Carolyn Bailey (ForeWord Magazine, January/February 2007)
For the millions of Harry Potter fans desperately waiting for the next installment of the famous series, this novel will provide a worthwhile diversion. The first book in what promises to be an ongoing fantasy series, Erec Rex contains elements of magic, conflict, and otherwordliness reminiscent of the Potter series, and Kingsley delivers her tale in a light-hearted yet compellingly style like that of J.K. Rowling or Diana Wynne Jones. Erec Rex, resident of New York City, wakes up one morning to find the world gone horribly wrong. His mother is missing, a creepy guardian won't let he or his siblings leave the house, and his efforts to figure out what's happening turn up even more questions. Eventually, Erec makes his way through a secret entrance in Grand Central Station to a magical world where a contest to discover the next rulers of the lands just happens to be getting underway. The contest is comprised of a series of events, reminiscent of the competition in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Participants test their knowledge of magical creatures in the maze-like MONSTER, "multi option non stop to end race," try to work as a team in the debate like "Pro and contest," and compete head to head in three-phased "Tribaffleon." Caught up in the competition, Erec finds friendship and bullies, magic and trickery, and clues to his own identity that make for as compelling a read as any Hogwarts adventure. The quirky setting is as much a star of this fantasy as any of the characters. A castle tipped onto its side, mazes and magical creatures, and cleverly devised competitions create an atmosphere any fantasy fan will long to visit. The story is peppered with delightful gadgets like anibals, colorful balls that burst to reveal a real animal inside and an Identdetector that "shows your true identity and appearance and exposes people who changed shape," and nitrowisherine, an explosive substance that also grants wishes. This is Kingsley's first novel, and she is currently working on the second book the Erec Rex series. Notable fantasy illustrator Melvyn Grant pens illustrations for each chapter that illuminate aspects of the setting crucial to the plot, like the side-lying castle, and the magic glasses Erec uses to speak to his missing mother. Grant and Kingsley are also collaborating on a forthcoming musical CD linked to the Erec Rex series. The book concludes with the news that Erec has more tasks to fulfill, followed by a cliffhanger of an epilogue that contains clues to his mysterious past---good news for fantasy readers of all ages. Firelight Press, 345 pages, Hardcover, $17.99. Ages 12 to 18.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, October 1, 2006 (Vol. 74, No. 19))
Entertaining magics and magical gear, along with polished vignettes from Grant, animate familiar fantasy tropes in this seriocomic debut. Having grown up with a juggling coat rack and other unusual furnishings, one-eyed young Erec isn't as shocked as he might be when a hidden door near New York's Grand Central Station opens into kingdoms where magic rules. Working to save his kidnapped mother-with whom he can talk at any time thanks to a pair of special eyeglasses, but who persists in delivering maddeningly vague hints and warnings-Erec finds himself competing for one of three kingdoms offered as prizes for weathering a series of magical games. Tossing in subplots, nefarious schemes, a crew of sneering bullies, sumptuous feasts, allies for Erec, a surprise villain and magic worked by everything from explosive "nitrowisherine" to push-button remotes, Kingsley speeds her tale along to a climax involving an impulsive dragon who gives Erec a two-sided eye to replace his more ordinary glass one. Closing with the news that the young hero still has 12 tasks to fulfill, this light but not insubstantial outing definitely belongs aboard the Potter wagon, but merits a seat toward the front. 2006, Firelight, 349p, $17.99. Category: Fantasy. Ages 11 to 13. © 2006 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

Allison L. Bernstein (Library Media Connection, April 2007)
Erec is living in the world of the "Losers" but unbeknownst to him, he is very powerful in the magical world that exists underground. There are magical beasts and different food in the magical world, all with their own vocabulary, as well a flying sport called "Springball." He must try to save the magical world from the evil characters trying to take it over. This book is very similar to the Harry Potter series, in both storyline and appearance. Hardcore Potter fans may be turned off by the obvious resemblance, but for those who just can't get enough Potter; this will help fill the void. Additional Selection. 2006, Firelight Press, 352pp., $17.99 hc. Ages 10 to 14.

Cindy Faughnan (VOYA, December 2006 (Vol. 29, No. 5))
Erec Rex has always had strange things around him-alarm clocks that walk and toasters that throw things at him. When his mother disappears one day, he is overcome by a "cloudy thought," an incontrollable urge that forces him to do certain things. This time the thought makes him pick up his mother's glasses and go to a certain hot-dog stand on the street where his adventures really begin. Traveling through a passage in the sidewalk that most people do not see, he and a girl he meets escape to the hidden world of Alypium and compete in contests to see who will be the next three rulers of the world. His mother's glasses allow him to see and communicate with his mother who hints at Erec's connection to this world. Erec discovers that he has powers here and that maybe he is the rightful king. Fans of Harry Potter might pick up this book while they wait for the final installment. There are many similarities, such as a smart girl for a friend, a bunch of bullying boys, caps that make the characters invisible, a game called springball where players try to get a ball through a hoop and keep it away from players with bats, and even a final chess game when Erec confronts the dragon. The writing is often heavy-handed, telling what is going to happen and then showing the scene. Better editing and fresher ideas would have created a more readable title. VOYA CODES: 1Q 2P M (Hard to understand how it got published; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2006, Firelight Press, 352p., $17.99. Ages 11 to 14.

Ava Donaldson, Teen Reviewer (VOYA, December 2006 (Vol. 29, No. 5))
Erec Rex could have been a good fantasy/adventure story. There are believable characters, an engaging and well-paced plot, and a variety of descriptive settings, but all of these are merely a replica of the characters and plot in Harry Potter. The similarities include a smart female character like Hermoine, an invisibility device, wand-like sceptors, and dementor-like demons. If it were not such an indisputable repeat, the story had the potential of a fun and lasting adventure. VOYA CODES: 2Q 3P M (Better editing or work by the author might have warranted a 3Q; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8). 2006, Firelight Press, 352p., $17.99. Ages 11 to 14.