#RWYK Certified Great Read–Book Review
Congratulations to Tim Wright!
is our latest Certified Great Read!
LET’S HAVE A LOOK AT THE BOOK BLURB
13-Year-Old Toby Baxter’s fourth adventure into RiverHome proves to be far more than he bargained for. Not only must he once again do battle against the troll Plythar, he will also have to navigate his way through heart emojis, the sandpit of love, romcoms, and love tweets. Gross! Making matters worse, he’s guided by an L-O-V-E compass.
The girl of his dreams, Rainie, has been kidnapped by the trolls. It’s up to him to find her. But with the stakes higher than they’ve ever been before, Toby wonders if he’s up for the challenge. And when his mom enters the picture, his whole Quest is turned upside down.
The Adventures of Toby Baxter—Book 4:EyeHeart RiverHome is filled with fast-paced adventure, surprising twists, and wry humor, engaging readers of all ages with the joy of reading and a few life lessons along the way.
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About the author
Tim Wright is the co-host of The Wonder of Parenting Podcast: A Brain-Science Approach to Parenting, along with New York Times Best-Selling Author, Dr. Michael Gurian (www.wonderofparenting.com). He and his wife Jan have been married since 1975. They have two children and five grandchildren. Tim lives in the Phoenix area and is an avid fan of the Arizona Cardinals and the Adelaide Crows (Australian Rules Football). He has created, along with Dr. Michael Gurian, several different rites of passage programs for boys and girls both faith-based and secular. His love of fantasy novels like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, Percy Jackson, and the Shannara series, serve as the inspiration for his new series, The Adventures of Toby Baxter.
To learn more about Tim Wright, visit his website www.TimWrightBooks.com
Book Review: The Adventure of Toby Baxter: EyeHeart RiverHome (Book 4)
The Adventure of Toby Baxter: EyeHeart RiverHome by Tim Wright continues the vibrant, imaginative journey of Toby Baxter as he returns to the enchanting world of RiverHome. This fourth installment in the series combines humor, action, and heartfelt lessons, all wrapped up in a quest guided by a new compass marked “L-O-V-E.”
Plot Highlights
The story opens with Toby’s life in Minneapolis, humorously grounded in relatable family moments like movie nights and school adventures. But the normalcy doesn’t last—an ominous invitation from RiverHome draws him back into a world where danger and destiny collide. Guided by Author, a mysterious chronicler of his adventures, Toby discovers a new quest centered on love in all its forms: courage, sacrifice, and honor.
As he grapples with personal fears and a growing awareness of his feelings for Rainie, Toby is thrust into a battle against looming threats. The compass of love isn’t just a trinket; it’s a thematic anchor that underscores the deeper meanings of connection, loyalty, and self-discovery.
Strengths of the Story
1. Compelling World-Building
The author has crafted a vivid and magical world, blending mystical elements like river elves, ancient swords, and portals with relatable real-world settings like the Mississippi River. The duality of RiverHome and Minnehaha Falls as connected yet distinct realms adds depth to the lore, evoking a sense of curiosity and wonder.
2. Dynamic Character Arcs
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- Toby: The protagonist’s journey from an ordinary youth to a hero grappling with love, bravery, and unexpected leadership is relatable and endearing. His awkwardness around Rainie and his humorous internal monologues ground the story with a sense of authenticity.
- Derrick: His transformation from a bully to an ally stands out, showcasing the novel’s overarching theme of redemption and understanding.
- Rainie: A strong, vibrant character who complements Toby’s growth and adds emotional stakes to the story.
The supporting cast, including Clovor, Jan, and Sid, enrich the narrative with their humor, wisdom, and camaraderie.
3. Themes of Love and Friendship
At its core, the story emphasizes the enduring power of love and friendship. From budding romances and familial bonds to the deeper connections forged through shared struggles, the relationships feel genuine and impactful.
4. Humor and Relatability
Toby’s blush-worthy moments, his parents’ syrupy displays of affection, and the playful teasing among friends provide comic relief, making the narrative approachable for readers of all ages.
Final Verdict
This book is a delightful blend of high-stakes adventure, emotional growth, and fantastical elements. The writing is engaging, with moments that evoke laughter, tears, and suspense. While it primarily appeals to young adults and middle-grade readers, its themes and humor make it a fantastic read for all ages.
The ending skillfully leaves readers eager for more, suggesting that this is only the beginning of Toby and his friends’ journey. With its heartfelt storytelling and engaging world-building, this book is a must-read for fans of magical realism and character-driven fantasy adventures.
Recommendation
A perfect pick for readers who enjoy stories like Percy Jackson or The Chronicles of Narnia, this novel offers a fresh take on the hero’s journey and the bonds that make us human—or, in this case, river elves.
Click here to find The Adventures of Toby Baxter Book Four – EyeHeart RiverHome on Amazon
Read more: Book 1: The Adventures of Toby Baxter by Tim Wright: #RWYK Certified Great Read
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