* I would give this book 3.75 stars for review*

I found this book to be the prefect mix between adventure, magic and nature adventure. I feel in love with the worlds that was created. I really loved the main character and also the the trio characters that was created. I thought the concepts of the scouts was so fun to read but also a nice balance between fantasy and realistic elements. I thought the Arlo WAS such a fun lead and this book just made me smile. I thought it was super fast pace novel!! I really can't wait for book 2! ( )

* I would give this book 3.75 stars for review*

I found this book to be the prefect mix between adventure, magic and nature adventure. I feel in love with the worlds that was created. I really loved the main character and also the the trio characters that was created. I thought the concepts of the scouts was so fun to read but also a nice balance between fantasy and realistic elements. I thought the Arlo WAS such a fun lead and this book just made me smile. I thought it was super fast pace novel!! I really can't wait for book 2! ( )

Arlo moves back to the small town in the Colorado mountains where his mother was raised. His father has fled the U.S. to China, as he is being chased by the FBI over technology, and his mother lost her job after losing her temper. Arlo is a bit of a worrier and a loner, but eventually decides to join the Rangers, a local outdoors club, where the adventures go beyond the natural into the supernatural. It is nice that the Rangers are open enrollment: boys and girls, and his two closest friends are Indra (female Indian-American) and Wu (male Chinese-American); however, I found Arlo to be often indecisive, requiring his friends to lead. I liked the soapbox race, and Wu's grandfather's role in building their rig. A bit too reminiscent of Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley... ( )

Loyal, Brave, Kind and True -
Keeper of the Old and New -
I Guard the Wild,
Defend the Weak,
Mark the Path
And Virtue Seek.
Forrest Spirits Hear Me Now
As I Speak My Ranger's Vow.

Epic. This middle-grade adventure keeps you on the edge of your seat through its entirety. We got in our Owl Crate months ago, and we just got to read it over Memorial Day Weekend.

Srsly? How did this fall to the bottom of my TBR pile?

Arlo is my kind of kid- "if you don't have a plan b, you don't have a plan." I agree. If you have a middle grader (or younger) who is into magical realism, this is an excellent Summer read, kind of like Gravity Falls.

This is the first in a three book series and for those people who love Podcasts, you can listen to the author on his podcast- Launch which is all about launching this book.

Please note that I purchased this book from Amazon without a review requirement or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that, I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.

Verdict- buy ( )

Arlo Finch is a likable 12-year-old who has just moved to a new town in the mountains of Colorado with his Mom and sister. His Dad had to flee to China for an alleged crime in cryptology. He joins the Rangers, a youth outdoor group that dabbles in ancient mountain magic. Arlo discovers that he is the target of magical creatures for reasons unknown. His tight bond with Ranger friends, Indra, the unstoppable, and Henry Wu, the optimist, helps him find his place in Pine Mountain. Arlo reminds me of myself with his penchant for structure, observation, and worrying about family and friends. These traits become vital to both the real and magical worlds as he sees and understands things more deeply and learns to uphold the Ranger’s Vow to be “loyal, brave, kind and true.” If you like your adventure laced with a touch of mystery and magic, Arlo Finch In the Valley of Fire is for you. ( )