Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door - Review

Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door

By Bruce E. Arrington 

Josh Anvil has a big problem. His dyslexia has made life tough through middle school. Now he's supposed to take on high school?
Then, of course, things get messed up. Josh ends up in a swamp by himself and things get weird. Like falling out of his canoe and waking up in his bed. What is with that? And now Josh has powers. He can make living things just by talking about them. And of course they get him into all kinds of trouble. Then he can heal people, like when a family friend is dying and he brings his health back. Yet with these new abilities, Josh is a target. Schoolmates harass him, the FBI kidnaps him, and something is out to kill him. Who would have seen all that coming? And that girl, Kirsten Gorge. Sigh. If she could just be his, then everything would be perfect. Why can’t it be easier to get your dream girl? Oh yeah, all these fires burning up his home town of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It’s up to Josh and his friends to step up and save his town before it's too late!

Bruce Arrington teaches full time at Paisley Charter School in the quiet town of Paisley, Oregon, in Lake County. Along with Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door, Bruce authored the children's illustrated story, The Seventh Birthday Wish. For over seven years, Bruce worked as a wildlife biologist in Florida cypress swamps like those in the Josh Anvil young adult novel. A graduate of Oregon State University, he lives with his wife, a son, and two daughters in Paisley.

Bruce can be found on:

Goodreads / Pipe Dream Books / Twitter

~ MY REVIEW ~

Three CHEERS for Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door!

Bruce Arrington has written a splendid debut young adult novel. As I'm sure you all know, I am a huge fan of science fiction; whether it is YA, adult or even MG. This book did not disappoint and I am so glad I got the opportunity to review Josh Anvil! Full of magic, adventure and even a little mystery, this is a fun and charming book, with an outstanding main character. Quite a few things set this story apart from others in it's genre. First and foremost being Josh. His character is so well written and really brings a smile to your face. Most importantly, he is real and relatable for young adult readers. Having struggled with dyslexia his whole life, he has more than his share of teenage problems to deal with. When he is saved by an alien race and somehow gains powers, life gets even more complicated. I enjoyed the fact that although Josh becomes a superhero of sorts he is still a kind hearted, down to earth teen. His has a loving and supportive family that at times can get on his nerves. He learns lessons along the way and you get to see him grow as a character.  

I enjoyed the originality of this book! Josh's power allows his stories to come to life--he can create anything living. He also has a healing touch. This is where the author's creativity really shines through. The circumstances that ensue due to Josh's power are entertaining and often comical. I loved the floating island that he creates for his dragons to live on! 

Josh Anvil and the Cypress Door had a little of everything you want from a sci-fi adventure. The ending leaves you eager for the next big chapter in Josh's life. I definitely recommend this book for all the sci-fi lovers out there. Although, it is a book that could be enjoyed by anyone. Keep 'em coming Bruce! 

You can purchase your own copy of Josh Anvil at:

Amazon / Smashwords / Barnes and Noble