The First Escape by G.P Taylor

From the best-selling author of Shadowmancer comes an enthralling new series of illustra-novellas. The First Escape is the first book in the Dopple Ganger Chronicles, a six-book series following three children--Sadie and Saskia Dopple and Erik Morrissey Ganger. Sadie and Saskia are mischievous identical twins living at an orphanage, where Erik is their only friend. They are separated when Saskia is adopted by Muzz Elliott, a wealthy woman searching for her long-lost family treasure. While Saskia stumbles into the center of a crime only she can stop, Sadie and Erik embark on a quest to find her. This book is in an exciting new format called an "illustra-novella," in which the story is told alternately in graphic novel format and plain text with occasional illustrations.

The Review:

My Ranking: 9 out of 10

Ages: 8 & up

I've never read a book by G.P Taylor before, and rarely do I read children's books, but when I opened up this one when it arrived after I accidentally got it for reviewing purposes, I knew it would be a fun and interesting book to read. It was so cool! It is like the perfect kids book - a mixture of simple to read pages, comics, and pictures that tell only one story. Even I found it quite intriguing.


I found this book the perfect length for a children's book, ages 8-12 or so. It was easy captivating and full of adventure and action, making the reader want to turn the next page and keep reading. I believe that it would catch the attention of many children and be an enjoyable read for them. Thrown in was a light spiritual message, which I liked. It was hidden, almost like C.S Lewis, but still noticeable to people already in the Christian mindset.  I enjoyed how it was in there.

Erik, Sadie, and Saskia were cute and fun characters; easily likeable and enjoyable to read about. I really liked all three of them and thought they made a humorous trio. I found myself chuckling at some of the things said and done. Twins Sadie and Saskia were quite funny and very mischievous, causing trouble from page one. I liked how they were so loyal to one another. Even after they were separated, they were determined to get back together again.

There is a mention of the "bad people" calling on spirits. It is not put in a good light, but it is still mentioned and may be too much for young readers. It was no bother to me and I do not worry about it effecting my two eldest brothers(10 and 13) at all. Another thing is that the girls are pretty rotten and never get in trouble for it. Other than that, I've nothing to mention.

All around, this was a cute and adventurous book that I will be passing down to my brothers and their friends to read. It was a nice read and the last page leaves you wanting to read the next book in the series - very encouraging to children to read more! You can buy this book HERE!

I received this free book in return for an honest review from Tyndale Media Center. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.