Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The Abandoned Theater by Dana Robertson is a middle-grade fantasy adventure that follows friends Beth, Teri, and Stan as they investigate the disappearance of Brent, which is linked to mysterious events surrounding an abandoned theater and a man named Mr. Winnodov. After learning about Brent being a runaway in Koyo City, the trio embarks on a journey to the Winnodov property. There, they find Brent's belongings and remnants of chaos, prompting them to perform a scene from a play called Sun Fall Night Rise. This act leads to supernatural occurrences, and they encounter Mrs. Winnodov, who reveals a connection to a malevolent figure named Darthius. After activating a portal, they meet a knight named Lazadour and a host of other characters. Their quest shifts when someone's heritage comes to light. They are thrust into a world filled with danger from Darthius and his silver knights, while ultimately seeking to prevent bedlam from spreading through the Elpison portal.

In The Abandoned Theater, the first book in the Alderland Series, Dana Robertson delivers a genuinely brilliant tale filled with lush imagery and fantastical settings. From the hauntingly beautiful abandoned theater, where bloodstains and remnants of a chaotic scene whisper secrets of the past to the shimmering grotto adorned with golden sculptures and a crystal-lined pool, each location is vividly depicted, immersing readers in Robertson's eerie and enchanting worlds. The character development is exceptional, particularly as we learn more about Beth, but also with ancillary characters that would not normally be so thoroughly fleshed out. I appreciate that Robertson turns them into more than placeholders. Robertson’s skillful storytelling with measured reveals and high stakes in a wonderful fantasy adventure is sure to leave readers eager for more in this enchanting series. Very highly recommended.