James Twyman - The Kung Fu Cover Teacher vs the Soul Sucking Shabti - REVIEW
[Movie trailer voice.] In a world… Where the monsters under the bed are real… Where the creatures of myth roam the earth… Where the gods of old still play their dangerous games… Is the butt-kicking, supernaturally-powered-Afro-sporting Kung Fu Cover Teacher, KC!
[Clear throat, end movie trailer voice.] The Kung Fu Cover Teacher vs The Soul Sucking Shabti by James Twyman is a stand-out teen’s novel featuring KC, an immortal operating under the guise of a cover teacher, who travels to schools to save the kids from the prowling monsters that mean to harm them. With his intelligent side-kick, Elle, and feisty student, Michelle, the three are drawn into a deadly world of Egyptian mythology, paranormal horrors, and everyday bullies.
Twyman instantly catches young readers’ attention with an iconic, cool hero. With immense power, an Afro for all to envy, and incredible wit, KC is that character we all looked up to as kids. The kind of movie-action-hero we thought was so irrevocably awesome, that we’d practice their moves and picture ourselves as them, fighting monsters and saving the day. Yet, despite KC’s epic powers, Twyman still manages to humble his main character in the book’s opening pages in a way that doesn’t undermine our hero’s strength and ability, but in a way that makes him a realistic character we can all sympathise with. One that we can imagine as real, kicking about on the streets of Manchester, where many scenes in this book take place.
Between blood-pounding action sequences are the heartwarming scenes as Michelle makes true friends and learns vital life-lessons that all teens (and adults) need to hear, many of which revolve around bullying and peer pressure. Such themes grant this beautifully thoughtful story the realism that keeps it grounded and relatable. Written aside fantastical scenes of the mythological plot, Twyman seamlessly introduces dealing with bullies, appreciating yourself, and finding the friends that cherish you for being you. Written with humour and light-hearted narration, these themes don’t feel overly heavy despite how serious they are, and they’re presented in a way that doesn’t feel preachy but is instead natural and comfortable.
If your teen loves mythology, reference humour, and adrenaline-pumping action, The Kung Fu Cover Teacher is the book for them! Featuring northern goodness and Black excellence, this diverse read is one that every kid can find themselves in – one in which they can easily be the hero.
The Kung Fu Cover Teacher vs the Soul Sucking Shabti by James Twyman is available to purchase now on Amazon.
