Book Launch Review and Interview - The Groundworld Heroes by Adrian So

The Groundworld Heroes

Author: Adrian So
Publication Date: 6 August 2024
Genre: MG Fantasy / Adventure

Book Description:

"An original voice and a fun, funny adventure underground." 

Adam Rex, NYT Bestselling Author of THE TRUE MEANING OF SMEKDAY

When Groundworld is on the brink of extinction, it takes one mole with courage to save the day.

When Benjamin, a junior mole digger, witnesses a human invasion of his homeland, he must find his long-lost courage and unite two culturally distinct realms to fight the intruders and save his kind from extinction. What perils lie before him as he ventures into the unknown? Can Benjamin go up against a rough bunch of illegal animal trappers before it's too late? 

Meet the Groundworld heroes as they defend their country's sovereignty and save their fellow citizens from capture and extinction. 

Perfect for fans of Kate Dicamillo and Roald Dahl.

Buy Links:
Amazon US | UK

REVIEW

SUMMARY

The Groundworld Heroes by Adrian So is an engaging adventure set in the imaginative underground realm of Soiland. The story follows Benjamin Mole, a Junior Digger who has experienced significant personal loss. His mother died during childbirth, and his father was killed by humans, leaving Benjamin to navigate life as a shy and lonely mole, struggling with his job and social interactions.

Soiland, a vibrant subterranean world inhabited by diverse animal species, faces an existential threat from vengeful humans who previously had their crops harvested by the Groundworld vegetable collectors. As the human invasion begins to cause catastrophic damage to Soiland, President Hare orders an evacuation to save the inhabitants. Benjamin, who was initially left behind, witnesses his friend Connor Meerkat being kidnapped by the invaders. Determined and courageous, Benjamin embarks on a daring mission to rescue Connor and defend his homeland. The narrative is rich with clever names and titling that reflect the characteristics and lifestyles of the animal characters, adding a layer of charm to the storytelling.

MY THOUGHTS

This book is a delightful and heartwarming read, perfectly suited for fans of middle-grade adventure stories, reminiscent of the works of Kate DiCamillo and Roald Dahl. Adrian So has crafted a world that feels both fantastical and relatable, with Soiland serving as a compelling backdrop for the tale of bravery and friendship.

Benjamin Mole is a well-developed protagonist whose journey from a timid and isolated mole to a brave hero is both inspiring and endearing. His personal struggles and growth make him a character that young readers can easily connect with. The supporting cast, including President Hare and the loyal Connor Meerkat, add depth and diversity to the story, making the underground world of Soiland come alive.

The book's clever use of names and titles to reflect the species and characteristics of the animal inhabitants is a charming touch that adds to the overall appeal. The themes of courage, unity and the fight against extinction are handled with sensitivity and imagination, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Overall, The Groundworld Heroes is a beautifully written adventure that captures the essence of bravery and the importance of standing up for one's community. It's a perfect read for children and anyone who enjoys a heartwarming adventure with memorable characters and a richly imagined world. This book fits comfortably into the middle-grade fantasy adventure genre and is a testament to Adrian So's storytelling prowess.

VERDICT

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: Author

Author Interview

1. Tell a little about yourself. What you do when youíre not writing? What are your aspirations for the future?

My name is Adrian So, and I'm from Winnipeg, a mid-sized, freezing city smack dab in the middle of the Canadian prairies. When I'm not writing, you will probably find me either playing soccer (or football, not to offend the British audience), grinding on a video game, or goofing around with my friends. As for aspirations for my future, I actually don't want to be a full-time author because a) it doesn't look like I can sustain myself just by being an author and b) I'm not that kind of guy who can be locked up in a room, typing on a laptop for hours on end. So I think I want to be a lawyer instead when I'm older.

2. Who are your favourite authors of all time?

There are many authors that I'm a fan of, but there are only a handful that I consider as my favourites. They are Roald Dahl, David Walliams, Alan Gratz, Andy Stanton, Gordon Korman, Kenneth Oppel, and Eric Walters. 

3. When and why did you start writing?

I developed an interest in stories a long time ago, when my brother used to make them up and tell me about them. I would do the same, and we'd go back and forth, and it became a habit that we followed for years. I believe that was what spurred my love for storytelling. But I haven't really gotten into writing until 5th/6th grade. That was when the pandemic hit and schools were shut down, sending all of us back home. I grew bored of online learning and had nothing to do, so every day I would write a short story on a piece of loose leaf, until I got an entire folder full of loose leaves. 

4. Give us some backstory behind The Groundworld Heroes. Where and when did you write it?

In 7th grade was when I wrote my first complete book, THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES, which I spent 3 months writing, and I did that by committing to write 200 words every day (which is a very low word count to a lot of writers). I got the idea for it when I was doing some yard work with my dad and my brother. I wondered, How many animals live under our patches of lawn and what if I wrote a book about underground animals? So I just took the ball and ran with it and cranked out a couple chapters. 

5. What was your favourite part of writing The Groundworld Heroes?

My favourite part of writing THE GROUNDWORLD HEROES must be writing about the villains. I find writing them more enjoyable than writing my protagonists. This is because I have the freedom to make them as evil, as hideous, as clumsy as I want. There is no limit when it comes to writing them and it feels oddly satisfying.

6. Can you see yourself in any of your characters?

I do see myself in my characters and there are a few character traits that we have in common. For example, I have felt uncertainty, like Benjamin Mole, I have a bit of insanity, like the villains, and I sometimes eat carrots, like Mr. Hare. But I don't base my characters off of myself, at least not intentionally. But subconsciously, I might have incorporated pieces of myself when I'm crafting these characters.

7. If you could have any superpower what would you choose and why?

If I could choose a superpower, I would choose to be able to teleport. I'm basically invincible if I have that ability, I can go anywhere at any time I want, without ever having to pay a penny or having to sit in a plane or a car. 

8. Which fictional character would you like to take to dinner and why?

If I could meet any fictional character, if you're including TV shows/Movies, I'd love to have dinner with Stewie Griffin from Family Guy because he seems funny and dangerous and intelligent.

9. Do you write as you go or do you have the book planned before you start the first draft?

I write as I go. I can't write with a plan because it looks like I can never follow it, and I don't feel motivated enough to write knowing that I'm confined to my own plans. So many of my greatest scenes wouldn't ever be written if I'm a plotter, so I'm sure I'm not plotter material, and will most likely remain a pantser for the rest of my author career.

10. What advice do you have for beginning writers?

My advice for beginning writers is to write, no matter how bad your manuscript is. My first manuscript is absolute crap, and it took me upwards of eighty revisions to get it into the final draft. Also, don't worry about how much time it takes for you to get it into the final draft, it took me about two years to get to that stage, and some authors take even longer as well.