Book Title: The Groundworld Heroes
Book Author: Adrian So
Series No.: Book #1
Genre: Children’s, Adventure
First Published: 6th August 2024
I recently had the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of The Groundworld Heroes, a new children’s adventure novel by Adrian So. Set to be published on 6th August 2024, this book is aimed at middle school readers but has the potential to appeal to a broader audience as well. Adrian So, at just 15 years old, has created an engaging story for middle-graders. I think that translates to 9-12 year olds in the UK.
Adrian approached me last year, asking for an honest review. Since then, I have gained an interest in ARCs with the first being the The Tenfold Tenants by E.V. Belknap. Nearly a year later and Adrian’s book hits my emails.
This year has not been the best for me, so it was nice that this charming story came in the thick of it.
Synopsis
When a band of predatory humans digs through the roof of Groundworld, threatening its citizens and its very existence, Benjamin and the inhabitants of Soiland are forced to flee as refugees into the neighboring kingdom of Puddleland. They have to overcome their differences and their terror to rally and ultimately defeat the invaders. This journey is fraught with peril and challenges, but it also brings moments of friendship, bravery, and growth. – Adrian So
Worldbuilding of The Groundworld Heroes
The story begins with an introduction to Soiland, an enchanting underground world inhabited by creatures such as moles, aardvarks, meerkats, hedgehogs, rabbits, porcupines and hares. These creatures live in harmony, creating a society that thrives beneath the earth’s surface. I did have to remind myself this was a children’s book, and this is possible in the fictional setting of Groundworld. That wasn’t an issue with the narrative though and I can imagine little kids being excited about all these different underground creatures having to move.
What causes them to move? Humans… naturally. We’re not the best species when it comes to co-habitating, are we?
One of the most charming aspects of the worldbuilding I found was how So adapted the language ever so slightly. So one moment becomes one molement. One foot becomes a bunnyhop. There are many references similar to that. Subtle, hidden while also being in plain sight. That is…. They’re not distracting and they add to the story. Adrian So also made sure it was a perfect balance and not littered on every single page, which is just great!
I also loved how the creatures used similar and different things at the same time, such as the vehicles that helped them move several bunnyhops, or the fireflies that helped light their way. These little details add to the story, and I can imagine children being drawn into the world of nature and natural magic.
Narrational style
The narrative is told in the third person close. Different chapters act as shifts between different character points of view. This was jarring for me at first. I wondered why I was suddenly being told about Mayor Hare and was in his head when initially I was in Benjamin’s head. However, had I been paying attention to chapter names (which I rarely do) I would have seen that the chapter tells me whose head I am in.
I was disappointed with how short of a time I was in each character head and would have rather have spent more time in one than flit every few pages. However, the book is aimed at middle grade. It’s been a while since I was 9-12, so I can’t remember what it is like fully, but I imagine some children would have found it boring had they only had Benjamin’s story. They may have also would have struggled if the chapters were longer, so I am in two minds about this.
I also think the split POV was needed as the other main characters are in a different location from Benjamin. Without it, the reader would not know what happens to the citizens of Soiland until Benjamin’s reunion with them, which would have lost a lot of the story’s charm.
Characterisation
The characters are simple. I personally prefer dynamic characters with layers upon layers that intwine and knot but for the intended age-group, this would be too much of an ask. So the characters have mostly a basic layer. Good is good, bad is bad, with mild sprinkles inbetween.
The Human Group:
Perhaps the bit that doesn’t sit right with me is the human group. Their motivation doesn’t seem strong enough and seems all over the place: from animal cruelty, animal trafficking, animal products and pest control. I wasn’t sure exactly what they wanted out of the four as it seemed all and none at the same time. This wouldn’t have been a problem if the Soilanders hadn’t battled them out. They could have stayed in the background. But as there was a battle, I feel the motivation needed to be clear, even for middle-graders. It would help them process what was going on.
Benjamin
Perhaps the biggest hero of them all is Benjamin. At the beginning, he doesn’t have much faith in himself and neither does his team. However, as he is separated from the rest of the citizens, it becomes clear that this junior mole has survival skills, courage, and the ability to adapt that has been ignored before. I enjoyed his character.
The Royal Rats
I liked the characterisations of the Royal Rats (even if I did want to grab the Queen by the tail and dangle her over a fresh pot of rat-stew). The Queen’s stupidity and entitlement is highlighted through her insistence of being called her “Cheesy Goodness”. I also liked that we could get a clear picture of the King’s relationship with the Queen by how he obeyed her every whim. The characterisation of the entitled queen and her weak-ruling monarch of a husband was perfect.
Mayor Hare
An unsung hero. He evacuated the Soilanders and made tough decisions. This included things like telling the citizens to jump down an unknown hole to safety (and lead by example by going first). He also chose to leave Benjamin behind to save the many, aware that waiting for Benjamin endangered the others. I could imagine children being upset with Mayor Hare, but then realising when they’re older he did the necessary but hard thing to do.
Conclusion
The Groundworld Herose by Adrian So is a delightful and thrilling read for children. While I did enjoy the book as an ARC reader, I also was aware that it was one I was too old for.
There are some children books that adults can also enjoy as adults and pick up and read as an adult. Magnus Chase and His Dark Materials for example. Other children books may have character and charm but lack the parts that also grip the adults and keep them hooked.
This book definitely has the character, it’s sweet and I can imagine adults reading it to their children but I don’t see it gripping many adults outside it’s target audience. Not a bad thing, just a thought really more than anything. As it is for 9-12 though, I don’t think the author has to worry about this.
This book is due to be released on 6th August 2024.