The Ring of Solomon by Aden Polydoros is an engaging, thoughtfully crafted middle grade story that is sure to appeal to a wide swath of readers. I’ve read and immensely enjoyed two of the author’s other books, City Beautiful and Bone Weaver, and found both exceptional. I was initially disappointed to learn that this was a middle grade story, as I thought the characters and plots might be simplified for younger middle grade readers. However, that’s not the case — the author’s writing, characterization, and exceptional worldbuilding are equally as present here and in his other works. The characters are dynamic, the plot is engaging, and the worldbuilding is intricate but accessible and easy to follow. Appealing to budding readers and older readers alike is a difficult balance to strike, but Polydoros knocks it out of the park once again.