If you’re craving a seriously quirky read, this is just the thing you’ve been looking for. Kid Normal and the Shadow Machine is book three of a five book series (all have been published) and is overflowing with quips, puns and plenty of nonsense. Kid Normal (a.k.a. Murph) is, as one would expect, normal, but he’s surrounded by friends and associates who have special powers. Even though he doesn’t possess any of his own powers, he is a great kid who knows how to use his strengths to be his own kind of superhero. Murph’s supporting characters are diverse and excellent friends…well, most of the time. Superheroes wouldn’t be needed, though, if it weren’t for villains and after a whole slew of them are released, loyalty between Kid Normal and his friends is put to the test. On top of that, the wide variety of villains (if they can even all be called that) make for some dangerous and sometimes hilarious situations. Authors Greg James and Chris Smith have serious focus issues (squirrel!) as they frequently toss in diversions and their own thoughts. One might find this to be odd but it is also funny. If you enjoyed Mightier Than the Sword: The Edge of the Word this is definitely a story you should pick up. As previously mentioned, the great thing about reading this story is that not only is it enjoyable, the next two books in the series are already published so you can continue the story right away without any waiting. With its twists and turns, suspense and humor, Kid Normal and the Shadow Machine earns 4 1/2 stars!
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Bloomsbury Children’s Books

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore: Many (37) incidents, most of which involve children, including characters talk about taking over the world; character feeling like insides are being put in a blender; character worrying about dying; character thinking mother would kill her (exaggeration); several verbal threats; character wanting to kill another; references to war; second-hand report of a gas explosion; reference to a damaged shipping center; reference to kicking people; building getting blown up and characters assumed daughter died in the building; doll getting burned during training; references to theft; reference to character making tranquilizers and stealing from people; second-hand report of kidnapping; characters tranquilized; adult kicking another adult; characters fight with laser beams; story references an animal dying; story that mentions a sign that says animals will be killed; story about animal getting shot at and referencing theft; butterflies getting killed; characters shooting lightning and bolts of energy (not killing others); adult character getting knocked out; character makes plants shoot out of the ground that results in empty vehicles crashing; lightning singeing adult character’s behind (not seriously injured); machine exploding; adult character killed (very little detail given).

Sex/Nudity:  One incident of a character referencing having to read romance novels to his mom. 

Mature Subject Matter:

Reference to burping; references to ghosts.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

Adult character assumed to be drunk (isn’t).