Review: Captain Disaster by Del Shannon

Title: Captain Disaster
Author: Del Shannon
Genre: Middle grade
Series: Captain Disaster #1
*was previous known as Kevin's Point of View *

Paperback, 236 pages

Publication: April 10, 2013 by Story Arts Media

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Source: author (Kevin's Point of  View copy)

Kevin Tobin is a relatively ordinary twelve-year old dealing with the aftermath of his father's tragic death in a mountain biking accident near their home in Boulder, Colorado. To escape from his emotional turmoil, Kevin has developed his imagination into a dangerous foil and a powerful ally. While he antagonizes his sister through his superhero antics, his ability to escape inside his character's (Captain Disaster) head becomes critical to his survival after his life is once-again turned upside down a year after his father s death. A mysterious package arrives in the mail, Kevin and his best friend are hunted down by a ruthless villain set upon world domination, and after enlisting Kevin s teenage sister and her pizza-delivery boyfriend in a battle for control over time itself, the secret of Kevin s whole existence is revealed to him by a source we never expected.

Captain Disaster is the first full length novel from author Del Shannon. Kevin is a 12-year-old boy who escapes into his imagination after the death of his father. Kevin’s role-playing is his coping mechanism but his family and his friend don’t understand it and find it to be a constant annoyance. One morning Kevin receives a mysterious package by mistake, within the package lays the influxitron. The original owner of the influxitron, Devin, will stop at nothing to get it back. Kevin will need the help of his friend, family and his imagination to be one step ahead of Devin and his goons.

Captain Disaster is a book that would appeal to people of all ages, but I think the young/middle school audience would enjoy it more. The story picked up quickly within the first 3-4 chapters and had me breezing through its 400 pages. When I first started the book, it reminded me of Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson with the character’s wild imagination. Kevin transports himself to another world and imagines himself as someone else. These scenes are usually sprinkled here and there throughout the book. I truly enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, I was sucked in to the story as Kevin and Tony outwit Devin and his goon buddies.  The book took a lot of different turns of event that surprised me, and left me wondering what will happen next. The ending of the book totally caught me off guard, and I definitely didn’t expect “that” to happen (Would have to read the book to know what I’m talking about :D). Although there are 400 pages, the chapters are really short and easy to read. There are also cute little pictures depicting little scenes throughout the book. Overall a great read, if you’re looking for a fun-whacky adventure and a light read order Captain Disaster today!

Original review was published on March 2012.