy hero Jim as he seeks to fulfill a final quest to keep ultimate power from evil hands. Joined by a group of four young friends and assisted by a few rascally pirates, it’s easy to settle in and enjoy the thrill ride.

The third installment of a trilogy, the book can stand alone, even with its references to previous quests that prevented evil from ruling the day. Surrounded by magical phenomena, Jim, the three Brothers Ratt, and Lacey manage to thwart the efforts of old nemeses to kill Jim and seize the Treasure of the Ocean. At stake is nothing less than the fate of the world.

This fantastical tale is so engaging that the similarities to another kid lit boy hero living in a magical world can be overlooked. Jim is half human, half merfolk, and his destiny is inescapable. He battles through several extraordinary circumstances, including the recurring and intriguing Crimson Storm.

Raney keeps the action moving, the details crisp, and the characters colorful. He nails pirate speak and sprinkles in a few moral lessons along the way. The supporting cast of friends and adults who assist Jim are likable and believable. Raney’s descriptions of magic both benevolent and sinister are captivating and creative as well.

The cover illustration is incredible and vibrantly sets the tone for the tale. As Raney says in the acknowledgments, the artist created artwork that “perfectly captured the spirit of the series.” Together, the cover visual and the writing craft a scenario that’s enjoyable to delve into.

This light read is a great escape into an amazing world, with beautiful and dark creatures, and youth’s potential fulfilled. Juvenile fiction at its best, Jim Morgan and the Door at the Edge of the World delivers a great escape for fans of magical action and adventure.

Reviewed by Felicia Topp

Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

Load Next Review

Book Reviews