Based on its cover picture of a young boy and a mystical creature, its title in magical lettering, and a title itself of Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo, one might be inclined to think this book were sort of a Harry Potter rip off. But don’t be too quick to judge, Leven Thumps is actually a total Harry Potter rip off. Not only that, but in the process, it fails to capture any of the magic, mystery and excitement of its source.

The only thing Leven Thumps lacks otherwise is a school setting. Leven himself is a plucky young Harry-esque boy; innocent and kind, but strong and with magical powers. He one-ups Harry in the foster parents department though. Also an orphan, his aunt and uncle are as cruel as human beings possible can be. Leven has appeared to grow up well enough, however, if with a bit of doubt of self-worth.

His friend is a smart, bold Hermione-esqe girl named Winter. For no apparent reason other than to elicit sympathy, she has grown up with foster parents just as heartless as Leven. But she can freeze things on an instant, just like Mortal Kombat’s Sub-Zero. They are led by a wise, Dumbledorf-like wizard named Geth, who for the greater part of the book, is in the form of a tooth-pick. Add Clover, the rascally magical, comic-relief creature to the group and you have the party of good guys.

On the bad side is a dark, menacing Voldemort-esque figure named Sabine, who is threatening to take over the earth and – you guessed it – only Leven can stop him. Foo is the world of dreams where Sabine reigns, and Leven must find and close up the gateway between Foo and earth before Sabine finds it and comes through.

Led by Geth the toothpick, Leven and his friends must travel from Oklahoma to Germany, where the gateway is to be found. The group encounter multiple obstacles along the way, from giant snakes who gobble them up to earth monsters who chase them. But using their powers, they overcome all, and even get across the Atlantic by freezing their path and driving across. All the while Leven eventually learns that, gosh darn it, he’s worthwhile after all.

Despite a constant flow of similarities with Harry Potter, I still have to give it to Leven Thumps for its creativity. It does manage to create a whole new world that, at times, is fun to read of. Speaking of which, the book finishes with a clear path for a sequel, one that, strangely enough, looks potentially more promising than the first.

But that’s not saying much. Leven Thumps comes across as pretty standard children’s fantasy fare. It’s not so much bad as it is lacking anything particularly great in any department. All of it is passable enough, but it clearly lacks the grace, humor, and depth of Harry Potter. Maybe that’s not a fair comparison, but there it is. I’m sure many kids will enjoy reading Leven Thumps, but it’s still mediocre at best.

07/05