Title: Alex Wise vs. the End of the World
Author: Terry J. Benton-Walker
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by: Shakera
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Publisher: Labyrinth Road
Date of Release: September 26, 2023
Pages: 411
Format: Hardcover (Hear Our Voices)
Sometimes, we have trouble finding our place in the world. We wonder if there ever was a place for us or if there will ever be one for us. We go through trials and tribulations, find out who our friends really are, and find ourselves. We may not find our place (or at least not immediately), but we find out what we’re made of.
Alex Wise must face that challenge.
After a rough school year, Alex has been waiting for summer break… well, one day during the summer, in particular, but the hits just keep on coming. Alex and his adorable little sister, Mags, are being shipped off to spend time with their father, whom they haven’t seen since their parents divorced.
Things don’t go according to plan (when do they ever?!) as the family takes a cruise, and things get real… very quickly. Can Alex, with the help of his friends, save the world, or will they be too late?
If we’re completely honest with ourselves, the world is falling apart right now, and we could use Alex’s and his friends’ help… LOL.
As a person of color, we’re sometimes forced to grow up before we’re ready, which is what Alex is experiencing. Benton-Walker creates such relatable and lovable characters that you want to root for. I absolutely adored Mags. I loved that Alex and Mags used books to escape reality. Although this is a middle-grade story, it does cover some adult themes, and Benton-Walker covers it in an easy-to-understand way.
The representation was terrific; I immensely enjoyed and appreciated that. It’s hard not to live up to the expectations that society puts on you or the box they put you in. This story lets you know that you are enough.
I’m excited for the next book, but I’m more excited that young Black queer kids will have Alex as someone they can admire.
This book is perfect for those who love “The Percy Jackson series.” It has just enough myth, humor, and realness.
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