The Chaos Monster (Secrets of the Sky #1)

What I liked:
I like stories about twins as you get a special bond, sometimes special powers, and usually a rousing adventure. Kinjal and Kiya are easy to connect with as they are written like real life siblings that squabble all the time but have a solid connection to each other because they are twins. The central theme of this middle-grade fantasy is that everything is connected; when one element is changed or harmed, it starts a ripple effect. A ripple effect may be a new concept for middle-grade readers, but it is a wise lesson as they begin making decisions beyond their family circle.
Final Verdict:
At 240 pages, The Chaos Monster is a great first novel in the series. It is not overly long, the chapters are a reasonable length, and there are a few illustrations to go along with the story—a great start to a middle-grade series.

What worked:
Kinjal and Kiya are twins who frequently bicker as siblings tend to do. Kiya is seriously into science and is reluctant to believe anything she hasn’t seen or proven to exist. Kinjal is more imaginative and trusts his gut and inner voice more than his sister does. These personalities provide an interesting, amusing contrast when their dog disappears and flying horses show up. Kinjal learns that maybe he should pause and use his head before jumping to conclusions while Kiya learns that she may need to start trusting her brother’s instincts a bit more.
The twins’ parents are obviously keeping secrets so readers will wonder what they’re hiding. An old book hidden in the basement is full of old stories of fantastic creatures which provides a strong hint of what’s to come. However, mysteries surrounding their parents’ past go way beyond powerful beasts and untold stories as the twins slowly learn about their own hidden histories. Kinjal and Kiya are slow to accept strange abilities they seem to possess as it’s easier to believe something or someone else must be causing things to happen. The surprising incidents will have readers anxiously anticipating how things will turn out once the kids finally figure out the truth.
The plot has an environmental twist that is applicable to a real-world crisis. Bees are dying at an alarming rate and the consequences can be catastrophic. Plants need the insects for pollination and the pakkhiraj and other creatures in this book will eventually die without honey. The cause of dwindling bee populations isn’t always easy to figure out but the culprit in this plot is pretty clear. However, the characters at the root of the problem won’t willingly change their ways and the reasons behind their actions are a mystery. Kinjai and Kiya are on a quest to save the bees but nefarious characters are lurking that will complicate their efforts.
What didn’t work as well:
The transition from realistic to speculative fiction happens quickly which affects the “believability” of the backstory. The kids aren’t shocked by talking horses and Kinjal is the one who suggests they accompany the pakkhiraj back to their dimension. The sudden acceptance of the situation is too easy especially with Kiya not believing in magic!
The Final Verdict:
The overall plot is an innovative take on a familiar story template with the twins discovering their inner powers and family secrets. The focus on the importance of bees within nature is a new angle for middle-grade novels. The story lacks some detail and development so the pace should please young readers. It should appeal to nature and animal lovers and I recommend you give it a shot.