An Adventurous Debut: Lost in Dara by Robert Barrett

Sunday, June 23, 2024



I received a digital copy of this book for free. This review is done voluntarily.


Lost in Dara (The Kaleidoscope Chronicles #1) by Robert Barrett is a young adult fantasy novel set to be published on July 7th. The book follows a trio of siblings who find themselves lost in a world of adventure, danger, and mystery, unsure of how to return home.


The story centers on 13-year-old Jack and his sisters, Holly and Emma, who accidentally stumble into the Seven—a collection of seven distinct lands, with Dara being one of them. As they navigate this unfamiliar terrain, they encounter various challenges, from battling dangerous creatures to finding their way through a pitch-black maze. Their ultimate goal is to find their way back home, but the journey is fraught with peril and discoveries about whom they can and cannot trust.


From the very first chapter, Lost in Dara captivates with its vivid descriptions and dynamic characters. Barrett wastes no time allowing readers to truly get to know the trio and their distinct personalities.


As the first book in a series slated to have seven installments (presumably one for each land), Lost in Dara had a big challenge ahead of it. First books in a series need to engage the reader, introduce them to a new world and characters, and avoid feeling rushed or overly dense. Knowing how to properly incorporate the history of this world amidst the ongoing action is an art form, and Robert Barrett excels at this. He creates a setting that is both mysterious and intriguing without neglecting character development. Barrett also does a fantastic job of hinting at the other lands, building anticipation for future books in The Kaleidoscope Chronicles.


Overall, Lost in Dara is a fantastic introduction to a new world and a promising series. With its well-paced narrative, realistic character interactions, and intriguing world-building, it is sure to captivate fans of YA fantasy adventure. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and imaginative read.


Rating: ★★★★☆ 4/5


Book & Author Information:


Lost In Dara: Goodreads, Amazon

Robert Barrett: Tiktok, Amazon, Official, Instagram

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