Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone is a work of fiction in the fantasy, paranormal fiction, and adventure subgenres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience and was penned by author J.T. Michaels. In this thrilling novel filled with mystery, suspense, and excellent twists, we follow our protagonist, the sixteen-year-old Jimmy Chartron, through history and the here and now. When a magical mishap sees Jimmy living with the ghost of a forgotten war hero in his head, the presence prompts him to find out who Tessa Marlise really was, and why the tales of the Great War have mysteriously excluded her.

One of the most enjoyable sub-genres of YA fiction for me are those set in unique schools and academies, so I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and settings around Navale and Jimmy’s aspirations therein. Beyond this, the wider context of the Great War and its aftermath is well explained through engaging dialogue and discovery moments, but never overdone or too prolonged so as to hold the interest of the target age group. This makes for a compelling read where the action is never stagnant and there’s always a new piece of the puzzle to find. Author J.T. Michaels has a keen sense of balance in terms of plot and character, giving us unique interactions between Jimmy and Tessa that help us relate to their vulnerabilities as much as their triumphs. What results is a fascinating tale with plenty of tricks up its sleeve, and I’d recommend Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone to YA fantasy fans everywhere.

Jimmy Chartron has his heart set on becoming an electrician and has worked hard to be accepted at the elite Naval Academy of Eagleton. When he starts his year, he discovers a secret compartment in the statue of Tessa Marlise, a hero from the Great War, now a century past. As he fiddles with a gap he finds, something happens, and when he wakes up from a blackout, he realizes that he has another person in his body. A ghost – and the ghost of a sassy girl to boot! The last thing Tessa remembers is protecting the Keystone with her life, and now it is a century later, and she is stuck in the mind of a sixteen-year-old boy. Tessa quickly takes the lead, and soon she and Jimmy are spying on the headmaster and headmistress. They are caught up in a conspiracy to cover up the actual cause of the Great War and a race to prevent another war. J.T. Michaels wrote a great fantasy starter in Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone and it promises to be a series that will become loved by YA readers.

Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone by J.T. Michaels is a YA fantasy adventure with great worldbuilding and characters. I loved it, the cover caught my eye, and the story was so much fun to read. The story has a fast pace and is full of action and witty dialogue. Jimmy acts like a real teenager and is an excellent example of someone taking responsibility for his life and working hard to make his dreams come true. He is very accomplished in coming up with excuses to get himself out of trouble, which, after he meets Tessa, seems to be a lot. I liked the characters very much and would recommend this to avid readers of the YA genres; even adults will enjoy this book. There is no profanity and therefore is squeaky clean and fit for younger readers as well. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book.

Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone by J.T. Michaels is an adventure that would draw anyone in, young or old. The main character is Jimmy Chartron who is 16 years old. Other characters that appear in his life are Headmaster Dunan and Headmistress Gardos, who is an Aatolon. The reader gets to meet Master Gibson, Halda Nelson, Tessa, the daughter of Nolan, and Zelie Marlise. Buldega Craftwall, the designer and builder of the Naval Academy School, and a whole host of other characters also influence and help Jimmy with his quest. The author takes the reader into a magical world in such a way that the reader forgets the world around them and actually feels as if they are in the book with the main character. It takes the reader away for a time to regroup and recharge to face the real world again. It is so magical.

Jimmy Chartron and the Lost Keystone by J.T. Michaels is a page-turning book that is a delight to read, humorous, and full of adventure. This book falls into the category of Young Adult, but I feel that the young-at-heart adult would enjoy it as well. Once I started reading, I found that it was such a fun read I could not put it down. The book also helps young people understand that you don’t give up on the first obstacle, no matter how big it seems. A person can always find a solution to the problem; it may not solve the problem immediately but eventually, it will. The way J.T. Michaels has written the book leaves room for another and I for one would love to read the next book to see what new adventures are in store. I really enjoyed reading this book; it was a joy and quite an eye-opener. Thank you for a delightful and fun read.