Mytro is the story of Paul (known as Turtle), an 8^th grade boy in New York who discovers a mysterious “train” station and meets a (temporarily) mysterious girl, Agata, whose parents have gone missing.  It is an action-adventure/science fiction novel that leans  toward fantasy, includes some fun with alternate-history and dips a big toe briefly into horror. 

MyTro is the second self-published book I have read, and the second one to obliterate my pre-conceptions of the quality of a self-published book.  A well-written and fast paced middle grade novel, John Biggs has created an extremely readable, fast-paced story.  Admittedly, I was a bit unsure in the first few chapters of  this seemingly standard middle grade boy type story, but by chapter four I was very interested and chapter five’s first paragraph had me completely hooked.  My middle school aged nephew, who has just started reading the book, informed me that he was hooked by chapter three.  

Though this novel reads well as a complete story within itself and could have been left as a stand-alone novel, it is the start of a trilogy.  I am very interested to see where the author takes the story next (and my inner Doctor Who fan loved it too, as I could easily see a story for the Doctor being lifted from or inspired by this novel).

I was the lucky recipient of a free copy, courtesy of the author, through a booklikes giveaway.  Here is a summary of my honest opinion: If you enjoy middle grade fiction or if any of the descriptions of this book interest you, buy a copy!  When the second MyTro book comes out, I certainly will.

Mytro by John Biggs brings together Paul "Turtle" Fulton, a boy from New York City, and Agata, a girl from Barcelona, Spain. Paul stumbles on a secret subway system, by following 2 friends, and finds out that this secret subway can get you anywhere in the world in the matter of minutes. He is given a map, meets Agata who came over on the Mytro from Spain, and together the go on an adventure to find her parents who have been taken by people who want to take over the Mytro.

Once I sat down to read this, I couldn't put it down. The adventure takes the 2 teens to different countries, introduces them to another teen from another culture who becomes a friend, and gives them a chance to break secret codes to help put the pieces together as to where Agata's parents are. John Biggs has been able to keep the fast pace of the plot consistent throughout the story. Both Turtle and Agata are intelligent, thoughtful, and likable.

The ending did seem a little open ended, but Mytro is the first installment in what is to be a trilogy. I am definitely interested in reading what comes next.

****This book was won in a giveaway through Booklikes from the author, John Biggs.***

Intensely vivid enjoyable read to take your mind to a fantastical place, where you ask?  A secret subway, under ground train that runs under New York and around the world the world.  A boy and girl from two different continent collide in this under ground train of fantasy, wonderful read for young adult and young at heart.  The author's narrative and characters so believable.  Nate and Nick, the twins and Paul aka Turtle riding a secret train and guess who they bump into?  Agata Llorente from Barcelona.  Then it begins, kidnapping, men with dark clothes, bullet whizzing by.  Wonderful history lessons WWII, Old town of Prague and Barcelona and more.  I have to catch up on my Spanish, where's that dictionary?  The Germans were near to finding a station in Dresden, ugh!  Mytro has a mind of it's own, it opens itself up only to certain groups and individuals, allowing them to discover it in it's time of need.  Wow, a short story that carried a wallop of adventure and mystery.  The writing superb and characters, you know just perfect for this story.  The author wrote with such finesse that I actually believe maybe just maybe under those tunnels?  Won this book on BookLikes and I thank you, Darlene Cruz

It looks like such a small book but it provides so much adventure, history, and drama within its pages. John’s great imagination shows through with this fantastic storyline with unique characters, realistic imagery and a fast-paced novel. Nate and Nick ride the Mytro every day but they don’t know the Mytro’s history nor the capabilities this mysterious train system has, they just know that it helps them get where they need to go faster.   Finding the hidden passageways, they climb aboard and off they go. Their father has been quietly unearthing the history of the rails unbeknownst to the twins.  Just a few individuals are aware of the rails existent and of course, everyone has plans for what they would like to use this powerful rail system for.   The Mytro itself is unique and with its long history, it’s not ready for change.   John provides the reader with lots of interesting history setting the stage for what is coming next and for that, some of the characters are put into motion and you are off and running. Make sure you catch the next train and don’t forget…… you’ll need a map. Can’t wait to see book two of the series leads me.

I won a copy of this book from BookLikes and John Biggs. Thanks!