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The Kindling

(Middle School Magic #1)

Braden Bell (Goodreads Author)

4.13 · Rating details · 329 ratings · 89 reviews

All thirteen-year-old Connor Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens, but when a run-in with the school bully ignites strange powers inside him, Connor's normal teenage life goes up in flames. Now he'll need his new powers to defeat the Darkness that's coming for him. Fast-paced and original, this book's guaranteed to keep yo ...more

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Paperback, 304 pages

Published July 10th 2012 by CedarFort Inc

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· 329 ratings · 89 reviews

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May 10, 2012 Shirley rated it it was amazing

I read this to my 12-year-old son at night, and he hated it when it was time to stop. He declared this as his co-favorite book in the whole world.
The Kindling captivated me from the first, with an evil presence and a seemingly normal life for three middle school aged children who attended a gifted school. As events progressed to where the children realized they had powers, the danger also escalated to life-threatening situations.
I was quite impressed with the way Braden Bell managed to weave in ...more

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May 10, 2012 Rachael Anderson rated it it was amazing

Braden is a natural storyteller. The Kindling was fun, imaginative, and smart--exactly the type of book I'd love my kids to read. ...more

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May 15, 2012 Ms. Yingling rated it liked it

10 July 2012, Sweetwater Books
E ARC courtesy of the author.

Connor and his friend Pilaf (really Olaf) have a hard enough time dealing with bullies like Geoffrey at their school, but when a mysterious man starts stalking him, his sister Melanie and his friend Lexa, things get weird and scary fast! Terrible storms start popping up, and Connor finds that his anger can often storm out of control-- he didn't really mean to set Geoffrey's pants on fire, did he? It is soon revealed that Connor, Lexa and 10 July 2012, Sweetwater Books
E ARC courtesy of the author.

Connor and his friend Pilaf (really Olaf) have a hard enough time dealing with bullies like Geoffrey at their school, but when a mysterious man starts stalking him, his sister Melanie and his friend Lexa, things get weird and scary fast! Terrible storms start popping up, and Connor finds that his anger can often storm out of control-- he didn't really mean to set Geoffrey's pants on fire, did he? It is soon revealed that Connor, Lexa and Melanie all are Magi (warriors for the Light)who powers have just Kindled, and they are in danger because the forces of the Dark are trying to get them. Luckily, most of their teachers are also Magi, and are working hard not only to keep them safe, but to teach them survival strategies and lots of magic! After a few large mishaps, there is a "Parent-Teacher Conference From Heck", and the parents decide that they don't want their children to have anything to do with the Light. Then they take them to Disneyland. Silly parents! That won't work. Soon, Connor is kidnapped and at the mercy of Lady Nightwing, who is doing awful experiments on children who are on the cusp on Kindling. Will his teachers have the power to save him? Will Melanie and Lexa also be at risk? More importantly, how will all of them make sure that the gateway to the Otherworld won't stay open and make it easy for the Dark to come into our world and wreak more havoc?
Strengths: Funny, funny lines! Any book with the first line "Connor Del didn't mean to set anyone's gym shorts on fire" will be a popular book. I also thought that the world of magic was realistically and clearly defined. Using a school setting more than home worked well in this instance. The magical names and activities were all coherent and cohesive, which is a big plus, since so many magical realism books struggle to get this right. There is a nice blend of action and strategy. Very pleased.
Weaknesses: This is published by a small press (Sweetwater Books, Cedar Fort, Inc.) and might be hard to find, although paperbacks are available. This book could have used a bit more editing-- with some more polish and attention to pacing, etc., it would be absolutely brilliant. ...more

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Jun 27, 2012 Susan Dayley rated it it was amazing

From bending locker doors to battling Darkhands while trapped where the incessant music of “It’s a Small World” plays (that alone is scary to me), to the soul-scarring Shadow Box, The Kindling keeps the reader turning pages (or scrolling down their reader).

What I liked about The Kindling:
1. There is great suspense, danger, courage, and adventure perfectly geared to middle-school readers (and the parents who prefer to preview what their children read).

The Stalker stared right at them.
He wore a ...more

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Aug 30, 2012 Dan Rogers rated it it was amazing

Conner Dell and his twin sister Lexa, along with their best friend Melanie Stephens find themselves involved in a battle between good and evil. Things begin to get weird for them at school when Conner accidentally sets the school bully's gym shorts on fire. They have no idea how this happens and then wonder what is up as they hear several of the teachers conspiring against them, becoming convinced that they are out to kill them. Little do they know what is really going but it doesn't take long f ...more

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Aug 08, 2012 Charlotte rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-star, fantasy, ya-juvenile

Three middle school students notice strange things happening in their life and their teachers suddenly seem to know more than they let on. Will they be able to figure out what is going on before it is too late?

This book was a cute, fun read. It makes the middle school main characters seem like, well, middle schoolers. My friends and I were just talking about how authors always make their protagonists act years older than they should, and it was refreshing to see more accurate portrayals.

I've pas ...more

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May 10, 2012 Leah P rated it it was amazing

I've been involved with this book from the beginning, and it's been a fun journey! This is a good, fast-paced book with relatable characters and a plot that reminds you of your fun, funny and awkward days of middle school - with just a touch of magic and a spinkle of romance. The book is well written, with unexpected twists and turns leaving you on the edge of your seat!
I'd reccommend this bok to pre-teens and teens who enjoy Harry Potter and realistic fantasy!
Read it, it's amazing! ...more

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May 10, 2012 Debra Erfert rated it it was amazing

Braden Bell is a master of creating magic out of thin air. His words built a world I could easily see, where kids come into unusual powers they never knew they had. I would recommend this book to any adventurous person of any age.

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May 11, 2012 Steve rated it it was amazing

The Kindling is a fantastic story that every middle schooler needs to read. I wish my middle school was like that. Tons of fun!

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Dec 20, 2013 Sam rated it it was amazing

Yes! Loved this book so much! Amazing read!

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Jul 30, 2012 Gina (My Precious Blog) rated it liked it

** Full Review to Post to the MY PRECIOUS blog @
the callawayfam.blogspot.com on 8/30/12 **

SUMMARY

Conner Dell just wants to fly under the radar and make it through seventh grade without making too much of a fool of himself. He has a comfortable group of friends and may just be developing a crush on his twin sister's best friend, Melanie. But then, strange things start to happen around town. One night all the dogs die mysteriously after a stranger is seen lurking in the dark. Next, some kids end ...more

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Jul 20, 2012 Laurie rated it it was amazing

MIDDLE SCHOOL MAGIC: THE KINDLING

By
Braden Bell

Homework? Of course. Crushes? Sure. But who knew seventh grade included superpowers?

Author Braden Bell’s long awaited, and highly heralded Middle-Grade fantasy The Kindling launched this week, and it was worth the wait . . . and all the hype. This is family entertainment at its best, a smartly-written, fast-paced, gripping spot-on, tour-de-middle school, with one exception—some of these tweens are developing special powers.

Twins Conner and Lexa Dell, ...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Meagan Myhren-bennett rated it it was amazing

Shelves: adventure, fiction, family, friendship, school

The Kindling
by Braden Bell

When Connor Dell, his twin sister Lexa, and their friend Melanie Stephens notice a stranger stalking them they little realize that life as they know it is about to dramatically change. But no one else seems to be able to see their stalker and he seems to have a strange power that seems to draw them to him. Could this stranger have anything to with the kidnappings that have started occurring?

When the English teacher Mrs. Grant overhears Lexa and Melamie talking about th The Kindling
by Braden Bell

When Connor Dell, his twin sister Lexa, and their friend Melanie Stephens notice a stranger stalking them they little realize that life as they know it is about to dramatically change. But no one else seems to be able to see their stalker and he seems to have a strange power that seems to draw them to him. Could this stranger have anything to with the kidnappings that have started occurring?

When the English teacher Mrs. Grant overhears Lexa and Melamie talking about the stranger her summons Dr. Timberi to the classroom. The next day everything the three do seems to earn them demerits and detention that afternoon. Melanie is convinced that the teachers are going to kill them because of a partial conversation that she overhears. When the three try to escape the teachers and the campus they are pursued by the teachers and black hooded men whom the the teachers refer to as Darkhands.

When Dr. Timberi tells them that their lives are all in danger they are surprised to learn that it's because they've all just Kindled. The three are then put through intense training to help them to fight off the the Darkhands and their attempts to kidnap them. The teachers are guarding them at night to stop any attempts on them so that they will not be captured.

The Magisterium decides to send the Phalanx to guard Connor, Lexa, and Melanie from the Darkhands. When Notzange sends a sigil to Lexa, Lexa becomes a high priority target because of her link. The Darkhands redouble their efforts to capture the three children as Melanie's mother, under the direction of Dr. Timberi, races home. But when all the parents were brought together at the Stephens' home they forbid the teachers and the kids from continuing their training.

When the Dell and Stephens families go to Disney World for spring break their parents befriend Kelli and Kyle Black. But something about the Blacks unsettles Conner and Lexa. The fun at Disney World is soon forgotten as the families are attacked by Darkhands. A battle takes place in the Small World ride. With their parents permission a sigil is sent to Dr. Timberi. With the arrival of Dr. Timberi, Mrs. Grant, Madame Cumberland and the Twilight Phalanx the attack is ended but not before the Blacks, Madi, and Connor are missing. Madi is located, but according to her Kyle took Connor as he saved Madi. Soon the Phalanx receive reports that the Umbra are moving on the park so everyone except Mr. Dell is taken to a sanctuary called Mockingbird Cottage.

When Connor is taken into one of the tunnels by an agent of darkness he rescued by the cherubim who give him a choice. Connor can return to his family or enter the realm of darkness to free those imprisoned by the darkness. Connor decides to continue on with Mr. Stanley to the realm of Lady Nightwing. Connor stops them from capturing the energy of a kindling boy, but at a terrible cost to himself. He is tortured and then told that he has become a Darkhand!

To try to determine Connor's location Lexa sends out her sigil that the other Magi are tracking. But Lexa and Melanie are soon trapped just as Connor is. Can they break through the darkness that threatens to destroy them or will they lose their souls to the evil that is closing in?

The Kindling is an exciting page turner sure to capture and hold the attention of middle grade readers. Fast paced excitement will have you anticipating book 2!

I received a digital loan of this title from the publisher for the purpose of this review. ...more

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Jul 08, 2012 Lizzy Lessard rated it really liked it

Shelves: fantasy, reviewed, mg

(Some middle of the book spoilers, but not the ending)

I think this is the first book where I feel like it deserves two reviews, written in opposing perspectives. One for the actual targeted audience of pre-teens and the other for the adults who adore this genre. So here it goes:

Attention MG students: (5/5)

This is a fun book to read. Buy it. There’s magic, whimsical characters, and a whole lot of kick-ass. Dr. Timberi is the ringleader in this circus of people defending the Kindled students again (Some middle of the book spoilers, but not the ending)

I think this is the first book where I feel like it deserves two reviews, written in opposing perspectives. One for the actual targeted audience of pre-teens and the other for the adults who adore this genre. So here it goes:

Attention MG students: (5/5)

This is a fun book to read. Buy it. There’s magic, whimsical characters, and a whole lot of kick-ass. Dr. Timberi is the ringleader in this circus of people defending the Kindled students against the Darkhands. There are many references to pop culture splattered through the book that will get you giggling.

Attention MG adults: (3/5)

Certain discrepencies and cliches will drive you bonkers. There are far too many characters for this book to handle and nearly all the adults are useless and have no depth. Only Dr. Timberi feels like an actual person. He’s a pretty cool character and definitely the star. Also, some of the events aren’t logical. No matter how magical a universe, if children disappear from their homes on the way home for school, there is zero chance that parents will continue to send their kids to school day after day, particularly when more and more kids disappear each day. Not going to happen. Also, if all of your children’s teachers tell Mommy and Daddy that there is an evil man behind these disappearances and only will proper training can they survive…they’re either going to skip town or they’re going to believe the teachers. Mommy and Daddy aren’t logically going to tell the teachers that they’re full of BS and yet continue to allow their kids to go to that school.

I’d like to warn Braden Bell of a potential PETA picket for managing to euthanize the entire dog population of Nashville, Tennessee in a single sentence. I’m not quite sure why Fluffy, Fluffy’s family, and all of Fluffy’s friends deserved to die. But they did.

The plot itself is fairly action pack and fun. The action scenes are probably my favorite part of the novel, as they feel authentic to what I’d imagine a MG would experience caught in a similar situation. The author does put the characters in harmful, suspenseful situations, while still keeping the novel PG. Overall, it is an entertaining story that middle grade students will like. Adults will find the cracks in this story, but I doubt pre-teens will.

**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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May 11, 2012 Heidi rated it it was amazing

Shelves: middle-grade-adventure, middle-grade-fantasy, 2012-middle-grade, 2012-favorites, 2012-books-blogged, ya-fantasy, 2012-ya-mg-fantasy-reading-challeng, blog-tours

Wow! I just finished this book and what a ride! I am very excited to share this book with my students in a couple of months, I think they'll love it. With plenty of action, interesting and diverse characters and great settings (the Sanctuary sounds like a place I'd love to visit when I'm stressed out), this book is sure to win lots of fans. The book is really, really intense at times, but nothing inappropriate for a middle grade audience, although I think plenty of young adults as well as adults Wow! I just finished this book and what a ride! I am very excited to share this book with my students in a couple of months, I think they'll love it. With plenty of action, interesting and diverse characters and great settings (the Sanctuary sounds like a place I'd love to visit when I'm stressed out), this book is sure to win lots of fans. The book is really, really intense at times, but nothing inappropriate for a middle grade audience, although I think plenty of young adults as well as adults will enjoy it as well.

The story centers on three seventh graders, Connor, his twin sister Lexa, and Lexa's best friend (and Connor's crush) Melanie. When strange things start happening, the three students are confused. They become even more confused and scared when it appears that the teachers are out to get them. A strange black stalker, teachers who seem to appear out of nowhere, and thoughts that seem to cause things to happen lead Connor, Lexa, and Melanie into an adventure of a lifetime as they learn to use the power of the Light. The fight between Light and Dark contines as it has for millenia and Connor, Lexa, and Melanie find themselves fighting for their lives.

Characters: Connor, Lexa, and Melanie are great characters, each true to his/her nature. Melanie hates lying but loves prealgebra. Lexa has a powerful intuition and isn't afraid to say what she thinks. Connor exercises his strong spirit against bullies and tries to do the right thing regardless of the consequences. I also found the teachers to be a wonderful addition to the story. In too many stories, teachers are the enemies, but here we see teachers as human beings with strengths and weaknesses, reminds me of Harry Potter in that regard.

Setting: Most of the story takes place at Connor, Lexa's and Melanie's school, but I think my favorite scenes occurred while the kids were in a car, on the "It's a Small World" ride at Disney World (what a fight!), and in the Sanctuary. I did wish we got to spend more time at the Sanctuary, it would have been a nice breather as this book picks up pace quickly and doesn't slow down until the very end.

Plot: All I can say is wow. What a great story with twists and turns, hints and clues, but most of all, sheer courage. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a hard-to-put down, stay up till midnight kind of read. ...more

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Jan 07, 2013 Kristina Cardoza rated it really liked it

The Kindling by Braden Bell is a great middle school fantasy read! Conner Dell, Lexa Dell, and Melanie Stephens are three "normal" 7th graders...until now.

It all started that night. The night of the storm.
The kidnappings...of random children in their area.
The deaths...of every. Single. Dog. In. Their. Neighborhood.
The stalker...that no one else could see.
The teachers...acting suspicious.
The strange supernatural events happening to the trio.

And it all leads up to one thing...
They've kindled.

Now t ...more

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Jul 13, 2012 J. Morgan rated it it was amazing

First of all, bravo! Bell has written an engaging, creative story. It’s geared toward middle-grade readers, though, as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

There are three primary characters in the book: Conner Dell, his twin sister Lexa, and Lexa’s best friend Melanie Stephens. Each one of them has a distinct, unique voice. As the story unfolds, it is told from their separate viewpoints which gives a greater depth to the extraordinary events around them.

While the three young teenagers are the focu First of all, bravo! Bell has written an engaging, creative story. It’s geared toward middle-grade readers, though, as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

There are three primary characters in the book: Conner Dell, his twin sister Lexa, and Lexa’s best friend Melanie Stephens. Each one of them has a distinct, unique voice. As the story unfolds, it is told from their separate viewpoints which gives a greater depth to the extraordinary events around them.

While the three young teenagers are the focus of the story, it is the supporting characters that make this book shine. Dr. Timberi is an altogether fascinating character. While Braden Bell states that he is not Dr. Timberi, I can’t help believe that Timberi wasn’t heavily influenced by Bell. I love the line where Bell writes, “While I’ll admit to some similarities in appearance, he is not me. Although, I would love to be him.” I dare say that if Dr. Timberi was real, he’d make the reverse claim after reading this book.

One thing Bell does in The Kindling is create a whole world of “magic”—though it isn’t quite that. He starts with basic concepts and builds on them. The end result is rather complex and, in turn, more believable than many stories I’ve read where things “just happen because it’s magic!”

My favorite part of the book happens on a trip to Disneyworld. I don’t want to spoil it. Let me just say, it was written in a way that I was laughing and holding on tightly to the edges of the book at the same time.

In fact, that is a great way to describe the whole book. It’s filled with creative humor while at the same time being suspenseful. That’s a fine line to walk, but Bell does it perfectly.

Who would like this book? I hope you notice that I left out any references to other middle grade books with magic and young characters. Why? Because this book is different enough that I didn’t want people go into it with the notion of, “Oh, it’s going to be just like…” It’s a clean read and safe for younger readers, and rich enough for adults to enjoy.

Bell has left the door open for more adventures with these characters. Again, bravo! I enjoyed my time with them and look forward to hanging out with them again.
...more

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Jul 20, 2012 Rhonda rated it it was amazing

Review: The Kindling by Braden Bell
5 STARS The Kindling is a fun,nail biting adventure. About three middle grade students that weird things are happening around them. Thier teachers are stalking them. Everywhere they go the teachers follow them. Conner Dell is 13 he is worried about passing pre-algebra. trying out for the lacrosse team. His twin sister Lexa and thier best friend Melanie. The three hangout a lot together. Thier mothers are good friends since collage. Connor hates that the bullys Review: The Kindling by Braden Bell
5 STARS The Kindling is a fun,nail biting adventure. About three middle grade students that weird things are happening around them. Thier teachers are stalking them. Everywhere they go the teachers follow them. Conner Dell is 13 he is worried about passing pre-algebra. trying out for the lacrosse team. His twin sister Lexa and thier best friend Melanie. The three hangout a lot together. Thier mothers are good friends since collage. Connor hates that the bullys are picking on his friend and wishes something bad would happen to him like his pants would catch on fire. Then they do. Other things happen around them when they think things. They can see this guy stalking them but no one else seems too see him. In thier part of town all the dogs die at the same time. It does not matter if they are outside or inside. Lexa thinks its the stalker. They are noticing other things around them that are wierd. They fear that the teachers and stalker are working together. When one of them hears part of the conversation she thinks the teachers are going to kill them after school. The three of them are never in trouble and all of a sudden they get 7 demerits each in one day and after stay for detention. But they figure out how to get away from them and take off running after the bell rings. Connor gets seperated from the girls and two teachers are chasing him when others appear in front of him and trap him or do they? This is a classic fight light against darkness. They have different gifts that happen when someone is about to Kindle or come into power. The teens have to decide if they want to join the battle and fight for the light side or not. Other teens thier ages are turning up missing all over thier town. Also in that part of town weird robberies are happening. No one is saying anything. I liked the storyline the characters, thier disneyworld vacation is ont they will never forget. I would read a sequal if one comes out in the future. I was given this ebook to read in exchange for honest review from Netgalley. 7/10/2012 PUB Cedar Fort Imprint Sweetwater 304 pages suggested ages 13-17 (or 49) ...more

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May 10, 2012 Lara rated it really liked it

Original review here

Thursday, July 12, 2012
The Kindling

Full disclosure: I don't normally think of fantasy as a genre I enjoy reading. Of course I loved Harry Potter, but in general, fantasy isn't my first thought when I want to pick up something to read. So, when Braden asked me to review his latest book, I really hoped I would like it.

Because I absolutely loved Braden's first book, The Road Show. It was one of those soul-changers. I knew The Kindlng would be a different ball game, being written ...more

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Nov 08, 2012 L_manning rated it it was amazing

Connor lives a pretty average life. He, along with his twin sister Lexa and her friend Melanie, are looking forward to their trip to Disney World and tryouts for different things at school. One day though, strange things begin to happen. It seems like they can make things happen just by thinking about it. Then, they notice a stranger following them around. He really seems like a bad guy, but their teachers stop him from getting to them. Connor, Lexa, and Melanie find themselves caught in a world Connor lives a pretty average life. He, along with his twin sister Lexa and her friend Melanie, are looking forward to their trip to Disney World and tryouts for different things at school. One day though, strange things begin to happen. It seems like they can make things happen just by thinking about it. Then, they notice a stranger following them around. He really seems like a bad guy, but their teachers stop him from getting to them. Connor, Lexa, and Melanie find themselves caught in a world they never even knew existed. This world is full of Light and Dark, and the teens will have to use everything they have to keep themselves and everyone they love safe.

I loved this book! It draws you in fairly quickly, and I read it pretty fast. Even though it is a more of a middle-school book, it is not too childish. The use of Light and Dark in this book were fairly unique. There was a lot that wasn't explained though, so I'm hoping there's another book (at least) coming so I can learn some more about the world. Connor, Lexa, and Melanie were great friends. I liked that they squabbled some while they were going through all of this. That made things seem much more realistic, and it also allowed them for some growth. I also liked that all 3 of the kids were given a chance to shine. There wasn't one "hero" taking care of the danger; all of them had a part to play.

Of course, I was also very intrigued by the teachers. I think I would read an entire book just about them! I really loved the use of particular skills to harness the Light (also big points for having one of the girls love math). The use of music was particularly awesome, and it showed the author really knows his stuff where music is concerned. The songs all fit in different ways. Overall, this was a super fun book. It was unique, and it had some great parts in it. Watching Connor having to fight the darkness within himself was particularly interesting. This is a book that younger and older people will be able to enjoy, and it will leave them dying for more.

Galley provided for review.
...more

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Jun 12, 2012 Julie Ford rated it really liked it

I’m not much for reading middle grade literature but this story sounded particularly interesting and fun. And it was! When a brother, sister and best friend discover, much to their surprise, that they have unusual powers, their otherwise ordinary middle school days take a very drastic turn toward the unknown, barreling headlong into a conflict between darkness verses light.

There are two forms of power in the world Bell has invented, light verses darkness/good verses evil. Embracing one or the ot ...more

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Jul 04, 2012 Cathy rated it it was amazing

Thirteen-year-olds, Conner and Lexa Dell and their friend Melanie Stephens thought that they were normal teenagers, then strange things started happening. Things like middle school bullies pants starting on fire in the middle of gym class and the lights flickering on and off when they are upset or excited. These things seemed a little strange, but then Conner, Lexa and Melanie started noticing other things. There was a huge storm one night and Lexa and Melanie saw a strange man dressed in black, ...more

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Jul 15, 2012 Dorine White rated it really liked it

The Story- Conner and his sister Lexa are in seventh grade. They do the typical type of teenage things like playing lacrosse, doing homework and hanging out with their friend Melanie Stephens, but one day that all changes.

Conner gets ticked off about a bully in PE, and by just thinking about it, Conner makes the bully’s shorts catch on fire. Lexa and Melanie are quick to follow, discovering magic powers of their own. But, with their magic’s discovery, a strange man in black begins stalking them. ...more

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Nov 29, 2012 Tamara rated it really liked it

This is a wonderful contemporary fantasy story for tween and young teen readers (and as an adult I enjoyed it, as well). Mr. Bell has done a great job creating a unique magic system, realistic and comprehensive middle school characters, and a very fun, action-packed story.

There are plenty of summaries out there already, so I'll skip that part and just tell you what I really enjoyed:

#1. More and more books geared towards the tween/teen audience seem to feel the need to add sex, swearing, and oth ...more

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Aug 07, 2012 Mary rated it it was amazing

The Kindling by Braden Bell is exciting and intense. It is written for mid grade readers, but as an adult it kept me fully engaged and wanting to keep reading.
The story features twins Connor and Lexa and their best friend Melanie, all normal 13 year olds until they all Kindle (develop magic powers) at the same time attracting the attention of both the forces of light and darkness.
The kids know something strange is happening, its not everyday you wish the school bullies shorts catch fire and th ...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Monique Bucheger rated it it was amazing

“The Kindling” by Braden Bell is a great story that can be enjoyed by all and is sure to become an instant hit to middle-graders.

How great would it be to summon supernatural powers by embracing the things you love, whether that be quoting lines from your favorite play, singing a favorite song or even by solving pre-algebra problems?

Sixth grade for Connor, Lexa, and Melanie is proving to be far more interesting, as well as far more dangerous, than any of them had ever imagined. When the threeso ...more

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Jul 05, 2012 Andrea rated it really liked it

If you have Middle Grade kids that love to read, Braden Bell's newest novel is a great book to suggest to them (it's actually quite enjoyable for parents too).

All thirteen-year-old Conner Dell wants to do is pass pre-algebra, play lacrosse, and possibly kiss Melanie Stephens. He didn’t mean to set anyone’s gym shorts on fire or make school lunches explode. But now that the strange powers inside him have been ignited, Conner’s normal teenage life is about to go up in flames!

Several years ago if s ...more

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Jul 26, 2013 Emmy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: science-fiction, clean-books, teen-book, lds-authors, fantasy

A locker door is ripped off, someone's shorts catch on fire... weird things are happening at the Dell's junior high and it because of them! As more unexplainable things happen Connor, his twin sister and their friend Melanie learn they part of a group of Magi that have powers of Light to fight Darkness.

Aided and instructed by many of their teachers, who it turns out are also Magi, they begin to learn and develop their abilities and join the fight for the Light.

Even though these books are writt ...more

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May 12, 2012 Aimee (Getting Your Read On) rated it really liked it

I can't tell you how many times I wished there were more books like this out when my two older kids were younger. Especially my boy. These books have all the things he loved when he was in those middle grades.

There are so many things to love about these books. The foundation is the classic struggle between Light and Dark - Good vs. Evil. You have three kids with developing super powers and the bad guys who are trying to get them. From there though, a magical and complicated story develops, bring ...more

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May 23, 2012 Jolene Perry rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fun-reads, own

When this book became available for review, Emma (my 8 year old) was looking over my shoulder and said - "Cool. What's that?" So, I asked to be a part of Braden's Blog tour for his new book because I had two kids who were into it, and I thought we'd do a little family read and review :-D

This story is absolutely universally liked by my family. It's completely obvious that Bell spends time around middle-school aged kids because he has that voice down PERFECT.
My husband laughed, my daughter laughed ...more

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