Title: Disney After Dark
Author: Ridley Pearson
First published June 28, 2004
326 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780786854448 (ISBN10: 0786854448)
Rating: 3.9
Overview
In this thrilling adventure, the Magic Kingdom is anything but magical. Finn Whitman and his team of teen Disney World guides have been given a new job, but it’s not your typical gig.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, they’ve been transformed into hologram projections capable of leading guests around the park. But things take a dark turn when a group of Disney villains start causing chaos in the park.
Will Finn and his team be able to stop them before it’s too late? Find out in this action-packed novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
About the Author
Meet Ridley Pearson, a prolific author of over fifty novels. One of his bestsellers is Killer Weekend, which made it to the New York Times’ list.
He has also written the Lou Boldt crime series and a handful of books for young readers. Among them are Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, which he co-wrote with Dave Barry.
When he’s not writing, Pearson spends time with his family, composed of his wife and two daughters. They split their time between Missouri and Idaho.
As a bonus, Pearson also writes mysteries under the name Chris Klick.
Editoral Review
In Disney After Dark, Ridley Pearson takes readers on a fantastical journey through Walt Disney World after dark. Published in June 2004, this young adult novel follows the adventures of five siblings as they explore the park after hours, encountering all sorts of strange and exciting characters along the way.
Pearson is an accomplished author of crime and suspense novels, having written the popular “Peter and the Starcatchers” series and many other bestselling titles. In Disney After Dark, he demonstrates his skill in crafting an engaging and imaginative story that will captivate young readers and adults alike.
The novel is a unique blend of fantasy and adventure, set in the iconic backdrop of one of the world’s most popular theme parks. Pearson does an excellent job of recreating the magic of Disney World, painting a vivid and vibrant picture of the park’s attractions and landmarks.
The plot revolves around the siblings’ quest to find their missing parents, who are mysteriously absent from their hotel room when they wake up in the morning. Along the way, they encounter a cast of characters straight out of Disney’s storytelling canon, including Maleficent, the evil queen from Snow White, and even Peter Pan himself.
Pearson’s writing is fast-paced and full of action, with plenty of suspenseful moments to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The siblings’ journey takes them on a wild ride through the park, as they dash from one attraction to another, trying to uncover the clues to their parents’ whereabouts.
Despite the novel’s fantastical setting, Pearson manages to infuse the story with themes and messages that are both relevant and thought-provoking. For example, he subtly tackles the issue of family conflict and the importance of sibling relationships, as the siblings learn to rely on one another and work together to find their parents.
One of the strengths of Disney After Dark is the well-developed characters. Each sibling has a unique personality and set of skills that come in handy as they navigate the park.
The other characters they encounter are also well-drawn, from the eccentric “museum curator” to the sinister Maleficent. The book’s plot structure is tightly woven, with few extraneous details or plot threads to distract from the main action.
Pearson’s writing style is straightforward and accessible, making the book an easy and enjoyable read for fans of all ages. However, one of the book’s limitations is that it may feel formulaic or predictable to more sophisticated readers.
The plot follows a standard “quest” structure, with little room for nuance or ambiguity. The story also relies heavily on pre-existing Disney characters and settings, which may limit its appeal to readers who are not already fans of the franchise.
Despite these limitations, Disney After Dark is a fun and engaging read that will delight Disney fans both young and old. It earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars, with bonus points for its creative premise and skillful execution.
Parents looking for a book to share with their kids will appreciate its positive messages and engaging storytelling, making it a perfect choice for family reading time.
