Magic Eaters vs. The Angry Librarian


Children - Grade 4th-6th
132 Pages
Reviewed on 12/27/2019
Buy on Amazon

Author Biography

Connor Grayson writes fun, action-packed stories for kids. He still remembers the summer he spent counting pennies to buy his first video game console. Oh the horror! He lives and writes in Arizona. Usually in a coffee shop, or a library, or in a random room with four walls. Hopefully. Oh right, and he has a dog who's awesome.

Follow Connor on Instagram @theconnorgrayson or visit him at ConnorGrayson.com or MagicEaters.com

    Book Review

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Magic Eaters vs. The Angry Librarian is an adventure fantasy novel for children and preteens written by Connor Grayson. One day, Charlie’s life was turned totally upside down, just like that. When his mom informed him that they would have to move, Charlie told her in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t interested. But then she dangled the promise of a Nintendo Switch before him, and his defenses crumbled. After all, who could resist one of those? He even watched and said nothing while his dad filled a box with his video game consoles and games, reminding Charlie about the Switch as he did so. Heck, Charlie was so excited about the new system that he turned down his dad’s invite for one last pizza party with his friends and playing even the video games Charlie’s mom didn’t really like. It wasn’t until he and his mom were putting the last finishing touches on their move that Charlie found out that the five-gallon jugs of pennies he was lugging out to the U-Haul represented his Nintendo Switch. He’d be doing a lot of penny rolling before he ever saw that console.

Connor Grayson’s Magic Eaters vs. The Angry Librarian is a deliciously dark and creepy story about a different type of game, one which takes the strategy, concentration and skill needed to master video games to a new level and intensity. His characters are well-defined and credible, and the plot is action-packed, exciting and totally unpredictable. I particularly liked how Grayson sets the mood in this story, making the game Charlie and Evie enter seem sinister and deadly serious. Will they succeed and win the prize of their dreams or end up like the ones who failed? Grayson keeps the reader guessing throughout this well-written and original story. Magic Eaters vs. The Angry Librarian is highly recommended.

K.C. Finn

Magic Eaters vs The Angry Librarian is a children’s adventure novel for ages eight and up, and was penned by author Connor Grayson. In this opening novel to what could potentially be an excellent creepy adventure series, we meet our protagonist Charlie who is twelve years old. Charlie makes a terrible deal that lands him with a pair of enchanted Wizard Eyes, enabling him to see the monsters of the world through a video-game style interface. In order to defeat the beasts he sees all around him – not least the hideous titular librarian – Charlie must learn to trust his strange band of friends and work together to find success.

Author Connor Grayson has created a truly delightful book that is certain to envelop and entertain children from the third grade all the way up to the early teenage years. Kids with a penchant for video games will enjoy the style and format of the way the novel is told, almost in a level by level approach, and with plenty of opportunities to battle monsters and discovers clues to the overarching plot. Charlie and Evie are very well developed and likable main characters, who have compatible flaws and a lot of learning to do to trust one another, which sends a great moral message amid all of the excitement of the tale. Overall, I would certainly recommend Magic Eaters vs The Angry Librarian for both classroom reading and private enjoyment at home, and I sincerely hope to see more work from this excellent writer in the future.

Edith Wairimu

In Magic Eaters vs The Angry Librarian, a thrilling children’s book written by Connor Grayson, Charlie cannot imagine a life without video games. But the day comes when he and his mother have to move to Arizona, which will be their new home. Just before the journey begins, Charlie accidentally sits on something in the car, an old shoebox wrapped in string with a strange note attached to it. The journey to Arizona is mostly uneventful until they stop for lunch. Charlie goes to the bathroom, eager to find out what is in the box. A myriad of thoughts goes through Charlie’s mind as he tries to guess what is inside. Everything changes drastically after Charlie opens the box, as the contents have the power to usher him into a new world of monstrous rats, huge snakes, a wicked librarian and much more.

What starts as a boring trip soon turns dangerous and thrilling. After arriving in Arizona, Charlie meets Evie who introduces him to the haunted mountain where their adventures begin. The story is told from Charlie’s perspective, which gives him depth as the main character. The point of view, as well as the language used in the book, also draws the audience in as it is written for young adults. The plot is made captivating by the danger Charlie and his team face at every turn. As Charlie enters a video game world of his own, where his team has to outmaneuver hideous, menacing creatures and where even a simple mistake can mean death, the team has to work together and quickly to survive. Magic Eaters vs The Angry Librarian by Connor Grayson is adeptly written with potential readers in mind. It is exhilarating as it follows the adventures of fascinating characters.

Astrid Iustulin

When Charlie moves with his parents, he cannot imagine that this is the beginning of a suspenseful adventure. After finding a pair of Wizard Eyes, he lives one of the most incredible experiences for a young boy. He is in a video game like the ones he loves so much, but this time things are a lot more dangerous: he is the hero for real. With the help of his friends Evie, Grrblin, and Stump, Charlie has to defeat the Angry Librarian. However, his priority is to remain alive. Will he win? You will find the answer at the end of Connor Grayson's book, Magic Eaters vs the Angry Librarian.

Connor Grayson has written an action-packed story with a likable protagonist, nice characters, and above all, a formidable enemy. Boys will easily identify with Charlie, while Evie makes girls like me more interested in the story. I am sure young readers will be thrilled to follow them and their friends in their adventure. The four heroes are brave and smart, and I like that they have to be a team to win. From Grayson's descriptions, it is easy to imagine being in a video game. The passages where snakes, ghosts, and the Angry Librarian appear are extremely effective. When something happens, Grayson represents the excitement of the characters in a way that reminds you of the reactions you have while playing a video game. If you are a video game player, do not miss Magic Eaters vs the Angry Librarian. It is a book for you.

Cheryl Schopen

Magic Eaters vs The Angry Librarian by Connor Grayson is a fun, adventurous story. It all begins when 12-year-old Charlie acquires a pair of Wizard Eyes. He is transported to this video game-like world where he and his newfound friends must battle creatures and monsters with their new magic powers to obtain the promised treasure in the end. Charlie, Evie, Grrblin, and Stump must work together to defeat The Angry Librarian and all the obstacles that hinder their progress. What will happen along the way? Will everything be worth it after all is said and done?

This story reminded me of a kid version of the recent Jumanji movies: heroes trapped in a video game and working together as a team to beat different levels to accomplish their ultimate goal. As a mother and a teacher, I know that my daughter and my students would love this book. It takes readers on an exciting journey through the eyes of someone they can relate to. Charlie is an average child learning about this world he was just thrust into, and readers will root for and cheer for him along the way. Even though it was really fast-paced, Magic Eaters vs The Angry Librarian is action-packed, fantasy-filled, and just all-around good fun that will keep young readers on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next. Connor Grayson definitely is a talented writer, and I’m looking forward to what he has in store for us next in this series.

Ryan

Magic Eaters vs The Angry Librarian is a very fun read. It is geared more towards older kids, however I read it to my kids who are 2 and 4 years old and we thoroughly enjoyed it. My 4 year old is still asking about wizard eyes now that we have finished the book. I found myself laughing at many times. There’s plenty of humor and adventure for all ages. I highly recommend this book, five stars all around. Can’t wait to read more about Charlie’s adventures.

Lindsay

Exciting and an easy read for kids. I have two daughters ages 6&8 who absolutely loved the thrill and excitement of this book. We are hoping that this author continues to add to the series that follows Charlie. Well written story.

Matt Hunter

Great read! This book is a great read and perfect for someone seeking some adventure and magic. The characters all come to life and you are with them each step of the way. I also really like the video game nature of it. Lots of gamer lingo and scenarios that I can relate to. I’m excited to read the books to follow!

Alex Uithoven

A delightfully easy read. Magic Eaters isn’t bloated or overstuffed. It delivers the right amount of detail and context as you follow the main characters through their video game-esque adventure.

It’s a perfect fit for middle-grade readers and will quickly give them a story worth caring about.

I don’t know.

Chris

What a fun book. I love the fast pace and adventure. It feels like I'm going through a video game. It's just the right about of scary. Great book since I love video games.

Deb

Perfect for the 4th grade classroom. I try to keep my 4th grade class library full of new and exciting books that will engage readers, this is one of those. I really liked the characters of Charlie and Evie, seeing their strengths and weaknesses as they work to defeat the Angry Librarian. She is creepy for sure. I will be using this book for an in class campout, we'll all wear our wizard eyes and read through the crazy quest of the Magic Eaters together.

Gnomebray

Could not put it down! I read this to my 8 year old and we finished in one sitting. It is quite the page-turner as the story brings you in. She loved it, and is wanting her own pair of wizard eyes now. The author really captured the experiences and emotions of Evie and Charlie, which left us wanting more. We cannot wait until the next adventure to come out.

Dr. Patricia Eroh

awesome book
This book is fantastic!! I am so thrilled and so are the kids I work with both in my classroom and in the behavior program after school. This book kept the kids wanting to read more and did not want to stop reading. That is awesome because it even included my "I would rather draw" group). Keep books like these coming!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

David Cowles

I used to be a bit of a gamer, and this little book took me on a lovely stroll down memory lane. A couple of my nephews are just the right age for this, so I'm glad I found it!

Jeannette Glass

It is a good story , well worth reading. I liked this story. It moves along very well and keeps the readers interest. It also has an under lying message to the reader that not all things can be done alone. It takes team work for a successful outcome.