Casey Buckles and The Keeper of the Ice Caves is a children's action-adventure fantasy by Dani Camarena. Casey Buckles, a twelve-year-old middle grader, loves to collect rocks and anything related to geology. After arriving at an Idaho mountain camp for the summer, Casey and his best friend Felix meet Ellie, a self-proclaimed legend hunter interested in finding the mythical Keeper of the Ice Caves. As the young trio follows the trail of the carvings, they finally come across the Keeper, Prince Reagan, and Casey discovers his own links to the MacBuckles clan. Now, they must find a way to defeat the evil King Baird and restore Prince Reagan as the rightful ruler of the secret city and its inhabitants. Along the way, they have to navigate several traps, riddles, lava tubes, and dangerous creatures. Can Casey fulfill his duty?

Packed with action, mystery, and adventure, Casey Buckles and The Keeper of the Ice Caves never lets your attention waver and keeps your eyes glued to the pages with unexpected twists and turns you never see coming. With a fast-paced plot and a cast of compelling and colorful characters, Dani Camarena ensures readers have a blast with this book. The narrative takes you on a rollercoaster of a ride where you've no idea what's going to happen next. Camarena's worldbuilding is phenomenal, full of lore and extraordinary creatures. I also loved how Felix and Ellie kept supporting Casey even after they suffered a few setbacks. Their friendship and eagerness to help one another make them immensely likable and easy to root for. All in all, this is a fascinating adventure tale for children. Preteen readers will love this book!

Casey Buckles and The Keeper of the Ice Caves by Dani Camarena takes young readers on an adventure through the Idaho mountains. Twelve-year-old geology enthusiast Casey Buckles finds himself at a summer camp that promises geological wonders and unexpected challenges. Casey's passion for rocks and minerals is overshadowed by the tension between his parents, especially with his father absent when the story takes place. The emotional conflict between staying at camp and worrying about his mother adds a layer of depth to Casey's character as he navigates unfamiliar territory. Upon arriving at camp, Casey quickly becomes enthralled by the local folklore surrounding ancient people rumored to be hidden within the ice caves. With the support of his best friend Felix, a budding engineer, and Ellie, a spirited aspiring legend hunter, Casey embarks on a daring quest to discover the truth behind the legends.

Dani Camarena’s middle-grade novel blends adventure, friendship, and courage. She skillfully weaves together themes of self-discovery and resilience as Casey confronts his doubts and fears in the face of impossible odds. The dynamics between the characters are richly developed, showing the complexities of friendship and the importance of teamwork in overcoming adversity. Casey Buckles and The Keeper of the Ice Caves incorporates vivid descriptions with characters that middle-grade readers can relate to. Casey's journey is inspiring and educational, and he is a reliable protagonist who readers can root for. The blend of mystery, action, and heartfelt moments will interest young readers and adults who will also enjoy the story. The colorful cover invites readers to step inside Casey’s world.