An intriguing concept, fun illustrations, humorous minion-related quotations, and interesting characters wrapped up in a well-designed book.

Note: I received an ARC from the publisher. ( )

I should be spitting out venom about this book, I really should... It's a miracle I'm not, and mark my words, everyone, the writer is lucky to have pulled it off when she did. Which goes to show that she actually has talent on her side - now, if only she could do something about her pace...

The story is about a young werewolf, who, for some reason, cannot morph. Higgins is now in his third year at Dr. Critchlore's School for Minions - a school that trains minions for Evil Overlords - and is a Junior Henchman Trainee. If he can pull it off, a bright career path is quite possible in his future. But the year has started off in the most unusual way, and strange things keep happening. Things that threaten his beloved school, and everything he ever believed to be true...

Ok, quite the original plot we have here. Not only do we get mystery - yes, believe it or not, it was impossible to quess who really was the mastermind behind everything - but we also get the kind of main characters that we usually don't care for. The minions. One can love heroes and their sidekicks. One can sympathize with villains. But how often have we actually turned to look at a villain's minions, their faithful helpers and servants?

So, yes, it was original and intriguing. The suspense was, though, the only thing that kept me turning the pages, because I was curious to see if I was right about the culprit - I wasn't, by the way. See, the book kept going on and on about Runt's daily school life - however unlucky it was - and while I do understand it was needed to make sure there were hints for us to fully grasp who was the real saboteur, it could still have been done in a way that would make it more... action-packed, I suppose.

Aside from the pace and the long-drawn story, it was an enjoyable read. But I don't think I'll read the rest of the series...

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.*** ( )

I love when I can endorse a book that is truly magical, fun and entertaining! This novel is one any middle grader would love to read alone or it would make the most amazing read together book. There is fun galore, shenanigans and characters that are such a delight. I recommend this book for any and all adventure fantasy lovers!!! 4 stars ( )

DR. CRITCHLORE’S SCHOOL FOR MINIONS by Sheila Grau joins the plethora of magical school series that began with Harry Potter. However in this case, the stories focus on a school for training minions. The combination of mystery, mischief, and monsters is perfect for lower, middle grade readers.

In this kickoff episode, Runt Higgins is hoping to enter the Junior Henchman training program, but he gets caught up in school-wide mystery involving viral videos, explosions, and pranksters. Readers are sure to enjoy lovable, gullible Runt and his monster friends.

The comical characters and silly array of monsters will keep readers coming back for more. The action moves quickly as the main characters are introduced and readers learn about this bizarre school for hopeful, Evil Overlord sidekicks.

This humorous series will be a welcome addition to your library’s growing collection of fantasy school books.

Published March 17, 2015 by Amulet/Abrams.
Reviewed through ARC NetGalley. ( )