Book Review: The Dopple Ganger Chronicles by G. P. Taylor

The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, by G. P. Taylor, zeroes in on the lives of several teenagers at Isambard Dunstan's School for Wayward Children. Sadie and Saskia Dopple's mother has left them at the school to pursue her acting career. Though she promised to return, the girls are still waiting several years later. Erik Ganger's father used to force Erik to help him carry out robberies. One day, Erik's father left him. He said he'd return, too, but never did. The school took Erik in.

The Dopple Ganger Chronicles detail the adventures that arise when the Dopple twins form a friendship with Erik. They solve mysteries, help one another out of trouble, and gang up on villains.

Book One of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles

Title: The First Escape
Author: G. P. Taylor
Illustrators: Daniel Boultwood, Joseph Sapulich, Tony Lee, and others
Publisher: SaltRiver, Carol Stream
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 280
ISBN: 978-1-4143-1947-6
Genre: Children's Christian fiction/graphic novel

In the first book of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, The First Escape, a writer named Muzz Elliott takes Saskia to live with her. But Saskia discovers Muzz Elliott is more interested in recovering her late grandfather's lost fortune than in becoming a friend to Saskia. She also discovers that Muzz Elliott is not the only one looking for the lost treasure. And the others who want it will stop at nothing to get the money-including disposing of any witnesses.

But Saskia isn't alone. A woman introduces herself as Madame Rafael. She teaches Saskia proper table manners for Muzz Elliott's home. Madame Rafael also says that, at any time, Saskia can speak to the invisible Companion through the thoughts of her heart.

Meanwhile, at the school, Sadie and Erik plan a daring escape from the miserable school and the miserable headmistress. As they try to reunite with Saskia, they meet several hazards of their own.

Book Two of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles

Title: The Secret of Indigo Moon
Author: G. P. Taylor
Illustrators: Daniel Boultwood, Luke Daab, Tony Lee, and others
Publisher: SaltRiver, Carol Stream
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 291
ISBN: 978-1-4143-1948-3
Genre: Children's Christian fiction/graphic novel

In this second installment of The Dopple Ganger Chronicles, the three friends discover a secret passageway under the school. They find a note left by the previous headmistress of the school, who disappeared and inspired many rumors-maybe even murder. As the kids attempt to decode the cryptic note's meaning, other problems arise.

A snoopy journalist asks questions about their previous adventure, but the kids aren't sure if they can trust her. Then they run into an old enemy, set on stealing a vast fortune in antiquities. And once again, the villains will stop at nothing to achieve their goals and destroy any witnesses.

Sadie and Erik don't believe the stories Saskia has told them about Madame Rafael. Nevertheless, when Saskia's in trouble, she calls on Madame Rafael for help. And help comes. When she appears again, she reminds Saskia that help comes not from Madame Rafael but from the Companion.

Illustrations in The Dopple Ganger Chronicles

I believe the illustrations are the selling point for these books. Pages vary-regular text, text mixed with illustrations, only illustrations, and comic-style strips. This visually engaging format strikes a balance between graphic novel and chapter book. Maybe other books exist in similar style, but I personally have never seen anything quite like The Dopple Ganger Chronicles.

The illustration style is mildly different between the two books. Characters look different. For instance, in The First Escape, Sadia and Saskia have choppy-looking hair and little swirly marks for freckles. In The Secret of Indigo Moon, they have plain dots for freckles and more angly, wispy-looking hair.

In general, I thought the illustrations in the first book looked more caricatured and less detailed, the illustrations in the second book less outlandish and a little more detailed. I am sure that both books received a great deal of time and attention, but The First Escape gave me the impression that the illustrations were rushed.

The Audience for The Dopple Ganger Chronicles

At any rate, The Dopple Ganger Chronicles would make a great gift for reluctant readers, as long as they enjoy adventure stories that aren't realistic.

The tales definitely contain spiritual messages, although those ideas actually take a backseat to the stories. Depending on the style of story you like, you'll probably find this characteristic either inviting or disappointing.

Note: Tyndale provided me with a complimentary copy of The Secret of Indigo Moon for review purposes.