Review: The Ten Plagues

The Ten Plagues by Matt Koceich
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Imagine...The Ten Plagues
by Matt Koceich

Imagine...The Ten Plagues is the second release in a series for kids ages 8 to 12. I have not read the first book in the series, but I felt this story could totally stand on its own.

As a homeschooling family, we’ve always enjoyed books with a bit more meat to them and a lot less modern language/slang in them. It had nothing to do with the school scenes and bullying. My issues were more in the way the ancient people talked, the way the main character was portrayed sometimes, and some unrealistic scenes. Overall, it just didn’t have a historical fiction feel to it, and it certainly didn’t bring the Bible story to life. There was nothing to really help the reader understand the magnitude and effects of the plagues. Also, parts of it felt rushed.

The story concept certainly is not new (modern kid goes back to Biblical times), but it wasn’t done particularly well or in a way that makes me want to read any more of the series. I love historical fiction, particularly Biblical, but this is one I just really can’t recommend.

I am the librarian for our church library, and I have spent the last few years trying to find good, quality books to expand our tween and teen section. I really debated whether or not to even purchase the series to add to our tween section. In the end, I did buy the first two books, as I do believe some children might enjoy the series, but I don’t see it being a favorite series loved by many.

MY RATING: 2 stars for the attempt. It wasn’t awful; it was just “meh.”

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At my request, I received a free electronic copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This review reflects my honest thoughts and opinions on the book, and I received no compensation for this review.

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