This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
R. H. Buffington is a storyteller, educator, and creator of immersive fantasy worlds where magic, history, and the human experience collide. As a middle school teacher, he brings a deep understanding of young readers to his work, crafting stories that balance adventure, humor, and emotional depth.
He is the author of Dangerous Books and the Magic Within Them: Dangerous Times Long Forgotten, the first installment in a planned seven-book series. His writing explores themes of identity, destiny, and the choices that shape who we become—often through the lens of magic and time itself.
When he’s not writing, Buffington enjoys developing new stories, engaging with readers, and continuing to build the world of Dangerous Books and the Magic Within Them.
Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
In Dangerous Books and the Magic Within Them by R. H. Buffington, twelve-year-old Michael loses his grandfather and is forced to live in a foster home with Perry and Linny. Once there, he stumbles upon a mysterious trunk with ties to his family. Inside, he comes across a strange ring and a leather-bound book titled Dangerous Books, with a warning about its magical contents and how it can transport anyone with hidden abilities through time. When he begins reading it, he is suddenly pulled into another era that has magic, ancient cities, and dangerous creatures. He meets allies like Avalyn and Gahl and begins working alongside them while learning his potential. Unfortunately, he encounters enemies ranging from ghosts to powerful figures with dangerous ambitions, whose plots put him in danger. As Michael journeys through caves and lost kingdoms, he uncovers long-buried family secrets and wonders what fate has in store for him. Will he discover why his foster parents have a trunk connected to his family’s past? And will he make it back to his reality?
Once I started reading Dangerous Books by R. H. Buffington, I was completely hooked. Michael's character is written in a casual, sometimes sarcastic way that makes him easy to imagine. I liked how the magic system builds from the book and ring before expanding. The fantasy elements are clearly explained and easy to follow. I think the bond between Michael, Avalyn, and Gahl was the best part. Their banter, arguments, and the way they look out for each other give the audience something to look forward to. The time Michael conjured a cup of Pepsi, shared it with Gahl, and even let Avalyn try it was one of my favorite moments. I appreciated how the story handles grief and fear through Michael’s losses, Avalyn’s past, and Gahl’s rough edges. Overall, I enjoyed this book and wanted to see what happens next for Michael. Fans of character-driven middle grade and YA fantasy—especially those who like time travel, found family, and magical quests—will want to read this engaging adventure.
